[jenniferroxanne]

I am a nineteen year old girl suffering from an EXTREME fear of fainting. I used to be so ashamed of my "strange" problem, but I'm to the point where, I just want my life back!.
When I was thirteen, I joined Air Cadets with my twin brother. One night while standing at attention, my brother fainted. I had no idea what happened.. I'd never seen anyone faint before. I seriously thought he was dead. Afterwards I became very anxious about going to the program, was always checking on him and eventually got to the point where I couldn't handle the anxiety and quit. About a year and a half later, I started to get really dizzy at random times, was always light headed and weak, missed a lot of school, had every medical test known to man! And was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. I missed four months of school.
For the next two years, I was a very nervous person, BUT I still lived my life and a great one at that, with the exception of good schooling.
One day, I took a severe panic attack, and that was that. I gathered an obscene fear of fainting out of the blue. I didn't leave my bed for six months, and my house for even longer. I am originally a small girl, I've gained over 80 pounds from fear of.. moving.. really, in case I faint. I can't keep a job. I quit school ( I was a straight A student who LOVED school) and ruined the best relationship with the most wonderful understanding boy I've ever met.
Right now, I'm back in school, but will be expelled any day now from lack of attendance, and I am working, but am afraid I will be fired if I don't get my **** together. I hate the way I look and where I am in life. I have no motivation anymore and the life I always wanted to make for myself, just seems impossible now..
I need advice and I need it bad. If there is anyone else out there with this phobia, feel more than free to share your stories. Maybe we can help each other understand ourselves a little better. I've come to believe that anti anxiety pills and willpower just aren't going to cut it.

[sersha]

I think that you need to see your doctor, they can give you advice and put things into place in order to help you. You are anxious and with panic attacks id recommend that you concerntrate on your breathing.. a brown paper bag can help. You need to speak with a school councillor as well, they will be able to help you. If no one knows they can help.

Good luck