Hello! Everyone, I'm new to this group as of today! I just read Claire's message and boy can I relate! I too have had a difficult time with panic in the past. About 12 years ago I was mostly home bound because of it. I am now happily remarried, back to work and have two wonderful children...But I am the queen of avoidance. After reading session one and it described agoraphobia, it was describing me. Very painful to admit but freeing to have a name to explain my behavior.
I guess one of my first thoughts are explaining some of this to my husband. He is very supportive of me but I don't think unless you have panic attacked yourself can you really grasp why you avoid things.
Hi! Andre, I'm relatively new to this group, just into my second week but I'm not new to anxiety and panic attacks. I've landed in the ER four or five times over the years thinking something was wrong and they always found it to be anxiety. At first I felt foolish but then I've come to realize that there is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself. Working with a doctor is a great way to know you are on track and there's no other reason for your symptoms. At one point there was something minor that caused my anxiety to worsen but that was treated and now I know what to look for.
To bad they didn't have a quick fix for anxiety..LOL
Birdie
Hi! Mya, Well you are not alone! I've been there!!!!!!
It can and will get better!!! You are already making the right steps by seeking help and reaching out! That is huge! Way to go! I found that if I focused on one simple thing at a time and tried to make it enjoyable it helped.
For example if I fixed a cup of tea, or listened to positive music or did another task. I would remind myself to only focus on what I was doing and try to enjoy the moment instead of worrying about "what if". I use this all the time at work when I catch my negative thinking. I try to stop it and stay in the moment and listen to the person I'm working with or put my focus on my task.
I hope this helps in some way!
Birdie
Wow this sure is an interesting conversation and really hard not to respond to this! I believe we all were created by a loving God and that He has a purpose for each of us. I believe the bible is His words to us. It is full of comfort and hope for the present and future. I know it would be worth exploring a bible based church and getting to know more! When you look at the complexity of our bodies or how the earth comes to life in the spring, I can't help but know that there is an amazing creator that designed us. I just take a lot of comfort in knowing He is caring for me and all of us. Just had to share this comfort that I have with you!
Birdie
Hi! Everyone, I'm almost laughing out loud here thinking that you are all mind readers..I feel the same way sometimes when I'm learning about my panic. But I also know from my experience that the more I learn the less scary it is to deal with and that there is a lot of helpful info here!!! As someone said knowledge is power.
I guess it's better to panic and have a means of recognizing it and dealing with it then feeling alone and overwhelmed.
I'm thankful for all of you here knowing I'm not alone!!!!
Birdie
A fellow gardener how wonderful! I find that when I'm gardening I am thinking of nothing but that and it is a wonderful relaxing time. At the end of it all you are rewarded for your work and with a good sense of tired! I hope you all have a wonderful day!
Birdie
I looked up an adaa group that is about 45 minutes away for me. That might be possible but a challenge with family and work. I was wondering is there any 12 step groups for anxiety???? I was involved with that type of group for many years because of a family members drinking problem. That group literally restored me from crippling thoughts but that program doesn't fit my needs anymore. Would love more info, Danielle!!!!!
Birdie
Something I like to keep in mind too is that the people you are speaking to are just that, people. They aren't perfect either and I truly believe that most of us have something that makes us uncomfortable. It always helps me to remind myself even if those people have an important job title they are still equally human and all of us are equally important!
I hope things go well for you!
Birdie
I'm struggling with this right now. I feel like I'm doing the right thing by seeking help but not sure how much or to whom I should or could confide in. No one close to me really knows how much I struggle. I have kept friends at a distance most of my life. I only do so much and then when I'm in a position that is awkward for me I back off that relationship. Sometimes I just want to come out and say that I suffer from agoraphobia but that is very personal and I don't want my teenage children to find out. I know it can be scary for me and I don't want to worry them or confuse them. They are both very out going and self confident so I really encourage that kind of growth. I am really struggling to put this all in perspective. I would really appreciate any thoughts any of you have on this!!!!!!
Birdie
Welcome to the site! Yes I can relate to feeling unmotivated but I think the more info you get here and support you will find help and hope!!! I think it takes more energy to worry then to be happy so keep seeking help and I'm sure you will feel that burden lifting. Guilt is an awful heavy thing to carry so lighten up on your self and take one step at a time. I think if we take care of ourselves then we have something wonderful to give back to those around us that love us! So be kind to yourself and that kindness will spill over to those around us!
Birdie
It’s been a while since you were active on this site. Please extend your session below
You have been logged out due to inactivity.
Please sign back in.
We use cookies to help us learn about how our platform is used and how we can improve your experience. To
learn more please see our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
