StarMaps

Dear friend - I know the hole you are in right now. I've been there too. In many ways I am still in my own hole. I can promise you one thing: you do know others with anxiety. They are probably just hiding it because they have the same feelings you do. It's like a stigma we carry around unnecessarily. Take this advice how you will. I've suffered panic attacks for 10 years now, always triggered by performance now. I hated the idea of medicine at first but I'm so glad I had it when I needed it. I have been on it a few times in the last 10 years and it has gotten me through some hard times. Then I get off and things are fine for a while until they are not. Just don't feel bad of you need it. We carry enough guilt around as it is.

Dear friends, I have never tried an online support group but at this point in my life I feel like I need to turn over every stone. I have been dealing with panic attacks for 10 years now. I am 32 years old and on paper I have a successful career. Yet every time I need to perform at a high level the panic become so overwhelming that it derails my life and I feel as if I'm losing control of both myself and my career. I'm sure many of you can understand but words alone cannot give credit to the feeling of sheer terror caused by panic attacks. I am actively limiting myself from career promotions in order to avoid situations that would create panic.probably the worst part is that I'm so disappointed in myself for not having mastered this after a decade. I get compliments from my co-workers that my career looks so promising and all I can see is dread. To be honest I don't know what I'm looking for from this group but even a small ray of hope will be welcomed.