No Family Support

[Dougan]

I just recently joined the group, and everyone is being so helpful. I'm not sure what I would do if I didn't have the support from others. I wish I could say that I had my families support, but unfortunately they don't really understand or believe that anxiety/panic is real.  I joined the group  to help my 21 year old son who has recently started having a lot of issues with anxiety and panic. I am concerned for him, and wanted to help him in any way I could. I have tried talking to  my husband about this, but he has the attitude that everyone stresses out at times and he will get over it. To me it's just ignorant to think he will just get over it. Even though I am not currently suffering with panic/anxiety, I can understand and sympathize with others that may be going through this. I don't know if my husband just doesn't want to accept it, but I think he's attitude toward it is unhealthy for my son. I also tried talking to my mother, who also seems to feel that I need to quit babying my son, and let him grow up and handle things on his own. Again I feel they are just ignorant to what anxiety/panic really is. I think to turn my back and let him deal on his own, would be the worse thing I could do. Does anyone else have family/friends that are not supportive and just don't believe in anxiety/panic disorders?  It's very frustrating. I didn't know much about the subject myself, but I have started reading everything I could about it, and joined groups like this to better understand. Again, thank you everyone for all your help.

[kayla]

let me start off by saying i'm so glad you are so willing to help your son. i am 21 years old and have had an anxiety disorder for a little over 5 years now my family too had the idea that this wasn't a true problem and i have to say that if my parents, even if just one had understood that it's not just "everyday stress, she'll get over it" i would be a lot better off now. you are definitely not babying him, he NEEDS support, what he's going through is not easy. if you ever want an outsider's opinion or to hear related stories and how i'm learning to cope, please don't hesitate to let me know. just know that by being supportive to your son, you're already on the right track and don't let anyone tell you differently.

[Dougan]

Kayla,

Thank you for responding to my post. I seem to always be second guessing myself wondering if I am doing the right thing. Its nice to hear from someone else my sons age, and hear your feelings about everything. I would never turn my back on my son regardless, it's just hurtful to me that other family members can"t see things for what they really are, instead of what they want them to be. I am sorry that you didn't have a supportive family. I cannot imagine what it would be like not to have anyone for support. No wonder some people are ashamed or embarrassed to talk to anyone about it. You said you have had an anxiety disorder for over 5 years. Do you now have support from your family? And how are you doing?  I would be interested to hear what type of help you sought, and if it is working for you. I just recently talked my son into making an  appointment with our family doctor in hopes that she can refer him to get the help he needs. I think there are a lot of pressures on young  people now days that just add to the every day pressures of life. I hope you got the help you needed.

[tigerpaw]

I know you will find lots of support here. Let me remind you you can access the Chat Room, after a minimum amount of posts and talk live to some of us here!  A great resource for you.

Also you can post your favorite picture in the Members Gallery.

Check out an introductory post on, "When you think no one understands ....read this."........Link: http://www.anxietyzone.com/index.php/topic,9100.0.html

Lots to do here~

 

[pauly j]

Hello Dougan,

First off, I applaud you for being so concerned and taking your sons condition seriously! 

Most people who never had an experience with anxiety or Panic will never "truly" understand what it really is!  People may think that your son is just stressed out, but believe me, this is much worse than just being stressed out! 

It is good that he at least has one very supportive and caring person to help him through this!  Just be patient and compassionate with him, and make sure that he gets the help that he truly needs!  After seeing a doctor and getting a proper diagnosis, you can then, together, formulate a game plan for recovery!  This is not all in his head, and he cannot just snap out of it!  Most people who do not understand this disorder, thinks its just as easy as that!  If they walked in his shoes, I can assure you, they would not be thinking this!

Having a panic attack is a natural process that most experience in time of perceived danger!  However, for those with panic disorders, they experience this terrible sensation if the absence of any real danger!  They feel as though they are dying from some dreaded disease, such as a Heart attack, stroke, or other life threatening illnesses!  This is a serious matter and should be taken that way!  Panic attacks are not harmful, although they are very frightening, and some say is the most uncomfortable feeling that one can endure!  There are lots of answers in helping him to feel well again!  It might be helpful if he joins the site as well!

I cannot say that I had no support from my family members, however!  I think they took me seriously when I quit my job, which I loved and was making a very substantial income!  I also lost 20 plus pounds in one month from not being able to eat, I could no longer drive, I avoided malls and the supermarkets, and basically could not leave my home for some time(agoraphobia)!  I think these signs were more than enough to let my friends and family know that this is not just something that I could snap out of! 

It will take lots of effort on your sons part!  Medication, if you both agree to it, can provide much relief!  Therapy is also a very beneficial tool for his recovery!  Let him know that you understand him and that you take him seriously, even though others may not!  Support is what he needs most at this time!

I can tell you from experience that my situation was seemingly hopeless, so I thought!  I was able to recover from taking medication, which stopped just about all panic attacks, the meds also helped me to sleep again, after only being able to sleep for a couple of hours a night at most!  It also lifted the depression that I had that was brought on by my persistant anxiety and panic disorder!  Today I am almost the same person that I was before this hit me!  Anxiety is still present, but it is something that most everyone experiences and is a part of life!  I have learned many tools in helping me to control those anxious moments, so that I do not freak myself into another panic attack!  Your son has lots of hope, and you as a big supporter! 

You will find lots of answers here from very caring members who can offer you plenty, so that your son will once again feel well from the grips of this dreaded disorder!  I wish you both well!

Welcome to Anxiety Zone!

pauly j

[kayla]

Do you now have support from your family? And how are you doing?  I would be interested to hear what type of help you sought, and if it is working for you.

My family is actually just now coming around to being sort of supportive. I would be lost if it weren't for my wonderful fiance. I'm doing better, I don't have panic attacks as frequently...I was having 10+ per day, I'm down to about 2 or so now. I'm feeling a lot of depression just because it's all been going on for so long, but I'm taking a low dose of Klonopin and seeing an amazing therapist (had to go through about 5 before finding the perfect fit). It's definitely a process, but I'm getting through it and with your love and support your son will too, it won't be easy, but those two things definitely help. Making a doctor's appointment for him is a great idea, let us know how it goes?
BEST OF LUCK!