Panic Disorder is ruining my life(Please Help)

[EliC]

About three weeks ago, I went through a near death experience. About two to three days after, I started to get my first attacks. It’d feel like I was going crazy, my vision would distort, breathing becomes labored, blood pressure spike, heart rate spike, pressure and pain in my chest, sweating, left arm going numb, etc etc. They were terrifying. Above all else, I thought I was dying, and as a result was in a constant period of elevated stress. I would go to the hospital for these attacks, and usually they’d give me Ativan and I’d calm down, but not for long. The next day I’d be right back at it. Eventually I went back to the hospital and checked myself into a mental health facility that unbeknownst to me specialized in drug rehabilitation and not anxiety treatment. I had a grueling 5 days in there of attacks and no one doing much to help me. On the 5th day I was released and that night, following another attack, I went to the hospital. By about this time, it was pretty clear I was suffering from Panic Disorder. The attacks would come out of the blue at random regardless of my mood or thoughts. At this point I hadn’t slept in 40 hours. The Doctor gave me a shot of 2mg Ativan to help me sleep and a prescription for 6 Ativan. The next two attacks I had instead of going to the hospital, I took an Ativan as directed and tried to relax, and I felt my symptoms elevate. For the next two weeks I was pretty fine. I didnt have to take my Ativan after that 2nd time and started to feel really good again.

Then, unprovoked, about two nights ago I had an attack severe enough that I took an Ativan. I’ve had to take an Ativan the past three nights. I feel like I’m totally relapsing. My biggest worry is the persisting fear that 1. I’m going crazy 2. Something is wrong with me beyond Panic(like I’m dying or seriously ill) and 3. That I’m not going to return to my normal quality of life.

I have had a very difficult time finding medical help for my condition. The Health and Wellness on my campus wasn’t able to do much for me, and my family doctor is an NP who can’t perscribe higher level anxiety meds like Ativan. I am down to just one Ativan and the hospital gave me no refills on the prescription. I’m very scared for my health and well being and just want to know that I’m going to be alright. That nothing serious is wrong with me and soon I will be enjoying life again. Because living like this... is killing me. The attacks started around the 12th of September. I will also add that I use coping skills, most all of them, but I find them ineffective. I know you have to do them for awhile for them to work, but even still, they don’t seem to help. If anyone has any advice, or anything to say that could give me some hope, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

[kittenkisses91]

You’re not dying. Panic is not going to kill you. You’re also not going crazy. And you will get better. It sounds like this is a pretty recent issue and it is scary at first but just know that you aren’t going to die and this will get better. Have your NP or campus health department recommend a psychiatrist you can go see. They will be able to prescribe stronger medicine and be able to point you towards other ways to get better. And you can come on here to ask for help anytime! Everyone understands what you’re going through and can help you through the panic.

[EliC in reply to kittenkisses91]

Thank you for responding so quickly, and thank you for the encouraging words. It helps to know there are people out there who understand what’s going on with me. The doctors in my area seem very unfamiliar with panic disorder.

[Want2BHappy3]

You don't mention going to counciling? Just going to the hospital. You should try that, i at times felt desperate. Kept changing doctors and meds. Found one called Mizaphine, but will look for a different doctor. Good New is you won't die from it, though it feels like it? Look into counseling

[6ixtyon1]

Not to give you more stress, but is there a psychologist/psychiatrist in your area who might be able to help you? You went through a harrowing experience that not many of us are not familiar with...I don't have a psychological background, but it would seem to me that your reactions are being triggered by your near death experience. Maybe your body is having it's own physical PTSD issues that are similar, but separate, from your emotional state...like the way people sometimes shake when they are in shock.

You need a 2nd opinion to look at your whole situation (healthgrades.com, maybe?) I know coverage is not what it should be these days, but maybe you can negotiate for a payment schedule.

My heart goes out to you..

I truly do hope that you get the help, peace and relief that you need. Prayers to you.

[Dontpanicjule]

You have classic panic disorder. You need to be seeing a therapist or a psychiatrist who specializes in this disorder and perhaps can prescribe you a needed antidepressant. You are not dying, but these are horrible attacks. THey can be controlled, but it takes time, patience and help. And, you aren't going crazy. But seek professional help with a psychiatrist.

[sarengeti]

I will highly suggest a therapist who specializes in anxiety and panic attacks.

Love you all 💐❤️🇺🇸

[REALFARRU]

HEY I AM ALSO SUFFERING FROM SAME SITUATION BUDDY AND I FEEL SAME WHAT U FEEL BUT I DONT LOOSE HOPE NEVER AND I FIGHT WITH MY MIND IS FULL NEGATIVE AND AND MY HEALTH ALSO GONNA DOWN BUT I THOUGHT I NEVER BE LOOSE WITH THIS THEN I TAKE SOCIAL SUPPORT PLZ GET OUT OF HOME AND HANGOUT BE HAAPY AND DO WHAT U LIKE MOST OK I AM WITH U ANY KIND OF HELP PLZ SAY AND BE CALM I KNOW HOE DIFFICULT SITUATION IS THIS BUT BAD TIME ALWAYS GONE MY FRND GOD WITH US AND GO TO DOCTER AND THERAPIST TAKE MEDICAL HELP OK .

[REALFARRU]

THIS IS ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS ARE NORMAL IN THIS BE POSITIVE EVERY PROBLEM HAS A SOLUTION IN THIS WORLD I AM ALSO FEEL THIS LAST 2 MONTHS BUT NOW I AM HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEVER LOOSE HPE BUDDY.