hey mike i just noticed that you said you play blues grass guitar ... i was just wondering if you had any tips that i should learn for playing. Like um... finger exorcises or something?   (Fri Jun 4 19:14 2010)

Nice to know I'm not alone. Thanks for the informative post!   (Tue May 4 11:12 2010)

After i had my first panic attack when i was 16 i thought i would end up having another if i got a job. I didnt have any real problem's for a couple years after that until i went into boot camp when i was 19 and then i had another panic attack where i actually passed out suddenly and ended up getting discharged from that incedent. After that the fear of being in another panic attack stayed in my mind stronger than ever and i went in and out of job's and couldnt find one that fit me it was real frustrating becuase my family wanted me to work and to move out on my own!

God i just dont want to be like this anymore its sooo hard i want to work i want to be on my own but i feel like i cannot make any important decisions until i get my panic attacks under control.   (Wed Jul 29 14:22 2009)

alright I get it. Thank you.   (Tue Jun 9 17:54 2009)

i have dislexia so sorry about the but put   (Mon Jun 8 18:37 2009)

i was just woundering what are your qualifications? you are top 5% and seem to give very complete answers to ideas. i do not mean to but you on the spot but this is an anxiety form what is your anxiety? im apoligize if i went to far in asking this.    (Mon Jun 8 18:37 2009)

proselytizing... does that mean to poke and prod at something?   (Sun Jun 7 9:22 2009)

if there is anything that you beleive could help me please e-mail it jesse_paintball_finatic@hotmail.com
i have been waiting for ever for someone to post on my page to help me out but all i had to do was go looking thanks it really helps. :)   (Sat May 2 20:37 2009)

Thanks so much... I never talk about my problems and
even less get answers. I'll try what you said... but my brain
will just block when some one comes around and I'll
forget what I have to do. I've always had trouble being
around people... I can't even talk to my family members
on the phone. Well, as I said before, thanks. You made me
happy because now I know someone read my post. You
are a good listener.   (Sun Aug 17 21:33 2008)

ok, and about restores complaint about me in the chat thing. He was saying "go away gee" for about an hour straight while i was asking him if he had a nice summer.

anyway thats fine, ill stick to my "15 year old guesswork" and you stick to your research.   (Sun Aug 26 7:15 2007)

Mike, I didn't want to post this in the fourm.gee dawg has made it into chat and he needs to go.He makes me ill.He has no clue about what we all are going through.....   (Sun Aug 26 6:39 2007)

i hope you realise when atleast one person realises im right... im going to rub it in your face so much. No offense, im sure you understand.

but just so u know, i dont hold grudges and have absaloutly nothing against you.   (Sat Aug 25 20:01 2007)

LMAO!! i am actually laughing so much! i just read your "about me" bit, and you actually dont have a clue about anxiety...hahaha, oh god mike... i have no respect for anything youve ever said to me now... this is just bullshit. You actually dont have a clue... u dont realise how much im laughing now. Well goodbye and good luck   (Thu Aug 23 18:53 2007)

thanx for the advice.    (Mon Aug 6 21:39 2007)

Hi Mike,

Thank you for your kind and helpful replies to my post. I know you've been through a lot and it helps to hear advice from someone who has dealt/is dealing with anxiety himself.   (Sun Mar 25 6:50 2007)

Mike,

I just read the letter that you wrote me on my member page. It made me cry. I never thought about it that way. I gues that I get so worried about myself that I want someone to tell I am okay. That everything will be alright. I need to know that on my own with God's help and they help of you guys.
I really think that you are a kind gentle person. I am going to thank God for putting you in my life and all of the anxiety sufferers because you bring us peace.

Sincerely,
deeter   (Fri Mar 9 13:01 2007)

Mike,

I read your life story on the forum. You really went through a tought time. I never had any of that go on in my life. My mother was the dearest and kindest mother ever. She is deceased, and I miss her terribly. I always new she was special, but I did not appreciate all she did for me like I should have. At her funeral people would come up to me and tell me all the things she did for them. I was amazed. She never came home and talked about the things she did for people. I know she went to church everyday. She suffered with cancer on and off throughout her life. It started when she was 23 and pregnant with my sister. She survived this and did not get it again until 20 years later. She had a bad case that time, but again she got over it. She went throught chemo and radiation and still made sure that all 5 of us were taken care of. She got cancer again when I was pregnant with my first child Anna. She did on March 27 and was buried on Good Friday- Which I find so special because Easter week was so special to her.
I read your story and I think- why did that happen to you? I am so glad that good came from it, but why did you have to go through that? Do you think God kept a careful eye on you during that time? Sadly, I did not know how very special my mom was until she was gone. I mean I knew she was special, but I took her for granted sometimes.

Anyway I don't know whay I felt like sharing this with you. I hope you know what a special person you are

Deeter   (Fri Mar 9 9:37 2007)

Mike,

Thank you so much for your encouragement. this nun is supposed to have the a gift of hearing God's voice and she has helped so many people through the years. How can she be wrong? If it was God's voice she heard? She has also healed peopl from cancer. I just want to be good so badly! Any advice would help. I really appreciate the nice reply you gave to my post. I hope all is well with you!

deeter   (Wed Mar 7 12:04 2007)

mike,

THank you so much for your kind letter. YOu really took the time to make me feel better. I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,
Deeter   (Tue Mar 6 21:44 2007)

i have a ? about the "root" causes. i know what MOST of them are. but sometimes it seems like i can't. how do i get past that?   (Thu Aug 31 11:29 2006)

hi mike- i am somewhat new to this site.
i read your posts and would like your advice.
i am 35 had anxiety since college. not great childhood(how many do?) what to you recommend for someone who does not have money or insurance for a therepist?
my dad has it, grandfather has it, uncle has it, sister has it.it has really hurt their lives.  can your truly be rid of anxiety if it is in your family genes? i am taking zoloft 25 mg. i am so tired of suffering.
any help would be appreciated.
w/c alan
   (Fri Jan 13 20:42 2006)

Thanks for the advice that I should masturbate before I go to bed to help me sleep. Lol! I have tried that many times. I think maybe a little to much! HA. Anyways take care!   (Mon Oct 3 16:09 2005)

anxiousness,aches and pains,under or overbreating (cannot even notice it is happening),disorentation,derealization,hot/cold flashes,nausea in belly or just mouth,clenching teeth,sweating,heart palpitations,skips flutters etc,moodiness,high alert,obsessive thought patterns mostly about my health,weird thoughts flood my mind when trying to sleep that make no sence........I have fainted  5 times in these 11 years of anxiety feeling AWFUL afterwards..I could prob go on and on....my anxiety comes and goes I can have years with and years without.The physical symptoms for me when I am in anxiety state are THERE ALMOST ALL THE TIME.I can have one or two of these symptoms or I can have several at time.I have had tests done seen numerous doctors always with the same conclusion " anxiety/stress". I have months where I believe this conclusion and months where I dont and start searching for all the possible things I could have instead of anxiety which of course makes it all worse .I didnt mean for this to be this long,but just wanted to get it out so people know some of what anxiety and stress can cause.   (Fri Aug 19 23:29 2005)

Whether these are all related to panic disorder I dont know, but im sure many are.
Started with colitis/chrones symptoms, belching,sore around solar plexus, tremors in left arm and shoulder, neck pain, migraine, burning feet,muscle spasm, pounding heart.   (Wed May 25 8:56 2005)

Whether these are all related to panic disorder I dont know, but im sure many are.
Started with colitis/chrones symptoms, belching,sore around solar plexus, tremors in left arm and shoulder, neck pain, migraine, burning feet,muscle spasm, pounding heart.   (Wed May 25 8:55 2005)

thanks for answering my questions it really helps alot. i'm new to all this and im glad that someone can answer my questions. thanks for everthing. Amy 20 Ky   (Mon May 23 21:10 2005)

I cant breath tonight its driving me crazy, I cant sleep, am shaking, heart palpitations, agitated, am on meds but its not working, hate feeling like this and the more I hate it the worse it gets!

This is a post from earlier that answers the question about having anxiety/panic disorder and what to do. I'm reposting it because this is a common question that needs a simple answer.

Mike

Anxiety/panic disorder sucks...

Here is what to do.

1. Call your doctor right away and set up a plan of action to get the anxiety under control.

2. Find a GOOD therapist, preferably one with alot of experience in dealing with anxiety disorder. Once you find such a therapist, stick with it until your anxiety is under control!

3. Avoid foods that cause anxiety including chocolate, MSG (a neuro-toxin), coffee, alcohol, fatty or greasy foods and certain cheeses.

4. Avoid activities that cause anxiety including, smoking, eating late in the evening, watching TV news, interacting with those people you find frustrating..etc.

5. Add positive anxiety reducers to your life including, meditation, exercise, massage... etc.

6. Be good to yourself. This is often the hardest thing for an anxiety sufferer to do. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Be aware of your emotional boundries and allow yourself to say no to any given situation if it is not a positive one for you.

Anxiety is a terrible disorder that fills the affected with self doubt. Get help and stick with a plan of action. The results are slow, but if you are perserverant then you will get better and stronger.

Lastly, this is a common disorder and you are NOT CRAZY. It is more like you have filled the jar (your brain) with too much concern and there is an overflow in the way of physical symptoms. Your body is telling you (forcing you) to slow down and relax. Listen to your body and change negative behavior into positive. Most of all, get help and accept help.

thank you for your kind words... I will
always remember last winter when the
community feeling was so pure in me.  
You helped many times.  I will remember
your compassion and wisdom.      (Mon Aug 16 0:41 2004)

Hi all. I'm sorry, but I really do not check this personal page very often. If you want me to respond to your questions, you need to post in the forum section and ask me there. I check there practically every day. This area I prefer for personal posts (ie. email me or personal questions...etc). Mike D and Julie, I'm sorry I haven't responded sooner, I haven't checked this page for about a month.

MIke   (Mon Apr 5 14:26 2004)

You're cool!! Nean

I am a 35 male and have read alot of stories on the board and cant believe there are people out there with symtoms like me. I have sufferd some kind of depressed feelings most of my life from being teased as chubby kid or feeling stupid as a young boy. Then I got into sports got into shape and stil felt fat and depressed, I tried to medicate my self by driking alchol some times it helped but in the end just fueled the fire by more depressed thoughts and physical problems such as being tired and lazy but Lately (last 6 months) I have been real depressed, and having physical symptoms has well, like Hives, body aches, fevers, axiety attacks where I cant breath and feels like my stomach and chest are heavy, thoughts that just repeat them self over and over in my head unitl I get so tired I pass out. They come and go, somedays I feel good and other for several days I feel worse. I' ve been to the doctor several times lately and he has tried to prescribe zoloft 50 mg and I am even scared to take something that might help. MY blood pressure is also high sometimes and then normal 120/80 and then 150/100> Iam getting to the point of feeling like Iam going crazy with the thoughts in my head of worthlessness and feeling like I cant interact with people any more. I feel like I am concentrating on more of my thoughts than the people that surround me. I want the love from others and to give it back in return, but sometimes with the lack of energy and mental concentration it is real hard. The doctor says Iam in pretty good health except to exersize more and eat better. Overall I just dont know where to turn, is zoloft a good thing for me in your opinion? I never have taken anything real medciation before. Please someone respond and let me know if you have been relived by medication or a life style change. I am to the point where I need to do something, I need to live my life and not suffer like I have been doing. I know relief starts with me doing something thats why I thougth I would add this note. I feel for Julie if she reads this my mother yells at me the same way and says its in my head. I feel for you and hope you get better.    (Mon Mar 8 18:39 2004)

Julie!

  I read your story and I can SO sympathize with your situation. I have just been through that SAME ordeal myself (especially the Mom part).  I will tell you what I have been doing which seems to have been helping me.  I have been eating nutritiously, exercising and meditating from time to time.  Also, I have begun to take these alternative foods to assist me, they are called chlorella and spirulina (if you want to check them out).  They appear to diffuse my anxiety tremendously.  I only feel good after taking them for about a month.  I seriously do not believe in medication.  My parents have taken me to see a psychologist as well.  I hope this helps :) I literally feel your pain.  

anxietyridden

hi, I am 19 years old and I'm so scared. A couple years ago, I started to get really bad panic attacks. I had never felt anything like them before and when I got them, I was cinvinced I was dying. I went to my doctor and he checked me out and couldnt find anything wrong with me, then I went to the ER and they said I had acute anxiety and kind of laughed at me. My panic attacks went away without meds for about 2 years..i felt great..and looked back on the situation i was in when i had them and always felt embarrassed. Now they have come back and they are even worse this time! It's not something that comes on for 10 minutes anymore then goes away. I have them constantly throughout the day, they never leave. I worry about death all of the time and everytime i mention it to my mom she yells at me and tells me to shut up and im just a hypochondric. I'm too embarrassed to go to the doctor because I've already been there for these and he laughed at me like he had better more important things to take care of other than some girl who has nothing physically wrong with her. I dont know anyone who has these so theres really no one to talk to and me being in college, i dont have money to see a psychologist or anything. Can anyone help me relive my anxiety without medecine or a psychologist becuase i dont know how much longer i can wake up every morning facing this.

The start up side effects were so minimal that it wasn't bothersome at all compared to the relief Lexapro has given me :>)   (Tue Dec 2 20:55 2003)

Wow i think were related Mike,i've felt everthing you have and feel the same way about meds,what i've found though is we overlook the after affects of the ailment the things that happen as a result of them,i have TMJ wicked hemroids and bowels from hell!Also when anxiety hits it always fells like stomach flu which is a real ball buster!I'm 31 and have been ill since 18 so i've seen alot of doctors and hospitals some good some terrible but its either get on dieing or get on living and i have chosen the living!I wish our governments would spend more money on us A type personality's,i know it would open many other doors to the bodys secret's!

I also suffer like many above.i have woke up shaking ,i,m always wooried about my health.what worries me most is chest pain and alump in my throat and feeling i cannot breath properly it gets me so upset .i really feel alone in this ,i have been told by two doctors my chest is fine but still worry i also cannot get out much ,is there anyone else like me or am i alone in my symptoms.christina   (Sat Sep 20 17:51 2003)

mike, I've read most of your posts, I wanted to tell you that it feels wonderful to have somebody like you to feel with us and give us too all the good information.Y ou are such a big help for all of us... thank you so much...

My gosh, you've been through so much rough stuff. You must really be a strong, courageous and resilient person. Your family must appreciate you so much. People here on the forum sure do. (I read the forum posts for a while before I decided to join.)

Guitar, huh? What a beautiful instrument. I can play four chords on the ukulele....

Dear Mike:

I admire so much all the support, compassion and helpful information that you give people on this forum. It's good of you to share so much of yourself.

I'm a scientist. I did work in medicine for a long time and also did clinical counseling for several years. I've done a lot of research on medications because of my own problems with anxiety/depression/ptsd and because a number of people in my family and my husband's family have anxiety/depression problems. I find it frustrating that people so often get so little information about their medications and how they work - or don't work.

Do you teach voice students or an instrument?

Best,
Elizabeth    (Wed Jul 2 15:07 2003)

MIke,  I have recently been suspectively diagnosed with GAD/Panic Disorder. I have had many visits to the doctor and also ER. I have had a complete physical along with several other medical exams and well, as you would know, nothing. So my doctor put me on paxil. Well, it intesified all of my symtoms. Doctor asked me to wait it out a couple of more days and I ended up having one of my worst panic attacks ever. I am 28 years old and I mentioned to my doctor that I was diagnosed with acute anxiety when I was 19 by another physician (now retired). He prescribed Amytriptylene and I was only on it for a couple of weeks, then my symtoms cleared up for...well, 9 years. Then the bottom fell out. My current Doctor seems to think there are better medications out there now and maybe so, but he is not doing anything for me. The last 2-3 visits he's done nothing. Well, I feel that way anyway. He has canceled out some other medical concerns. However, I am still suffering because he doesn't seem to want to make a definite decision. All of this has just added more anxiety into my life, as you can imagine. He told me that he doesn't like to blame my symtoms on stress or anxiety. It's like he wants to find a physical problem instead of a mental one. I may just be overly frustrated, but like I told him the last visit, I am ready to get on with my life. What advice can you give me? I was also wondering, what are more of the specifics conserning your physical symtoms? I feel energyless, even weak (like muscle weakness) even though there are no signs of weakness or loss of strength from medical tests/exams. I have aches and dull pains all over my body in no particular isolated spots. I seem to get very sore even after doing the most simplest acxtivities. My legs sometimes feel nible or tired just while standing in place. My arms get tired while shaving. Bags of grocheries feel heavier to me. Fatigue and tiredness. Mild dizziness. Pounding heart. Jittery (mild shakes). Of course they are worse with a panic attack, but a different kind, more like chills. Upset stomach, bowel discomfort, and hemoroids. And mental stuff; worry (mostly about feeling sick), lack of concentration, easily startled, mood swings, easily agitated, frustrated, anger, fear of dying (not because I am unsure of my eternity, but missing out on life with my wife and son), etc...     Well, you know where I am at. What steps do I need to take to get on with my life?   (Wed Jun 11 17:52 2003)

Mike, you might want to post this message in the forum as well, so more people could see it.   (Wed Apr 23 7:09 2003)

As a service to those people who are not sure if their symptoms fit General Anxiety Disorder or Panic Disorder, I thought it might be good for them to see the huge variety of symptoms that we all have experienced. Please feel free to add your particular symptoms to my personal small list.    When PD first hit me, I was 30 years old. For the first month I experienced, fever (100 to 101f), uncontrollable night shakes, breathlessness, extreme weakness, chest pain, mixed and confused mental thoughts (I need to talk to someone/I don't want to talk to anyone etc.) After about 5 years, the symptoms became less intense and more GAD like. My GAD symptoms are, worried thoughts, repeated scenarios playing in my head, sleeplessness, vague aches and pains, needs for familiar environments and over concerns for personal health. I am medicated (Lexapro and Ativan)and along with a few years of private therapy I have slowly been able to experience less and less symptoms of GAD. Since my involvement with the disorder is practically all genetic (Mother and her family had depression problems and father and his family had anxiety problems), I will probably be on medication for my entire life. Although I dislike that thought, I thank god for the medication. It has saved my life.    So what are your symptoms?   (Tue Apr 22 15:34 2003)