Panic Attacks Support Group

Hi everyone, I am new to this group, I have been reading alot of the posts but was too scared to write. Just like me, my life is run by fear. I have been crippled with anxiety,panic, and depression for over 10 yrs. I have been on clonazepam for over 2 yrs and just 3 weeks ago was put back on my paxil after yet another trip to the ER.

I am a 35yr old mother of two and a wife. I feel like I can not cope with everyday life at this point because of these awful anxiety attacks. I know what they are, I know that I should not fear them, but yet I still do. I have bought every book, cd, dvd'd known to man about this dissorder and knowledge has availed me nothing. I am starting a job on Monday morning ironically at the hospital and I am scared to death. I have been a stay at home Mom for 12yrs and am making a major change. I don't know what to say my mind is racing, my chest feels lie it is about to explode along with my head. I just can't deal with this alone anymore. Thanks for listening

hi mommie and welcome to the group! You are not alone. I too work in the medical field, have read and studied everything, had every test known to rule out other diseases but it all comes down to panic. It's just not simple and most people don't understand. I have a great doc that does "get it". She told me after my last "biggie" that put me in the hospital, that this is a disorder...a physical disorder. She compared it to diabetes and said to me..would you take diet control and insulin away from a diabetic? Of course not. Since then I have been much better (not fine) but my attacks are less severe and I can usually breath my way through them.

There are lots of us here that will help you through this....you have nothing to fear hun. Don't be afraid of the job...try to relax and tell yourself you are ready and you will be great!!

And please don't be afraid to talk to us. We have all be there, or are there and we do understand.

Welcome again to the family!

Good for you for starting a job after being a stay a home mom for so long! Know that we are all thinking of you and rooting for you. One day at a time, as they say. Im sure it wont be as bad as you fear. A HUGE step for you! Please write more and let us all know how it goes. Sending you hugs and encouragement.

Thank you so much njhoppe for your encouraging words. I feel frustrated at this point because there is no more running to the ER for help, I am told that it is up to me to take control of this dissorder and once I stop fearing the attacks are going to hurt me then they will eventually stop. I have alot of soul searching to do and need to start working on calming myself down from an attack. Why does that always sound easier said then done..lol..I am so grateful to have the support and understanding from the group, just to know i am not alone and am not going crazy brings be some peace. Thanks again njhoppe...

That was my feeling when I first came here too. I was sooo relieved to know I wasn't the only one. What have you tried to help you with your panic? And who said no more ER?

Janicepv, I feel better already just from posting and hearing the encouraging words. Wow, I knew i should have joined this group a week ago, O well just glad I joined. You are right janicepv nothing ever is as bad as I fear it is going to be. I am going to wake up tomorrow and fill myself with positive thoughts, compassionate self talk...Thanks sooooooo much..

well I went to see a psychologist, purchased this 15 week cbt dvd's called the Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety by Lucinda Bassett, however, to be honest never really gave it my all, so Last week started really doing what I should be doing. It comes with a work book for each session. So we shall see. I guess when it comes to the ER i feel like such a fool because evertime i go I am told the same thing, this is "just" anxiety, or you have panic attacks you need to calm down. There is nothing wrong with your heart etc....

Most of the time the ER just doesn't get it. The last time i was in ER I got a doc that "got it". He admitted me overnight for all the heart tests to show me my heart was fine. One of the best things that could have happened to me. This is just my personal opinion but don't ever rule out the ER. Sometimes we just have to do that. I know, I felt like such a dumbass the last time but looking back it was a smart move. I use the ER as my total last resort though. First I check things out here everyday, helps me stay positive to help someone else. If panic does start, I do deep belly breathing...if that doesn't work I take ativan and that almost always stops the attacks. If the panic is REALLY bad i go to the ER. I've only had to do that twice in the last 2 years though. You'll get there dear...just think positive and remember that panic never killed anyone.

Welcome to our group!I know how you feel,I was SAME,before I start taking medications.I don't know to much about Paxil,but what I know be very careful,it is not nice medication.Maybe you try before,if you like it,forgive me,I just know many don't use this medication.I am using Cipralex 30mg,Wellbutrin 300mg and Clonazepam 0,2.5mg x2...my dosage was increase every couple months till I start feeling better.

I stop Clonazepam 0,5mg because I was not able to function but I am back with smaller dosage.

I do not have real panic attack anymore but I still have fears and always what if.....what if......

Do not feel bad going in ER,they will help you and you will feel much better talking with staff.

Do you have psychiatrist?

I do,because he specialized in his field.I am working in hospital too,just beside ER and I got in 2008 so bad panic attack at work so they call CODE BLUE,so you know what that mean,for others who does not know:when somebody had cardiac arrest.Stop breathing!

I collapse in front of my friends after arguing with my bad manager.They cut my uniform,drive me to ER on stretcher,with oxygen,my blood pressure went up and I stay for couple hours after I got under tongue Lorazepam(Activan).I didn't feel bad but he was,not just he feel bad he was scared to death.I worn him,about my anxiety and I beg him to stop attacking me,and hated me,but he did not listen.

He was telling me lie and he did not get me chance to talk,he cut all my sentence....and I was getting more and more anxious till I couldn't ketch my breath.I let myself being so upset after ashole.I do not understood myself.

Never let anybody to upset you so much,learn how to say no,learn how to spend some time for yourself,stop pleasing people for everything,you have to think about you too,try not to be around negative people if you can,turn all your lights in house during night,don't get upset if somebody ignore you or they are mean to you specially at work,be prepare for everything.Pretend to be strong,don't let anybody to put you down,be proud who you are.If you start feeling anxiety arrives at work go for a quick brake,walk around a little,just go on fresh air.Do not cry under musk like I did in beginning,nobody deserve your tears,nobody worth except your kids.Imagine one nurse told me:

if anybody upset you at work imagine him or her running naked in hallway and you will be laughing.

If you do not feel better after 4-6 weeks,they have to change medication.Watch just comedy,they will not upset you,don't accept support from many people,if you have company do not let them talk about your anxiety.Never let anybody to put you in center of attention and make fun of your condition.

When you feel anxiety comes,or panic,try to work something at home,go in store just to make it go away,pray God if you believe,go in your room cry if you need to,let all the feelings from your heart,write down how you feel till your hand hurt.It help me sometime,when I end up last time in ER with panic attack till I was waiting I use my small booklet and I start writing everything about my filings that moment:whay I am afraid,how my heart feels,how I am shaking.....and I notice after some time I am getting calmer.When nurse call my name,my panic get away,I talk with them and I went home so happy.I was so mad at nurse in beginning to not let me see a doctor immediately because I was thinking I am getting heart attack and I will die.You can read book from Lucinda "From panic to power",it is great book.My psychiatrist told me to read book:

"Cognitive behavioural therapy for dummies".....I have this book but I never finish.I did finish book call "Phobia anxiety workbook"fourth edition.I make so many progress till I did and answer questions and write everything down.Now after 2 years looking what I wrote I am very happy what I achieve.

You can win I know,just never give up, always have hope your dream will come truth one day!

Love you all Slada

Post edited by: slada, at: 11/27/2010 07:45 PM