Dear Robert:

What a powerful testimony of that panic attack, the one of May 8. Did it happen during the weekend with your girlfriend and another couple or after that weekend?

The list of declarations is powerful as well. I don’t have my own to share at this point. Maybe other members do. By posting on your thread I am bringing it up to the top of the list of Topics, hoping other members will answer.

anita

I’ve been battling anxiety and depression for 20 years now. Of course, before I was 21 (and knew what it was), I was called a ‘lazy, troubled teen’ – I don’t repeat anything to myself, however, I concentrate on my body. I listen to my breaths, and calm the beats down to my normal. I feel my nausea and verify it is a side effect of my anxiety. I keep myself cool by drinking ice water and sitting in front of a fan. I then count my breaths. 5 counts in from nose, 10 counts out by mouth. My heart stops beating out of my chests, and I am able to relax each individual muscle in my body. It’s amazing how tense we get, without even knowing.  This is a life-long battle. I have moments in my life where I don’t have to be on meds, but I realize there are triggers which will come out of the blue and I just have to deal with it. One thing that I know helped me in the past is this :

I believe anxiety is your body, mind and spirit, telling you something is not right with your life. Something is not as you should have it. Whether it is the job, your relationship, the town you live in or a friendship, only you can answer. But you have to be honest with yourself. If you can find it, and fix it, you can find significant relief. I was free of meds for 3 years after my divorce, until I had issues with my job. I plan to be off them again by September, when I get things worked through.

good luck