I am 23 years old and started suffering random panic attacks in August of 2004. I still attended college and hung out with friends, even worked in a mall. Then I got pregnant and around the beginning of my second trimester the panic attacks went away but the anxiety remained. At the end of my pregnancy I developed pregnancy induced hypertension so they induced me and I had a beautiful baby boy. After that they said the hypertension went away but at my 6 week check-up it was sky high and I was put on meds right away. All of the suddent the anxiety was back full force, I worried about dying of a stroke or heart attack, I developed agoraphobia, and I worried constantly everyday. It is now to the point that I hate going to class, going shopping, going grocery shopping, going to restaurants, and even hanging out with friends. I started therapy and I've gotten slightly better. I even went to the doc to get on meds because I don't know or like the person that i've become. I was a leader, I was extroverted, I was fun to hang out with, I was someone people went to to get advice, I was even funny. Now all I do is worry about going crazy or dying. I only have 2 quarters left for my B.A. in Psychology (funny isn't it how I learn techniques, know the terms, know and understand causes but can't seem to apply them to myself)and I can hardly make it to class and when I'm there I am talking myself out of a panic attack. Can anyone relate? Any advice? I am so scared to start the meds but I want to because I can't keep going on like this. I am worried that I'll have an allergic reaction or some horrible side effect. Anxiety is horrible and my fears are irrational but I can't seem to get past them. Any encouragement is welcomed!! :8o:
