6 months ago I started having some amazing panic attacks. I could not drive myself to work because I felt panicked in the car. After having a really bad panic attack at work, I could not go to work for a week. Test after test from the cardiologist showed that I was a healthy 35 year old, my doctor finally put me on Lexapro.
From time to time, I still have bouts of anxiety but something amazing happened to me recently. I started walking/hiking the trails nearby to my home. What's amazing is how relaxing it is. I feel so mellow now not hyper/uptight/frustrated/angry... like I use to be. In fact, I can tell right away when my wife is frustrated, angry, uptight (mainly with our 3 year old) and I can jump into the situation and give my wife a breather. In fact, I've been taking my son on the trails with me.
Looking back on my life, I wonder if the anxiety was hidden in the way I acted (cracking my knuckles, biting finger nails, tapping feet, always joking around, hyper..etc)
Although I had many stresses over the past few years, I wonder if my coping mechanism changed, resulting in panic attacks?!
I feel like a better person now even though I feel I am just getting back on my feet again. I guess what I am trying to say is there is a life after panic attacks (or with them) Doctors generally know best so if they put you on the meds, take them and definately find time to relax... find time to do something you enjoy or find a new activity. find a new coping mechanism.
Dave
