Hello everyone!

I look forward to talking with all of you!

I too have Panic Disorder and OCD. You have come to the right place for support. Everyone here is wonderful and very supportive. As far as your medication goes, I suppose you will have to discuss that with your doctor. I am also diagnosed Bipolar I, so I have to take medication daily. My therapist has recommended meditation and relaxation CD's for my anxiety. I'm going to give it a try to see if it helps. Any relief from anxiety is a help, huh? If you need anything let me know at anytime. Take care.

I've talked to my doctor, and although we're not sure if going off the meds will work for me, we're going to give it a try because my husband and I would like to try having another baby. I'm terrified of possible side-effects for the baby, so this is something I have to try. If it doesn't work, then we'll go from there. I came to terms a long time ago with the possibility of a lifetime of pills, but I have to try this for the baby. I think having other people to talk to will be a great help as I push through this. Thank you so much for your warm welcome!

I use breathing techniques, positive thinking, and support from people here. I also went to counseling for many years. I had to deal with the abuse and the fear that I had.

I hope that you are able to get off the medication so you can have another baby. Children are such a gift. I have 6 of my own and a step daughter.....she has a 1 year old little girl. I'm a grandmother!!! It's great!!

I hope that you will enjoy the group. Best wishes to you. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

I received regular counseling for a year after I was diagnosed. I have had general and social anxiety as well as OCD since I was a small child; no reason, just born that way. The panic attacks started in my late teens/early twenties, and once again, no trigger. My Grandma and Dad also have anxiety disorders and panic disorder, so I think our brains just don't make the right chemicals.

The PTSD, however, does stem from a cause. I was abused by my husband for years, and it has had long-lasting effects on me: PTSD is just one of them.

I know it will be especially hard for me to go off medication, and I could possibly have to go back on it after the baby is born, but I'm ok with that.

Thanks again for your warm wishes! I feel truly welcome here.

I'm sorry that your husband was abusive. I also went through that with my boyfriend. It was so hard to deal with! I still get very anxious when I see him. I physically shake. It does have a long lasting affect. I don't think a person ever gets over it completely. It can be worked through with therapy and medications.

I hope that you feel better soon.