new here, sort of
Find a Conversation
new here, sort of
| Thu, 08-31-2006 - 10:20am |
I pop in every once and a while. Not regularly I'm afraid.
Thought I should reintroduce myself!
I am Laura, a 36 year old married woman with one 14 year old son.
I have been dealing with GAD(Generalized Anxiety Disorder) ever since my son was first born 14 years ago.
I am happy in my life like never before. It isn't perfect but really, it is good. I have a great husband and a great kid. Unfortunately, I still have GAD. Bummer.
I hope I can help others here as well as get help (support is trully help!). Mabye my years of experience can help someone else too, maybe!
Well, anyway, hello everyone!!!
Laura (solkey id name)

hi laura and welcome to the board (again:)! i'm really glad to hear that you are doing well and am happy! what has helped you achieve this happiness? any great tips for us?
Married my best friend in the world who I can chat with for hours about nothing! And have a son whom I enjoy hanging out with! I've worked really hard at being a good mom and I think I've done ok. The two of them make me very happy! I've never been in a happy family before! It is wonderful! DH and I met in 1994 and became friends and eventually married in 2000. It isn't perfect by any means (life just isn't) but it is good! My first (and short) marriage taught me a lot. I have to say I'm glad it happened or I probably would never have known anything about marriage and what is important! That is why I'm so happy. Now, if I could make this stupid anxiety crap go away, it would really really be happy!!!!
Laura
Nice to "meet" you Laura! I know what you mean about wanting to get rid of the anxiety! Although I don't think I have achieved that same level of happiness, I do really feel that the anxiety is just an anchor pulling me down, or a speedbump in a smooth life.
I hope you can share some good tips! Are you doing therapy or on any meds?
Karen
Hi Laura, I'm so happy you did an intro!
Sheri Ann
During the 14 years I've been dealing with the anxiety I've had ups and downs. I somehow went one whole year with no meds and no problems. I do not know what was different. I was under stress during that year with a move out of state and looking for a new job while raising my 5 year old alone. I don't know why that year was different. You would have thought I would have been worse at that time but I was better. Doesn't make sense. I wish I understood it more. I wish doctors understood it more. The things that have helped me most are medications (anti-depressents used for the anxiety and Xanax), a supportive husband (he's supportive most of the time), www.anxietycoach.com newsletter, deep breathing, and ice on my neck (or something cold) in times of panic attacks. I can not think of anything else at the moment. I do not see a counselor or physchologist right now. Talking about problems seems silly to me. I would love to learn how to make my brain relax but I haven't found anyone who can teach me. Oh, when I go to the doctor for something I know is going to trigger my anxiety (like sceduled surgery or a scary procedure or something), I make sure my husband is along to tell me goofy jokes and help me stay distracted from my anxiety. That helps some. And when I end up in the bathroom in a severe state of panic thinking I'm going to throw up and die, he reminds me it is anxiety and it will go away and keeps me from calling 911! Sometimes he is a lifesaver. Of course, sometimes he frowns when I take the Xanax too. He doesn't like taking meds and would rather I didn't take any meds. Yeah, well me too but I have to do what I have to do. If I think of anything other little tricks, I'll let you know.
Laura