This is my story

[kkcusce]

Hello, My names Kelly Im 22 from Hampton Roads VA. I've been having panic attacks since I was 14. I have an Identical twin sister whom also suffers from panic attacks. I remember my very first panic attack. It was induced by marijuana...lots and lots at once. I was hot boxing a tent with some friends and all of the sudden everything went black it was like I was fading in and out of conciousness only I was still concious... i fell into utter panic and I felt like I had to escape... I don't really remember most of it but I know at one point my friend called my father (he's a therapist) he checked the weed to see if it was laced and it wasn't, thats when he told me about panic attacks. They haven't stopped since. For about 2 years after I couldn't even be around pot with out full blown panic attacks, but now it doesn't bother me. For some reason I have built a bridge phobia and I haven't driven over a bridge in about 6 years. I was on all sorts of medicines but I have decided to cease all medication, so far it has been ok although my anxiety is more generalized lately. I didn't believe that anyone could possibly have had the panic attacks as me, although now I'm starting to realize other people do, I still don't believe anyone truley knows the feeling. I pride myself on my rationality so when I have such an irrational fear it makes me feel crazy. This is a constant struggle in my life and wheeew I just needed to tell someone!! Now if I can just drive over a fucking bridge!!! -Kelly

 

[Marvolo]

Hi, welcome to SPW.

I don't have the panic attacks, but the social anxiety. Interesting, what's worse... :lol: :?

Cheers!

 

[Aim]

I have read that if you have social phobia, you DO NOT have panic attacks, and that if you do you have a panic disorder and not social phob.....is this true?

 

[nesh]

I used to smoke weed in my teens but around the time I started having SP symptoms, 16, whenever I smoked it I would have extreme panic attacks, without even knowing what a panic attack was, I just wanted to get the hell out of wherever I was. Just one puff sets me off. I'm paranoid and self conscious enough without it! Having SP is actually like being constantly stoned, constantly thinking why ppl are looking at you... xD

I don't fit in with my old circle of friends anymore cos that's what they live their life for, getting high and partying, which is pretty common, I just wish I could join in! Getting high was fun dammit!

 

[SilentType]

You can still get high. Like you said, like having SP is like being stoned wondering why ppl r looking at you. If you get high, you have to be able to look past the fact that ppl might know you're stoned and just be a free spirit. I dunno, I smoke pot and I find it a great relief after a long day of SP issues.
I smoke to go into another zone and try to escape social phobia and try new things and what not. I think if used correctly, pot could be very beneficially to us SPers.

Peace