Hello everyone,
This is the first time I have been in a chat room EVER.Im not exactly a whiz on the pc,so hope my text does not offend any of you computer genius types.
I have been having problems with panic attacks for abou 2 years on and off to the point where i had to leave my job.I had a good career in nursing,but the nhs is definatly not the place to work if you are anxious or need to avoid stress!!
At first I was misdiagnosed by my gp,who thought my symptoms were related to a heart problem.I expect several of you can relate to this scenario?This made me more anxious and thinking up many weird and wonderful diseases i could have(medical knowledge clearly a disadvantage).Anyway i was eventually told that there was nothing wrong with me and started on antideprssants,although I think i was only depressed because my life had been put on hold,through basically "being scared of everything"!!I got to the stage where I couldnt go out AT ALL.I didnt want to see friends or relatives,and was convinced i would faint all the time.
However,with a combination of relaxation techniques,positive thinking,medication and bloody mindedness I am getting there.I started going out with family for very short periods and gradually built it up.I flew on holiday this year,and was fine(and I hate flying!!).I still have the odd bad day,but I feel so much more positive these days.I now want to get back to work.I think part of the trick is telling people too.No one thinks you are mad,in fact those who understand think folks like us are incredibly brave.Each day is a battle,but you can succeed.I just wanted to share my story with people who really understand. xx