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How long do your panic attacks last and how long have you had them?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/11/2010 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. I'm a new member. In retrospect I've been dealing with an anxiety disorder for a year and a half. I've been treating it for a little over a year now. It began with anxiety and quickly developed into panic attacks. The first sent me to the ER last year (not knowing what it was and having chest pains and pain down my left arm I thought I was dying). Anyway, I was back in the hospital a few weeks ago with a two hour long attack that I just couldn't stop. Now I'm more scared than ever to go out and "trust" that I'll be OK.

I've heard some people say that they just learn to "live with it" and have anxiety for years and years. But I have hope that this is something that you can overcome. So my questions would be:
(1) How long do your attacks generally last?
(2) How long have you been dealing with attacks?
(3) Do you see this as something to learn to live with or something you can overcome?
Posted 7/11/2010 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hello< i am a new member as well. I have have panic disorder and now in full blown agoraphobia! I hate it! I am stuck at home all the time and can not go anywhere. I have fianlly learned to be somewhat comfotable here at home. (my safe place) but i want to get out and go somewhere, do something. My husband is a terrible alcoholic and it makes me even worse because I would like to depend on him SOMETIMES to be in control. I can not even go to a doctor! I worked for a cardiologist for 13 years< he just retired, (THANK GOODNESS) because one more day and i would have problay had to quit. He knows of my problem but does not specialize in it at all. I figuered joining an agoraphobic chat line and talking to others may help me some. My fear is just having a panic attack when I get away from home. thats why I dont leave. Speaking of my husband, I feel so helpless wishing i could put my foot down and help him get help but what can I do?? I have had this before years ago but not quiet so bad to be trapped at home 24-7. i ordered Attacking Anxiety by Lucendia Bassett and that helped a lot. i really need to finish it. As far as how long will it last? wish I knew.

jen
Posted 7/11/2010 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
HELLO Fugs
welcome to HEALING WELL

i hv had anxiety n panic for well over 40 yrs
ive learnt to deal with it head on
i hv done online Cognitive behavioural Therapy as well im on meds
it can be worked on n you will get thru these really
finding a great support system has also been great for me n helped me thru so much
ppl here truly do understand
keep posting n im sure others will post to you as well
tk care
lyn
Posted 7/11/2010 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Jen
i had only become agoraphobic this last year after long illness n losing hearing
i was always out going laughing n enjoying life

i missed me n my daughter really missed the mom she knew
since the past month or so ive made self go out for walks
shopping
anything
to get ouuta the rut i was in
i know you can do this
baby steps is the key for me

i also had alcoholic partner with daughters dad and it was an abusive life
i finally just had enough n left with cait
and started a new life
its not a good place to put yourself in when others have serious issues going on too
i do wish you all the best and know we do understand what you are going thru
keep posting n getting input n support

lyn
Posted 7/12/2010 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
Are you on medication? Your attacks sound severe and it should be treated.


(1) How long do your attacks generally last?
30 min to an hour.

(2) How long have you been dealing with attacks?
10+ years. I've had anxiety all my life since childhood. I was just not officially diagnosed untill my adulthood because I never consulted a doctor about it.

(3) Do you see this as something to learn to live with or something you can overcome?
I believe anxiety and panic disorder is an illness that can never be cured, but with experience and knowledge one can deal with it. I've learned to accept it.
Posted 7/12/2010 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Fugs and Jen,sounds like you all have had a rough time! I've been dealing with panic attacks now for 13 years,i have good days and bad days! At first i couldn't leave the house at all like you guys,but my mom and other family members pushed me to do it,along with taking meds. Now i can go any where as long as it's not outside my city! So now i'm working on that too. I agree with Melodee,i personally don't think it can be cured. I've heard sucess stories about people being cured but i don't believe it can be. Like Melodee said,you just learn to live with it! Mine's have gotten better because i couldn't go to the mall out to eat or anything. I also believe you have to have a good support system,meaning family,husband etc. Fortunately i have had that through out the years but it also has to take some effort from you! Like someone above siad you have to start with baby steps and work your way up! You may even have to take meds! What ever you do guys don't surcome to the attacks,that's the worst thing you can do! I hope you guys start feeling better soon!
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