Hi:
I have suffered from panic attacks since my fist date in the mid 70's.
In 2000 the company I worked for was bought and I found a job at a small company doing the same thing. Oh, I design fragrances.
Well in around 2001 I went like numb as one of the many arranged blind dates didn't turn up so I asked my Dr. for meds as I was just nonexsistant. The med was paxil and it was hairy the first 2 weeks and then seemed to settle me down.
Well now I am the skipper of an 18 foot diesel patrol boat for my sailing club and I am now able to speak in front of groups and do. I used to be deathly afraid of going out on the boat as a crew but wantedto very badly as I love the water. So at first I started hanging around the boats just to get used to the idea. Then I asked alot of questions to see what actually happens or happened. Then I asked if they needed a crew and in about a year I was taking the wheel and learned how to handle the boat. Now I volunteer around 19 times a year. If I am feeling abit shaky I take a littlemore meds which soon settle me down and I try to distract myself from the ANX by looking around the boat or the marina or playing the radio I bring with me. It all helps and it is a really rewarding way to spend a Saturday. I guess with me, confidence is the real issue.
G