@johnbishop
I developed PTSD in 2015 that resulted in developing anxiety/panic disorder.

I was in Vietnam I was radar specialist in AWAC. We flew missions in combat zone over Vietnam. It seem to not bother me but I remember the screaming over the guard channel the most. I was a police officer and involved in a deadly force scenario that gave me nightmares but did not associate with PTSD. Then in 2015 my ICD/Pacemaker went off 5 times in 24 hours.

The ICD shocks were traumatic I could hear myself screaming as ICD shocked me. I was put in hospital for 5 days. I told my medical providers in hospital how afraid I was but nothing was done for my mental state of mind. When went home from hospital I immediately had my first and only anxiety/panic attack. God was that scary. Called EMS as had no idea what was happening and was put in hospital again. Released 3 days later.

I would not leave home fearing getting shocked and what it would look like laying of floor and screaming. I was a patient at Mayo Clinic and asked for help. I was referred to psychiartic department and a medication specialist. I went through a lot of test which showed I was at the top of the number than indicated diagnosis for PTSD. And confirmed I had and have a anxiety/panic disorder.

Consultations brought up Vietnam and deadly force incident. I remember in Vietnam hearing the screaming over the guard channel as ground forces were overan. Being chased (AWACS) by Migs, taking emergency manuavers to avoid ground fire but it was the screaming over the guard channel that I remember the most. Then the deadly force sceanrio and what I remember most was the screaming. So when I heard myself screaming with each ICD shock all those other screamings remembrance came back.

I was put on escilitilopram (spell), XANAC, and trazodone to sleep. Consultations were cognitive to make me understand why I got PTSD and anxiety/disorder. Slowly, and I mean slowly, my confidence came back I could go out into public. However any time I heard someone scream (most of the time a happy scream) I would immediately feel the PTSD and would need to escape as the anxiety/panic disorder coming back.

I have tried to stay away from crowds. If I do a exercise class I will pick a spot by door or in front not trapped in back. It has helped deal with the anxiety. The medication for xnac and trazodone went from every day to as needed (rarely take now) but the Escilitopram I was told would neet to take for life.

I have a lot of empathy for those with PTSD and/or anxiety/panic disorder. It is hard but found ways along with medications to deal with it and have some restrictions on my lifestyle but never really over it.

Seeking mental health is just as important as physical health. Both have tremendous affect on each other.