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| Posted By |
Discussion Topic: Back on track!
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 JenK |
02-29-2004 @ 12:07 AM |
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Member
Joined: Dec. 2003
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Hi everyone! I hope all is well.
Just thought I'd post some success stuff here to maybe inspire everyone.
I've recently increased my dosage of Effexor XR up to 150mg/day and now (almost 1 month later) i'm feeling SO MUCH BETTER!
I'm not anxiety free by any stretch but i've slept through the night for almost a week now and haven't had a full blown panic attack for about a week as well. That is a 180 from where I was at last month. I was in a really horrible awful dark place that I'm trying to move past and forget about.............
I've in the middle of getting my driver's license (I'm 18 with my Learner's License because I waited two years after legal age because of my anxiety) and I do have a rough time driving on the highway or anywhere to far away from home.
Last night I became so fed up with the anxiety making me unable to get past the first exit on the highway that my mom and I went out at 10pm (less cars then) and I drove 35 minutes away from my house. For the first twenty, the anxiety went in waves of mild to moderate to the panic wall where I felt I couldn't go further. My hands were sweating, my legs shaking and my stomach knotted up but I kept my foot on the gas and told myself I WAS going to make it into Victoria. So I did it! I was so extremely relieved and proud of myself that I drove on the highway twice today with no problems!  I feel like a HUGE weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
I'm going back to work now five days a week for 4.5 hours a day (i had severe anxiety at work a while ago and wasn't even able to make it in some days). I had anxiety attacks when I was waitressing all day so I moved into the kitchen where I'm now a sous chef (the best job in the world!) but on Wednesday, a waitress was sick and I worked an 8 hour waitressing shift! Another MAJOR accomplishment for me.
So i just wanted to tell anyone who is in their "dark" place right now, that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Break through the brick wall infront of you and have faith in yourself. Its amazing what one can accomplish when presented with the right options.
I've been doing CBT with my psychologist, on the proper dose of Effexor, meditate daily and have just joined a yoga class. A month ago I was almost housebound.
I'm not saying I'm 100% better but I'm functioning again. Have patience with yourself, cry when you need to and work with your panic, not against it.
Bless everyone,
Jen
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| dCheryl |
02-29-2004 @ 12:16 AM |
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Joined: Feb. 2004
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I'm thrilled for you Jen!! Great job. You should be very proud of yourself. You've come a long way!! I'm really impressed that you kept driving even though you didn't think you could do it. Bet it felt good when you proved to yourself that you were stronger than the panic. Its great that your mom was supportive and went with you as well.
Thank you for sharing your story. It seems that when people start getting better they tend to fade away from the support groups. Its good for us to hear success stories. Knowing that others are getting better makes us all realize that we too will get better.
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| kitcat |
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02-29-2004 @ 11:08 AM |
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Member
Joined: Feb. 2004
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What an inspiring story, Jen...YOU GO GIRL!!!
I love reading these success stories. They say so much about the human spirit and its ability to go beyond where we think we can go. Your determination to conquer your fear, is greater than the fear. I think that is what is needed, to be able to get through it.
It sounds so simple and yet, at times, so very ellusive. Still, it's worth fighting for. To be in complete control and to stare our fears right in the face. Thanks for posting your story. It's what I need to hear..to know, that I, too, can get past my own fear.
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| Posted By |
Discussion Topic: Back on track!
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