by M M Johns

Created on: October 17, 2009   Last Updated: October 18, 2009

It is now two and a half years since I was diagnosed as suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety and Depression. Although, in retrospect, it had been building for a number of years prior to this time. I was at work when chest pains accompanied by discomfort in left arm led to checks and tests for a heart attack. When these proved to be negative, thankfully, my doctor had a long session with me, discussing what I thought were irrelevant topics. I had denied thoughts and emotions, such as crying at the drop of a hat, thoughts of suicide and the fact that I was isolating myself more and more. He immediately referred me to a consultant psychiatrist who made the diagnosis. I was then prescribed appropriate medication. It was explained that these medications were to address the chemical imbalance in my brain, the Serotonin levels.

Simultaneously I was to attend group therapy on subjects such as Managing Depression, Anxiety Management and Self Esteem. These groups served a very worthwhile purpose despite my initial reservations about attending them. The feeling of isolation and the physical symptoms of anxiety are very real and the groups helped me to realise that I was not alone, that others felt the same isolation and many of the physical symptoms. This, in itself, was of great benefit.

Another benefit was understanding the enemy at the door. I have always found that understanding the issue always makes the task of overcoming the difficulties easier and this was certainly the case with depression. There were many tools to assist myself and the others in this. I personally found that gym work and the subsequent release of endorphins to be highly beneficial.

Other tools were recognising the onset of anxiety and the measures which could be taken to help alleviate the symptoms. Breathing techniques and Emotional Freedom Techniques serve the patient well in this regard. Tai Chi and emotional dance are other techniques which were demonstrated to be useful.

However, all the above help and support cannot be accessed and put into place unless the fact that there is a problem developing is recognised in the first place. The personal physician is the best place to start, they are best placed to refer you to a consultant, as they deem necessary. Depression and anxiety are issues which are readily diagnosed and are recognised as being more prevalent in modern society than in the past. Perhaps, this is because people are more willing to discuss them openly without fear of shame or embarrassment, factors which were extremely inhibiting in the past, probably more so in men.

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