Panic Attacks.

[Seifert_09]

I would like to know if the group experiences panic attacks. I am going through some very difficult family problems right now and have ben having some pretty bad panic. The stress and panic also ramps up the condition. Anyone taking anything to battle panic and negative thoughts. I need some help.

[tieaknot]

I’m sorry you are going through this. I have noticed an increase in my anxiety levels as I get older and I have to stay very aware to push myself through it otherwise I find myself doing less and less and fearing more and more. I have what I call panic attacks,especially at night...but I’m not sure they qualify as “classic” ones as well as an underlying hum of generalized anxiety and negative overthinking. I am trying to do some meditation exercises. I have also recently resorted to taking half of a very low dose fluoxetine tablet at bedtime and it seems to be helping. (I have never been able to tolerate any meds in the SSRI Family at normal doses but I have to do something!)

I have been blaming it on my surgical menopause (surgery last year), hormones, and just life (apparently anxiety issues do tend to ramp up for many at this time of life that I am in).

I hope you feel better soon and that things improve for you.

[bluejadedwho]

The New Earth by: Eckhart Tolle

[COwithAMN Administrator AMN EASIER Volunteer]

Hi

Panic attacks are not uncommon and I suggest that they are not AMN - related, other than the fact that AMN is ever-present in your life and is a legitimate cause for worry.

I have had some experience with a family member who suffered panic attacks some years ago. In our case there was a "trigger" moment when a previous threatening experience that the person had experienced was seen or felt.

This family member learned very specific techniques for dealing with the panic attack which are employed now whenever the potential trigger is experienced. These techniques are all based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). They are very easy to learn once you find a good exponent of the technique.

Do you think that such an approach might work for you? I do hope you have had some relief as I well know how distressing panic attacks can be. There is no shame in having these - they can affect anyone.

Best wishes

Chris

[mariagno]

I have had anxiety attacks that are tied to claustrophobia. It got to the point that if the power went out at night, I had to find a light source. Until I found a great LED lantern, sometimes I had to go outside if the moon was out. This is how weird it got, I told my wife not to bury me when I am no longer breathing and no use of a body bag.

That is irrational and very disturbing looking back.

I have mentioned weaning off Gabapentin and Baclofen.

They can have these major side effects:

Changes in mood or anxiety. Symptoms can include:

-thoughts of suicide or dying

-attempts to commit suicide

-anxiety that’s new or gets worse

-crankiness that’s new or gets worse

-restlessness

-panic attacks

Well, it took a year but the anxiety has become a lot less. Still claustrophobic but it takes a real situation to trigger it like being in an MRI tube.

Check your meds and talk to your doctor.

[Tim76]

I have panic attacks triggered by claustrophobia as well. This is new in the last several years mostly noticed during MRI scans, small airplanes, elevators, etc.

You may want to consider talking to your endocrynologist about stress dosing on hydrocortizone. My understanding is our bodies need more of this during stressfull/traumatic situations and a panic attack would definately fall in that category.

Best of luck - Tim