Christina Lynn
08-08-06, 03:53 PM
My name is Christina, I am 29 years old. I have suffered from panic disorder and depression for almost 11 years now. When I first started suffering form this disorder I was able to lead a pretty normal life. I held a steady job, went out with friends, traveled, everything I normally did. As the years go by they seem to get worse and worse. I am no longer able to hold a regular job. I run a daycare out of my home. I was let go from a job because I had an attack in the middle of my shift, and had to leave to go to the emergency room. I have found that working from home has been a huge help.
I no longer go out with friends, and I can't travel alone. I am not even able to go to the grocery store by myself. I have a few people who are a "safety" for me. If I am not with one of them, I am very limited in what I am able to do outside of my home. I have decided I am going to take my life back. I want to be the person I know I am. I have taken a few medications in the past but have decided that I can do this without the use of drugs.
I am doing so much better since I decided to regain control of my life. I do believe that a huge part of panic disorder is mind over matter. If we allow ourselves to believe them we will only get worse. If you sit there and tell yourself this is only a panic attack, you acknowledge what it is, look it in the face and say " I know there isn't really anything wrong with me" the feeling of fear subsides.
I have had many factors contribute to my healing process. First and formost I have prayed, I know God is there for me. I know he will not give me any more than I can handle. Second is my son. I do not want my child to suffer the limitations and stress of my attacks. Therefore, I am more likely to stay calm in front of him. I don't want him to see me having an attack. I can control my emotions much quicker when he is around. Then there is my family. My Brother, Mom, & Dad are amazing people. They have done everything they possibly can to support me and help me throught this. I quit smoking, cut caffine out of my diet, try to watch what I eat, and recently started doing yoga.
I do believe everything happens for a reason. I don't want the last 11 years of my life to have been a living hell for nothing. I have decided to write a book on panic disorders. Explain to people what I've gone through, allow them to hear of success stories. Nothing inspires you more than to know other have made it through this and are leading very normal lives free of attacks. I know I have looked into so many programs that ended up costing an arm and a leg. I think anyone who has truly suffered from this would want to help as many people as they could without becoming rich from it. I want to help people. I don't want anyone to suffer from this any longer than they have to.
I am also trying to get a support group in my hometown. I am not sure how to go about it but am very determined to get it done. If anyone has any suggestions it would be greatly appriciated.
I hope everyone knows that they CAN overcome this. All it takes is FAITH!!!!
God Bless
I no longer go out with friends, and I can't travel alone. I am not even able to go to the grocery store by myself. I have a few people who are a "safety" for me. If I am not with one of them, I am very limited in what I am able to do outside of my home. I have decided I am going to take my life back. I want to be the person I know I am. I have taken a few medications in the past but have decided that I can do this without the use of drugs.
I am doing so much better since I decided to regain control of my life. I do believe that a huge part of panic disorder is mind over matter. If we allow ourselves to believe them we will only get worse. If you sit there and tell yourself this is only a panic attack, you acknowledge what it is, look it in the face and say " I know there isn't really anything wrong with me" the feeling of fear subsides.
I have had many factors contribute to my healing process. First and formost I have prayed, I know God is there for me. I know he will not give me any more than I can handle. Second is my son. I do not want my child to suffer the limitations and stress of my attacks. Therefore, I am more likely to stay calm in front of him. I don't want him to see me having an attack. I can control my emotions much quicker when he is around. Then there is my family. My Brother, Mom, & Dad are amazing people. They have done everything they possibly can to support me and help me throught this. I quit smoking, cut caffine out of my diet, try to watch what I eat, and recently started doing yoga.
I do believe everything happens for a reason. I don't want the last 11 years of my life to have been a living hell for nothing. I have decided to write a book on panic disorders. Explain to people what I've gone through, allow them to hear of success stories. Nothing inspires you more than to know other have made it through this and are leading very normal lives free of attacks. I know I have looked into so many programs that ended up costing an arm and a leg. I think anyone who has truly suffered from this would want to help as many people as they could without becoming rich from it. I want to help people. I don't want anyone to suffer from this any longer than they have to.
I am also trying to get a support group in my hometown. I am not sure how to go about it but am very determined to get it done. If anyone has any suggestions it would be greatly appriciated.
I hope everyone knows that they CAN overcome this. All it takes is FAITH!!!!
God Bless
