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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 10/11/2012 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
I have been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks for awhile now. It all started back in 2010 when I was rushed to the hospital because my heart was racing out of control. My heart rate was 178 and I found out that my potassium, magnesium and thyroid were all out of whack! I was put on meds for the anxiety and to gets those three things back on track. Well after about a year I was taken off all the meds and I was actually doing fine until recently. I have been to the ER and my regular dr. multiple times over the past few months. This past week I had what I would consider a mental breakdown due to all the stressors occuring in my life and since then I have felt horrible. Loss of appetite, heart palpitations, dizziness, constant thought of dying, always over thinking something small (every headache is a brain tumor), not sleeping, etc. I am currently on metoprolol for my heart rate and lorazepam as needed for my anxiety. I am just now leaving my doctor for the THIRD time this week and she has put me on Xanax. I hope every thing I am experiencing is only stress and anxiety. I'm scared... please help!!
Posted 10/11/2012 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome:)

I am sorry to hear that your anxiety has recently ramped up and is causing so much distress and symptoms.

I am glad to hear that you are under a doctor's care...not only is this a good first step to take, as anxiety can mimic so many physical issues...but it makes the next logical step that I recommend pretty easy too.;)

Talking with your doctor about a therapy referral could be the best decision that you could make for your recovery. The combination of medication and learning coping skills through therapy is often a winner!

Health anxiety and panic issues can be greatly relieved by going through CBT, or other forms of therapy. I used to suffer daily attacks and constant health worries. After seeking help through a therapist, I can now manage my anxiety well, and no longer have the panic attacks.

In the meantime, you may want to check out our Resource Guide (main page, 1st post) that has some great self-help ideas. The links to the breathing and relaxation exercises may be especially helpful to you...and you could get started on them right away!

Keep posting here with us as well. It is great to have a support team who understands...we are here for you.:)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/11/2012 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your response. I have been terrified lately because I feel like everyday is my "last day." I really hate taking all these meds but right now I am willing to try anything to get my liife back. I havent done anything this week but lay around and worry. This really sucks but its nice to know that I'm not the only person experiencing this.
Posted 10/11/2012 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
Goodness I am glad I found your post! I am at this point lately where I feel so overwhelmed with anxiety its affecting everything about me. I live in constant fear that something is wrong or that I am going to go crazy, lose control or die. I have a definite increase in stress lately in my life but I am so super sensitive to every little thing. I have never taken any medication for my anxiety and I have had it since I was about 12 years old and I am now almost 24. I did myself a huge favor and looked up an anxiety therapist that I am going to go talk to next week. Talking to someone that deals with it on a regular basis can help a ton I have heard so I will try anything to get over this anxiety. I also have a fear that I will get so overwhelmed with anxiety that I will hurt myself or end up in a mental institution. I know better, but I still worry about it! I have felt these same symptoms for soo long and they are so draining. I have no choice but to work full time to support my family but it is hard! I hope you can seek relief soon, I will check back and let you know about my experience with my therapist. Just know, you are not alone in this! *hugs*
Posted 10/11/2012 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Keeshak, has your thyroid been checked recently? If not, you might want to ask your doc to do a panel - TSH, T3 & T4 to start with. Also perhaps thyroid antibodies to check for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Severe hyperthyroidism can cause many of the symptoms you are experiencing, so it would be good to rule that out.
Posted 10/11/2012 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Judy2, doc said my thyroid was fine according to blood work. I took my first Xanax earlier today and I must say I feel good!
Posted 10/15/2012 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad I found your post I have to ask when taking the metoprolol how do you feel I was prescribed the same thing but my anxiety is so bad I couldn't even bring myself to the point of taking it /: as far as the test go I've been trying to get some done but there's always $$$ issues being that I have no insurance ahhhh man life pllease get easier lol
Posted 10/30/2012 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry for the late reply but the metoprolol has been working fine. It keeps my heart at a normal steady rate. Don't get me wrong, if I begin to panic I can feel it speed up a little, but I don't get the HEART JUMPING OUT OF MY CHEST moments anymore. Hope you are doing ok!
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