CONSTANT ANXIETY/PANIC ATTACKS

[Shaies7]

I am a 24 year old married women who has been suffering with severe anxiety/panic attacks for the past 7days with no relief. I have a very hard time trying to control my body trimmers, heart feels like its constantly racing and I wake up shaking uncontrollably. I have no insurance and just need help. I'm soo scared/worried that I'm going to have a heart attack that I find it highly difficult to function. Very often I find myself crying uncontrollably because I feel stuck and like there's no hope for me. The ER prescribed 3days worth of Ativan (Lorazepam) that kind of took off the edge I think, but not completely. Now I'm out of meds and need a psychiatrist to help me before I truly lose it😢 I'm located in the Newport News/Hampton area. If you can help, please don't hesitate to respond. I was completely fine 7 days ago, until I took a little too much Robitussin with Codeine (once).

P.S. I'm trying slow breathing and staying away from caffeinated products with no relief.

[nick97]

Hi Shaies7, I'm sorry to hear you're in that situation.

I'm a 25 year old male that is suffering from a severe anxiety disorder and depression, so I've had these panic attacks as well. I actually just had one when my girlfriend walked in the door...

I can tell you that psychiatrists and therapy are helpful, but they actually will only make it easier for you to help yourself. Even without insurance you can conquer this disease! It's very important for you to put yourself in a place of comfort, that is not your bed! Try to think of things that you enjoy or enjoyed doing before you started to experience these panic attacks. Even if it's just for 5 minutes get yourself up and doing it. You need to 'trick' your mind into feeling safe and secure. Also, how do you start your day? It's important to take time in the morning to focus yourself and set up your brain for a healthy day. Try meditating, or taking a walk before breakfast, and have a balanced healthy breakfast. I am a terrible cook but I do enjoy making myself some eggs and toast in the morning! I found this to calm me down, and I think you would benefit from 'slowing' down your day.

That is very hard to do, though. I am a student in a difficult program and my disorder certainly has taken a toll on my academics. It's very important that you do everything you can now to feel better. Focus on yourself, and try to slow down your life. It's important to value every moment, because when you start to feel yourself running through your day that will trigger the panic attacks and it becomes a cycle. If you ever feel yourself going through your day on 'autopilot', stop! That means you're starting to slip into another panic attack.

I hope this has been helpful, I know everybody is different and our triggers are different, but hopefully reading this has given you some insight into your problems. I hope you start to feel better soon, I know how hard this is. Hang in there and keep hoping!

Best,

Nick

[Ajax2734]

Are there any local, state, federal resources you can tap into to see a psychiatrist and/or therapist at low personal cost? You may need to do some research but there could be something out there.

There are a ton of self-help books on anxiety and panic that have suggestions on how to cope. Maybe pick one up from the library or book store. A few I have used are: The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook and Ming Over Mood. You can also look up resources online on how to cope with anxiety and panic. Some coping mechanisms I like include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dieclectal behavioral therapy (DBT), and mindfulness.

[Kinganx]

Ive tried meditation. If you have a smart phone. Download an app called Calm. My therapist told me about it. It can help. Also here is a sort of crisis line that may help. 1-800-932-4616