ANXIETY

[Gigglingrandma]

I have had anxiety and panic disorder since I was 19 years old. I am now 72. I kept it hidden for years, I worked and I am sure some people thought I was strange, but I had coworkers who were friendsI had never had anyone say anything about how I acted when having an attack. How I worked and raised my kids alone, for years, I don't know how I made it through .

Driving anywhere was a nightmare .

I had anxiety 24/7 everyday and later agoraphobia for awhile when I wasn't working anymore

I never had anyone say anything to me about how I acted while having a panic attack..;finally I has an extra bad one and decided it was time to do something about it..I had reached my limit and was tired of it all. Meds have helped me a lot to where I can drive and do what I want..I may still have some apprehension, but I get through it.

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[Agora1]

I wish I could stretch my arms out to you and give you a hug.

You are a true warrior for sure with all you did along in dealing

with anxiety/panic. Your will was strong, You are strong.

I'm proud of you because I understand and I care. xx

[desktop]

Im happy that you are coping better now..i too suffer from anxiety attacks..its bad sometimes..but i try to get past when it happens..

[Cat33]

Hello Gigglingrandma Your story sounds very much like mine I have had it since 24 and I'm now 71

I look back and like you can't believe I have done so much while suffering with anxiety

Like you people thought I was strange and I just suffered in silence really while trying everything possible to help myself

Thank goodness now it's talked about so much more I'm much more open about it but I still get the odd hurtful comment from people who haven't a clue what it's like

I'm so glad you are doing so well now

I'm sending huge hugs and wishing you all the very very best

[Hope4me1]

Like many I have had anxiety most of my life. It was hard to deal with it in silence by myself. But I did and for a good while I was productive and more confident. As I age I am finding it has increased and I am in therapy trying to recover from the many years of torment. I have to learn to accept. Stop the fear of fear. Some days are better than others. I do wish I had more people to reach out to these days, though.

I wish you Happy Holidays and the best for the New Year!

[Superzob]

Quite inspiring. Anyone who can deal with such a difficult condition for so long and make such a positive contribution certainly has my admiration

[designguy]

You sound like a very strong and resilient lady which has served you well and i'm glad you also found meds that have helped you.

I had high-functioning anxiety and social anxiety for years and meds helped but finding out what it really is and how to constructively deal with it also helped me. Anxiety is our builtin warning system malfunctioning that we misunderstand. It is also a paradox in that the more we struggle and try to fight it the more it persists. I found the DARE Anxiety book and youtube videos helpful. i also had repressed anger and rage from being bullied in school and growing up in an emotionally repressive household where I was shamed and punished for being angry or showing any sign of standing up for myself. I started working on venting my anger and rage in therapy which also helped. Anxiety can also cause or contribute to low-self-worth/self-esteem and if that fits for you there is a lot of good info on youtube about how to heal it. Hugs to you.

[CAGgmb]

Bravo to you for powering through for so long. I'm also in my 70s, have had anxiety and panic attacks since I was a child. Meds help, but not always. Last month when I went to an ER, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. No doctor ever gave me a diagnosis before. I feel better knowing. I was told it's a mental condition, not illness. Many people have it, but they hide it as I did. Now I'm starting to tell some people, and I've seen a helpful therapist a few times. Knowledge helps. So is acknowledging how strong you are.