New here (Introduction)

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2005
New here (Introduction)
12
Sat, 09-17-2005 - 2:28pm

I'm rather new to message boards though I've been lurking here for about a month. Thanks to you ladies and the concern you show for one another I have finally sought help for my own anxiety. I've been put on the medication Lexapro and am now in therapy. My therapist has me keeping a journal and when I told her about this site she suggested I try to become activily involved. I say try because I'm a rather timid person and find it hard to talk with people I'm unfamiliar with, so bare with me as I would like to get to know the ladies here and become an active member of this board.

My name is Keitha (named after my father) and I'm a 55 year old female that has suffered with anxiety most of my life. It's finally reached the point that I'm afraid to leave my home. I live with my partner of 9 years in a small town in Kentucky. Along with the medication and therapy I use yoga breathing, meditation and prayer to deal with my attacks, any other suggestions? They would be much appreciated.

Keitha

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sat, 09-17-2005 - 6:40pm

Hi, Keitha! It's nice to have you here. You are NOT alone. It isn't unusual to read a story like yours. For some reason, folks with anxiety are reluctant to seek treatment. Generally, when things reach a point of desperation, we change our minds & go in search of help. I am so happy to hear that you are doing all the right things.


I am confident that you will be able to overcome the agoraphobia in time. We're all works in progress. I make myself get in the car & leave my home everyday. Sometimes it's difficult. Sometimes I use a little excuse like a headache to keep me home, only to find that it's a step back for me. It will be twice as hard to leave tomorrow. What has helped me the most is acceptance of myself. I no longer get mad @ me & beat myself up when I get anxious or have a panic attack or fall short of my goals.


Don't be shy. None of us bite. None of us bite *hard* that is. LOL I think it was a big first step for you to post here, so give yourself a pat on the back & credit where it's due. Join in the discussions. Check out the chats. Our caring members will make you feel @ home & save you a seat. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan



 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Sat, 09-17-2005 - 11:16pm

Hi Kethia,


I am happy that you decided to join us. We are a very supportive group and welcome you.


You said that you have had anxiety and just sought out help.. WOW, I just had my 1st panic attack in April and I sought help right away. I can't imagine suffering without help.


I am so happy for you that you sought help and you are willing to accept help. You have taken a very big step in your life.


We will all be here to help you in any way we can. Please jump on in and join in our discussions.. we have chat on tues and thurs night... 9pmET. Some nights are fun chats and some times we help whoever needs it at the time. Latley it has been me ;(


I look forward to getting to know you!!!

Image hosted by Photobucket.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Sun, 09-18-2005 - 12:29am

Hello Keitha & welcome! I joined this group after having anxiety & panic that kept me in the house. I found a wonderful group of gals (& guy) that has helped me overcome most of my phobias. I am now working on driving & hope to be able to return to work very soon. I agree that it can be hard to open up to anyone, especially strangers. But for some reason, I feel so comfortable here, that I could post anything & not feel uncomfortable. We are all going through the same types of experiences or have overcome them, so we all know how you feel & the journey you are facing. Welcome. Please come to chat, you'll have a great time!

Sheri Ann

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Sun, 09-18-2005 - 12:32am

Sheri Ann, go to bed. For someone who goes to bed at 9 everynight you sure are up late ;) Are you ok?


I am going to bed.. can't keep my eyes open....

Image hosted by Photobucket.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sun, 09-18-2005 - 1:08am
Welcome Keitha!!

Blessings, Suz   Posts in this Community   

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2005
Sun, 09-18-2005 - 5:53pm

Jan,

Wise words, "Acceptance of myself", easier said then done but it helps me put things in perspective and look at priorities in a differant light. I find myself getting so angry with myself because I can't just stop it.

So thank you, those few words, that's the first thing I'm going to work on. My therapist did ask me to list some goals I feel I need to work on. Now I've got goal #1.

Keitha

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2005
Sun, 09-18-2005 - 6:01pm

Heather,

I've always used natural ways to deal with my anxiety (herbs, yoga, breathing, ect.) Unfortunatly this time they did not work. You ladies helped me realize I needed to seek help,(and you didn't even know how much you helped by just letting me lurk). But now it's time to take the next step and connect with others and I thank you all for being here for that reason. I plan on staying awhile and also look forward to getting to know all of you.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2005
Sun, 09-18-2005 - 6:10pm

Sheri Ann,

I can't wait until I can work on driving but, first I guess I need to work on acceptance and then I need to relearn just getting away from home. I got the same impression about these ladies and one guy from just hanging out here. We all need someone to talk with that understands, My partner is supportive, however if you've never been here the understanding is hard. Heck I don't fully understand it myself, but right now that's the least of my problems. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Keitha

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2005
Sun, 09-18-2005 - 6:17pm

Suz,

It helps knowing I'm not alone and there are people that truely understand. I'm working on getting away from home a baby step at a time. I know not to push to hard but I also know if I don't try I'll get nowhere. I want my life back.

And to drive again that's wonderful, I have trouble even riding in a car. Auto accident for me also 5 years ago.

Thank you for your encouraging words and support.

Keitha

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Sun, 09-18-2005 - 10:14pm

hi Keitha, welcome to the board. I hope you find this to be a place of comfort, where you feel you can post all your feelings and concerns. I think you're already doing all the right things to control your anxiety, taking medication, going through therapy, and deep breathing. the only thing left is to believe in yourself.


Like you I had also had anxiety my entire life, and until a few months ago i was able to control it. then all of a sudden i found myself unable to leave the house. I started taking medication (lexapro and klonopin) and was able to leave the house within 2 weeks. I stopped taking medication after about a month, and now my life is almost back to normal (as normal as my anxiety has ever been anyway.)


anyway, you should join us for chat if you're comfortable! it's very therapeutic.


Pages