Hello, my name is Melissa, and I am very glad to be a member of the Anxiety group. I guess my story really started in my teenage years with me having very rapid mood swings. Of course, at that age, I was just called moody! In 1993 I started having panic attacks. Not just one every once in awhile, but EVERY day!! It got to where I was literally housebound and would still have them. I finially went to a psychiatrist who gave me tricyclic antidepressants and a low dose of xanax. I seemed to get over the panic, but the anxiety never left. I kept having problems with working, functioning, ect., so I went inpatient at our Mental Health Hospital for a week. I finially got a diagnosis! Bipolar I with panic disorder. I have been on mood stablizers and other meds. from time to time since the diagnosis.

I have a wonderful support system. I have a 20 year old daughter who starts her third year in college next fall. I have my parents and I have my wonderful fiance'. I am on Disability for my illness, but I spend my time during the day watching my great aunt and I sew quilts and other sewing hobbies. I love to work with my flowers because I feel it is relaxing. I have my best friend "Max." Who is a big orange tabby. I'm also taking some online college courses.

I will be glad to talk to anyone about your situation or your current problems. I feel that all of us talking and comforting each other is essential in our really bad times. I hope to talk to you soon.

My name is Chris and I live in Minnesota. I am the proud mom to six children (4 boys and 2 girls). I enjoy the outdoors, fishing, camping, cooking, baking, and gardening. I love the holidays and making them special for my family and friends. I have my home decorated for each one. I like to give my kids and myself the things I didn't have as a child.

I started drinking at a young age to cope with the pain of being abused. It was the only way I made it through at that time. I stopped drinking when I had my children and found gambling. It quickly became compulsive and took the place of alcohol. I hit my bottom with a suicide attempt and went into treatment. It saved my life. I have been in recovery since 1998. I have found peace nad serenity in my life. I hope to share my experience, strength and hope with others that they may have the same.

I joined MD-Junction to learn, listen and lend a helping hand to others. I have found that the best way to heal is to have a good support system with people that care and understand. I have found that here. I have made many friends and wish to make many more. I want others to know that they are not alone and will never be alone again. You can PM me anytime and I will do my best to get an answer ASAP.

Your Friend and fellow group member, Chris