Hi - I am on vacation for a few days so I have some time to reflect on the past rolling year. I want to share this story since there were so many people on this board who gave me sound advice.
Last year I was faced with a very tough decision regarding accepting an undesirable position at work with travel to a third world country, or getting booted out the door. (I wavered back and forth, there were many people on this board that gave me solid advice and I am now happy that I accepted the position) The job is livable and due the economy, travel has been restrained. This post is to share my anxiety story.
A year ago while I was attempting to make the decision, I teetered towards complete incapacitation due to my "situational" anxiety. I have always leaned towards the "nervous" type, but love life and enjoy the simple things. This was different, my situation was spiraling out of control and making me physically sick. I did not sleep for 5 days, ate very little and started to have what I now understand are "panic attacks". I was literally gasping for breath. It was June and I was freezing, wearing a sweatshirt at home with a hood on. I could not let my DH out of sight for more than 5 minutes.......... even following him outside when he cut the lawn. He was terrified, but did not know what to do for me. One day I literally had to go sit with him at work because I was afraid to be alone. This coming from a woman who studied abroad, and has been on her own since she was 21. (I am 43)
A dear friend made me go to my family Dr., found a psychologist that would take me on an emergency basis, handled the insurance aspects (I have some great friends) and forced me to address the issue. DH was scared to death to see me in such a state, we have been together since our 20's and I have always been a pillar of strength. The Dr. gave me some anxiety medication and I had to go on an anti-anxiety pill for 7 months (quit a month ago with no side effects) I feel great, and have felt like my "old" self for the past year.
In a million years if someone had told me I would be on a SSRI I would have bet the farm against it.........
I know these are stressful times. I just want to share my story in case anyone out there ever feels same. Get help. There is no shame in it.
Peace
Last year I was faced with a very tough decision regarding accepting an undesirable position at work with travel to a third world country, or getting booted out the door. (I wavered back and forth, there were many people on this board that gave me solid advice and I am now happy that I accepted the position) The job is livable and due the economy, travel has been restrained. This post is to share my anxiety story.
A year ago while I was attempting to make the decision, I teetered towards complete incapacitation due to my "situational" anxiety. I have always leaned towards the "nervous" type, but love life and enjoy the simple things. This was different, my situation was spiraling out of control and making me physically sick. I did not sleep for 5 days, ate very little and started to have what I now understand are "panic attacks". I was literally gasping for breath. It was June and I was freezing, wearing a sweatshirt at home with a hood on. I could not let my DH out of sight for more than 5 minutes.......... even following him outside when he cut the lawn. He was terrified, but did not know what to do for me. One day I literally had to go sit with him at work because I was afraid to be alone. This coming from a woman who studied abroad, and has been on her own since she was 21. (I am 43)
A dear friend made me go to my family Dr., found a psychologist that would take me on an emergency basis, handled the insurance aspects (I have some great friends) and forced me to address the issue. DH was scared to death to see me in such a state, we have been together since our 20's and I have always been a pillar of strength. The Dr. gave me some anxiety medication and I had to go on an anti-anxiety pill for 7 months (quit a month ago with no side effects) I feel great, and have felt like my "old" self for the past year.
In a million years if someone had told me I would be on a SSRI I would have bet the farm against it.........
I know these are stressful times. I just want to share my story in case anyone out there ever feels same. Get help. There is no shame in it.
Peace