I was the same
I started having them at 15 and refused to seek help for them, my mum didn't realise what they were and a helpful doctor misdiagnosed it as stress due to my GCSEs. Eventually my bf at the time persuaded me to go to counselling when I was 20 and it really did work miracles. It turned out I had the classic relationship issues with my mother and instead of feeling upset or angry my body was choosing denial via anxiety. Once I confronted how I was feeling really we started working on our relationship and it wasn't easy but I've been panic attack free for 2 years now. Got to love a cliched reason though, right?!

There is no shame in asking for help. I felt like people were defining me as crazy but then my friend told me "everybody has a little bit of trouble dealing with stuff now and again, and it's ok to admit that and ask for help" and I realised she was right. Good luck :)
(Petite chien is going to do science to it, Mon 25 Jul 2011, 19:42, 1 reply)

thanks
your friend was right, and I'm glad you're doing well.

Philip Larkin was right about parents. I'm surprised anyone makes it through intact.
(leviticus no longer likes the cut of your gib on, Tue 26 Jul 2011, 9:37, closed)