Welcome Nicoleb,

 

How are you doing today?

 

Thank you for telling us a bit about what you had to go through. Sounds like a very frustrating and confusing experiencing. Very glad to hear you finally have a diagnosis that you can agree with. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is one of the best treatments for Anxiety. We have seen many members just like you with very similar fears take control using this program. Start with session one and take your time working through. Be sure to do all your homework. If you put the work into this you will see results.

 

Also, post often in the forums. You do not have to be alone in this. You may want to post your introduction in s separate discussion under "Introduce yourself" this may allow more members to notice your discussion and welcome you.

 

So, when do you plan to get started on the program? 

Hi Jolene,

 

I am great thanks!

 

To answer your question Manic Depression is different from Depression. Manic Depression is also known as Bipolar Disorder. You can read an entire description of each condition on the site. Hover over Tools in the top navigation and click on Education. The Education section will explain to you the difference.

 

Panic and depression (Not manic depression) often have overlap in regards to symptoms. For example someone with Anxiety or Panic Attacks may become depressed because they have isolated themselves and have stopped doing some of the activities they enjoy and stopped socializing which in turn can make a person depressed. Or if a person is depressed they could have trouble with anxiety because some cognitive distortions they have are leading them to worry which in turn can lead to anxiety. So, if you are having trouble with both depression and panic then both programs (the Depression Center and the Panic Center) could help. It would be up to you on which program to start with.

 

Have you been diagnosed by a doctor? If so, you may want to talk to them regarding which program to start with.

 

We have had many members jump from one program to the other and found both programs to be helpful.

 

 

Hello Everyone,

 

I dont really know where to start. I guess it started back in 2008. I was prsecribed zoloft for anxiety. I just remember 3 days into taking the medication. (I had previously taken paxil and wellbutrin with no side effects). I woke up in what I can describe now as the most overwhelming, fuzz, or fogginess. (Panic).Then came the scary intrusive thoughts. I thought I was going insane. I searched out anybody that would help. I finally did find someone and she diagnosed me as Bipolar. I did the routine, took the meds which made sleep. Went back to her 1 week later to be told I was not Bipolar. I almost recovered instantly. I stopped taking medications and felt great. For 4 yrs I never had another attack. (I have always had the anxiety and some thoughts but was able to cope). These last 6 months have been a nightmare for me. Im sitting at work and blam! Out of nowhere I have a panic attack. Ok, well I thought that would be the end of it but nope. I decide to the MD and he wants to put me on paxil and klonopin. Well, I completely freak out and the panic intensifies. I think I have had every symptom known to man. I have had days were I was not able to eat because I could not swallow. That started to scare me more because even though I have had a panic attack. I never felt like this before. So, once again I seek out help. This Pyschiatrist yet again thinks that I am bipolar. So, after being told this 2 times you start to believe it. Ok, my challenge then is medication. I panic at the thought of a tylenol never mind these types of medications. Well, again I took them and it was a nightmare. I became worse than before. something that was supposed to stop eveything increased it x 10. I didnt sleep from these meds and I was supposed to apparently. Back to her for the F/U and guess what she wants to stop this med for 3 days at another. I decided that day. It was over this lady was nuts. She wanted me to stop a medication that was making me suicidal, take another then add it back in. I was disgusted. I finally seen a therapist who confirmed that I was not bipolar and infact I do have GAD with panic disorder. I felt relieved. In between this time. At that time, I was not able to be home alone,  I was petrified to drive, panicking at red lights, was afraid to sleep because of the scary thoughts. It took about a month but they completely disappeared. Then I started back to work again, and my panic has started. I am able to drive a particular route to work, but if its different I get panicky. lately, I started to avoid certain red lights again,  I get very nervous being home with my kids. That is still difficult for me. I have not yet been able to go out by myself. I have been seeing the therapist, we talk about my triggers. One being a nurse. I despise this job. I am desperate to find something where I can conquer my fears. Especially driving and taking medications. So I decided to come here. Sorry for the length.

 

Hi Ashley,

 

I am ok thanks and you?

 

I need to ask a question. In the programme it states that panic disorder will not cause more serious disorders such as manic depression. Is there a difference in just depression and manic depression? And can the panic attacks not just be a result of depression? If my issue is depression and panic attacks, then am I in the wrong place?

 

Hi Jolene,

 

Welcome to the group. How are you today?

 

 

Hi ScarletPip,

 

It does certainly sound like anxiety. Although anxiety can feel very scary the good news is it is very managable. Work on the program and you can get a handle on this. When do you plan on getting started?

 

 

Hi SP

We all have our emotional prisons, don't we.  Thinking beyond our mental limits can help though, and I've slowly changed with this site, my health team...

At the beginning of this year, I was sick with sinus issues and stomach problems. It all kind of snowballed from there. I started losing weight, heart racing, etc...

I was hospitalized for my heart racing and had tests done to check and my heart is fine. Then I had tests done to check my stomach because of losing weight. They said I have IBS, diverticulosis, and GERD. None of those things should cause the belly pain I was having or the weight loss. 

Basically the doctors said they think I have anxiety disorder and it's affecting me physically. 

In January, when I'd be at work, I couldn't function. My heart would race, I'd be flushed, felt sick like I was going to pass out, lightheaded, etc... So I quit my job. I literally thought I was dying every time i went there.

I was still going to doctors at that point, not knowing what was wrong.

Since then, I had been okay to go to the store, or to a friends house for a but, but then I'd notice when I did, I'd feel horrible. The last time I was in a car was in May. I was with a friend, going to the store. My heart started racing, I was nauseous, felt lightheaded, like I was going to die. I made him turn the car around and take me home. Since then, I haven't been anywhere outside of my neighborhood.

Hello to you too ScarletPip,

 

Welcome to the group!

 

You have come to the right place. We can help you through this. Start working on the program and be sure to do all the homework. Act questions if you run into trouble and post your thoughts often. This program has helped many members and it can help you too, just stick with it!

 

When did you start noticing you were having trouble with agoraphobia?