"Jean" - 64 year old female suffering from Anxiety Attacks, Depression & Cardiac Problems

This week we interviewed "Jean", who is a 64 year old female suffering from anxiety attacks, depression, and cardiac problems. Most of her symptoms began approximately 23years ago when her husband died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 39 and leaving her to raise their 3 children alone.

"Jean" had not been gainfully employed since her marriage at the age of 19. The family had also been struggling financially since her husband opened his small antique business several years prior to his death. Money problems loomed immediately. Sleepless nights and anxiety attacks, brought her to her family doctor who prescribed Lithium.

With no recent work history, she found it impossible to find employment. She struggled to keep food on the table and was soon forced to sell their home and move into a rental house nearby. Monies from the sale of the house were soon depleted and "jean" found the care of her sons and mounting bills an impossible challenge. She began experiencing migraines and more frequent anxiety attacks. It was at this time, her doctor prescribed Vicodin. Her symptoms seemed to stabilize and she even entered into a new relationship with an older man which seemed to be just what the young widow needed. Her companion was a financially successful entrepreneur and provided guidance and stability for her and the children.

It was not long, however, before "Jean" realized her significant other could be very demanding and controlling. She found herself relying more heavily on Vicodin to cope or perhaps to escape; and soon found herself addicted to Vicodin and anorexic. She was admitted numerous times to emergency rooms for anxiety attacks; and over the years, her physical cardiac problems were overlooked as she was always diagnosed with anxiety attacks.

At the age of 50, one young emergency room doctor did not believe that her hospital visit was entirely related to a panic attack and ordered a cardiac stress test. "Jean" suffered a mild heart attack during the procedure and the end result was triple by-pass surgery.

She still suffers from her cardiac condition and for the past several years, maintains that she has sustained mental and physical abuse from her long-time companion. Some days her depression is so bad she remains bedridden. She also is still experiencing guilt since the death of her oldest son at the age of 40. She has allowed herself to be controlled by her companion and had not seen her son for some time before his death due to a disagreement between her son and this companion.

Often, life deals us a blow, such as the death of a loved one, which we can find ourselves unable to cope with on our own. This is the time we need to seek professional care. It is also important that we do not increase the dosage to any prescribed medication without the doctors approval.