EXPERIENTIAL THEORY
The experiential theory is one that looks a person and how they define their illness and what it means to them. This theory gives the patient a chance to define their particular illness based on their personal life and experience. The person telling their illness narrative has influences from their own biological, social and psychological issues. Telling a personal narrative to others about your illness it can benefit them greatly. The audience can understand how different people percieve an illness and live with it day to day. The audience may also take advice and seek support for their own illness after hearing the narrative.
The experiential theory is one that looks a person and how they define their illness and what it means to them. This theory gives the patient a chance to define their particular illness based on their personal life and experience. The person telling their illness narrative has influences from their own biological, social and psychological issues. Telling a personal narrative to others about your illness it can benefit them greatly. The audience can understand how different people percieve an illness and live with it day to day. The audience may also take advice and seek support for their own illness after hearing the narrative.
My Struggle with Anxiety
I personally suffer from GAD ( generalized anxiety disorder). I have had constant anxiety and even panic attacks as far back as I can remember. The first time I experienced a panic attack I was standing in Organic Chemistry lab at Michigan State. After the teacher had presented the syllabus and all the work we would be doing that semester my mind immediately started racing. I could not stop thinking about how much I had to do and how overwhelming it all was. Before I could even begin to write down things in my notebook I had turned completely white in the face and fainted. After that occurrence I had fainted 3 more times from overwhelming stress, and still was not seeking help. When I took the time to look at possible dental schools and plan for the future the panic attacks progressively got worse. When someone would even mention school or grades my heart would race and my hands would shake. Before I knew it my anxiety was taking over my life. I would put off important dates and schoolwork because I knew that the stress and anxiety would follow. I did not think I needed help because it seemed every college student had anxiety to an extent and it was normal.
Finally, after telling my mother this constant battle I have with anxiety she explained how she once felt the same way. She explained certain coping mechanisms she uses and made me promise that I would make a doctors appointment to discuss possible treatment options for my anxiety. I went to the doctor and was prescribed xannex when needed for extreme panic attacks. If it had not been for my mother intervening I would still be living day to day battling constant anxiety. I am now involved in therapy and group meditation to find alternative ways to cope with my anxiety. I would describe my personal narrative as a chaos narrative, because I let my disorder get to the absolute worst before I even accepted help. It has affected my relationships, schoolwork, and psychological state. I hope to share my story with others so that they realize they also do not have to live another day with extreme anxiety and there is a solution. I also want people to realize that being stubborn and avoiding treatment can only hurt them. Waiting or avoiding the problem will only make it worse in the long run.
I personally suffer from GAD ( generalized anxiety disorder). I have had constant anxiety and even panic attacks as far back as I can remember. The first time I experienced a panic attack I was standing in Organic Chemistry lab at Michigan State. After the teacher had presented the syllabus and all the work we would be doing that semester my mind immediately started racing. I could not stop thinking about how much I had to do and how overwhelming it all was. Before I could even begin to write down things in my notebook I had turned completely white in the face and fainted. After that occurrence I had fainted 3 more times from overwhelming stress, and still was not seeking help. When I took the time to look at possible dental schools and plan for the future the panic attacks progressively got worse. When someone would even mention school or grades my heart would race and my hands would shake. Before I knew it my anxiety was taking over my life. I would put off important dates and schoolwork because I knew that the stress and anxiety would follow. I did not think I needed help because it seemed every college student had anxiety to an extent and it was normal.
Finally, after telling my mother this constant battle I have with anxiety she explained how she once felt the same way. She explained certain coping mechanisms she uses and made me promise that I would make a doctors appointment to discuss possible treatment options for my anxiety. I went to the doctor and was prescribed xannex when needed for extreme panic attacks. If it had not been for my mother intervening I would still be living day to day battling constant anxiety. I am now involved in therapy and group meditation to find alternative ways to cope with my anxiety. I would describe my personal narrative as a chaos narrative, because I let my disorder get to the absolute worst before I even accepted help. It has affected my relationships, schoolwork, and psychological state. I hope to share my story with others so that they realize they also do not have to live another day with extreme anxiety and there is a solution. I also want people to realize that being stubborn and avoiding treatment can only hurt them. Waiting or avoiding the problem will only make it worse in the long run.
Sources:
Daft, Richard. "Consequences of Stress". Accessed August 14, 2013. https://www.boundless.com/management/organizational-behavior/stress-in-organizations/consequences-of-stress/
Dynamic Training and Rehabilitation Inc. "Anxiety Disorder". Accessed August 15, 2013. http://dynamic-therapeuticmassage.blogspot.com/2010/07/anxiety-disorder.html
Daft, Richard. "Consequences of Stress". Accessed August 14, 2013. https://www.boundless.com/management/organizational-behavior/stress-in-organizations/consequences-of-stress/
Dynamic Training and Rehabilitation Inc. "Anxiety Disorder". Accessed August 15, 2013. http://dynamic-therapeuticmassage.blogspot.com/2010/07/anxiety-disorder.html