Panic Attacks Support Group

hello to all, my name is ray and i just wanted to introduce my self. it is my hope to find other's who are suffering from panic disorder.i feel so alone and misunderstood,over this. i was in the e.r. yet once again last night were i was laughed at, because i thought i was dieing. and here i am typeing lol (not really) thank god! i have been suffering since last summer and now its just out of control daily attacks. the fourth time i ended up in the er because i thought i was having a heart attack they finally prescribed ativan wich does help but knocks me out.i have also been self medicating with booze i have been drinking everyday because i feel better buzzed. no dry heeves no constant fear of death or having an undiscovered life ending illness. but when i am sober watch out from the moment i wake i am so scared of death and all of the above. my mood is just grumpy 24/7 i am at a lose. i saw a doc about two weeks ago she gave me more ativan and an ssri but i am scared to take the ssri. i dont want become a grey person but i want the panic and sadness to stop. i cant do anything with out symptoms coming up always starts with the thought "is my heart beating ok" then the deep dry heev's and the the hyperventalating and then thats it full blown dizzyness numb hands mouth and feet. pounding heart, chest pain and just the thought "thats it im dieing" all day everyday the death thought is in the back of my head.i am so so so scared and alone my girlfriend who is all i have is one step from leaveing me because of this! i just want to live a healthy normal good long life and have a family. i look at guys who are 65 or 70 and think "that wont be you ray" it sux so bad......i hate these thought's! i am in hell! and am severely suffering alone..........

Hey, my story is pretty much like yours. Except for the booze.

I used to drink and party often, but ever since I started with panic, I have been afraid of drinking and smoking.

You can PM me, we can share stories, chat and help each other out. It's weird to see antoher guy with panic/anxiety problems. At least I have not seen to many before.

Last doctor I went told me that I was suffering a, "girl" condition. I wanted to punch him, but yeah. Good luck, hope you are doing better by now.

thank you!

Hey Guys,

I am a guy and your not alone, I have been dealing with similar issues off and on for 10 years. Try to stay positive though, it is beatable! I have gone long periods (4-5 years) with no panic. Then I hit a bump in the road about a month ago but I am fighting. Panic and anxiety is a like a bully, you have to stamd up to it or it wont back down.

Much Respect

Hello..i totallyyyy understand where your coming from!! I used to drink to self medicate my panic attacks and anxiety also..and the first ssri i was given for my panic attacks , i carried around in my purse for over a month because i was too scared to take it...then came a day when i asked myself if i really wanted to continue suffering like i was...i figured what could be worse than living in the constant fear and panic...so i started taking it. I felt a little numb at first...but it surely beat the panic..and eventually i felt back to normal..i still get my panic attacks..but they are far and few between...and MUCH easier to handle than they used to be. Just my own personal experience..chin up!!...it DOES get better

Hi bead and ray and welcome to the group. You have certainly come to the right place. We all know how you are feeling and we "get it" when it comes to your symptoms, your feeling of nobody understanding. This is NOT just a "girls condition". Many men suffer from panic disorder but its my opinion that they just don't come forward and suffer in silence.

You will find alot of great information here and lots of "tools" to help you with panic. This site has been a life saver for me. Alot of warm, caring people here ready to share , listen, and help.

Ray, I remember when I was first diagnosed and was given medication. I think it took me a month before I would take it. I have a fear of medication..but I finally took it and it did make things much easier to handle. Hang in there and keep moving forward. Panic will not kill you.

hugs,

nj

Welcome Ray and Bead!!

Ray- We understand exactly how it feels....I'm so glad you found this group! Keep posting and know that you are NOT alone in this!!! {{HUGS}}

Bead- I too have found that SSRI's are the answer to getting my life back, esp. because I also suffer from depression so my meds help with both, thank goodness. Thank you for sharing your success with us!!!

Post edited by: CrissyL, at: 05/10/2011 06:30 AM

Hey Ray, Your no longer alone! We have all been where you are at one time or another. There are great people here, lots of information to read and useful articles. I'm sure you will find this group to be beneficial to your healing. Welcome to group.

Hi Bead, Oh I know what you mean about being affraid to start new meds, I would either not take them or wait till it got so bad I had to. I recently decided not to do that, I had to change my bp meds, and just said you know what, I have to take something and did it, the first week sucked, but I'm ok now. Fear is the new F word, it triggers panic and limits us. There are many supportive people here, This is a place where you can come and share, talk or asks how others manage.

I would like to say this, knowledge is power, the more you know about panic attacks, the better off you will be in coping with them. Yes they are scarey and distressful and take a big toll on our bodies, but they can not harm you in anyway. As you learn tools that work for you and design a relaxation ritual you can practice, this will help lessen the frequency of panic attacks and the body sensations. It is possible to conqure and it can get better, but it will take work on your part. We are here for you and the support is great here, and most importantly, everyone here understands.

Welcome Ray. I'm glad that you are a part of the group! You will find it very helpful. There are some great members and some wonderful group leasers. We're here for you any time!

You're not alone. It was a huge decision to go on medication. But it was to the point where I couldn't handle it anymore. Sometimes you feel numb or different when you start taking a particular ssri, sometimes you don't, and there are a bunch of different ones you could try if that particular one isn't good for you.

Hang in there!

<3 Jen