AppleCinnamon
01-05-17, 02:00
Hello all,
Nice forum; not sure where to post this but I will share some of my personal experiences here.
Long story short, I am 28 and a multiple cancer survivor; I have had cancer during various stages of my life. Physically I am actually quite healthy (cured) for some years now, but my traumatic life experiences have left me with an anxiety disorder that has been going on for over 7 years (panic, agoraphobia, depression). As you can imagine, I have experienced a lot of physical and mental suffering during my life; many treatments, very stressful situations with a lot of complications that were often life threatening. I nearly died several times. I believe that my constant alertness on physical sensations still triggers my feelings of anxiety today.
I also experience something that has actually been bothering me most over time, which are periods of intense feelings of anxiety with lots of physical symptoms all day long that can last for weeks and will result in panic attacks at times; not sure if this can be classified as GAD. I find them completely exhausting and consider them my major anxiety problem, more so than the panic attacks and agoraphobia.
I have seen several psychiatrists and psychologists over the years, none of which have helped me. Therapies included CBT, breathing and relaxation exercises, mindfulness and meditation. Concerning the agoraphobia, I do believe that exposure therapy can help but it is difficult to start if you are already feeling really anxious when at home. The only thing that has brought some relief over the years are the benzodiazepines that I have been taking, I am happy that they exist.
I would be interested to get in contact with people (especially younger) who have had similar experiences of physical illness with subsequent anxiety disorder and/or depression. If you want, send me a pm :)
Nice forum; not sure where to post this but I will share some of my personal experiences here.
Long story short, I am 28 and a multiple cancer survivor; I have had cancer during various stages of my life. Physically I am actually quite healthy (cured) for some years now, but my traumatic life experiences have left me with an anxiety disorder that has been going on for over 7 years (panic, agoraphobia, depression). As you can imagine, I have experienced a lot of physical and mental suffering during my life; many treatments, very stressful situations with a lot of complications that were often life threatening. I nearly died several times. I believe that my constant alertness on physical sensations still triggers my feelings of anxiety today.
I also experience something that has actually been bothering me most over time, which are periods of intense feelings of anxiety with lots of physical symptoms all day long that can last for weeks and will result in panic attacks at times; not sure if this can be classified as GAD. I find them completely exhausting and consider them my major anxiety problem, more so than the panic attacks and agoraphobia.
I have seen several psychiatrists and psychologists over the years, none of which have helped me. Therapies included CBT, breathing and relaxation exercises, mindfulness and meditation. Concerning the agoraphobia, I do believe that exposure therapy can help but it is difficult to start if you are already feeling really anxious when at home. The only thing that has brought some relief over the years are the benzodiazepines that I have been taking, I am happy that they exist.
I would be interested to get in contact with people (especially younger) who have had similar experiences of physical illness with subsequent anxiety disorder and/or depression. If you want, send me a pm :)