Anxiety and Panic Disorder

[bananapancakes]

Hi everyone- I’m new to this community and just wanted to say hi. I’ve been dealing with anxiety and panic disorder for the past two and a half years. I am in therapy and just started taking Prozac but I have been feeling really isolated and alone in my experience. I know other people have panic attacks, but when they just come out of the blue I am terrified my friends think I’m just looking for attention or they don’t understand what is happening and I really don’t either! I was mostly fine until I was 18 and I don’t know why in the last few years it’s all gone to shit or why it has to happen to me- I feel like a freak. Anyway any support you could give would

be so appreciated, I am really just looking to feel less alone in this.

[Txaps]

You are definitely not a freak. I mainly suffer panic attacks when I am in the car. I used to drive everywhere and now I can only drive short distances and to familiar places. Getting on the highway can be challenging. I am sometimes out with friends and all of a sudden I have to run out of the room and go outside because I begin feeling uncomfortable. I started isolating myself in my home and refusing to go anywhere. Has the Prozac been working for you? Have you seriously sat your friends down and explained to them what you are going through? I know it is difficult to get what you are feeling across because we feel like they just don't get it. It took awhile for me to get my husband to understand exactly how my anxiety affected me and when I say awhile I mean a year. He would always tell me to "just stop thinking about it" or "don't worry about it." But we both know it's not that easy. I understand your feeling of being alone. I feel that way too because everyone around me is living their best life. At one point I was even envious and jealous because everyone around me is living so carefree and I can't leave the house unless I have a bottle of Lorazepam in my purse, "just in case." Please talk to your closest friend about what you are experiencing. Maybe that will help. Even if they are being dismissive; at least you tried.

[Hidden]

You’re definitely not a freak and you’re definitely not alone.

I’m here if you ever need to vent or chat.

[Livinghappy]

I too get anxiety and panic episodes. You’re not alone in this.

[guynfl2chat]

You are not alone! I really wish everyone that had anxiety and panic disorder would just come out and talk about it. It effects more people that we really know. I am so excited when a celebrity comes out and says they suffer from panic or anxiety. It is so much more common that we even know. I have found that when I ACCEPT it and sometimes even just admit it-- I feel better. I think the social shame and hiding the issue makes its worse and more lonely. If we could all just step out and say I am having a panic attack and thats ok... and society didnt judge (or we feel judged)- it would be a nonevent. The panic lives in our fear and that keeps the power. Think about that. I have posted this article from the web before, but please read it and embrace WHO YOU ARE and you are NOT alone..

Please feel free to share this link:

medium.com/@wilw/my-name-is...