I had them BIG TIME. Especially at SAD's, CA's and DA's. They always brought up something that gave me anxiety and the large crowd just intensified it. I ended up at the nurse's station--which didn't have anyone professional---because I was absolutely melting down. They just looked at me and gave me a seat.
For 20 years I took anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds. Since I've left I'm off of all the meds. I went back to college, had to give public speeches, dealt with life threatening illnesses and serious economic concerns brought on by the illnesss and the only panic attack I've had was when I attempted an MRI. It's common for people to panic during MRI's, so I don't view that as pathological.
The borg induces large amounts of guilt, and for me that means anxiety and panic. I can't believe how well I handle life now that I'm not forced to pick apart every thought and action and worry that I am disaproved by God. I didn't have my first panic attack until after I was baptized. That's also when the anti-depressants started.
The difficult part was that I couldn't open up and tell the doctors what my real problem was because I feared bring reproach on the org. Had I opened up I would have told them that I worry constantly about committing the unforgiveable sin and that I was terrified I had already committed it! I was tired and worn out from my demanding family life, work, and spiritual demands including going to strangers doors to talk about God. And even after doing all that, I was still made to feel I had not done enough and would be destroyed if I didn't do more.
Leaving the org was like a long hot relaxing bath! I still have anxiety but it is totally manageable and passes quickly.
NC
k
s
-j
s
s)