28 | T HE B A R O SSA M A G
Black dog on a leash
WORDS BY TODD KUCHEL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM KROEPSCH
Fresh out of school without
a care in the world, this quiet,
yet confident metal head had
no idea what devastating impact
a looming moment was about
to have on his life.
It was in 2002, at the age of 17,
while hanging at a mate’s house
that Jaron Dswonitzky was
overcome with an unsettling
sensation.
“It’s like I was suddenly stressed,”
Jaron says. “I got all dizzy and light
headed, like when you stand up too
quickly and see a bit of white, but
I was sitting down.”
When Jaron stood up, he fainted.
Upon waking, he felt even more
panicked. Two weeks later, he
fainted again.
“The second time I focused on
it more and it became worse.
Then I started thinking about it
and expected it every time I felt
off, even just watching TV.”
Jaron’s mind began to race
24 hours a day, which left him
sleeping for only half and hour
a night.
With no clue as to what was
happening, Jaron went to a doctor
for help. He was told that he was
stressed. Jaron laughed, responding
with, “What am I stressed about?
I’ve just finished school. I should
be having the time of my life!”
However, Jaron took on what the
doctor said and felt confident. A
week later the feelings returned.
A second doctor gave him the same
verdict. Again, Jaron felt good for
a week.
Determined to learn what was
wrong, Jaron went to a third
Doctor who suspected him of
having anxiety and depression.
He was therefore referred to
doctor Godfrey Kunze.
During Jaron’s first session with
Doctor Kunze, he was given a VHS
detailing numerous symptoms
of anxiety and depression. Jaron
returned confirming that he had
them all.
Jaron was diagnosed with anxiety
and depression and began seeing
the doctor every week. Jaron also
gave up drinking and smoking to
focus all efforts on his recovery.
Jaron’s parents completely
understood and supported him
100%, as did Doctor Kunze and
his brother.
A devastating set back came
with the passing of Jaron’s
beloved dog, Zeus.
“That put me back a spot. He was
my ears, and unconditional love.
He helped me out a lot.”
Four months into his treatment,
Jaron began hypnotherapy.
Another 6 months later, he
was asked if he would consider
medication as well.
Jaron began to analyse every
sensation, which made him
not want to leave his own house. “This is the best advice I can give,”
he says. “Don’t rely on anything.
If I didn’t do that I’d still be gone
for all money.” The medication started working
three days later, which enabled
Jaron to sleep more than he had
in the previous 6 months.
“I worried I might faint and
have someone ring an ambulance
without knowing what was wrong
with me,” he says. With the diagnosis, Jaron
admits becoming worse. His
fear of leaving the house had
developed agoraphobia. During the following sessions,
Jaron was taught breathing
exercises to slow his heart rate and
gain control over his panic attacks.