I'm 43 and I've had panic attacks on and off since I was 23. I have worked full time since I was 15. Right now my panic problem is with driving which is really bad because my job is delivering pizzas. I've worked here for 15 years, and the driving thing just started a few months ago. I have to drive about 600 miles a week. My husband, daughter and her finace also work there, so they know about my problem. Lately though, I've had to let other people there know about it. A couple times I've had to leave a couple hours early, and one day I had an attack on the way to work and I had to stay in and make pizzas and send the pizza maker out to drive in my place. The people have been very understanding, I found out that another driver has panic attacks, too. I would have never known about him, and now we talk about it and help each other. I have to work, there is absolutely no choice. Sometimes the pressure is overwhelming, but I notice that when I have a particularly horrible night when I think that I'll never get in my car again, the next night turns out to be fine. My panic has manifested itself in many, many different ways over the years. Change has been the only constant thing. I am hoping that the driving thing passes like all the others as it is very distressing since there's no way to avoid it. The stupid thing is that I have driven that 600 miles per week in this same area for 15 years! I know every dog, mailbox, pothole, speed trap and good tipper in this town!!! Everyone knows me and my car. Alot of the cops come in to chat, cause they drive this same miserable area over and over too. Finally told a couple of them about it, they were very surprised that I could continue to drive like I do. They were very sympathatic about it and always ask how I'm doing. We have a good laugh about it sometimes! What I want to say is that people are understanding, I never told anyone about it except for my family until a few months ago when I had too. I was surprised at the compassion they've shown, when they really don't even understand it. Yes, you can work with this! Not all days are good and sometimes I wish I could stay home forever, but I know that's not an option and it wouldn't be good anyway. (I would miss all those $10 tips!) LOL!!!!!!!

Hi Darkhorse. I work 3 days a week as a secretary. My boss knows all about my panic disorder. He's really cool with it. However I understand not everybody is going to be as understanding as some. My advice to you in any situations work or otherwise, is to be honest about your condition. Hiding it from people only seems to make the anxiety worse. Bringing things out into the open may feel really weird to begin with (it did for me). But I'm glad everyone knows now and I've noticed a big drop in my anxiety levels since warning people about my 'quirks'. I mean it's not like I go around announcing it to everyone lol. But you'll find the right ways to go about telling people. Even if it is when you're having a panic attack. I've done that before haha. Take it easy. I find people are usually very interested in panic disorder. Also theres loads of people out there effected by it! It's amazing how many people either have panic disorder or know someone who has it! Negativity thrives on secrecy. So yeh, bring it out into the open :)

Hi there. I am wondering how many of you have full time jobs? Or even part time or just work now and again. If so, do you let ppl know you have panic disorder? I'm trying to decide if I should tell some of the clients I have, that I suffer from this, as I have more responsibility mounting as the pending summer of 2004 roles around. What have been your experiences? Just thinking about this worries me! Ahhhh. Is there no end? =) Thanks!