Okay, since we're all baring our souls here, I guess I'll jump on the bandwagon, lol.
I have just been diagnosed with what I suppose is panic disorder related to claustrophobia and mild depression. I say that because although panic disorder is not the same thing as GAD, I imagine that it has some of the same features.
My situation is kind of weird, because I only experience panic attacks as a result of claustrophobia. This has been a big problem for me for the past year because in my work as a criminal defense attorney, I often have to go into small, locked rooms to meet with clients who are incarcerated. Anyway, sometimes when I'm in there, I have a panic attack -- so it's a panic attack, but it's not the "normal" kind where it just comes out of nowhere and you have no idea why.
So although I know *why* I have my anxiety, it still sucks and stresses me out even when I'm not at work. I'm sure it has affected my relationships, although not in the exact same way as someone with GAD.
Anyway, I finally was so fed up with the stress I went to see a psychiatrist, and she put me on Zoloft. I've only been taking it for a week and a half now, so I don't even think I'm feeling the full effects of the medication yet, but I'm already feeling MUCH better. I was in lockup yesterday and today, and I still don't love it, but I didn't feel the waves of panic and horrible symptoms that I've felt in the past. I also haven't really had any side effects (knock on wood) and I don't feel out of it at all. I just feel NORMAL, if that makes sense.
I have to say, it felt like a huge relief to see a psychiatrist, and I'm happy to try the medication, at least for as long as I'm at my job (if I weren't at this job, my claustrophobia really wouldn't be a big problem for me). I think when you're dealing with something like this, at some point, it's just time to do something about it.
Anyway, I'm not sure if this is helpful, but I just felt like joining the sharing.
