Someone asked me a question about a previous post, and it dawned on me that everyone who reads this doesn't already know everything about me - so I figured I'd answer it for anyone else that may be wondering.
I suffer from Panic Disorder. I have since I was a itty bitty kid. Someday I'll write a book about it, so that I can help others who may not know that they aren't the only ones going through something like this.
It's not fun - but there are medications that treat it. I went for a long time without anything to help me deal with it. There are several different treatments, and prescription Zoloft works best for me. I do take an occasional Xanax when things get really bad - but those tend to be addictive, so I only take them as a last resort. The Zoloft was the medication that I mentioned in the previous post that puts a big dent in my imagination. It's a lousy side effect, but better than life without it by a long shot, trust me.
I struggled for a long time with the concept of being "mentally ill" - those words have such a horrid connotation to them. I am not psycho, I do not talk to myself - and generally when I'm in the middle of a raging panic attack, no one around me will ever know it.
In April, I left the LDStorymakers conference halfway through Saturday. I missed a couple of workshops that I really wanted to attend (by the way, Mr. J. Scott Savage, if you read this - I'd love the notes from your Character Bible workshop!). I try very hard not to let the disorder rule my life, but there are times I have to cut and run for my own well-being.
So now you know - probably much more than you ever wanted to about this lady. But please, my lovely readers - never worry about asking me questions about myself (it's my favorite subject, by far!) If I don't feel like answering, I'll tell you so - but more than likely, I'll be happy to!
Bards, Becca, and Buttons
3 hours ago
9 Comments:
Wow, thanks for sharing. I appreciate someone who can be open about themselves. I was on Zoloft for almost 2 yrs in my late teens, and it does tend to slow the creative flow. But it also brought me back from a really dark place, so I consider it a useful medication. And though I'm not mentally ill, either, I do talk to myself. Sometimes one thing or another needs to be said out loud. But I hear the real problem is when I start answering myself...:)
Can I ask you something about the anxiety thing? I take my zoloft for anti-depressants but I think I have some anxiety issues. At least, I'm starting to discover that most people don't struggle with this sort of thing. Would you mind if I emailed you about it? I mean, I know you're not a doc. or anything but it would be nice to know if someone else knew what I was going through. Would you mind?
I think it's great you're being open about this. I had my first panic attack as I was graduating college (what was I supposed to do with my life???) and have had occasional bouts since then. I think that being open and honest about it is one of the best ways to cope.
I had no idea, but appreciate the honesty in your answer. I wonder if LT might want to look into effexor (sp) it deals with depression and anxiety together. Medication is a blessing for most people, I'm glad you are finding solutions :-) Good luck!
Cheri, it's not when you talk to yourself, or even when you answer that you need to worry. It's when you start asking yourself, "What did you say?"
As far as I'm concerned, the worst part of mental illness is the social stigma. It's 1,000 times harder to heal when you can't talk about it and get understanding and compassion.
Prayers are with you and all who suffer from these debilitating issues.
I admire you Wendy, You're openand honest and I felt so bad you had to cut and run on Saturday. But You're strong and I have a tremendous ammount of love and faith in you. :)
One question tho, I have people in my head telling me things all the time and I talk to myself on a regular basis what does that say about me?
I suffered from severe post partum depression a few years ago. I was at the point of contemplating suicide. I have weird effects from medications and sought out a natruopath to help me with my depression. I can say for me that was my life saver. If you need help and traditional medicine frightens you, look into natruopathy.
I think I ought to clarify that I really DO talk to myself all the time! But that's part of my personality, not my disorder. LOL I also talk to my cat, my computer, my car, and any other inanimate object that isn't doing what I want it to. I can have whole conversations with myself if I'm working on a novel!
I'm all for being open about it - that's the only way to get rid of the stigma!
(LT: Feel free to email me!)
Like Dumbledore said: By not using his proper name, you only give him power. (not a direct quote, I know)
There's a billboard about depression here in SLC that I just love - it says: You wouldn't tell someone it's just diabetes, get over it!'
I appreciate you being so open and honest, it has been a big help. My daughter, who suffers from GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) also told me that the meds she takes stops her creative processes and makes her feel stupid because she has to stop and think about what she is trying to say!
For those of you that don't know, I am doing a master's in counseling and this open honesty is wonderful for me to read. In counseling, we also see the stigma that people attach to a diagnosis. It makes me sad because there are so many different ways to help people deal with what ever is going on.
Thanks again!
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