i have panic disorder and i have a really hard time talking about it. the only reason i am talking about it on here is because i am pretty much anonymous. i don't bring it up to my parents (it might have something to do with my mom telling me to "just get over it" when i tried), and when i was seeing a therapist it was excruciatingly hard to talk about even to her, so i barely brought it up, even though it was, and still is, causing me an enormous amount of mental anguish. i am just really embarassed and i think people will tell me i'm losing my mind. whenever i think i have worked up the courage to talk to someone, i back down because of my fear, so i have been suffering in silence for about 2 years now. i pray a lot, but sometimes i feel like it would be better to have someone who responds. should i talk to someone in my life about my disorder or just keep it to myself?
2006-12-23 14:24:16 · 18 answers · asked by thunderwear 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
When a person keeps things to themselves, such as what you're going through, it seems to become magnified and the fear kind of feeds on itself.
You're not going crazy and ther's nothing to be ashamed of.
I'd advise you to talk to someone about this and work on positive ways to relieve your panic and anxiety. Panic and anxiety disorders are very real and aren't something you can just "get over". People usually say such things because it makes them uncomfortable or they just don't know what to say.
You've been suffering with this too long and it would really be a good idea to find a therapist you can trust and begin working on making your life better. Believe me, the therapist won't think you're losing your mind...this is something that most therapists deal with and work with every day. Panic and anxiety disorders are often treated with cognitive therapy and sometimes medications to help ease symptoms.
Here's a website that gives a lot of good information on panic disorder such as symptoms and treatment. http://www.apa.org/topics/anxietyqanda.html
You might want to show this to your mom too.
Take care and I wish you all the best.
2006-12-23 14:36:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are not alone. This is more common than people think. I am 25 but went through this when I was 16 until I was 22. You cannot fight this alone or expect it to go away by itself. This is a medical condition that needs medicine to help. Mental disorders are just as serious as physical disorders but most people don't think this or understand because its something you cannot see. You need to see a psychiatrist for this to get some anti-anxiety medicine. I have been on several and I can tell you for sure, they work wonders. Its nothing to be embarrassed about.
Keep in mind that if you do not address this, it will only get worse. Anxiety can turn into depression and that's not cool.
You may not realize it but you have come a long way already!! The fact that you realize and recognize that the issue exists is a HUGE step in the right direction.
Good luck and hang in there!
2006-12-23 22:31:12 · answer #2 · answered by luvthbps 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are seeing a therapist that you are not comfortable talking to...find one you are! That is so very important. Medication can help but do not fall into the Xanax trap. According to my doctor who is a highly respected psychiatrist who deals with people who are hooked on it every day, it is the most dangerous drug on the market. There are other very safe alternative out there. The more you hold it in, the more anxiety you will have. Getting it out in the open will feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off of your shoulders. Good luck!
2006-12-24 00:31:37 · answer #3 · answered by LeAnn C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please do speak with your doctor, once you start taking action on this problem (you already started by writing about) you will see your anxiety will start going away, a doctor will send you to someone that can help you, and you should not be embarrassed since so many people suffers with the same. Believe me a therapist will help you and you will feel empowered that you mad e the decision, make it a New Year's resolution, Life is too precious for you to be suffering like that. Your mother probably can't help you since she is too close to you and usually they are scared to face that their children have a problem, so go for the correct help, your mother can only give you love. You need to open up with someone else. I am hoping for the best for you.
I had some problems that were increasing by my lack of action, since i did, everything is much easier now.
2006-12-23 22:31:50 · answer #4 · answered by Unknown zone 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sugar, when I was in high school I would become totally shattered when required to give a class report. Talk about panic attacks!!!! After I graduated from high school, I entered the military and was assigned instructor duty. I eventually got over most of the nervousness. When I say "most", probably 95% of the people get nervous before they speak, sing or whatever they are doing. What I am saying, you will eventually overcome this. Perhaps you need to "throw" yourself into situations where you "have" to talk and see if it will toughen you up.
You may always be a little shy but life will help you out. Do NOT be afraid to speak up and protect your self. Good luck. Pops
2006-12-23 22:33:58 · answer #5 · answered by Pops 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have trouble verbalizing it. Ask the therapist for a written list of questions, take it home and answer it in writing. Mail the list back to the therapist. You need to put some distance in there at first. Once you have written a few times, you may be able to handle a short session. Slow progress is better than no progress.
2006-12-23 22:29:03 · answer #6 · answered by Thomas K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be afraid there are tons of people that are in your shoes. I just happen to be one of them. Don't ever feel ashamed to talk about these feelings. Panic attacks very common and very treatable. Go and see a Psychiatrist and tell him and or her about the problems you are having. Like I said before, this problem is very common and very treatable, so do me a favor tell someone and get some help. You might want to go back to your therapist he or she may be able to help you find ways to attack the panic before it attacks you. The psychiatrist will prescribe the medicine you need to keep your head and thoughts balanced. I hope I was of some help we're all in this together.
2006-12-23 22:34:12 · answer #7 · answered by manbearpig 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My suggestion would be to find a support group with other people who suffer the same condition. If it's easier for you start online with chats specific to panic disorder. But I think meeting in a group with a good therapist mediating would be better. Only other people who have been through it will understand. Good luck.
2006-12-23 22:30:20 · answer #8 · answered by HomeSweetSiliconValley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh man I remember the days when I was like that. I have had panic disorder now for close to 10 years. I was always worried about having another panic attack and talking about it and always thought I was dying, too. Anyway, I finally went to a psychiatrist who put me on some medication for it and I hardly ever have them. Sounds like you may have quite a bit of social anxiety, too, but I'm not a doctor....yet.
2006-12-23 23:11:15 · answer #9 · answered by Amanda 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keeping it to yourself DEFINITELY isn't healthy, because it can cause you to become depressed.
Most likely, you should talk to someone about it. Obviously it will take courage, but you will have to work up to that. You aren't losing your mind because you have a disorder, but there must be a way for you to talk to someone.
When the time is right, tell your parents.
2006-12-23 22:29:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋