It's been a long road

[spike35]

Hello everyone

Where to start, well i'm 35 and still remember the first panic attack i had when i was 19 and it hit me like nothing else i had experienced or ever wanted to experience, then came the visits to the doctor to find out what was going on, well from then on i stopped playing football, cricket and other sports that i loved and slowly cut myself off from everything and everyone i loved, so now i am trying to catch up with all that i missed out on, but am still grateful i am alive and did not end it when i wanted to so many times, i am still medicated and have not had a panic attack for over ten years but still battle the negative thoughts and loneliness, but to everyone who takes the time to read this, life was meant to be a challenge and i am still up for the challenge. No matter how hard it all seems to be just remember we are all unique in our own way and we all belong on this great planet of ours, stay strong and never give up, thanks.

[Touille]

Hey Spike35,

Welcome to the forums.

Thanks for posting a inspiring message despite your problems you have faced.

I'm 35 and love my sports too, life can be lonely and challenging at times, like you said, we must keep on going. I suffer from anxiety and I'm determine to manage it best I can.

It's great you haven't had a panic attack for so long. I do hope you can make some new friends who understand you. There are lots of caring people on the forums with similar problems to you. Good on you for having a positive attitude.

Take Care

Touille

[Zeal]

Welcome to the forum Spike,

Thanks for your honest and optimistic post!

I am so glad you haven't had a panic attack in over a decade! Your strength and resilience shines through your words. Recovering from mental illness, and being able to reflect optimistically like you have, is fantastic. It sounds as though you are stable in terms of your mental health, and I hope this will continue. If you ever feel you are going even slightly downhill, see your doctor straight away.

If you don't mind me asking, do you have social support from family and/or close friends? Relationships, whatever form they take, are crucial.

Take care,

Zeal