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[Dirtnapsgirl]

I have just joined the group. I an having some serious issued with anxiety and panic attacks. They started a week ago. I was rushed to the ER with my first one. I have had at least one a day since then. I have been put on celexa and Ativan for them. I Kno it takes time to work. But now I am always scared or worried. If I go out in public I feel like I'm going to pass out. I just sit at home on my couch and wait for the next one to hit. I have lost weight due to not being able to eat. I cry all the time. I just need some help getting through this.

[Hidden]

I went through all that. Right down to the ER visit. Grant it was many years ago and I was twelve but I do recall when I had my first panic attack. You aren’t going crazy. In fact fear of passing out is very common with panic disorder. So don’t beat yourself up. Sitting around waiting for the next one isn’t healthy. If you don’t want to go out in public I can understand, but at least do something that will help you relax while you are inside. Exercise can help you get rid of the adrenaline that is released during a panic attack. Try to stay busy.

[Dirtnapsgirl in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. I am ready to try anything at this point.

[Hidden in reply to Dirtnapsgirl]

I suffered many years but have overcome my panic disorder. I was even agoraphobic for fourteen years. I didn’t leave the house. I have a lot of advice I want to offer but I am not sure where you are at emotionally. I don’t want to offend or make things worse. I will say this though. Read up on panic disorder and panic attacks. Understand what they are and why they occur. Be patient. Over coming this is a journey of self discovery. It is going to take time to learn about yourself and what is triggering them. It won’t be easy and you will experience discomfort. Once you do overcome it you will be tough as nails.

[Dirtnapsgirl in reply to Hidden]

I think I have read everything there is to read on the internet about anxiety and panic attacks lol. For example my skin burns when I have an attack. I didn't think that was a normal ylthing but turns out it is. I am trying every way I can to ease my mind and stop always thinking the worse.

[Hidden in reply to Dirtnapsgirl]

It will take time. Are you going to seek professional help? If you do make sure the doctor treats panic disorders.

[Dirtnapsgirl in reply to Hidden]

I was thinking about it but not sure I can afford it lol

[Hidden in reply to Dirtnapsgirl]

I didn’t get professional help. At the time my parents couldn’t afford it so they bought me self help books. I overcame agoraphobia and panic disorder by myself. They have so much more these days. Especially with smartphones and the internet.

[guynfl2chat]

Hi!

Good news first-- atleast you know its panic. We have all been there. I myself was in the ER twice for panic attacks before I knew what they felt like. Feel comfortable in the fact that your body is reacting to some sort of panic or situation. Now-- you can manage it... try breathing exercises and take your medication. Use the medication to help you calm yourself down. Say to yourself IT IS NOT GOING to HURT YOU. This will pass. You may want to try to download the many anxiety relaxation aps that are free to help take you to the calm place. Lastly, you may need to look at your medication. I found ativian not as helpful as Xanax, but that was me. If you dont feel more relaxed after taking Ativan then ask for Xanax and see if you like that better. The first panic attacks are always the scariest and I promise you if you were in the ER they ruled out alot of all the possibilities. Try and let the meds work and maybe try to figure out what is causing this sense of panic.

[Dirtnapsgirl in reply to guynfl2chat]

Yeah that is why I took time off work. So the meds will have time to kick in. I was only given 10 Ativan so have to make them last. Doctors act like they are scared to give anything like that these days.

[guynfl2chat in reply to Dirtnapsgirl]

Correct, they hope that the antidepressant will work, but that can take weeks to really kick in. Dont be afraid to ask for more Ativan as you wait for the anti depressant to kick in. My advice (I am not a doctor) is sometimes it takes experimenting with different meds to get it right so dont be afraid to say something isnt working after 4 weeks or so. I suffer mainly from anxiety, but very light depression (usually from the anxiety). I tried Zoloft and Prozac in the past and they did nothing for me (except a sense of disconnection and depression). My doctor finally agreed I could take a light dosage of Xanax as needed. So far that seems to do the trick for the last few years, but everyone is different. Just dont be afraid to speak up, but also give the meds the time they need to make a change. Also you may want to see a therapist as you start taking this medication and they can help you through any symptoms. My therapist worked with me through the Prozac and kept me going through 4 weeks and I said I want to stop. She has since agreed I made the right choice a year later

[Dirtnapsgirl in reply to guynfl2chat]

I have been scared to ask because I don't want my doc to think I'm an addict. But ur absolutely right I do need to speak up. I can't let this beat me.

[guynfl2chat in reply to Dirtnapsgirl]

Yes, but since this your first time taking them.. Just explain that you want time for the antidepressant to take effect. You may need a psychiatrist or a primary doctor to prescribe them for you. If they are working? Some doctors do not prescribe them or give very little quantities. Luckily my doctor is not like that because they saw me have a major episode in their offices about 1.5 years ago (I have had the same doctor for almost 20 years). They have never questioned it since. LOL. I can laugh at now, but it made them realize he needs these pills!!! I have only really been taking them for less than 2 years *as needed.

[Dirtnapsgirl in reply to guynfl2chat]

You guys have been a big help. I appreciate all the input.

[Hidden in reply to Dirtnapsgirl]

Ativan is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are being abused by people for recreational use. Doctors are trying to rein in the abuse by limiting how much they prescribe.

[Dirtnapsgirl in reply to Hidden]

Right and I hate to take meds. But they do seem to help some. Sometimes I only take half. It depends on the severity of the attack.

[Hidden in reply to Dirtnapsgirl]

I took Ativan. I would get panic attacks in class back in highschool. So they gave me Ativan. This was before anxiety and panic attacks were well known by teachers and school nurses. Since I couldn’t get up and leave class when I wanted it made me learn to ride out the panic attacks. They have peaks and valleys. The peak is right when the adrenaline is released and the valley right after it is absorbed in the body. If you can ride out the peak you are set. Ativan took the edge off so I could weather the peak of the attack.

[Dirtnapsgirl in reply to Hidden]

I have been trying to trick my body. And saying this isn't real when one starts on me and sometimes that does help.

[Hidden in reply to Dirtnapsgirl]

Yes! You have to refute the self talk that is creating the circumstances for a panic attack. Be careful though. Sometimes fighting could make them last longer. I would let the panic attack run its course. They would go away faster.

[Jen456]

I totally understand how you are feeling. I used to be the same way. I would feel safest in my home because I feared a panic attack would come. After understanding how anxiety and panic affect me personally (physical symptoms), I was able to start talking myself down whenever they would happen. So now, if one comes out of nowhere, I tell myself that it’s just anxiety and it will pass. I breathe in for four counts, hold for 6 and out for 7. I don’t fight it. I keep saying, this will pass, I am healthy, I am safe. Read about anxiety and panic and it will make u understand more and feel at ease.

[Dirtnapsgirl in reply to Jen456]

Yes I have started telling myself the exact same thing. It seems to help a lil bit.

[Jen456 in reply to Dirtnapsgirl]

Good! And with meds you will get better. You don’t have to be on meds forever. Just think of it as an infection, once meds kick in and treat it, you can be done (with doctors support). Be well! You’ve got this!

[Linav8871]

I went through the same thing! I know it tough and scary when the anxiety hits but remember, you are in control of your mind, your mind does not control you. So the next time you would like to go out of the house and start to have thoughts that something will happen, remember that you are strong! And that you can face this, and yes it’s scary but you can conquer your fear, I believe it.

[Dirtnapsgirl in reply to Linav8871]

I am not going to let this get the best of me. I will beat it.

[1OshunDreamer]

You are not alone, so don't be afraid if you have a panic attack in public. I just had one at work a few months ago in front of all my co-workers. I had been able to control it better there in the past. I felt it coming, I removed myself from the area I was in. I did breathing exercises as well as telling myself this will end soon. My co-workers ended up being sweet and kind about it. They really stepped in and helped me come down.

[Dirtnapsgirl in reply to 1OshunDreamer]

I don't think it's the embarraament that bothers me. It's the fact that I'm just scared. I am constantly dizzy and light headed. I'm always thinking the worst is gonna happen. I'm driving myself crazy.

[1OshunDreamer in reply to Dirtnapsgirl]

Dirtnapsgirl, I understand. I've been there, I get it. I have a framed corkboard on my closet door. I started finding words of encouragement and quotes of how I wanted to feel. After reading those many times a day, I started feeling some of them. Do you think something like that might help?

[Dirtnapsgirl in reply to 1OshunDreamer]

I'm willing to try anything at this point. I am just now coming down from another bad panic attack. But I made it thru.

[1OshunDreamer in reply to Dirtnapsgirl]

I put everything I want to be and what I truly am when my GAD is in it's box.

I also recently started journaling. I can't even tell you how much that helped! I figured out a major trigger in about 2 weeks. I'd never been able to do that with all of my counseling. I knew it was part of the problem, not the driving force.