Increase in anxiety/panic attacks

Hi all, I’m fairly new here, but was wondering if anyone had some ideas on how to manage increased frequency of anxiety and panic attacks? Before I had the panic attacks infrequently, like maybe a couple times a month, but now I am feeling intense anxiety every day. Am on Wellbutrin, Zoloft and clonazepam for depression and anxiety control, plus I have Xanax 1 mg up to 3 times a day for panic attacks. Been using it for the anxiety, even though it technically isn’t a panic attack. Any suggestions?

[leanneski]

Hi, have you had any help from a therapist/ counsellor ? X

[Hidden in reply to leanneski]

Had been with a counselor for a while, then things seemed to be resolved. I see a psychiatrist, in fact today was my appointment, and I talked to him alll about what I am feeling/going through. He thinks I could have ‘hypomania’, and has prescribed Trileptil. Due to my many allergies, I am on a low dose, and will titrate off the Zoloft, to be on the safe side. I looked up hypomania, and that does not sound at all like what I have. Also, I know Trileptil is primarily used for seizures , but I am willing to try. Am also going to look in to meditation.

[leanneski in reply to Hidden]

Meditation is good, takes a while to get into it but there are loads of different apps/ YouTube videos that can help, I like Sam Harris ‘waking up’ app. Have you looked into any diet and nutrition links? There’s a lot more evidence now about the links between our brains and gut, and the impacts on mental health, particularly if you have allergies. Chris Kresser is really interesting, he has a really good website/ social media links, he’s also done a few podcasts. I’ve just started reading his book ‘unconventional medicine’ haven’t finished but good so far. Counselling/ therapy can take a long time and can have ups and downs, going back for a while could help. The other thing is exercise which is soooo hard when you feel terrible, but even just starting at home with some yoga or simple stretches ( you get loads of guides on Pinterest/YouTube) and some walking. 💜 x

[photobeats]

I wish I had an official cure-all- answer for you. I cannot pretend to be an expert but various things help me at different times. You'll have to be patient with yourself and find what fits for you. Discussing this with a therapist is a good idea. What I've found really clears my mind is meditation recently, in fact this past Saturday I was all freaked out and took myself out to be alone and walked to the local waterfront (instead of taking the bus because I did not want to be surrounded by people). I found a spot that was completely isolated. The noise of the boats/speed boats going by off in the distance would cover my meditation chant so I wasn't worried about anyone hearing me so I played a track I have on my Ipod, listened to the Buddhist chant during the 6 minute while watching the waves in the water and focusing on that. The second time I played the track, I was ready and chanted along and with each breath out "OOoooooOOOOooommmm", focusing on the waves, I pushed all my anxiety out and continuously did this for the next 15 minutes and by the time I was done, I did not feel crappy anymore. I don't know how to explain it, I just felt good for once. A lot of days I play around with my dog and that lifts me out as well. Watch movies or a new TV show, I write a lot and when I am done writing, I never review what I have just written, I just turn the page and never look back at it so I don't get stuck back in the cycle.

I hope you find something that works and helps you. Sorry for the long rambling answer but just thought I might put out some ideas.

[Hidden in reply to photobeats]

No problem, don’t think you were rambling at all. I intend to try meditation. I see a psychiatrist, and he prescribed Trileptil in place of my Zoloft. I know Trileptil is used primarily for seizures, but am willing to see if it helps. I see him again in a month. One thing that does relax me is baking/cooking. Thing is, due to working nights, my husband is the one who usually ends up cooking, but I get one, maybe 2 meals in. Thank you for your suggestion .

[photobeats in reply to Hidden]

ah, I get you. Since you see him in a month, it is always a good idea to write down any side effects and report that to him so he'll have a better idea of what is going on. I forgot all about cooking, yes that is another one I do when I have the time. You really do lose yourself when you are so focused on the aspect of it, trying to come up with different flavors or changing up an old recipe to see what you can do to spice things up. I always find that I never end up judging myself whenever I cook. I'll try some new peppers or threw in some spicy cashews or something... It comes off as a challenge. I tend to over criticize myself for pretty much everything I do but for some reason that never happens whenever I cook. I hope your psychiatrist is a great fit for you. Please keep at it.

[Hidden in reply to photobeats]

Update, though later than anticipated. Trileptil seems to be working well, although recently I have had several panic/anxiety issues, also a few crying spells. I guess it’s good to be able to feel something, but am not used to feeling things other than down or blah. Still planning on seeing someone for second opinion, but haven’t picked up the phone yet. I work nights for the next 4 days, so Tuesday or Wednesday I will.

[photobeats in reply to Hidden]

I apologize for the long delay. Things have been crazy for me with a new move to a new state and I'm just now getting things settled down. I do agree it is good you are at least feeling something and I am still hoping some good days will present itself sooner rather than later. I hope you were able to get that second opinion as well.