Hello, my name is Annie and I have been suffering from the highest form of panic disorder for 18 years now. I have read and learned so much about panic and anxiety and depression, but still find out new things all the time. One thing I will say is that when having an attack, the last thing I need is to hear others tell me "just don't think about it" "just don't worry about it" "oh you are ok" "just calm down" and so forth. This group is not meant for people who want to put down meds they take or to go on with negative talk. Instead I would like to do something different. Something I know will help me and hoping it will help you as well. My intention for this group is for us to have all positive talk and if someone is having an attack we joke with them and cheer them up and say the things that will help keep their minds off of what their body is going through. I plan on having a webpage added soon with jokes and inspirational things to read to remind us that we are special. If you feel that this would help you then I hope you will join!
I made this background because whenever I have an attack I first turn to the Lord and am not afraid to say that I am a Christian. The most common fear of those who suffer from this disorder is the fear of dying. That is the reason for this background I made. To remind me that we are His children and He takes care of us. We can place anything "in His hands" and He will gladly take it from us. But as those who suffer know...that is easier said then done. It is hard to just hand it over and then it's over. It's not. We still have to "ride out the storm". I will not be preaching a religion in this group and hope no one else will either, but I am sure that God will be mentioned.
The song playing "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" may sound depressing to some. To me I always saw it as God laying Himself down as a bridge for me to help me through my trials and fears which is my troubled waters. He is my comfort. Perhaps you can see this song this way as well.
This group will also have links that will be good for loved ones to read on how to help those suffering.
As some people believe that this is just a "mental" problem and it is not real, let me tell you that it IS real. Why else would there be medications, doctors, counselors and so many books written on a condition that is not real? Please, if you know someone who is suffering, take the time to stop by and read through some of the things I will be adding on here or join the group to learn more. Life is hard enough then to add onto it feeling like you are going "crazy" and not having the support needed to get through this terrible "storm"
