Hi there. Nice to meet you. Don't be anxious. It doesn't hurt. And it will go away.

[Mike2k3d]

Good evening. My name is Michael and I just joined looking for a place to find support for those struggling with anxiety and depression.

Some of my first anxiety attacks were on my Birthright Israel trip in late May of 2011.

I knew I was depressed since about the second half of 2008, having my first full on panic attack in April 2008.

I remember exactly how it felt and how nonchalant I was about it at the time. It may have been tiredness or an electrolyte imbalance that caused me to have sinus tachycardia but as weird as it felt, being my first instance of any kind of heart issue at age 21, I really didn't think too much of it. I should of had the opposite reaction and went to see a doctor to do blood work, an EKG, and to see what could if fixed it. Sometimes lack of self care as certain points can be life changing.

I am 35 year old now and have been struggling alot with anxiety and depression due to a separation and having having the ability to see my two vibrant healthy young sons aged 6 and 7 like I have been able to do for the entirety of their lives until late April. It's not a very pleasant story but the short version is after supporting them , their mom and her first born daughter for 10 of her current 12 years, I left to take up residence on my sister's couch.

I do have a difficult time when I think about it consciously or subconsciously and usually have more anxiety in the mornings when my mind tries to resolve some of its internal dissonance.

Just putting this on the Internet to let anyone reading that it doesn't matter your age, gender, lifestyle or genetics when it comes to mental health. I'm sure I am more predisposed to mental health issues but I am also anxious about getting more active as I have health anxiety. I've read some of the posts of this site and am starting to feel less worried about my symptoms but they feel just as scary nonetheless in the middle of an anxiety attack.

Hope everyone has a restful, calm and pleasant evening and I look forward to reading and posting as life goes on and hopefully we all have a complete healing of our fears and traumas and return to full function as soon as possible.

Good night.

[Dani0431]

Hi,

Thank you for sharing this. I am wondering about more of your story and hope you will continue to share

[Tealpillow]

I’m so glad you are finding this site and community helpful. Even though it’s virtual I find that folks really do care. And it does help.

Sorry you are going through such a difficult time - sending (((hugs)))