Introduction
Find a Conversation
| Tue, 07-25-2006 - 6:36pm |
Hi,
I've been suffering from GAD and panic attacks unofficially since I was 8. I was officially diagnosed when I was 23 and was rushed the the ER for what I thought was a stroke but turned out to be the grandaddy of all panic attaks. I'm sure quite a few people on the board can relate to that feeling!
I've had things pretty under control since then but now, as I approach my 28th birthday, I find I am having an unfortunate relapse. I've had the tendency to have a really bad period every 3 or 4 years and it just seems as if my time's up. I'm hoping that the coping techniques I've learned will help me through this bout so that I can be a little less "limited" than in the past. I've been doing a lot lately that has been taking me out of my comfort zone, such as flying for the first time in eight years, accepting far more social invitations, and grabbing new job opportunities. While I am very proud of what I have accomplished recently, I have a feeling that this is what triggered things again. I get pretty depressed when I see that all the good things I do for myself can still have such a negative impact on my mind. It's really important that I remain functional this time because I have an amazing opportunity to advance at work and to perhaps build my own design department, which is incredibly exciting! However, if I start to panic in meetings or miss a lot of work I feel that the opportunity may be lost.
Anyway, hope to be able to learn from and get to know all of you and hopefully I'll contribute something as well!
BTW: Do you tell people about your condition at work or do you keep it to yourslef?

i'm in the same boat at you...i'm 28 and having a relapse of my panic disorder and GAD...your not alone.
Hello, again:) I think you should be very proud of yourself
Hello!
Sheri Ann
Hi there!
I totally relate to you! My attacks started in my early 20's and it seemed the more I took on at work, the worse they got. I too was a high achiever, on and off planes, flying to Vegas for a one day meeting. I always carried xanax with me "just in case". The board meetings were the worst. I had to sit by the door "just in case". Use the techniques yuo have learned. Do you have xanax? The fear of it holding you back is greater than it actually happening. If you feel you have to get up, get up and excuse yourself then return with a smile on your face.
Im 36 now and a stay home mom but you remind me of myself when I was at the height of my career. Hang in there, dont let it hold you back. As far as telling someone, hummm. I never did. I always held on to "friend today, foe tomorrow" in the work place. You never know, who is your equal one day may be your supervisor the next. I kept my outside friends and family for that. Just my opinion.
Good luck!
Donna