Another Melbourne Update

3242 Views 21 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Monika, Dec 28, 2004

Discussion Starter · Dec 24, 2004

Hi to those who remember me from a while ago and hi to all those who don't ...there's a lot of new names since i've been here.

I'm currently back home for christmas (for three weeks). Just wanted to share my story so far as it's quite positive and may give people hope.

The short version is, before moving interstate to Melbourne I suffered agoraphobia (frequent panic attacks), obsessive thoughts, and episodic dp and dr for several years. I was afraid of everything. I moved to Melbourne as a last resort to improve my life by turning it completely upside down. I was quite convinced that I may well die of fear by moving there and having to face all my phobias ALL AT ONCE (my phobias were...FLYING, public transport, crowded places, being away from my family, being home alone, being outside the house basically).

Well, I am happy to report that by taking the step and moving...I have overcome every single (insert very rude word here) phobia I ever had. And dp and dr are a thing of the past. I quite simply cannot believe it. Imagine if I had stayed home and let my fear dictate my life. I worry I come across as glib and preachy here, like Im bragging or trying to sell you something but I just wanted to share. I'm just so relieved. It is very possible to overcome fear by walking straight towards it.

Another thing too, since I've gotten home, I've noticed some of my worries and anxiety sensations return. I figure that there are a lot of triggers here that are putting me in the same head space I was in when I had the anxiety so i don't let it worry me too much although it's not a nice experience. Just goes to show we condition our environment to trigger anxiety over time. That's why it's good to get out there and shake things up by doing different things that keep our brains occupied.

Anyway, I hope to hear from any of you who has helped to get my scared arse over to where I am. Thank you.

Merry Christmas to you all,
Monika

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enngirl5

· #16 · Dec 26, 2004

Monika, I'm so happy for you. I can completely understand how facing all your fears has helped you. I moved just 45 minutes away and it made a world of difference for me. I started driving again, going to school, etc. But this week has been hard. I had one little bout of bad dp Monday and felt like I was gonna have a panic attack (I wasn't eating right) and ever since then all week I've been on the edge (dizzy, nervous, feeling like I'm gonna have a panic attack any minute). I can't really figure out what's wrong other than maybe that moment of panic has just made me feel like I'm gonna have more panic attacks. The panic cycle. And it had to happen the week of christmas.

But I felt ok yesterday so that was some relief. Anyway, I really am proud of you because I remember talking to you and all that you were going through. You're a strong person and you should be proud of yourself. :wink:

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enngirl5

· #20 · Dec 28, 2004

The first big panic attack I ever had was a New Years Eve and my best friend and I were tired and knew we were gonna be up all night so we went to McDonalds and got a huge cup of coffee, strong Fast Food coffee. I was never a big coffee drinker and I think this played a part in my panic attack that night. I haven't drank coffee since then. It's been 3 years. But of course that wan't the main cause of my panic disorder, I was going through severe life stressors at the moment. But in my experience coffee can exascerbate anxiety. But I drink lots of caffeine daily in the form of Coke so who knows.

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enngirl5

· #21 · Dec 28, 2004

Also, thanks so much Monika. Having panic and dp and dr is the most lonely feeling in the world because you feel so far away from everybody and so scared. Hopefully it will pass soon. But again, congratulations on your accomplishments. Take care. :wink:

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