i have been suffering from panic attacks for 5+ years now, i basically already know what they are i just want to really know in depth what they are…i only recently have started treatments for them this months, my therapist thinks i need xanax or clonopin. i don’t know which ones are the best, i had taken clonopin before and it made me feel good…i hadn’t had such bad attacks! im 17 year old female and i want to know why i seem to have them everyday and feel nervous and groggy all the time i feel like i’m having one right now just having wrote this…i feel really bad help me?
I get panic attacks and sometimes I literally faint.. I get these horrible chest pains where it feels like I am having a heart attack ( I have actually been rushed to the hospital twice for this )..I get heart palpitations, I feel my heart racing like a billion times a minute. I get all hot and nervous and shaky. My doctor prescribed Clonazepam for me and it seems to be helping. My anxiety is really bad, I got a referral for a psychiatrist so maybe a psychiatrist can help you too. Best of luck to you.
When I was 13 or 14 I developed a horrible anxiety disorder. I couldn’t sleep at night, I’d wake up anxious, I’d have crippling attacks at school where my heart would race and pound out of control and I would feel like I wasn’t getting enough air.. It got so bad that I was afraid to leave the house, go out with my friends, even drive. I would have panic attacks at work, it was horrible. And 90% of the time they came on for no reason out of the blue. I tried several different treatments and nothing seemed to work but as I got older I seemed to grow out of it, and went quite a long time panic free.
Now I’m 21 and my panic disorder has come roaring back. I woke up last week with my heart racing faster than it ever had in my life- and since then I have been so afraid of it happening again I’m right back where I started. I have had over 5 panic attacks today, I’m having one right now just thinking about it!!
I guess I’m just looking for a little reassurance. Any comments are welcome. Thank you.
I have them, hon. Had one a couple of days ago that left me feeling quite ill the rest of the day.
Want to know what I do to not have them? Don’t think about when the next one is gonna hit.
Probably easier than said than done right now for you right now, but it does work.
Do you meditate? If not start. Learning to keep your mind calm and noticing your breathing will also go a long way in overcoming it.
Panic attacks usually hit because we are breathing very shallow. That just causes the feelings of not being able to breathe and the tight chest feelings.
Learn some calming breathing techniques and practice them often.
I know it sounds to simple to work, but honestly learning how to meditate and deep breathing exercises does wonders for helping with the panic attacks. In time you’ll learn to notice it before it happens and be able to stop it.
Good luck~
I live in country Victoria, Healesville to be precise. Thats in Australia. I was just wondering if there was any EFT Practioners around my area or farther out, that could help me get rid of anxiety and other Panic Disorder symptoms ??? I am currently on medication, Abilify, I am having counselling, this too is also working for me. Anyone heard of EFT Practioners around ???
Learn and practise one of the following anti-panic breathing techniques: Breathe in to the count of 4, hold to the count of 4, and exhale to the count of 4. Repeat this 3 or 4 times. See an alternative method at http://deeplyrelax.com/ Some people breathe into a paper bag for 10 minutes, if breathing into an open bag, from close up, but without sealing it. This technique counters hyperventilation, by increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the lungs. I recommend that they also be familiar with one of the other techniques, as that method is sometimes unsuitable, as with driving, for example, or in the rain, or in meetings: you can also use the other methods without anyone even knowing. There is a variation on the first method, using 8, 4, 8, instead of 4, 4, 4. Another method is at http://www.deepsloweasy.com/html/intro.htm Some people recommend nettle tea, with a little honey, but no milk. Others recommend Lavender tea, also, no milk, Lemon Balm, or Valerian (caution: its use may become habitual). Know how these affect you before driving, or doing anything dangerous, and it is far better to use the treatments, rather than relying on herbal remedies. I now advise everyone to take a high quality Omega 3 fish oil supplement daily. Because I am unable to source the Carlsons brand recommended, as yet, in Australia, I take 2 "Herbs of Gold" supplements daily, and a teaspoon of cod liver oil. See: http://www.mercola.com/ there is a daily email which is highly informative on a wide range of topics: he also provides the Emotional Freedom Technique free:- it is at least worth trying for panic attacks, since there are versions for using in public. There is a free online PANIC COURSE at http://www.panic-attacks.co.uk/ and it is also available by email. Another is at http://www.uncommon-knowledge.co.uk/ (they are associated companies, so I would expect both to be similar in content). Well worth a look, too, is the section on panic attacks at http://www.mind.org.uk/ which they also have in booklet form. Unlike some other websites, they also recommend letting a panic attack run its course, without doing anything to treat it, so you KNOW you will survive it. The usual maximum is 30 minutes, until symptoms begin to subside. Also see http://www.anxietypanic.com/signs.html and http://www.onestepatatime.com/ (chatroom, and one free email is allowed to their resident expert on joining [free] – more if a paid up member) and http://www.medicinenet.com/panic_disorder/article.htm and http://www.squidoo.com/controlpanicattack/module2485824 and http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/index.cfm and http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/ and http://panic-attack-over.com/ and http://www.anxietynetwork.com/ and http://www.supportpath.com/ has a scheduled weekly chatsite on a wide range of topics. The "fight or flight" adrenaline based reaction served our distant ancestors very well, far back in our distant past, when it was vital for survival. Like the canine teeth, and the appendix, it is a carryover from those times, which is not really useful in today’s modern society. Although people often think that they may die, when experiencing a panic attack, extremely few ever actually do. Of course, if you had a serious, pre-existing heart condition, you would be at considerably greater risk, but if not, you can feel confident that you will survive it. If you have had them before and survived, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t survive the next one. Once you have effective treatments in place, you may find that your panic attacks become less frequent, or disappear completely. This is not to say that you shouldn’t learn and employ the above anti-panic attack measures, because it isn’t good for you, psychologically, to keep enduring them unnecessarily, on a semi regular basis. If you are an older person, have a coronary condition, or one or more previous heart attacks, it is extremely important that you develop an effective coping technique. See http://www.anxietyremedy.info/understanding-anxiety-attacks.html You may well benefit from practising one of the several relaxation techniques on page 2, daily, and when needed. Read the section on anxiety, on page 6 of this website, because it is sometimes untreated anxiety which leads to full blown panic attacks. Other websites inform me that such attacks can result from excessive attempts to please others. It is a good idea to learn how to assert your own needs, and put aside a period of "me time" of at least an hour, daily, instead of running around madly, trying to please the others in your life, all of the time. Examine your personal circumstances, to see if this applies to you. If such is your situation, see http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/improve_assertiveness.html and http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/ and at http://www.mind.org.uk/ When the servers at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris come back online, use the locator in section 1: there are some in Melbourne, and Sydney, from memory. Go to: www.naturaltherapypages.com.au ~~~ Under EFT, I entered Victoria in the searchbar, getting multiple results. Note: although you can try EFT yourself, even Dr. Mercola recommends using expertly trained practicioners, as being more effective. Phone sessions are available, with some. Also try http://www.findatherapist.com.au/
I am 19 years old, turning 20 in a month. I’ve recently been having 1-2minute periods of mild panic attacks. I would have an overwhelming feeling and then get hit by a sudden chill followed by sweating. My heart doesn’t beat that much faster but I’m more aware of it and it feels faster. I get this weird/odd and sharp smell in my nose too and sometimes I feel lightheaded and nauseous. I threw up last week for a day and a half. That was when the attacks were a bit more intense. Not saying that I’m used to them now, but they have so often and it’s worrying me. The feeling’s like coming out of a nightmare. Sometimes the people around me seem to fade in the background and I feel so alone and helpless. A few months of ago was my first time having it and I was scared to death. I was stressing over college and grades but now I don’t really have anything to worry about to that extent. Please, can anyone advise in what I should do or tell me what possible disorder I have?
Symptoms:chill, hot flash, vomiting, lots of burping after eating, fast heartbeat, odd/sharp smell in nose,fear & anxiety
I also have been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor when I was 14 years old. I’ve been getting MRIs since then every year and it never grew, but I skipped last year’s. My mom’s worried and I think I’ll be getting a scan in June. I don’t know how this affects my panic attacks but I decided to include this.
It is possible that you may have a panic disorder of some sort, but it seems unlikely to me. What you describe sounds similar to what I have recently started going through. I have found that at times in my life when things are more stressful, my panic attacks become more frequent and more intense. I also find that I tend to have panic attacks over things that I don’t feel in control over, such as exams, relationships etc. My first panic attack i had no clue what was going on. I felt nauesous and i kept shaking- i couldnt get to sleep four hours because I couldnt stop shaking. it was very scary. Then the next night it happened again, and by that stage I realised what was going on, but it didnt help me at all. I was also throwing up on both of those mornings. After that episode I felt very freaked out, and quite isolated from other people. I felt like there was something wrong with me, some part of me that i had to keep hidden because other people wouldn’t understand. I still have panic attacks now, even though my life isnt as stressful as the first time. Smaller stresses will trigger it as well now. But given that college is coming up so close now, even if you arent consciously aware of it, you are probably panicking about that. I woudln’t be too worried about it, it seems normal to me, but i would imagine that many others would not say that because they do not understand what it is like to experience extreme panic attacks. The only thing I wouldw atch would be the vomitting, because I found that after my first episode I had quite a dramatic weight loss because of the vomitting, nausea and loss of appetite and that weight loss has set me downa dangerous path. I think perhaps the best thing you can do is to eliminate from your life other stresses that are causing you unnecessary panic, eating well and getting a good nights sleep is also very important. I listen to some meditation CDs which i find very helpful in getting me to destress and relax. You may not go for that sort of thing, but I found it helpful. The worst thing you could do is try to ignore the panic attacks and hide from the world. Accept them for what they are and dont let them control your life. I hope that I have helped some, even if al i have done is made you realise that you are not alone in this. Good luck!
i’ve had severe anxiety since my teens and its not going away despite councilling and therapy (but they have helped with other issues)
waking up in sweats again, bad, bad depression, sleep probs, loss appietite again, etc.
i’ve had beta blockers mentioned to me ages ago by a tutor who picked up i was struglling in college and just remembered that convosation today, as i desperately want to be stop be wobbly all the time.
has anyone got any experience or advice on how helpful beta blockers are OR any meds that may help anxity and panic attacks please? i’ve been on all sorts of medication over the years but not one of them has helped control the severe anxiety i get
thanks in advance
Hi! I have taken them for over 25 years for a slight heart problem – Arrhythmia – which in turn gave me severe panic attacks to the point that I passed out (I just take a small dose). I know people do take them for panic attacks and anxiety etc and they seem to work well. Definitely worth a try but you will need to be prescribed them by a doctor. I do’t think it’s a good idea that a tutor should be recommending them though. Best of luck!
I’m looking for a treatment for anxiety. I’ve read lots of books and tried to put stuff into action, but nothing really seems to work.
Anyone in the same boat and me, but has found something to help them out? Help please, I don’t want to have any more anxiety or deal with more panic attacks.
Thanks
Bill I was in your shoes about a year ago. I tried reading books, going to the doctor, even taking some medication and nothing seemed to work. One day I came upon this website, and everything changed. I found some good information and methods that I applied right away. Check out the site here:
http://www.howtotreatanxietyattack.com/
I have had severe panic attacks for about 10 years. I have tried every medication and therapy, read all the books. The only medicine that helps at all is xanax. I take it daily and could not function without it. I know it’s a mental thing but I can’t control them and I still have them especially in restauraunts, crowded places, standing in line somewhere, traffic. I am so tired of living with it. Has anyone else been in this situation and what did you do? Are there other treatments? Hypnosis? I am so tired of it controlling my life! Thanks!
I know what you mean Cherry, I always feel safe with my cell phone. Ill take it out and look at it and I guess I know I can call someone if I have to. It’s crazy tho. The worst about having the attacks is that I know other people are looking at me and wondering what the hell is wrong with me.
If you’ve tried every medication, therapy and books and nothing has worked, do you wonder if it might not be a mental problem but a physical one?
Anxiety/panic is a symptom of a problem. It could be something as simple yet serious as anemia (racing heart, dizziness, blurry vision, weakness are symptoms) or as common as hypoglycemia (symptoms are anxiety, panic, shaking, fear/phobias, nervousness, irrational behavior, emotional instability).
It’s too simple to believe but it’s true: you are what you eat. If yous skip meals, diet, don’t eat enough, eat a high carb, high sugar diet, drink a lot of soda or drinks with artificial sweeteners, and don’t eat enough protein, you’re going to be mentally out of balance. Add hormonal changes and possibly years of not eating right and your brain is a mess.
The brain chemicals are made from amino acids, which come from protein. Most people, especially women, eat the typical "pasta/salad/sugar" diet. How about you?
Here are a couple of ideas if you want to try to get to the cause of your panic:
http://hypoglycemia.org/hypo_test.asp
http://www.moodcure.com/
Once you start healing your body physically, you can also work on self-hypnosis. I have hypnosis MP3’s on claustrophobia and anxiety if you like. Drop me a line. Take care.
I have been prescribed a short term dose of diazepam to treat panic attacks. The panic attacks have come on very suddenly during the last 4/5 weeks, but have been very severe. I have had no history of them before, and the doctor reassured me that the diazepam should quickly help me regain control, and then I can look at the underlying issues.
However, I have taken it a few times over the last few days and noticed no improvement. I feel very drowsy for about 30 minutes afterwards, but that’s about it – and then my heart starts to beat quickly again and the anxiety returns.
Has diazepam been successful for you?
PS Please do not reply with alternative treatments. I have registered on a CBT course to start in the New Year and am fully aware that medication is not the answer long term. However, the problem has been so extreme (especially at work) that I need a quick fix solution now that will enable me to get through the next few weeks. Thanks.
When I had the same problem, I used Ativan (0.5 mg) to relieve the panic attack in the moment. At the same time, I was starting Celexa, which fixed the underlying brain chemisty issues. After 2-3 weeks on celexa, I never needed the Ativan again (it acts MUCH more quickly than Valium – diazepam – and gets out of your system faster, too). I stayed on Celexa for about 2 years, then slowly tapered off, and I do not have anxiety attacks anymore.
I am having bouts of really bad muscle and joint pain and weakness down my arms and legs, one minute its really bad, the next I am ok…I sometimes get bouts that last for days at a time. I mean really bad joint pain and aches. I know that depression can cause aches and pains but I dont have depression that I know of, just really bad anxiety problems….I dont feel anxious when I get the pains but the pains actually make me obsess and I start getting bad anxiety due to the aches and pains…I don’t know what to do, I am sick and tired of the constant worry and constantly worrying makes me tired alot, anyone relate at all?? Can generalized anxiety actually cause all of this muscle and joint pain??? HELP!!!! thanks…
Allow stress and anxiety to build up and it can cause real aches – especially muscular. A feeling of weakness is also a possibility.
It is important that stress is managed instead of allowing it to build up.
You need to arm yourself with information in order to manage your anxiety well. Look at some of the free articles at allstressrelief.com
You could also look at the dvds and downloads listed on this resourceful site.
I have panic disorder brought on by PTSD. One day I was just "different" and then I have a Panic Attack.
I am now on medication and have finished thearpy. I still get the start of attacks but now where near how it was in the beginning. I am pretty good at controlling.
My biggest and WORST symptom is the "unreal" feeling. As though I am watching my life from outside. It is SO SCARY. Dr has told me that it is just a part of it.
My husband and I just bought a new house, I lost my best friend and my Mom is getting married in a week. I have had a lot going on and I feel as though I have been handeling things OK but tonight I sort of freaked and felt "out of it" and as if I was going to go crazy.
I am stuck awake and can’t sleep. I don’t want to eat and dont’ know what to do. It is just hard to feel alone in this.
I am just wondering what other people feel. Do you actually feel stressed when it happens or does it just come on like it does with me?
Blessings.
I have ha panic attacks so bad that my whole body would go numb,it is frightening I would call my sister or brother and they could usally talk me out of itm,I have noticed that if you will let it happen and not fight it it doesnt last as long,but I eventually started taking paxil cause they were wearing me down,and Ive been on paxil for 6 years and have not had an attack since Ive been on paxil.
Mail this post
