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hoobie · 08-19-2006, 12:27 PM

Hi Ghost Dog,

I'm not an expert but I can relate to what you're going through. I have anxiety and panic attacks. What's weird is that I rarely actually have a panic attack, but I spend TONS of time obsessing and worrying that I MIGHT have one. The times that I've had them were so traumatic that I can't stop fearing that I may have another. I was supposed to be in a 3 person play last year and freaked out opening night and never performed. Worst. Day. Ever. Humiliating in every sense of the word.

I saw a therapist for a short while 2 years ago and she said that I was obsessive compulsive. I think an unnatural fear of anything might be considered OCD. I'm looking to see a therapist/psychologist again because I'm tired of the obsessing. I'm tired of drinking until the obsessive thoughts stop.

My advice (please don't take it too seriously since I don't know anything), is to find a therapist who will listen to your concerns about misdiagnosis. If you feel you have PTSD and not Bipolar, then be up front with this. Talk therapy can really help with obsessive thoughts (so I hear), but some sort of medication may be needed as well.

Also, you had a psychotic episode while under the influence of pot. If you no longer smoke it, you probably won't have to experience those awful feelings again. I had a bad experience with it 8 years ago where I saw things and heard voices and thought I was dying. Not fun.

08-19-2006, 12:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
hoobie Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: crazyville Posts: 39	Hi Ghost Dog, I'm not an expert but I can relate to what you're going through. I have anxiety and panic attacks. What's weird is that I rarely actually have a panic attack, but I spend TONS of time obsessing and worrying that I MIGHT have one. The times that I've had them were so traumatic that I can't stop fearing that I may have another. I was supposed to be in a 3 person play last year and freaked out opening night and never performed. Worst. Day. Ever. Humiliating in every sense of the word. I saw a therapist for a short while 2 years ago and she said that I was obsessive compulsive. I think an unnatural fear of anything might be considered OCD. I'm looking to see a therapist/psychologist again because I'm tired of the obsessing. I'm tired of drinking until the obsessive thoughts stop. My advice (please don't take it too seriously since I don't know anything), is to find a therapist who will listen to your concerns about misdiagnosis. If you feel you have PTSD and not Bipolar, then be up front with this. Talk therapy can really help with obsessive thoughts (so I hear), but some sort of medication may be needed as well. Also, you had a psychotic episode while under the influence of pot. If you no longer smoke it, you probably won't have to experience those awful feelings again. I had a bad experience with it 8 years ago where I saw things and heard voices and thought I was dying. Not fun.