I am 33 years old and I have had GAD since I was 15 years old. I would like to share my story.
My first panic attack was at school when I was 15 years old. I was terrified. In fact, I never returned to school for 1 1/2 years after that. At first, they thought it was a virus. Then they tested me for everything under the sun. I went to many doctors and they never were able to help me. Help me, they were never able to identify my condition! My mother told me to make sure that I didn't say anything to the doctors that would indicate that it was "all in my mind." I think this is when my self-esteem went downhill and I started feeling a lot of SHAME!
Finally, the doctor sent me to a psychiatrist. He told me that I was having panic attacks. He put me on an antidepressants and a tranquilizer, and I was able to go back to school. I went on to university where I kept taking my medication and seeing doctors. The medication helped but the doctors did not. My shame grew and my self-esteem went down lower. They still didn't tell me what I had. They even put me on Lithium and told me I was manic-depressive. I felt very alone. My parents told me I was "a sick women." That really hurt me.
Finally, one of my many doctors sent me to a clinic for progessive relaxation therapy. This helped tremondously! They identified my disorder. I was able to read up on it. I was able to start my life without medication!!!!! I think this is when my recovery really started.
Since then, I have gone backpacking around Europe! I have been holding a great job and doing quite well in all aspects of my life. I still have anxiety attacks from time to time and sometimes I even stay home from work. But overall I think I am doing very well.
Recently, I have been reading more about my condition through the computer. Did I actually say "my condition"? Wow, this is a first. Let me tell you a big secret. I have never told anyone about my anxiety disorder. No one -- not even my husband. Eighteen years after my first panic attack, I am starting to realize that I am not alone. I am in the process now of dissolving my "shame."
My advice would be -- read, read and read!!! and practice relaxation exercises.