I am actually still hiding it.. from boyfriend and family. They all know I suffer from anxiety and to a point it got really good and they all assumed I was 'better' but eventually it started coming back again and now I would just rather keep it to myself. When I told them about it at first , they all felt kinda sorry for me in a way. Any bad mood I had was always attributed to my anxiety. I really hated it.. I felt like they used it against me, especially my boyfriend "Oh its just your anxiety".. yeah.. right. I have had moments where I want to break down but I stay strong because I feel like I will be somewhat vulnerable and weak. But it is a really good thing you came out.. I have no advice really because I am still in that situation. At least your moving forward.

I hide just about all of it now and share just a little bit with my girlfriend and son. I think it's better for me to concentrate on my coping skills and how I look at anxiety and how the best ways are for me to carve the fear off of anxiety and see it for what it really is. We just give it to much power and I'm not saying just you. It's me to and I'm learning every day as much as I can. It's the habits of making anxiety so powerful with us that we have to change and see them clearly and what they really are! Good Luck!, OO, Garrett

i also suffer with depression anxiety and panic attacks.my daughter read and sent me someting i want to share it.this is what it says.depression,anxiety,and panic attacks are not a sign of weakness.they are signs of having tried to remain strong way too long. it made my day.pray.you can receive something positive from it also.maddie

Good for you.....anxiety is hard enough without trying to pretend you don't have it. That was really brave of you. I have to laugh at the people who think we are doing it for attention.

I used to be one of those people who would roll my eyes when the panic attack patients would come in to the office begging for meds. I totally thought they were pathetic and and desperate for attention. And then one day found myself clutching my chest at the Emergency Room telling the doctor that he didn't know what he was talking about...I really WAS dying! lol Karma......

Don't worry about that though. You won't ever convince them otherwise, most likely...and the more you try the more it will seem like you are "trying too hard" to convince them and all that. Anxiety is one of those things that it has to be enough to know that WE know the truth. There aren't any "Told you so!" moments. Well, I did get one with my sister after she used to make fun of me and then she got an anxiety disorder as well........but for the most part we are on our own and we just gotta live with it and conquer it that way.

What is your husband's definition of "more treatment"?

I hid my anxiety and panic for 8 years. I made up excuses to friends and family for that long. I made excuses to not go on vacations, the movies, family get-together's, and so many other things. My family thought that I became a boring person, but I wish they could have known the internal suffering I was experiencing. Telling my family was the best thing I could have ever done. It took a huge weight off of my shoulders. But even though I told my friends and family I still felt some pressure by them to get better. Many of them went to some lengths to understand what I was going through but they will never understand. All I wanted was for them to support me, that's all. I don't want them to understand because that would mean that they would have to go through what I experience, and believe me, I do not wish this upon anyone. You are not a failure at all. People with anxiety and panic are some of the bravest people because each day we wake up and face the anxiety. This is a huge step for you. Try to celebrate the fact that you let your family know. You are going to realize that you have many people supporting you, and I'm not talking about just those closely related to you. There have been so many things that I have feared as I've experienced this disorder, but I promise you that things are greater on the other side. Take the steps to get through this, you'll be surprised as to how strong you really are. Hope this helps. Take care.

I am so glad you opened up about it. As you said your hubby is very supportive and thats what you really need right now. We all go through this, hiding it from someone, our parents, our kids, but it really does help to have the support of someone close. Proud of you, its not easy to do.

You all are so sweet!!! Thanks for all the support. Lily I think my husband thinks there is still a magic pill out there that is going to work. I dont like meds but I know I have to depend on them to a point. I cant do it alone. I have tried. I also know that the pills will never take this away. He keeps telling me that I am going to get better and it is going to go away. Sometimes I get really mad at him. I tell him I have tried several different meds and other things like CBT but it is still here. Having this for 23 years now I have come to the conclusion that I will have this for life and the best thing I can do is try and learn how to deal with it. Like you all have said unless someone has it they dont realize how it works and it is just not that simple to take a pill and your fine. I know that no matter what he or anyone else thinks I know my body and I know my limits. Its weird but I feel like no one really knows me. I continue having to explain myself to my family all the time. I have an aunt that had some anxiety attacks 14 years ago. Her doctor put her on paxil and she has been fine and never had another one. She is the worst person when it comes to understanding anxiety. She thinks because the pill worked for her and still is that everyone is that way. I told her she should watch how she treats people because that pill may stop working at any time and then it wont be pretty. I know I am talking too much lol but again thanks to all of you :)