I need to be back here in the Lounge. I've had a rough few days.

[SmileyBoy]

I have a panic/anxiety disorder, and I've suffered panic attacks last Sunday night through today from some trauma I recieved on Sunday related to the biggest anxiety/fear in my life, and I really don't want to talk about it specifically.

I had to go to the doc on Monday and get some Xanax prescribed. I'm still getting some low-level anxiety, but not panic attacks per se. The biggest fear in my life that's related to the trauma I recieved on Sunday night is still dwelling in the back of my mind in the form of irrational fears. It's gonna take a while to recover from it.

I don't want to get into specifics, but I have "End of the World" panic/anxiety fears, and some asshole posted a false story on another message board about a doomsday asteroid coming directly towards Earth, and to collide early Friday morning. The story turned out to be a blatant hoax, and nobody even gave it a second thought, but I'm still trying to get over the panic/trauma. Apparently I'm the only person that false story effected.

So the Lounge will be my home the next few nights.

[Armand]

1. Zoloft...

took away my panic attacks. :)

[SmileyBoy]

2. I take Celexa for general anxiety.

But Doc said Xanax is a good immediate solution for the biggies.

[Deja Q]

9. Drugs should never be taken lightly...

I've been prescribed, and sometimes mis-prescribed for drugs.

The only drugs that ever worked were d__ (forgot the name, sorry) and Wellbutrin.

D___ worked but built up toxins in my liver so I had to stop using it.

Wellbutrin is Zoloft, just with a less alien sounding name and in a prettier color. It eventually gave me seizures on the left side of my body so I had to quit. 18 months later, the seizures came back on their own.

and the "doctors" who 'analyze' and prescribe. The good ones are either dead or haven't been born. They just go by the book, never listen (well do fuckin' duh, professionals in mental health ALWAYS have a credo: They're bright. You're the unbalanced idiot. Of course they won't take you seriously) throw some pills at you (at exorbitant costs too x( , of which you can't get a refund if they don't work - so the drug companies are stealing your money) and say "oh well, pop these pills instead" if the original batch fails.

All that people need is communication with other people who they get along with. Together we can cope and survive. Separately, a bunch of bastards exploit us with drugs that do more long term damage than short term so-called gain. And what does our society do? Promote divorce in every way possible; I wouldn't even consider, much less go to, a marriage counselor...

[TrogL]

10. Wellbutrin is not Zoloft

Wellbutrin's a lot stronger and a different class of drug.

It also has one side effect that's fairly drastic for some people - it caused me seizures.

[Droopy]

11. Drugs have worked for me without serious side effects

I have to take them. I would either be dead or locked away in some mental institution without them.

When I go crazy, I do it right. There is nothing that anybody can say to me that will bring me out of a psychotic episode. I get so paranoid that I twist everything that people say to fit some preconceived idea and there's just no breaking out of it.

I know a lot of people have gotten a bad deal from psychiatric drugs. But for many of us, we could not go on living without them.

[SmileyBoy]

12. I'm taking one Xanax every 8 hours. Nothing to worry about.

[Lefta Dissenter]

3. I'm sorry

and while I can't help in the counseling or medication end of things, I can post this:

That's our Muppy, who never fails to make me feel better (photo taken and developed by my daughter). I hope you can find comfort in those around you. I wish you the best.

[SmileyBoy]

4. I wish my kitty Monesha was here with me right now.

Unfortunately, she's back at my parent's place.

But my dad is visiting this weekend, so that's good news!

[Lefta Dissenter]

6. That IS good news

so lean on him, and let him help you. I don't know about you, but I still get that 'bursting into tears feeling of relief' sometimes if I'm going through a crisis and my dad walks in. And I'm 46 years old!

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

5. You are not the only one, perhaps just the most visible one

It's cool.
Everyone has triggers. That just happened to squeeze yours. I completely understand what you are going through, been there myself.

So, hang out... mellow that harsh and listen to some good music.

[Droopy]

7. Y2K must have been hell on you, man.

I know that one had me freaking out somewhat.

Well, I hope you get to feeling better. I know those Xanax can get you chilled out real good. A friend of mine buys them on the street and takes several at a time. Says they make him feel like nothing can bother him, like he just doesn't care about anything. I wouldn't suggest taking as many at a time as he does, though. Probably bad for you.

[SmileyBoy]

8. Y2K had no effect on me.

I thought it was too implausible of a scenario for the world ending. I was just sitting at my house with a bottle of wine, celebrating that night and waiting for the Central Time Zone to christen the new millenium.

[clyrc]

13. I have panic disorder, too

and the occassional xanax works best for me.

I'm sorry you're having a bad time. I hope you can hang around in the lounge and laugh and relax.

[SmileyBoy]

14. Thank you.

If I ever find in public that son of a bitch who did that to me on Sunday night, well God forgive me for what I'd do.