I just need some advice.

Hello, I am new to this forum so hopefully I don't make any mistakes. I'm posting because I've been having really bad panic attacks lately, and I don't know how to handle it. I've had panic attacks before, but these seem worse than usual. I feel afraid of everything lately and I'm tired of living this way. If anyone has any stories that would give me hope that this will get better, it would be much appreciated. It seems like anxiety and panic disorder has been my whole life ever since I was diagnosed. That was about 5 years ago. I'm 18 now and have little life experience to go on, and I just need help finding hope again and knowing that life is worth living.

Hi and welcome!

I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering with panic attacks right now. They are truly frightening aren't they? The good news is that you have made a great start by reaching out to this community. Simply talking and sharing with others who understand you is a healing step!

What methods have you tried to relieve the anxiety? Since you have been dealing with this through adolesence, did your parents know and get you any therapy? If not, then now might be the time to consider it. You can do this by consulting with your regular doctor and getting a referral. It sounds like a big step, but it is the greatest gift that you can give yourself. I used to suffer daily panic attacks that were making my life miserable. After therapy (CBT just like Dark Wolf mentioned) I am free of them, and able to manage my anxiety well.:)

If you have already done some therapy, but need some refresher ideas, then our Anxiety Resource Guide has a lot of great stuff. It is on the main A/P page, 3rd post down. There are links to sites that teach breathing and relaxation techniques. If practiced daily, these can really reduce anxiety and its accompanying panic. There are also a couple of on-line CBT sites that you may want to check out.

Either way, there is help and hope! Keep posting with us...we are here to listen, support and help when we can. Post anytime with questions and sharing:)

Take care,
Scaredy Cat

Hi! thank you all for replying. I went to the doctor today and she told me to up my dosage of lexapro again. I was trying to get off it, but I guess its not the right time.
My parents know about my anxiety and I have been to therapy before, but never for an extended period of time. I'm going to start going again soon!
My doctor also gave me a prescription for alprazolam to take on really bad days, but I'm kinda apprehensive about taking it.