Panic

**lgw** · 01-30-2009, 10:26 AM

I had a mild anxiety/panic attack last night. All of the bad news about job layoffs and the economy just overwhelmed me, and I started to freak out. There is no talk about layoffs where DH and I work so it really was a reaction to news stories. I may need to just stop watching the nightly news. I was laid off in 2000 and all of those old feelings just came right up and overtopped my brain.

DH calmed me down, told me we would be fine and that if we did lose our jobs, we'd deal with it. I'm calmer, but still on edge.

**Ebbie** · 01-30-2009, 11:42 AM

You're not alone. While I feel my own job is safe I also feel anxious about the current economy. I've been taking all the extra overtime I can get at work, when I never used to even take any. The reason? I just feel this need to beef up savings in these hard times. While I feel I'm safe from layoff, right now there are 2 people in my extended family who are laid off. How does that affect me? Well, what if they come to me for help? What if someone asks to move in with me if they can't pay their rent? So indirectly the layoffs affect me, and I feel compelled to try and do more to earn more. I'm beginning to realize that "no man is an island" and we're all affected by the downturn, and we can all feel anxious even if our immediate jobs are safe.

**The Muse** · 01-30-2009, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by Ebbie

While I feel I'm safe from layoff, right now there are 2 people in my extended family who are laid off. How does that affect me? Well, what if they come to me for help? What if someone asks to move in with me if they can't pay their rent? So indirectly the layoffs affect me, and I feel compelled to try and do more to earn more.

I'm in the same boat. My FIL just heard that his contract isn't going to be renewed. They just moved into a spendy new luxury home and confessed to DH that they have an amount of credit card debt that made me gasp outloud.

My sister has 4 kids, a mortgage and works at a grocery store.

DH and I been responsible and are well prepared for the worst, but what happens if either of the above mentioned houses of cards fall? I know it's not my mess, but I'm completely stressed out about it!

**cab54** · 01-31-2009, 09:52 AM

My brother lost his job last year, the first year his only child went off to college.

My father (retired/disabled) is always in dire straits, ---and dh and I, and one of my sisters practically support him.

One of dh's brothers is disabled (and unemployed) and we transport him to doc appts, and whatever else.

My DS25 got his master's degree in aero-space engineering, and is trying to find work. He is back living with us for the time being. He did get a call yesterday about a job, and we are praying ourselves silly that he gets it.

I worry what will be left for our old age.

**Marie78** · 01-31-2009, 01:55 PM

I panic now and again when I think about the economy and our expecting our first baby. I'll be 31 when the baby is born, I don't feel old, but I'm not a young mom for sure. I worry about us getting by if something should happen to one of our jobs. I want to go back to my job part time around my Dh's work schedule, I worry that my job won't allow me to work part time and that we'll really struggle financially with a new baby.

**sabrelvssammy** · 02-04-2009, 04:01 PM

i know that everything seems so scary right now...but just remember this...all the people here at fv are 'survivors'...they wouldn't be HERE if they weren't....we are all figuring out in our own ways how to make what we've been dealt in this world work... You are a survivor...and up to this point in your life you have managed.....so whatever happens...happens...but know that you have the 'skills and the capability' to roll with it.... most of these other people aren't going to be so lucky....

**Patty A** · 02-05-2009, 10:55 AM

I couldn't agree more sabrelvssammy!
I think the people here are all "survivors" in one way or another. And with the skills we are learning, sharing, and working at we will be able to survive and make do with how we will have to cope with however things turn out. You get a great bunch here, and everyone is willing to share the knowledge they have to help everyone else. This Village is an awesome place, full of awesome people that are more than willing to help each learn new and exciting things to make their life better in all kinds of ways. It doesn't matter what you are needing help with, there is always someone willing to help with whatever they can. You can't beat friends that are so willing to offer up help, and it truly will make things easier for us all no matter what comes our way!

It is a scary time, and its easy to watch how "bad" things are and get panic stricken with fear of what "might" happen. All we can do is be there to help each other, be a shoulder to lean on, and encourage each other! Hang in there, we are survivors!

**mommy4ever** · 02-05-2009, 11:11 AM

I totally hear you! I get that anxiety. I know we'll be ok overall, but dh is in a job that has started layoffs. THey are a global company, they closed one in Canada a few months ago. Recently started layoffs, but not here.....yet. Dh is not at the bottom of the ladder, and *should* be ok. But key word is *should*.

I avoid the news programs, and pick and chose what articles I read. Otherwise I panic. Even here, if I'm feeling anxious, I don't read the posts regarding recession. I need to focus my energy on bettering our situation, not worrying about the world in those anxious moments.

**jas** · 02-05-2009, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by lgw

I had a mild anxiety/panic attack last night. All of the bad news about job layoffs and the economy just overwhelmed me, and I started to freak out. There is no talk about layoffs where DH and I work so it really was a reaction to news stories. I may need to just stop watching the nightly news. I was laid off in 2000 and all of those old feelings just came right up and overtopped my brain.

DH calmed me down, told me we would be fine and that if we did lose our jobs, we'd deal with it. I'm calmer, but still on edge.

I absolutly know what you mean. Around the end of October last year I had a really bad panic attack all from the news and all the election stuff that was on t.v. I ended up being taken to the hospital in an ambulance. I never really recovered from that attack and spent the next several weeks in a horrible mess. On the morning of thanksgiving I had to go again. I was willing to take anything they would give me.

I ended up taking some meds for about a month or so and started seeing someone. I am back to normal (ha! ha!) now, but I was worried as heck that I would have to be on something for life.

I resisted taking anything thinking I could/should get over it. I know believe that I needed them for the short time I was on them for sure.

Now I watch very little news and if the world falls apart my bff will call me and let me know. She watches all the news stuff.

For now that is what works for me. Little by little it gets easier. I was so bad that it was becoming like agoraphobia for me I would barely leave the house. Glad to say that has changed.

PM me if you need to. I know how bad life can get with living with panic attacks.