The Faces of Mental Illness: Paula Deen

[merrr]

Paula Deen is a woman of Southern charm and authentic, real-butter cooking. But Deen had a hard time doing away with her panic attacks and agoraphobia, she said in an interview on the Larry King Live television show. Agoraphobia is when people fear places they know may lead to a panic attack, especially in situations that are difficult to leave. Deen said her attacks began after her father's death, and continued for nearly 20 years. She wouldn't leave the house without a brown paper bag to breathe into in case she had an attack. "I never knew when they were going to hit me, but it's the most terrifying, uncontrollable feeling," she told King. Deen eventually overcame her panic attacks and agoraphobia on her own, but it's common for people with panic attacks to seek professional help.

[bumblebee23]

I to used to have panic attacks. I still didn't understand what my depression was and at certain times if I would start to panic because of an extremly stressful situation, having a miny breakdown, or being around people that made me uncomfortable. It is the worst feeling in the world you feel like you can't breath and you are going to die. I used to have them alot and it made my depression worse because I couldn't control it and people thought I was a freak.

[bumblebee23]

I am happy to say now that I don't have panic attacks anymore. I have been in therapy for a long time and talking it all out along with my meds has really helped me to heal.