Anxiety

[Jenisi]

Last few months have been stressful to me. I went through some really tramatic things that a lot of you don't know about ... Like my roomate commiting suicide with me in the house... mom's having more surgery's...having to move 3 times... then changing my life completely to move out to Connecticut... and well, I've developed horrible anxiety attacks. I really don't want to go on medication for them but they are horrible and completely random and I don't want them effecting my job. Has anyone ever had to deal with this before and what did you do to overcome them?

[Jolena]

I had a friend once who dealt with anxiety attacks. She started seeing a therapist first and foremost, and that seemed to help her a great deal. Talking about things openly releived a lot of the pent up emotions she had over her situation. The therapist set her up on some medication, although I can't recall the name of it, and that, combined with therapy helped eliminate the attacks. Good luck. :)

[Asha]

Do something to stop the cycle from causing a panic attack the moment you feel the light headed feeling and horrible thoughts.
I found that going outside to run fooled my body into thinking the reason my heart was pounding was becouse I was excersizing. Also, try really hard to remember that an attack is a perfectly natural thing to happen. You won't die, it isn't going to hurt you and they are very easily fixed with either some small changes in your life, excersise, meditation or if you really think you need it a little cognative therapy.
Get better. :)

[Hulkein]

I recently started getting panic attacks once in a while... I think it's amazing how many people get them, so I kind of convince myself that I'm fine by telling myself 'You're having a panic attack, everyone gets them and nothing is wrong, stop being a pussy.'

Haha, might not work for everyone, but it helps for me.

[Jazuela]

I have a cousin who had anxiety attacks. He had to be medicated because sometimes he'd get them while he was driving. The attack itself won't kill you, but panic + driving = disaster. Last I heard he was off the meds and doing fine, a year after he started taking them. He just needed them temporarily while he was doing the therapy thing, until he could learn to control/overcome his episodes. I personally can't stand that this country is overmedicated, but ya know, sometimes it really -is- useful to accept the meds. So, don't rule them out entirely, keep an open mind and get a couple of professional opinions before making a decision one way or another.

[Jenisi]

They are horrible. They normally happen at night or when I'm not active. Last night I had a bad one at about 3 in the morning. Kellen woke up and helped calm me down but I feel horrible because it not only affects me, but the people around me because sometimes they can't understand what I'm going through (why I'm having a panic attack etc) I've gotton better and just forcing myself to sit completely still and convince myself to not check my vitals every 5 seconds (which I tend to do when I'm having an attack.. pulse rate etc) I never had them before and I've only gotton them recently (within the last month or so) And I was hoping I'd overcome them or at least bettering them (which I have, I've gone full days without one) I just hate taking med's. I picked up some St. Johns Wort, potasium and vitamin suppliments and I usually am on the tredmil 20 minutes a day. I know I'm stressed out and things will get better as my life adjusts and hopefully no more life altering events happen to me soon, heh.

[Apotheosis]

Therapy will help, sounds like you're suffering from PTSD. Medication might be ok to alleviate temporary symptoms, but therapy will help you get to the root of the problem much easier. In the end, learn to depend on yourself, though.

[Shari]

What exactly qualifies as a "panic attack"? I mean, what are the symptoms?

I know that after I graduated I'd sometimes wake up in the middle of night on Sundays freaking out thinking I had some sort of project due the next day.

Is it like that?

[Jolena]

I would have to imagine that therapy would definitely help in dealing with the feelings of someone you were close to committing suicide, if nothing else. The things you have gone through in the last few months would be traumatic and life-changing to anyone, Jenisi. Seeking someone to speak to about your feelings wouldn't hurt even if you had no panic attacks.

[Hulkein]

What exactly qualifies as a "panic attack"? I mean, what are the symptoms?

I know that after I graduated I'd sometimes wake up in the middle of night on Sundays freaking out thinking I had some sort of project due the next day.

Is it like that?


No, not really.

It's like a huge sense of impending doom that kind of paralyses you.

[Mighty Nikkisaurus]

I've gotten some horrible anxiety attacks, but these things aren't a matter of someone being weak or strong. Most psychological disorders and issues have strong roots in genetics, so don't feel bad if telling yourself to just "snap out of it" doesn't work.

If these really impair your living, I suggest what many other people have. That's to go at least talk to a third party about your issues-- they'll have a fresh perspective and ways to help you. If you require medication (even temporarily) I'd reccomend you don't resist it, and instead learn to embrace the fact that now we can fix the problems that millions of people before you suffered from and never got relief from their entire lives. Medications can be very helpful and useful when used properly. On top of medications, there are natural ways of trying to deal with anxiety, though if these don't work, a stronger method may be needed.

It can never hurt to try, really, and I hope everything turns out ok!

[Sean of the Thread]

What exactly qualifies as a "panic attack"? I mean, what are the symptoms?

I know that after I graduated I'd sometimes wake up in the middle of night on Sundays freaking out thinking I had some sort of project due the next day.

Is it like that?


Panic attacks suck ballz. You would DEF know if you experienced one.

[Sean of the Thread]

Everyone has been spot on so far in this thread. If rationalizing your way out of it doesn't work def seek some help. Take it from me don't use alcohol to alleviate the attacks (unless you want to be uber dependant on it and come hang out with me at the pubs).

Get a couple doses of librium or xanax for severe emergency attacks.. it helps you leaps and bounds mentally just knowning you have a "easy button" on hand to stop the insanity if you need.

Seriously it can get to the point (very quickly) where it consumes your life. Act sooner rather than later.

[Czeska]

Medicating for panic attacks is largely an individual choice, particulary if it's related to life circumstances. I've had them since I was a child. I know the triggers, I know the routines to get out of them (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't), and I know that, for me, it's very much biochemical. I wasn't diagnosed til about 3 years ago. Would've LOVED to know there was something else they could've done a long time before that.

Symptoms of a panic attack can vary, but include racing heartbeat, tremors in the hands, shortness of breath, a sense of "unreality", etc. Agorophobia is a common "complication" of panic disorder, because of the fear of the panic attack itself (ie, a person can be terrified to go to crowded, public places for fear of having a panic attack and not being able to "escape").

Meditation can be a great help, as can simple breathing techniques, exercise, and lots of other things mentioned above.

SO all that said... I recommend seeing your doctor. They'll help you determine if your anxiety is a result of all the stuff that's gone down recently (likely) or if a physiological anxiety disorder exists. If you choose medication, there are many options. Just follow instructions. Particularly the one that says not to quit cold turkey. Trust me.

One other thing in the meantime to check out is called Dr. Bach's Rescue Remedy. It's made from flower essences, you can buy it in stores or on line, and it can sometimes take the edge off. Google it, it's good stuff.

Feel better :)

[Sean of the Thread]

Agorophobia is a common "complication" of panic disorder, because of the fear of the panic attack itself (ie, a person can be terrified to go to crowded, public places for fear of having a panic attack and not being able to "escape").



This was by far the worst part for me.. and also the part that can end up consuming you.

[Ilvane]

Sometimes talking things out is the best thing. I know some of the people I've seen who have PTSD after some incident can do well with cognitive therapy and the proper medication. I would caution against self medication, with St John's wort or anything, until you speak to either your primary doctor(who can give you an anti anxiety medicine, where St. John's wort is primararly for depression rather than anxiety), and also set you up to talk with a psychologist or social worker.

Being someone who's been there, as well..good luck, and I hope you are able to get the panic attacks under control.

Angela

[Miss X]

Go and see your doctor. Honestly, the number of people who have had or do suffer from a form of panic disorder is huge. Your doctor will not necessarily give you medication right away but you have to get the ball rolling.

You need to take steps to stop it consuming your life, like others have said, you can start avoiding going out because you're worried you'll have a panic attack in public.

Since we're all sharing our personal stories, I found my panic/obsession problems were really bad in the summer after I finished undergrad. I think it was because everything was so uncertain and the stress just got to me. Once I had made a few changes and had some help to rationalise with myself the problems cleared up. It sounds like you've had some stressful events and huge upheavals in your life Jenisi. I think if you go and see your doctor you'll feel a lot better. :)

[HarmNone]

You've gotten some excellent advice here, Jenisi. First thing to do is see your doctor. If you're on any other kind of medication, St. John's Wort (and other OTC "herbs") can interfere with some meds, so you don't want to take something like that without talking to your doctor about it.

I hope things clear up for you soon, hon. You've been through some difficult experiences. It's certainly not surprising that you're having problems with anxiety. Talking to a therapist and, possibly, medication can make all the difference for you.

[Jenisi]

I did see a docter a few weeks ago (before I moved) She said to try using tylonol PM and see if that helps because she didn't want me to start with something addictive and I told her I wouldn't want to get on anything that could be considered addictive anyway. So I tried tylonol PM and it would help me sleep... for about 4 hours. Then I'd wake up more awake then ever and have to take more to fall back asleep so I obviously didn't like those. I tried taking them in smaller doses (one caplet instead of the recommended 2 and it works a lot better that way) I was seeing my school doctor but now that I'm in CT and until I start reciving medical from my new job I'm waiting a little bit.

[AnticorRifling]

My wife gets anxiety/panic attacks all the time. Unfortunatly I'm no help in the matter as all they do is piss me off when she gets them. I am slowly learning that it's ok for other people to have weakness and I have to be nice about it. I just don't deal well with people who panic or stress over stupid shit they can't change. You can't change it, stop worrying about it.

[Czeska]

Anticor, you might want to do a bit of reading about panic attacks and what you can do to help her. Or, ask her.
I guarantee referring to it as a "weakness" isn't helping.

[Czeska]

Oh Jenisi.. another thing to try is eliminating caffeine from your diet. A therapist once told me that giving caffeine to a person with panic attacks is like giving ritalin (sp?) to a person without ADHD. ZOOOM BAD NEWS.

[Jenisi]

Done that :) Haven't had a drop of caffine in over a week.

[AnticorRifling]

Anticor, you might want to do a bit of reading about panic attacks and what you can do to help her. Or, ask her.
I guarantee referring to it as a "weakness" isn't helping.

I don't tell her it's a weakness. I just feel like it is. I don't understand how the unknown or change can be scary, it doesn't make sense to me. I long ago learned it's best to just keep my soup cooler closed when she's moody as my opinions never help the situation.

[Skeeter]

keep my soup cooler closed


love those military euphemisms

[Jenisi]

Negative reactions always worsen it for me (If I feel my anxiety attack is upsetting/confusing the person I'm with). Try telling her she's gotton through it before and can do it again (not in a shitty way). Might help. If you feel like she's doing it on purpose, she's not. They're very hard to control.

[Hulkein]

I don't tell her it's a weakness. I just feel like it is. I don't understand how the unknown or change can be scary, it doesn't make sense to me.

I always said that same thing and still do feel that way (about change/unknown not being scary), but I think it can be the subconscious, and it can occur for different reasons.

I've only really had one attack, and it was like 8 months ago, but it was enough for me to realize that it is pretty much unrelated to anything going on in your conscious thought, at least for me.

[Czeska]

I don't tell her it's a weakness. I just feel like it is. I don't understand how the unknown or change can be scary, it doesn't make sense to me. I long ago learned it's best to just keep my soup cooler closed when she's moody as my opinions never help the situation.

The fear often stems from a feeling of lack of control. Over your situation, your thoughts, your fears, whatever. It's different for different people.

Xyelin mentioned not turning to alcohol to help a panic attack.. it's true. Not only can it compound your problems overall, but it makes some people feel even MORE out of control, and can actually make the panic attack far worse.

[Jenisi]

Definatly not going down that route. I hardly drink anymore (and when I do it's just one or two tops) when I'm out with my new friends or the like.

[AnticorRifling]

Boot Camp fixes so many problems.

[Czeska]

Sounds like my ex :twitches violently:

[Daniel]

Boot Camp fixes so many problems.

Werd

[Sean of the Thread]

My wife gets anxiety/panic attacks all the time. Unfortunatly I'm no help in the matter as all they do is piss me off when she gets them. I am slowly learning that it's ok for other people to have weakness and I have to be nice about it. I just don't deal well with people who panic or stress over stupid shit they can't change. You can't change it, stop worrying about it.

The sort of "panic" attack I'm talking about isn't like "OMG I bounced that check fuck fuck fuck now i'm screwd ahhhhhh." It's more of a "I just took acid and I have no control of the ride" feeling.

[Asha]

It's being convinced you're heart is tearing itself in two. It feels like you're dying and is utterly terrifying.
My dad never understood panic attacks either and my mother had no sympathy from him at all. Since about 5 yrs ago he's brushed up on his knowledge of them and really helped mum get through it.

[Czeska]

Someone once described it as feeling like you're going to stop screaming and never be able to stop. That's pretty on the mark, too.

[Alfster]

It's more of a "I just took acid and I have no control of the ride" feeling.

That feeling sucks, had it once...acid sucks

[Stanley Burrell]

The sort of "panic" attack I'm talking about isn't like "OMG I bounced that check fuck fuck fuck now i'm screwd ahhhhhh." It's more of a "I just took acid and I have no control of the ride" feeling.

Basically ditto. And also that there exists a zero % chance that any feelings of positivity/euphoria will come from that particular feeling.

I cannot fucking fathom when the first words out of someone's mouth are, "I'm having a panic attack!" And not, "I've been poisoned/having a heart attack/stroke/this is it/going to die/etc." It may serve to further fucken my unfathoming when this is the case for individuals who do not have an ER track record or documentation from a physician including such.

I haven't had a panic attack in well over a year, and I've been through larger proportions of shitness during the past year than I have in many, many other years of my life.

Right now, I suffer from anxiety, not panic attacks.

[DeV]

Most of the responses have been spot on so far. To add, even though you may not be in control of the physical reactions or feelings that accompany an anxiety attack, you are very much in control of your thoughts and actions. Thinking and acting in a clear headed manner and most importantly understanding that whatever has triggered the attack will subside eventually will help reduce the feelings of doom that are often experienced.

[Jazuela]

This might help you with calming your mind at night. Try hot chamomile tea, with honey and lemon. It acts as a very mild sedative, without the "drugs." Don't drink it -too- close to bedtime or you'll wake up after a few hours having to pee :)

But an hour before bedtime, it might just be enough, at least for now to get you through those unending minutes where your brain absolutely refuses to shut the hell up long enough for you to fall asleep.

I have a sleeping problem, it's exactly what I just described. Unfortunately I can't stand the taste of chamomile (it's kinda apple-ish and most people consider it very pleasant and soothing). So I take Ambien instead and so far so good. I'd switch in a heartbeat to chamomile if I could stomach the taste though, because I know how effective it is.

Also someone mentioned Bach's Flower Rescue Remedy - I had a brief period in my life when I was experiencing severe moodswings, and that stuff REALLY helped. I was sceptic about it, but it was inexpensive enough that I figured it was worth a shot. And - surprisingly enough, it worked great. Just a few drops on the tongue, and your hearbeat steadily quiets down and you feel like you can breathe again.

[Czeska]

Bach's rescue remedy goes either under the tongue (bout 4 drops) or in a drink if you don't like the whiskey-ish taste.

Another sedative tea is catnip tea. Like a milder tasting chamomile. Sometimes I"ll mix it with like a peach tea for flavor. It'll knock you right out (more than chamomile for me). Also good for breaking fevers!

[HarmNone]

Bach's Rescue Remedy can also be used with a diffuser, kinda like an air freshener. If you put one in a small room, you can just sit there quietly and breathe. :)

[Czeska]

it's made in a cream, too!

[peam]

I'd recommend drinking alcohol.

[Jazuela]

Y'know I never thought of catnip tea, what an excellent idea! I grow it in my garden for my cat. You wanna see a feline freak out, you have to see her when I bring in a few sticky fat catnip buds fresh from the garden.

[Czeska]

Dry the leaves and steep for like 5 minutes. You won't get stoned like a cat does. Or hell, the stuff'd be illegal.

[Asha]

Eat bird-eye chillies.
Seriously. That'll take your mind off panic at the time.

[Czeska]

And on pain.. I'll pass.

[Jenisi]

Well... Last weekend I kinda had a bad one :( I woke up and felt like my heart was ready to explode and started freaking out. Ended up going to the ER where they ran a EKG and a few other test and diagnosed with with panic attack disorder and anxiety. (yay) So.. He's prescribed me to zoloft which hasn't done much so far except give me an extreamly dry mouth but he said it will take about 2 weeks to kick in. Not happy about being on medication but I really want these stupid episodes to stop.

[Czeska]

Glad to hear you got some medical advice. If the zoloft doesn't work, there are plenty of other options, including Paxil, lexapro, clonapin.. some folks I know have used welbutrin (sp) but their personal reviews haven't been the best.
Good luck :)

[HarmNone]

Well... Last weekend I kinda had a bad one :( I woke up and felt like my heart was ready to explode and started freaking out. Ended up going to the ER where they ran a EKG and a few other test and diagnosed with with panic attack disorder and anxiety. (yay) So.. He's prescribed me to zoloft which hasn't done much so far except give me an extreamly dry mouth but he said it will take about 2 weeks to kick in. Not happy about being on medication but I really want these stupid episodes to stop.

Whew! I'm glad to hear that episode was nothing really serious, hon. Panic attacks are miserable, I'm sure. I've known a few people who had them.

It's going to take a couple of weeks for the Zoloft to build up in your system, but you should start feeling better then. Sometimes, one medication will work better than another, depending on the individual. Also, some people find they need a combination of medications to completely control the symptoms. Give it a couple of weeks. If you're still having these episodes then, see your doctor. They can either try another kind of medication, or add something else to the Zoloft.

Hugs, hon. :)