[Dawnberry]

Originally Posted by KimberlyP

Hi Everyone,

I have severe panic attacks which are triggered by my OCD. I suffer from the O in OCD and it started when I had my second child. I didn't know what post partum depression was and I suffered in silence because I thought I was absolutely CRAZY! It started with horrible thoughts and visions in my head that would send me into complete panic. I had my own personal movie theater in my head and it only played horror movies. I don't want to go into too much detail because talking about it triggers anxiety. I STILL suffer, every single day is a challenge but I use exercise as a way to cope. I've been med free for 2 years and use meditation and breathing techniques to control my attacks.

I really wish certain objects didn't trigger my thoughts. For instance, today as I was slicing a tomato, the thought started. As I said above, I don't want to go into too much detail but these episodes scare the **** out of me. I did some research and was relieved to see that having a panic attack is good in a way. My horrible thoughts trigger the attacks which means I'm extremely bothered by them. If I didn't worry and actually enjoyed the thoughts, then there would be cause for concern.

Having OCD and anxiety is NOT fun but I deal by keeping busy..

HI. First off you are beautiful. Congrats on all the weight loss. I have OCD too. I think I was born with it. I was diagnosed at age 11. I know after each of my kids it was bad. I understand the thoughts you are saying without you saying. I have had dreams that freaked me out too. I read recently that dreams have meaning beside the exact dream and that you can pull them apart to figure out what they really mean. Just that alone helped me feel better. My OCD became clear with my worst eppisode when I was 11. I washed my hands and everything else. I thought I had AIDS... I thought I was going to ****... etc. Anyway, wanted to reply to you because your post stood out to me. Take Care!

Dawn

[EagleRiverDee]

Welcome, Dawnberry! We're here to support you!

[babygrant]

How is everyone feeling? Just checking in.

So far with increase of cipralex (up to 15 mg) I feel pretty good. I still have moments of very minimal anxiety, but it doesn't drag me down. Just takes a quick "your fine" and I'm on my way.

Tommorow we are going on a little vacation. It's 2 1/2 hours away and in the USA, so I'm a bit scared. I dislike travelling. Just wish we could get there and avoid the car ride. But I'll be okay and I'll have fun.

[grneyedmustang]

I just wanted to pop in and say hello.

I have recently been officially diagnosed by my therapist with anxiety and depression - along with adjustment disorder.

Today is a good day though - but one of the things I've found - I expected the official label of "depression" to mean that you're feeling sad all the time. Boy was I wrong!!!

With me, it comes and goes, I'll have a good day, and then I'll have a bad day. So I'm finding that I have to take life one day at a time. And when I don't exercise, it tends to make my depression worse.

I am currently trying the 'herbal' route with St Johns Wort (along with a weekly visit to my therapist). I am terrified of taking medication because if I gain weight that's going to make me even more depressed.

It's good to see you guys are here, and I'll make sure I check in more often!