Panic Attacks

[Alison]

I know this is rather personal. But I was wondering if anyone on the Ledge suffers from panic attacks. I do really bad. It's come to the point that I can't sleep. I don't know if my rapid heartbeat causes it, or it comes on it's own.

How do other people deal with panic attacks?
Is there natural ways to treat it?
All the Dr wants to do is give drugs that have such strong side effects.
I need help and suggestions.
Thanks

[DrummerDeanna]

Sorry about the panic attacks...I am lucky enough not to experience those - my mom does though.

I don't have any suggestions though - she pretty much just breathes through them I think :shrug:

Hope you get the answers you're looking for.

[JazmenFlowers]

I know this is rather personal. But I was wondering if anyone on the Ledge suffers from panic attacks. I do really bad. It's come to the point that I can't sleep. I don't know if my rapid heartbeat causes it, or it comes on it's own.

How do other people deal with panic attacks?
Is there natural ways to treat it?
All the Dr wants to do is give drugs that have such strong side effects.
I need help and suggestions.
Thanks

I suffer from panic attacks. They come out of the blue. For instance, I was watching a movie having a good time not a care in the world when I started sweating and my heart started pounding and all of a sudden I started thinking about everything I needed to get done, bills, money, school, etc. and it drove me nuts. I was on medication for it and for my obsessive list making habits, but got off of it and just this week decided I need to get back on it. It's scary and I hate it. Natural ways? I don't know of any. I've tried the whole, I can deal with it, but the truth is, I can't. The stigma surrounding anti-depressant/anxiety drugs is stupid. In my case, at least, it really was the only thing that helped. It's just depressing...

[ThePenguin]

This sounds stupid but I sometimes get panic attacks when I have to make phone calls. I used to stutter as child and making phone calls bring that all right back.


Unfortunately life does entail having to make calls now and then, and I despise them. I just had a panic attack last week when I had to call a guy back re: a job I applied for. sweating, heart racing, dizziness, queasy, the whole nine yards. I wish I could hire someone to make all my calls for the rest of my life. If i'm just calling a friend etc it's okay, but to call to make a dr appmt, call the kids' school etc, really sucks. Either I go in person or I let marty do it. kind of pathetic.

it runs in my family...my mom and grandmother both get them. They are both very anxious people; I'm in better shape but the phone call thing is a pain in the *ss. it limits my life...what jobs I can do etc.

So anyway i guess this is just a' me too' post. sorry you are dealing w/ them. :(

-Lis

[SuzeQuze]

Compared to Lux and others I am hardly qualified to talk about them since I only had them for about a year and I don't get them anymore. Talk therapy helped me plus Paxil. I guess I'm one of those that it helps. My thing is social anxiety so Lis I can totally identify with that phone thing. I've mostly overcome it but I often put off making calls still because of the anxiety, although it is not as severe as yours. It also runs in my family, my Nana won't even make a single call!

You know, there is a drug out there called a beta blocker that works for a short time for anxiety and is not a downer. I wonder if you could get a perscription for that and just take one before having to make a call. They aren't supposed to be addictive or have many side effects. Just a thought.

Anyway, I think the only way to deal with panic attacks is to get treated so find a good psychiatrist, its very important to take care of your mental health. Good luck and I hope you find a good one. You can also find a psychologist, actually if you are concerned about drugs they can be better because they can't even prescribe them. Plus, psychiatrists aren't so good with the talking stuff, they're about the meds. You can see both, the psychologist like weekly for talk therapy and then a psychiatrist if you need meds, and that would be much less frequent.

[Lisa1769]

I can relate to some of these experiences. Everything Lis mentioned is me to a tee. I have anxiety issues too. I could not pick up the phone for the life of me. Something so simple was a dreaded nightmare. I was on Zoloft for a year, been off for 5 months. It worked wonders for me. The only side affect was night sweats. I'm finding myself pacing the floors again. :( Need to go back to the doctor, but then I'd have to pick up the phone.

I can sympathize with all of you.

[The Tower]

I didn't even know what anxiety was until I got promoted into my super-stressed out former position at my ex-employer. Then I knew what they were.... sucks ass.

Xanax helped, but it wasn't a permenent solution- only a band-aid. Anti-depressants are nasty as all hell. Effexor and Lexapro nearly ruined my life. My advice is to find a good therapist and get to root of what causes the panic. For me, the panic came because I could see no way out of the situations that I was in. After a good year of therapy with an awesome therapist, I was able to see a lot more clearly.

[eclipse]

Alison, and Lux and to all who this may apply:
Ok depression sucks- we can all agree on that.
Panic attacks are unpredictable, frightning and as you never know where they may come from or where they may leave you, very unsettling so we can all agree, they also suck.

I don't usually post anything personal about myself, but you really sound like you need some help- with that in mind, I will share my experience with Depression/Anxiety/Panic Attacks with you and anyone else that has experienced that crippling fear...

There are LOTS of diffferent medications out there that can help you deal with depression/anxiety/panic disorders and I whole heartedly suggest you find a Doctor that you like and can REALLY talk to- try different meds until something works. I have been anxious my entire life, I am lucky about depression, it just comes and goes, but when its here-Yikes! :distress: :distress:

So I take a medicine that allows me to function and HONESTLY feel like myself. I don't feel drugged or spacey, I like myself again and honestly, for me, it has been my saving grace. My Doctor explained it to me this way: If you have had major depressive episodes 3 times in your life before the age of 30, then your brain is literally hard -wired for depression. It is just the natural path for your head to take. That is why they (The medical field), has come so far in researching how these meds work on different parts of your head ,with differnt types of SSRI drugs, they work on different chemicals in your brain. She also matter of factly told me that if I had diabeties (sp) that I would not think twice about taking insulin, if I needed to...Nor would other people look down on me for taking a med for a chemical problem in my body. Same thing for the depressive/anxiety disorder medications. No stigma attached to it. You have this inbalance-you take the medicine- you don't have the inbalance.
It is a medical condition, perhaps influenced by emotions but not necessarily an emotional problem! What works for me is Zoloft and ativan.

I don't mean to make this sound too glib, but you sound very upset that you cannot deal with it "naturally" or by yourself. That's because you really can't. At least I tried for years and I couldn't and I know of other people that have tried self help tapes, to npo avail. However, you can try Yoga- and meditation to help alleve some of the anxiety, they seem to be having success with that as a theraphy for mild sufferes.

But you know when that panic attack starts.....nothing is going to stop it..It's like a locomotive and you have to wait for it to pass by...and it will, it just doesn't feel that way when you are in the middle of one. I know.

Since I have been on the meds (about 2 years) I haven't had one panic attack, haven't been depressed (Sure, I get the blues now and then, but that is normal), and my anxiety is more controlable. I do tell myself to breathe and relax when I start to get anxious, and that helps too. I am not a Doctor or an expert in this field at all- I just want to share what has helped me and suggest that you Please get yourself to a Doctor and don't be embarassed about asking for help, that is why they are there.

You do not have to suffer these devestating attacks alone-
Plus there are always people here willing to help :xoxo:

With wishes of calm...for you~~
~~eclipse

[Lisa1769]

I After a good year of therapy with an awesome therapist, I was able to see a lot more clearly.

I know this would help immensely. But it's just getting myself there. I just cannot visualize myself having the nads to do this. It's exhausting. I hate this disorder!

[ThePenguin]

I can relate to some of these experiences. Everything Lis mentioned is me to a tee. I have anxiety issues too. I could not pick up the phone for the life of me. Something so simple was a dreaded nightmare. I was on Zoloft for a year, been off for 5 months. It worked wonders for me. The only side affect was night sweats. I'm finding myself pacing the floors again. :( Need to go back to the doctor, but then I'd have to pick up the phone.

I can sympathize with all of you.

it is oddly comforting to hear that others have phone anxiety! Such a simple thing to do and yet nearly impossible for me. The beta blockers SuzeQuze mentioned sound interesting.

Part of me is just used to 'being this way' , I mean, others have more serious problems to deal with...but part of me would love to just not stress over the phone anymore.


-Lis

[Lisa1769]

it is oddly comforting to hear that others have phone anxiety! -Lis

Yeah, maybe this could be our talk therapy, right here on the Ledge. But, for me, it's just as hard for me to post as talk on the phone. But it is comforting to read about others with the same problem.

[The Tower]

I know this would help immensely. But it's just getting myself there. I just cannot visualize myself having the nads to do this. It's exhausting. I hate this disorder!
It is very, very scary- I totally agree. I was very lucky to find the therapist that helped me out. One thing that can make it easier is to start with a referral service that you would feel comfortable with- something that relates to your life. I went to the Gay and Lesbian Center in Hollywood and got my referral and went from there. It helped to know that I was talking to people that could identify with where I was coming from.

[SuzeQuze]

I know this would help immensely. But it's just getting myself there. I just cannot visualize myself having the nads to do this. It's exhausting. I hate this disorder!

Is there someone you are close to that would place the call for you and take you there? Would that help?

[SuzeQuze]

...
So I take a medicine that allows me to function and HONESTLY feel like myself. I don't feel drugged or spacey, I like myself again and honestly, for me, it has been my saving grace. My Doctor explained it to me this way: If you have had major depressive episodes 3 times in your life before the age of 30, then your brain is literally hard -wired for depression. It is just the natural path for your head to take. That is why they (The medical field), has come so far in researching how these meds work on different parts of your head ,with differnt types of SSRI drugs, they work on different chemicals in your brain. She also matter of factly told me that if I had diabeties (sp) that I would not think twice about taking insulin, if I needed to...Nor would other people look down on me for taking a med for a chemical problem in my body. Same thing for the depressive/anxiety disorder medications. No stigma attached to it. You have this inbalance-you take the medicine- you don't have the inbalance.
It is a medical condition, perhaps influenced by emotions but not necessarily an emotional problem! What works for me is Zoloft and ativan.

...~~eclipse

Very well put. The stigma around these issues is terrible. Yet the incidence of depression/anxiety keeps growing and growing. Another analogy besides the diabetes one I heard is you would not walk around on a broken leg and expect it to heal! How can you think yourself well when it is your thinking that is ill? Stop putting so much pressure on yourself to fix yourself or will yourself to be different. If what you are doing isn't working why would it suddenly work in the future?

Another thing that helped me alot was reading Web sites about this. Particularly reading about other people's issues with it. Statistically 10% of people are depressed/anxious, however I believe it is more like 20%, it seems so prevalent everywhere I go. Therefore you are not alone. If there are 300,000,000 Americans then 60 million people are going through the same thing, or, more conservatively, 30 million. That is alot of people!!! You are not alone.

[reebokandlace]

I know this is rather personal. But I was wondering if anyone on the Ledge suffers from panic attacks.

I suffered with panic attacks for two years until I found a cure. My panic attacks were so bad I could not drive alone or be alone for any length of time. I refused to take drugs to help me get over them. In my opinion taking drugs only adds to the problem.

I went to a Buddist Monastery to visit a friend and I met a woman who told me to press on the nerve directly between my eyebrows for a few seconds (kinda hard, hard enough to feel that you are touching the nerve) next time I have a panic attack. I thought to myself "Ok, thank you for your granola eating, burkinstock wearing advice! SURE!!!, press a nerve and it will go away. ummm uh huh." :]

Well while I was still at the monastary I had a panic attack. My friend said to me PRESS YOUR BUTTON...PRESS YOUR BUTTON... ... I did, and my heart slowed instantly, my breathing was normal and it passed while holding my finger on the spot. I was amazed. I was still skeptical. I thought, ok its psychological. I was hoping it would work, therefore it worked because I wanted it to, but it will probably never work again. BUT now when I start to have a panic attack I press the spot between my eyebrows and it goes away. After some research, it is my understanding that the nerve is the autonomic nervous system nerve and there is validity to pressing the nerve and calming the heart rate and breathing rate.

Every now and then I will be driving (my biggest cause of panic attacks) and I will call a friend saying "I am having a panic attack!!!!" and they will tell me "press your button" For some reason I forget to do it in the middle of a panic attack. But when I remember, it works EVERY TIME.

Try it. I have told everyone who has every told me they have panic attacks and it has help EVERY single person I have told. The body is an amazing thing. It doesn't "cure" panic attacks, but it ends them instantly when they begin. There is no cure for panic attacks. It is the minds way of reacting to a stimuli, almost like a muscle memory. Something sets it off. It can be more than one thing. But the mind is powerful, and as you begin to control the panic attacks with this nerve therapy, they will happen less and less.

If you have any questions please feel free to IM me. I hope this helps you as it has helped so many others.

[Lisa1769]

Is there someone you are close to that would place the call for you and take you there? Would that help?

Yes and no. My husband has been understanding. He would help if I asked. It's just the dread and worry I would have to experience up until the time of the appt. Thats what stops me. :confused:

[SuzeQuze]

Yes and no. My husband has been understanding. He would help if I asked. It's just the dread and worry I would have to experience up until the time of the appt. Thats what stops me. :confused:

On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad would the worry be?

[amber]

Try it. I have told everyone who has every told me they have panic attacks and it has help EVERY single person I have told. The body is an amazing thing. It doesn't "cure" panic attacks, but it ends them instantly when they begin. There is no cure for panic attacks. It is the minds way of reacting to a stimuli, almost like a muscle memory. Something sets it off. It can be more than one thing. But the mind is powerful, and as you begin to control the panic attacks with this nerve therapy, they will happen less and less.

If you have any questions please feel free to IM me. I hope this helps you as it has helped so many others.


I hadn't heard about this natural way, but when I went to the acupuncturist a few weeks ago - she was just putting needles in my ears - but - she started asking me questions that I didn't feel much like overexplaining, but she kept asking me them (I was like, no, it's fine, etc. but she kept asking)
anyway, so I was talking a bit faster and raising my voice a bit.
When she went to put the needles in, she put a couple right in the center of my forehead, and I asked her why, and she said "I think you needed to relax a bit".
Also, when I had a bout of anxiety attacks awhile back....and you are probably already doing this, but just in case - cut out all your caffeine, first of all. Also what I always had to do, as someone else mentioned, was very deep ujaii breathing. And try to be conscious to breathe deeply all of the time, and you may be able to prevent an attack. In general, you may want to take up something very calming like practising yoga regularly. And if you are into it, regular acupuncture sessions may also be able to help you. And if you don't get any hard exercise in your life, I would also recommend that. Hard, fast, physical activity helps relieve a lot of that stress that may cause anxiety.
There are calming teas you might want to drink regularly, too, like Chamomile.
At the time, I had an anxiety attack continuously for about a week, I really had to be careful. I got some emergency valium, but after those few were gone, I was left to my own devices. These are some things that helped me. I had gotten them occasionally before that, but after - I've really not gotten any since then. (I think I have, or had, mild anxiety compared to most who posted).
Anyway, you asked for natural things to help, I hope this does. Oh, if you feel one coming, the very deep breaths and bending forward from the waist may be able to stop it. That's a soothing posture. I agree with Tower that you may want to see a therapist as well. I did for a brief period around my anxiety attacks, and it was very helpful.
:wavey: good luck!

[Lisa1769]

On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad would the worry be?

I'm going to say 8. I would wear the carpet out... :laugh: It's so crazy, when you know it would help so much but can't do it.

I start to second guess myself. Almost like I can't make decisions.

For those who have had cognitive therapy, I am curious to know about how the whole process happens. What happens?? Where do they start??

[SuzeQuze]

I'm going to say 8. I would wear the carpet out... :laugh: It's so crazy, when you know it would help so much but can't do it.

I start to second guess myself. Almost like I can't make decisions.

For those who have had cognitive therapy, I am curious to know about how the whole process happens. What happens?? Where do they start??

Damn, 8 is pretty uncomfortable. Can your husband make the appointment and then say, "Honey, we're going now" instead of letting you know in advance? The inability to make decisions is a symptom believe it or not.

They start with listening to you and show you where your thoughts lead you to how you feel. Then, you work on thinking new thoughts, one at a time, which cause different, healthier feelings. The book Feeling Good helped me alot. It goes into great detail about cognitive therapy.

[SuzeQuze]

...
When she went to put the needles in, she put a couple right in the center of my forehead, and I asked her why, and she said "I think you needed to relax a bit".
Also, when I had a bout of anxiety attacks awhile back....and you are probably already doing this, but just in case - cut out all your caffeine, first of all. Also what I always had to do, as someone else mentioned, was very deep ujaii breathing. And try to be conscious to breathe deeply all of the time, and you may be able to prevent an attack. In general, you may want to take up something very calming like practising yoga regularly. And if you are into it, regular acupuncture sessions may also be able to help you. And if you don't get any hard exercise in your life, I would also recommend that. Hard, fast, physical activity helps relieve a lot of that stress that may cause anxiety.
There are calming teas you might want to drink regularly, too, like Chamomile.
At the time, I had an anxiety attack continuously for about a week, I really had to be careful. I got some emergency valium, but after those few were gone, I was left to my own devices. These are some things that helped me. I had gotten them occasionally before that, but after - I've really not gotten any since then. (I think I have, or had, mild anxiety compared to most who posted)...


Amber, these are awesome suggestions. Also, next time I get anxious I'll be pressing my forehead, can't hurt to try! I have not had a full on panic attack for a while but they are very scary. I do still sometimes have out of control anxiety though and I hate that. Work in progress I suppose.

Lis, here's a link to Dr. Weil's site where he talks about anxiety like yours, which people have for public speaking. http://www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA346489/ He mentions the beta blocker.

On edit, here's some additional Dr. Weil info on anxiety.
http://www.drweil.com/u/Article/M113/

[Lisa1769]

Can your husband make the appointment and then say, "Honey, we're going now" instead of letting you know in advance? The inability to make decisions is a symptom believe it or not.


They start with listening to you and show you where your thoughts lead you to how you feel. Then, you work on thinking new thoughts, one at a time, which cause different, healthier feelings. The book Feeling Good helped me alot. It goes into great detail about cognitive therapy.


Thats actually how he does things now. Like if we're going out to dinner with someone, etc. etc. I have a great time when I do go do things. I just get so anxious up until the time if there is something that I know I got to do.

One of these days I hope to seek help. Maybe I'll start with the book. Thanks SuzeQuze.

[BTFLCHLD]

When she went to put the needles in, she put a couple right in the center of my forehead, and I asked her why, and she said "I think you needed to relax a bit".
sooooo cute :xoxo:
you made stevie smile
<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a152/BTFLCHLD/steviesmile.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

[amber]

sooooo cute :xoxo:
you made stevie smile
<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a152/BTFLCHLD/steviesmile.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">
:laugh:
thanks, I love that stevie clip.

[jannieC]

Hey everyone- I haven't been able to post for a long time, because my home computer is still destroyed. But I'm at work and wanted to comment on this thread. I'm not trying to sound like an expert- I've only recently received my B.S. in Psychology and am heading for graduate school. ANYway- panic attacks are terrible. Lux has textbook symptoms- the feeling of death, doom, questioning existence, etc. And unfortunately, frequent panic attacks can lead to agoraphobia and that (obviously) is terribly debilitating.

Someone asked earlier what Cognitive therapy is like. Basically, the cognitive theory says that changing how you *think* can change the way you *feel*. Catastrophic thoughts (trademark of panic atacks) are just distorted thoughts that you have created. You can work with a therapist to *teach* yourself that these thoughts don't have to be accepted by you. Thoughts are only temporary, not permanent. Obviously when you're in the throes of an attack, it's not easy to separate your thoughts from your feelings.

To those that simly can't even think of leaving the house to GO to a therapist, I suggest getting a one pill prescription from a doctor for a valium or xanax, to help you get ot of the house (with someone else driving, of course). You don't need to be a "slave" to your thoughts. You can overcome this.

The only thing I can say to anyone going through a panic attack is that sometimes writing your thoughts and feelings down during an attack can help to put things in perspective. Getting your perspective back will help you to see that your thoughts were distorted and maybe will help you through the next time.

I hope this post doesn't sound all authoritative- I wish you all the best of luck overcoming your panic. xoxoxo

[Lisa1769]

You don't need to be a "slave" to your thoughts. You can overcome this.


That is exactly how it seems.
Thanks for your input jannieC.

[Dark Angel]

I know this is rather personal. But I was wondering if anyone on the Ledge suffers from panic attacks. I do really bad. It's come to the point that I can't sleep. I don't know if my rapid heartbeat causes it, or it comes on it's own.

How do other people deal with panic attacks?
Is there natural ways to treat it?
All the Dr wants to do is give drugs that have such strong side effects.
I need help and suggestions.
Thanks

I've had panic disorder since around 1989/1990. Mine got to the point where I was dropping weight very fast. (which at the time I didn't need to do) I went from 125 to 115 and looked like a skeleton. My friends all thought I was anorexic.
The first doctor that dealt with it put me on Xanax, and raised the dosage up to 12mg. At that time I had no idea exactly what to expect from it. I'd taken anti-depressants before, but nothing like this. I was hospitalized once or twice in an attempt to learn different behavioral tools to help deal with them, which worked to a point, but I still had the attacks, and they would come on at any time. There were times I thought I was having a heart attack, and there still are times.
I've been on Xanax for about 15 years now, various dosages. I'm at 4mg daily now, which is a lot down from 12mg. I practice different relaxion techniques, do a 45-60 minute workout almost every weekday, and take my meds. I'm also an asthmatic.
I've done my reading on Xanax, and know all the pros and cons now, and would recommend that if your doctor does prescribe something, read up on it *first*. There are some newer drugs that help with social anxiety disorder that aren't as addictive as Xanax, Klonapin, etc.
In the end, it's all up to you, and I wish you the best for whatever decision you make. :)

[Mad4stevie]

Alison, and Lux and to all who this may apply:
Ok depression sucks- we can all agree on that.
Panic attacks are unpredictable, frightning and as you never know where they may come from or where they may leave you, very unsettling so we can all agree, they also suck.

I don't usually post anything personal about myself, but you really sound like you need some help- with that in mind, I will share my experience with Depression/Anxiety/Panic Attacks with you and anyone else that has experienced that crippling fear...

There are LOTS of diffferent medications out there that can help you deal with depression/anxiety/panic disorders and I whole heartedly suggest you find a Doctor that you like and can REALLY talk to- try different meds until something works. I have been anxious my entire life, I am lucky about depression, it just comes and goes, but when its here-Yikes! :distress: :distress:

So I take a medicine that allows me to function and HONESTLY feel like myself. I don't feel drugged or spacey, I like myself again and honestly, for me, it has been my saving grace. My Doctor explained it to me this way: If you have had major depressive episodes 3 times in your life before the age of 30, then your brain is literally hard -wired for depression. It is just the natural path for your head to take. That is why they (The medical field), has come so far in researching how these meds work on different parts of your head ,with differnt types of SSRI drugs, they work on different chemicals in your brain. She also matter of factly told me that if I had diabeties (sp) that I would not think twice about taking insulin, if I needed to...Nor would other people look down on me for taking a med for a chemical problem in my body. Same thing for the depressive/anxiety disorder medications. No stigma attached to it. You have this inbalance-you take the medicine- you don't have the inbalance.
It is a medical condition, perhaps influenced by emotions but not necessarily an emotional problem! What works for me is Zoloft and ativan.

I don't mean to make this sound too glib, but you sound very upset that you cannot deal with it "naturally" or by yourself. That's because you really can't. At least I tried for years and I couldn't and I know of other people that have tried self help tapes, to npo avail. However, you can try Yoga- and meditation to help alleve some of the anxiety, they seem to be having success with that as a theraphy for mild sufferes.

But you know when that panic attack starts.....nothing is going to stop it..It's like a locomotive and you have to wait for it to pass by...and it will, it just doesn't feel that way when you are in the middle of one. I know.

Since I have been on the meds (about 2 years) I haven't had one panic attack, haven't been depressed (Sure, I get the blues now and then, but that is normal), and my anxiety is more controlable. I do tell myself to breathe and relax when I start to get anxious, and that helps too. I am not a Doctor or an expert in this field at all- I just want to share what has helped me and suggest that you Please get yourself to a Doctor and don't be embarassed about asking for help, that is why they are there.

You do not have to suffer these devestating attacks alone-
Plus there are always people here willing to help :xoxo:

With wishes of calm...for you~~
~~eclipse


Excellent advice!

I had a very similar experience - and really suffered for years and years with anxiety because I was too stubborn to go to a doctor and/or therapist. I saw it as a sign of weakness because I was always taught by my parents that you just "stick it out" and don't talk about those kinds of feelings of anxiety, etc.

Eventually, I did have two full blown panic attacks when working at a former job where my boss was acting really "crazy", and unbeknowst to me, was suffering from terminal brain cancer. His constant verbal abuse was insufferable and finally the anxiety took over my body and the panic attacks started to materialize. It is exactly what people say - you feel like you are having a heart attack and can't breathe. I was so embarassed because I tried to rationalize that I shouldn't be this anxious and I should be able to control myself and not have this problem. This is the wrong way to approach it and can actually increase the problem. I was terrified about when the next attack would happen and eventually went to the doctor who prescribed ativan for the short term and zoloft for the long term. It worked wonders for me! The most important thing that I learned is that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I could not believe how much better I felt. It was all about my brain chemistry at that time.

I also had a good therapist who helped out with how to change my unhealthy coping skills (i.e. avoidance and denial) into more correct behaviors that would lessen my anxiety. It really helped me. And while I will always have a tendency to cope in certain ways, at least now I can identify it and try to work on changing it.

It is a personal choice to be on medication, but for me, it made all the difference. Everyone's body chemistry is different, so different meds work for different people. The decision to stop or switch meds can always be made. Don't suffer needlessly - it's simply not worth it. Experience your life, don't suffer through it.

Good luck!

[Serendipity]

I suffer very badly from panic attacks, and I have found reading all your advice really helpful. I freak about simple things like paying bills, not cos I dont have the money, but cos i dont like writing checks or ringing the back.

Questioning exisitence, worrying about things I cant control...thats me. I panic about exams, I panic that every symptom is a life-threatening illness.

Everyone who suffers has my deepest sympathies, because I know how you feel. I am trying therapy, but I dont think its helping. I'll keep trying tho.

~Nicki

[WildInTheWind]

I used to suffer from pretty bad panic attacks when in social situations. I was ok with my good friends that I knew well, but when around others, I would freak out. Especially guys. For some reason I would always have them when guys were around. It was awful, I felt like I was having a heart attack, and have actually fainted a couple of times. And a couple of times I made a total fool out of myself. I remember being at some guy's house I didn't really know with one of my friends. I started having a panic attack and just ran out the door, got in my car and drove away. My friend wasn't very happy with me, considering I was her ride. But that happened a couple of times. I just had to get out of there. It actually stopped happening when I was about 19. I took meds for awhile, and didn't like them at all. Paxal was awful...especially when I stopped taking it. I freaked out for about 2 weeks after. I guess I got lucky and just grew out of it. damn am I glad, that was the worst feeling ever.

[Johnny Stew]

I've had panic and anxiety attacks since I was about 13 years old. I've talked a little bit here about some of the things I experienced in my teens, and that's when the "problem" began.

I'm over the stuff I went through, but the panic attacks remain.

I have pretty acute agoraphobic tendencies. I am able to leave my house... to go to work (I'm part-time), and to visit family (the ones who live in town here), and a little bit of shopping. I can also do outdoors things.
But if it's anywhere too far away, or if it involves going someplace for an extremely long period of time, then I can't do it.

I've had some pretty big bouts with depression, too. Which I hate, because, ironically enough, it's really not my nature to be down and pessimistic about things. But sometimes I'll get deeply depressed, just completely out of the blue. Which, of course, annoys me to no end. I'll tell myself, "you have no reason to be depressed, so get over it."
It works sometimes. ;)

Insecurity and self-doubt can be pretty acute, too. Though I do my best to keep things in perspective at all times. It used to get to me very deeply if someone on the Ledge didn't like me, and, yeah, I'll admit it can still get to me somewhat nowadays, when I'm feeling vulnerable.
But mostly I just tell myself that it doesn't matter one bit what anyone thinks of me. I'm just living my life -- if someone doesn't like me, it's their thing.

I have to say that I have always been extremely reluctant to go on medication. I don't doubt that they work for many people, but I often feel like I'd rather live with and continue working around the problem I'm already used to, than creating a new set of problems (with the various side-effects).

Beyond that, I also have no health insurance. Of course, I'll admit that affords me a great excuse to not go to the doctor's... something which I DREAD. Gives me anxiety just thinking about it in general terms.

I have a really wonderful and understanding man in my life right now, and I want to be able to expand my horizons... for me, for him, for us... and I'm working on it.
But 20 years of this... i guess it's pretty hard-wired into me now, as Eclipse said. And, truthfully, I can't imagine life without the panic attacks. In fact, as strange as this may sound, the thought of not having them is scary in its own way... I guess because it's all I've known for so long now.

[estranged4life]

suffer a "Panic Attack" (Which is also the name of a great tune on the new Dream Theater disc "Octavaium"), So after all the stress from this past March my Dr. put me on "Lexapro", Which lessened the "Panic Attack" and mellowed me out....But increased my severe headaches to the point I was nearly immobile on a nightly basis.

I will never take "Lexapro" ever again, If I currently had to chose between being mellowed out & having a headache from the "Lexapro" or being stressed out/hyper & not in pain from no medicine I know which one I'll take any day of the week all year long.

[amber]

For any of you who have anxiety, or something, and don't like pills, you may want to try St. Johns Wort. It's a calming herb, usually in pill form. It's pretty mild, but has helped some people quite a bit. I did some research on it before I bought it. Anyway, I've been taking it for awhile. I don't really have...um...severe problems? (I don't know how to describe). But I am under the impression that it did help to stabilize and elevate my mood a bit. I've read that there are other people with "more problems" that have noticed a more profound affect. I'm mainly just a bit overreactive and moody, but still I think it "helped" me. There is a certain recommended dosage...3 pills which contain .3 percent of the compound Hypericin per pill. The bottles I bought from whole foods were like....$5/bottle, which had sixty, which at three per night lasted fifteen days. Not to bad.
Anyway, just seeing if I can help someone. :wavey: Especially some of you with perhaps a bit more mild depression or anxiety. :) The side effects are negligible. Although I think you are not supposed to mix it if you are taking certain other pills for the same thing. Dunno, exactly.

[Johnny Stew]

For any of you who have anxiety, or something, and don't like pills, you may want to try St. Johns Wort. Thanks for the mentioning that, Amber.

I did actually try St. John's Wort a while back, and it really didn't help me... but I know that it can and has helped a lot of other people. So it definitely would be something worth checking into, for anyone who hasn't tried it yet. :nod:

[amber]

Thanks for the mentioning that, Amber.

I did actually try St. John's Wort a while back, and it really didn't help me... but I know that it can and has helped a lot of other people. So it definitely would be something worth checking into, for anyone who hasn't tried it yet. :nod:
yeah, I don't think it's really something for agorophobia/anxiety that is more severe. I think it's best for depression/anxiety...that is maybe not as severe. Honestly, I'm not sure, but thanks - you're right, maybe it can help someone. :)
I think it helped me a bit. But like I said, my problems are "hard to put your finger on" ( :lol: sorry) so....
but if someone does try it, make sure you get the recommended and right dose, and that you give it a week or two. It's an herb, so there are different parts, and you want to get the right one. :)

[Miss Vicky]

I have pretty acute agoraphobic tendencies. I am able to leave my house... to go to work (I'm part-time), and to visit family (the ones who live in town here), and a little bit of shopping. I can also do outdoors things.
But if it's anywhere too far away, or if it involves going someplace for an extremely long period of time, then I can't do it.

I don't think I've ever suffered a panic attack but I do have some agoraphobic tendencies and get easily stressed out. I also suffer from frequent stress-related migraines.
I don't have problems going to work or shopping or eating out or that sort of thing, but I get nervous and easily disoriented if I'm in unfamiliar surroundings.
I can go shopping at the local stores, go to the movie theater, or eat at certain restaurants and be okay. But if I break away from my "comfort zone" or am with people I don't really know it makes me really nervous. The same is true for any unfamiliar situation. These past two weeks at my new job - trying to learn an unfamiliar computer system, trying to master new skills, and working with people who I not only don't know very well but who speak English as a second language - have been hell on my fragile psyche. :( :laugh:

[amber]

I don't think I've ever suffered a panic attack but I do have some agoraphobic tendencies and get easily stressed out. I also suffer from frequent stress-related migraines.
I don't have problems going to work or shopping or eating out or that sort of thing, but I get nervous and easily disoriented if I'm in unfamiliar surroundings.
I can go shopping at the local stores, go to the movie theater, or eat at certain restaurants and be okay. But if I break away from my "comfort zone" or am with people I don't really know it makes me really nervous. The same is true for any unfamiliar situation. These past two weeks at my new job - trying to learn an unfamiliar computer system, trying to master new skills, and working with people who I not only don't know very well but who speak English as a second language - have been hell on my fragile psyche. :( :laugh:
All that sounds very normal to me. :nod: If any of it bugs you, I would suggest more exercise, mainly for your headaches. (I hate headaches). When I was young, I got them fairly regularly. Even though I did sports. I noticed they went away when I started running, started stretching ( call me airy fairy, but stretching and deep breathing is extremely good for you, especially for stress) and....when I moved out of my parents house. :laugh:
Seriously, all that sounds normal to me.
I've noticed, also, when I feel anxiety building up, it really helps if I do something to make my life better. If I face what I'm anxietous about. Or if I can't face it right then, if I do something else that somehow makes my life better or furthers a goal I have. That calms me down right away, as then I feel like I'm doing something. Of course, a lot of my anxiety is a result of procrastination, but still, I think it helps.
Buy a yoga tape, girl! :wavey:

[Miss Vicky]

I've noticed, also, when I feel anxiety building up, it really helps if I do something to make my life better. If I face what I'm anxietous about. Or if I can't face it right then, if I do something else that somehow makes my life better or furthers a goal I have. That calms me down right away, as then I feel like I'm doing something. Of course, a lot of my anxiety is a result of procrastination, but still, I think it helps.


Yeah, I've found that doing something to give me a feeling of accomplishment - like working on my novel - can really help things, but lately I haven't been able to. Being back to work at another veterinary hospital and putting in such long days has left me so phsyically and emotionally drained that I can't seem to focus on my work and summon the creativity that is needed for it. I just end up staring at the blinking cursor until I get pissed off and walk away.
Anybody here live in Solano County, California and in need of a job? If so... please bring your resume to Vacaville Pet Vet Clinic. I need a friggin' day off!!!

[amber]

Yeah, I've found that doing something to give me a feeling of accomplishment - like working on my novel - can really help things, but lately I haven't been able to. Being back to work at another veterinary hospital and putting in such long days has left me so phsyically and emotionally drained that I can't seem to focus on my work and summon the creativity that is needed for it. I just end up staring at the blinking cursor until I get pissed off and walk away.
Anybody here live in Solano County, California and in need of a job? If so... please bring your resume to Vacaville Pet Vet Clinic. I need a friggin' day off!!!
:laugh:
I'd love to work at a vet, but that's too far.
um, if you are tired and drained, again, I'll have to recommend exercise. :sorry:
do you know, sometimes I can't settle down and do my homework unless I do yoga.... :shrug: Just saying, it really calms and focuses my mind. And, it gives me more energy, in a calm way. Even If you're not athletically inclined, it's pretty easy. I can do 20 minutes and feel way different, afterwards.
*hops off soapbox*
Congrats on your job. :wavey:

[sparky]

I think I may have a had a panic attack once - could have just been a stressed out temper tantrum in traffic. But I had all the symptoms. If I get extremely frustrated and angry in public, or am in a very bad crowd (parades, street fairs, etc.), I reach a point where I simply HAVE to get out. I will practically knock people down to get out. Funny, it never happens at concerts.

It may not help at all to the discussion, but having dealt with depression on and off into my early thirties, I cannot stress the importance of psychotherapy enough. I am not a shrink myself, but it would take me pages and pages to go through all of the things I have learned about myself and the causes of my behavior from my shrink. It isn't easy to find a good one - I think I test drove 4 until I found one who worked. But, I think it is essential, and to be honest, I think I have met only a handful of people in my life who couldn't benefit from at least a brief round of therapy. We all have things we would like to change about ourselves, and we simply don't have the perspective needed to change ourselves, let alone see our own actions clearly. And friends don't cut it. They have too much to lose to be as honest as is needed. When a problem is severe enough to affect how much one enjoys life - only a professional can do the trick. I can't rebuild my transmission, so I take the vehicle to a mechanic. And my brain is a lot more complicated than my truck.

Before I was an adult, I went to a free counselor a number of times. They are plentiful, and the people who do such things, even though they may not be PhD's - really care and want to help. I am not sure of the root cause of anxiety and panic disorders. I haven't researched it much. Much of our lives can be changed with outward efforts and readily available tools - like Amber suggested. Exercise, basic relaxation techniques, diet adjustments and the like can work wonders. I feel for anyone who suffers from this stuff. But I know there are solutions, and hope anyone who needs one finds their way to them. There is no reason to suffer with these illnesses...lots of people can help, and it doesn't always take money. :wavey:

[Alison]

I want to thank all of you for posting your responses. I know at times it is very painful to talk about such things.

I had my apt with my naturalpath Dr. yesturday.
She has given me "rescue remedy", and put me on a bowel rejuvenation diet.
The rescue remedy has calmed me down and stopped the start of a panic attack.
I have stopped taking the beta blockers, as these were making me very sick and
giving me insomia. I wish I had a spell check on this thing.
Anyway I feel I have hope. She is trying to reballance my body.
I have tried many anti depressants in the past, all made me very ill. I was seeing a therapist, I was doing really well. Then this last week. But I think once my body starts to functioning properly it will make the stress easier to cope with and take the stress of my heart.
I will keep you updated.
Again thanks for all the support.
Alison

[Mad4stevie]

For any of you who have anxiety, or something, and don't like pills, you may want to try St. Johns Wort. It's a calming herb, usually in pill form. It's pretty mild, but has helped some people quite a bit. I did some research on it before I bought it. Anyway, I've been taking it for awhile. I don't really have...um...severe problems? (I don't know how to describe). But I am under the impression that it did help to stabilize and elevate my mood a bit. I've read that there are other people with "more problems" that have noticed a more profound affect. I'm mainly just a bit overreactive and moody, but still I think it "helped" me. There is a certain recommended dosage...something like...3 pills which contain .3 hypericons (or something) per pill. If you look it up you can find the dosage. The bottles I bought from whole foods were like....$5/bottle, which had sixty, which at three per night lasted fifteen days. Not to bad.
Anyway, just seeing if I can help someone. :wavey: Especially some of you with perhaps a bit more mild depression or anxiety. :) The side effects are negligible. Although I think you are not supposed to mix it if you are taking certain other pills for the same thing. Dunno, exactly.

I have taken this in the past and I had to stop because it can interfere with effectiveness of birth control pills. And that was certainly not a risk I wanted to take! :laugh:

I was also told by my counselor that another natural remedy was "Sam-E". I never tried it, but see if often at drugstores in the herbal remedies section. It is a bit more expensive than st. John's, but not nearly like the cost of antidepressants.