Newbie

[Bigbread]

Hi ya'll, I'm new on here. My name is Martin. I've struggled with anxiety and panic attacks for years. After much searching and trial and error, I'm at a point where I'm managing my life okay. That's not to say that I don't find myself completely debilitated when the panic hits, but I've developed tools to work through it.

I have a strong desire to be supportive in any way I can to others who are seeking relief from anxiety. I am not trained or qualified on the topic in the traditional sense, but I am the world's foremost expert on my own experience and what has worked / not worked for me. That is what I have to offer - my experience.

Thanks in advance for providing me the opportunity to be of service.

-mg

[TheInjuredBiker]

Welcome to HealthUnlocked. 20 year old Anxiety/PTSD/Depression suffer here

Thats one thing I love about this site. You learn off each other.

[SherryD]

Welcome Bigbread!

I am new here too, and as you, I also struggled with panic and anxiety for years, and certainly still do at times. I also now learned to control my anxiety through trial and error and although I may not be cured from it forever, I can say that it no longer controls my life. It is so good see other people such as you willing to join in and help others. That is my point in joining here also...hoping to help others in what ever I possibly can...

[Bigbread in reply to SherryD]

That's great! I'm not sure why we were blessed with some measure of peace while others remain in the depths of despair. I do believe that makes us responsible for sharing words of encouragement and strategies that we've uncovered. Thanks for extending your compassion to this community! Nice to meet you.

[shannon_nicole777]

I've been working through my issues with panic and anxiety for about 2 years now. What has worked for you? Have you tried Mindfulness? Are you on any medications? I have found mindfulness very helpful, as well as seeing a therapist and am currently on medications. trying to get off trazodone at the moment because it was prescribed as a sleep aid when my anxiety got so bad I stopped being able to sleep... for days on end. but I am back to a pretty normal sleep pattern, but need to wean off the traz slowly. I also take Lexapro for the anxiety.

[Bigbread in reply to shannon_nicole777]

I've been meditating for several years now on a close to daily basis - usually mindfulness meditation, but other types as well. I supplement what I do at home with weekly sittings with a group. I've found both to be tremendously helpful as a means of taking the edge off feelings of panic.

I have not used medication, other than small doses of beta blockers for particularly challenging situations for me (large social gatherings or claustrophobic experiences like air travel). However, as my struggle with anxiety has now spanned over three years, Im wondering if I should open myself to medication (which has been prescribed to me in the past, but which I decline to use).

What has yielded the most results for me has been when I am able to do the unthinkable and offer no resistance when anxiety arises - dare I say, welcome it in??? Changing my relationship to anxiety from one of aversion to one of acceptance has been a game changer. I still have bouts on a regular basis (particularly nasty one this weekend), but I endeavor to respond by allowing the arising and subsiding of the sensations (no matter how uncomfortable they become). Easier said than done, to be sure.

I am actually currently in the process of seeking out a therapist. I'd like to spend some time and effort understanding what is at the root of the emotions I go through. I am convinced that there is a source to all this. More broadly, I believe that it's part of good mental hygiene, anxious or not. I myself am surprised I have not put more of a concerted effort into therapy in the past. That will change...