Hello from Hove

[hove_peter]

Long term NPS (National Phobics Society) member, I'm 51 and have intermittently suffered from GAD/agrophobia/panic attacks since my late teens and particularly whilst I was a student in my early twenties while I studied engineering.  Originally from East Anglia, settled in Brighton ten years ago with my wife and two children (daughter 13, son 16) for employment reasons. 

I have always been able to work, although my condition has caused me to change employment a couple of times and I am no longer working as an engineer because of the difficulty I have with travelling.  I now work as a technician in Worthing, to which I cycle every day (short regular journeys not an ordeal for me).

Regarding treatment, I have never progressed beyond the GP prescribed medication stage except for one visit to a cardiologist in the early days, and one visit to a hospital consultant who privately practised hypnotherapy.  Presently I am back on Seroxat, prompted by my summer holiday abroad which I felt I only just scraped through with the help of Valium, it was a pretty miserable experience - Valium works, but I know you cannot take it regularly and it is no lasting solution.  I have in the past been given beta-blockers (Inderal) which I still keep nearby.  I did hint to my GP that maybe I could have some therapy but he only offers medication.

I have previously been on Seroxat for a period of three years - it took three months to wean myself off to avoid dizzy spells - and a period of a few months last year.  When I'm on it I don't really get any side effects and I do seem to feel better, I'm on 20mg/day though I notice that the inclusion leaflet recommends 40mg/day for panic attacks.

One thing I have learnt over the years is that support from others is vital, so I would encourage anyone out there in the Brighton area similarly affected to introduce themselves via this site.

Peter

[Noisy]

Hi Peter and welcome.

I really appreciate that you took the time to be the first member here and that you posted such an honest account of your situation.
I think it's a great achievement that you kept on working throughout your anxiety. I'm desperate to get back to work, or at least education, and the sense of achievement and validation that brings. I'll get there one day .....

I'm interested to know if you've ever stopped cycling, or exercising for any significant period. Did you ever notice an increase in anxiety or depression? I have, myself, but have often wondered if it is imagined or maybe simply because I'm missing the outside world and interaction.

I see that you've considered therapy. Could you get a referral to the psychology department? They would probably assess your needs and go from there but obviously everyone is different. I suppose that is what the assessment is for.

Finally, sorry for taking a while to reply to your post. I've been working hard to promote the site and get B.A.F. listed on the serach engines.

Best regards,
Martin.

[hove_peter]

Hello Martin, thanks for your reply. 

Regarding your questions and comments, yes I am relatively fortunate to have been able to stay at work throughout, even if my anxiety problems have to some extent dictated the type of work I'm comfortable doing, so there is a bit of avoidance on my part.  Everyone differs of course and some of the things that upset me you might take in your stride.

The cycling is something I've kept up over the years without much of a break.  Over the last ten years I have done a high mileage, I even belonged to a club.  I often read that exercise is good for you mentally as well as physically, and I think there is some truth in this.  The "Relapse Prevention Pack" on the NPS website even says that it burns off adrenaline.  What I would say is that whilst I'm actually cycling I'm quite relaxed mentally, my body is working hard enough so that I wouldn't notice any symptoms due to anxiety and I'm distracted, and also I feel good afterwards.

I have considered therapy, largely because I've read about it in the NPS magazine.  Specifically, Prof Adrian Wells who I rate highly and always read his section, recommends CBT.  What appeals to me about it is that it is a positive act doing this, whereas taking medication is usually easy but I don't like becoming reliant on it.

Back to practical matters, I have to say it again - I'm bowled over by the quality of your site.  You really could do this professionally, if the work was available.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find the site when I searched yahoo today (at work during my dinner break, I didn't have the web address with me), so the promotion is still needed.  I'm happy to go on chatting in this way though, if you are.

Best wishes

Pete

[ems]

Hello, Pete I have to say I'm surprised your GP hasn't put you forward for therapy. Having said that my Gp's have been reluctant to , suspect it was only because I was at a Uni which had its own counsilling department that I ended up having counsilling for two years. If you want the free service from the NHS for CBT you just have to dig in and if necessary tell your doctor you want a second opinion (if he doesn't put you on the list).Your GP will probably point out the long waiting list - if so tell him that's just fine you can wait as long as it takes.

Having said all that I don't know if I can be bothered to go through the process and have looked up some good places in Brighton for therapy, The Beech Group looks the best so far and has strong links with Sussex uni.

Hope that helps,

Ems