canada19
07-08-2006, 12:21 AM
I am a 19 year old female from Canada. I am very new to this, and am not one for sharing personal things about my struggle with anxiety. I have been suffering from anxiety of some sort ever since I can remember. At a very young age I developed OCD, and eventually got passed it in my teen years as many children with OCD but still have ocassional symptoms. I developed an anxiety disorder mid elementary after (from what I recall) a specific incident of which I would rather not discuss at this point. The anxiety really took a toll on me and controlled my life for several years resulting in some not so fond memories of my elementary school years. The struggle continued with no diagnosis.. and without recognizing there was anything I could do about it. I went through phases of phobias as well such as being in a vehicle. With ups and downs throughout jr high and highschool the anxiety continued, and i started having panic attacks. finally at the beginning of grade 12 I hit rock bottom after my boyfriend of 3 and a half years broke up with me. I fell into a deep depression when finally I was sent to get medical help. At this point my parents were not aware of my anxiety disorder or my OCD as I was never diagnosed. I started realizing that what I was going through on a daily basis was not normal and that there may be ways to control it. I was put on anti-depressants/anti-anxiety and did very well for over a year. Too well I think because I stopped taking it about 8 months ago and have been on a downward spiral since. I've recently developed agoraphobia, and just started back on the meds to try and control it before it takes a hold. I have tried cognitive therapy but find it very hard to open up so I am hoping that being able to talk without being in person will help me. I'm not looking for someone to cure me, but I would like someone to listen and share with me some of their stories so I know I am not alone. I have good days and bad, and with time.. I'm sure it will be much more good than bad. Thank you for caring.