First Post - Anxiety Message Board

*** · 02-21-2003, 07:30 AM

I have been reading this web site for a few months and have only just decided to register. I am a 30 year old male in the UK. A brief history: I have always suffered anxiety to one degree or another as long as I can remmember, however I am currently in the middle of my second serious bout of this. The first one came as a result of taking Larium anti-malarial drug and took me 18 months to recover. This second bout has lasted since October, I think it was triggered through a very stressfull job I had which I left in September as a volentary redundancy. This episode was made signifanctly worse by the onset of a long and miserable winter, which made me depressed. I take Propanolol when required, I have not used any since Sunday, but my wife has gone away for the weekend which has made me worse(is any else worse when on their own?)I am also seeing a Therapist

I don't want to go on anymore as I could probably write a book here today. Just felt like I needed a bit of support as I am on my own and easily talk myself into an anxious/panic mood with continual negative thoughts.

It's hard to be patient with yourself sometimes, I feel like I am always near panic at the moment. I know recovery takes time, and I do think I have this week started on the road to recovery, but a habit which has been there for so long does not go overnight I also know this, but it's not quite that easy as I am sure you all know.

Just wanted to speak to people who understand really, helps me be easier on myself...

chriscwharris · 02-21-2003, 01:38 PM

Hey, welcome to the community, and it is a community! Everyone here has been or is currently going through something similar.

We've all experienced the things you mentioned. I had a minor bout of anxiety about 9 years ago, only hit me for a few weeks, had a couple of panic attacks the usual, but went away pretty quickly (Maybe the benefit of youth??)

Anyway My second and chronic anxiety started last May, after an accumulation of work stress and the death of a good friend.

At it's peak I was depressive, admitted to hospital with suspected heart attack for 4 days and had such bad dizzyness I couldn't leave the hose for a month!

I used to get really depressed when I was alone. Hated it when the other half went out, although I'd feel guilty asking her not to. Us men seem to need the mothering thing when we don't feel right!

The good news is I'm feeling a lot better and taking no medication! OK, I still get anxiety symptoms, palpatations, feeling a bit spaced out when I'm under pressure and occassional sleeping problems.

I've not had a panic attack in a few months even though I was made redundant at Christmas myself. I did have a week over Christmas where my symptoms were quite bad but no attack.

This forum is a great place to let off steam, share your feelings with people who know where your coming from. It does help, sometimes you even find yourself giving advice!

When I found out I had anxiety I read up on it, made sure I understood what the body was doing.

So welcome again, hope you find some peace of mind here! And a few more friends...

Autumn Angel · 02-21-2003, 10:05 PM

I can relate to the being alone comment! I always had my attacks or most of them when I was alone in the house or it was just myself and my 12 year old daughter. If my older daughters 21 and 18 were home I was fine. I think it came from the feeling if anything were to happen to me in one of these attacks they are old enough and know enough to help me or call the doctor. We all know anxiety attacks wont kill you but when you have one or are in danger of having one you need the feeling of "safe" around you. When I was having nightly attacks I never left the house after dark I didnt want to get an attack while shopping or at the movies etc... I havent had an attack in over 3 months now and I dont know why but I am not going to question it. You are not alone here thats forsure we all have been there at one time or another and though I am hoping mine are gone there is always a chance they will return because untill we know what brings them on we will never be free of them. Welcome to the boards!

------------------
Cheers...Autumn
Female...42
TMJD...12 years
Anxiety/Panic Attacks (cured I hope)
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy Ovaries left intact due to endometrial bleeding after miscarriage (2002)
Hernia Repair(1998)
Apendectomy (infected) 1988
Just Dx with multiple ovarian cysts..having C-125 test done for possible malignancy.
21 year old daughter born with Mullerian Aplasia.
18 yr old daughter bulimia survivor.
Pain Management- Oxycontin 20mg twice a day..Percocet for bt. 2 mg Dilaudid at bedtime.
" Wishing all a pain free day"

02-21-2003, 11:14 PM

Perhaps one of the SSRI antidepressants would help. They can do very well in treating anxiety as well.