Anyone else know how this feels

[Stayingpositive92]

I had no attacks for 8 years...and then November last year they started back up and now I'm in constant fear of having one. My mind is constantly racing and waiting. They've put me on Cymbalta but I really dont see a change even though we just increased my dosage. My fiance has been so understanding and helpful during this time and suggested I reach out to people who have the same issues for extra support.

[chaitealatte]

Medicine is a very sketchy thing. It is either going to help you or it won't. I also have anxiety on and off and you just gotta really think about if there is any underlying reason that might be causing them. I did not even realize how stressed out I truly was until I started going to counseling. But if there isn't a reason, that's just the downfall of how the brain works. /: Don't just expect to have another attack. Just take them as they come and remind yourself that it's not real and try to talk yourself down. Also, maybe talk to your doctor about getting pills that are an instant relief if your attacks are that bad. I am on hydroxizine which isn't addictive and is basically just a high-dose benydril (basically just winds your system down) that I take during a bad attack.

[Stayingpositive92 in reply to chaitealatte]

When it started up again last year I was stressed from work, taking care of my 5 kids and buying for Christmas, going through a stressful divorce, and in a new relationship...I'm sure all the stress i was going through caused the attack i had but now i just feel like my body is on constant edge of another one. At first the cymbalta seemed to help but then as time has passed i really dont feel like it's going to help

[Hidden]

I used to have panic attacks...you cant imagine anything worse. Zoloft helped me a lot. I lived in fear of them until I basically just gave in because it became too much. I never had one before I tried smoking weed but I had terrible anxiety before trying marijuana.

[Stayingpositive92 in reply to Hidden]

I was on zoloft for years and I liked it alot. I got off of them last march because i didnt feel like i needed to be medicated for it anymore and then 8 months later i start losing my mind

[Hidden in reply to Stayingpositive92]

It took you 8 months to feel withdrawal?

[Stayingpositive92 in reply to Hidden]

Yes

[sweetiepye]

I had anxiety and panic attacks in my late twenties. By my late thirties I was mostly recovered. I went to therapy and read self-help books. What I learned was you have to accept the fear and not avoid it. When you feel it coming on, you just let it wash over you. It won't hurt you, it's only uncomfortable. I'm in my seventies now and free from panic and anxiety, but over the years I've felt like it could come back if I wasn't vigilante . As soon as I suspected that I was stressed out I would start doing whatever I was afraid of. You have to face those fears or accept them. You can take medicines to help you but unless you accept and over come the fear it will always be there. Once you do accept it , it only takes a reminder to stay in charge of your reactions. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have Pam

[Somehowiwil]

Yes! Completely understand. My fear of having an anxiety attack would seem to bring them on. For years I felt like I was in a constant state of panic, often severe -or mild if I was lucky. I finally got help.

You mentioned a fiancé. Is it possible that the stress of wedding plans and everything that goes with it, could be adding to your anxiety?

I went on Prozac about 20 years ago. It relieved the depression and the anxiety enough to where I felt like I could live a closer to normal life. It’s been a huge relief from the constant, often debilitating depression and definitely the anxiety. I also had xanax for a few years and took it as needed. That helped during times of panic attacks. It has been over a decade since I’ve had a prescription for them.

.You are not alone. There are people like me and you who struggle every day. Exercise helps too by the way. Get someone to motivate you , in a buddy system during times you are really down. That has helped me too.

The hardest part is being gentle with yourself. I wish you ALL THE BEST.

[Stayingpositive92 in reply to Somehowiwil]

I called my dr today about switching from cymbalta back to zoloft which I was on for years, itll probably be tomorrow before I hear back from him. But it's definitely nice having support from others that understand what we go through!

[Somehowiwil]

I totally agree. It is so hard to reach out, that’s part of the illness. This site is great.