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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 11/2/2013 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hello! I'm new to this site and looking for some support. I've had anxiety my whole life and always dealt with it pretty well up until 2 months ago I started having panic attacks. It started with me getting costochondritis and thinking that I was having a heart attack. I went into the ER and was diagnosed with the costochondritis. Since then, thr chew pains have stopped but the panic attacks have not. This is definitely the hardest thing I've ever gone through.:( It's amazing how I wen from living a completely normal life to this. I have no appetite, can't eat, can't sleep, and now I'm having this constant pressure in my head with occasional sharp pains. I've been into the ER two more times and have seen my family dr 3 times in the last week. He downtown think I have enough symptoms to have an MRI or CT scan. I've been put on Buspar and Xanax. I haven't taken the Buspar yet because I'm worried about the side effects but do take the xanax occasionally. I feel so sad. I feel like I don't know who I even am anymore.:( Leaving my house has become difficult, too but I've been forcing myself to run quick errands. Anyway, that's my story right now. Praying that I start feeling better soon!
Posted 11/2/2013 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry for the spelling errors! Texting on my phone. :/
Posted 11/2/2013 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
You came to the right place.. There are a lot of people here that understand exactly what you are feeling. I just bought a book on overcoming health anxiety that was suggested on the resources page and so far it is right on with what we do with our anxiety. I just started it today but I'm hoping to get further in and see some solutions to getting through this. Continue to force yourself to get out of the house - because this is good for you, but also take time for yourself and don't beat yourself up for that either. Try to get your mind off of your body and remind yourself you don't need to continuously "check in" to see how you are feeling. Listen to some music, call a friend, read a book, practice yoga.. we are here to support you through this, you are not alone.
Posted 11/2/2013 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
Readytorun,

Thank you! I'm just taking it day by day right now. Thank you for your response and advice. Much appreciated!:)
Posted 11/2/2013 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
I am the same way. I also have bipolar and depression. I was fine until 2 months ago and started to worry about every thing that was going on in my body. I couldn't take buspar because it gave me bad headaches, buy it is different for everyone so just try it, my opinion. We are all on here to help eachother through this and although I am starting to see that I am getting better everyday. I still have a few blocks in the way. I hope that things get better for you soon. I know it is hard but try not to think about the bad, but only the good. Keep us updated as we are not just here for the bad either. Breathing deeply helps. Please do not worry about eating as long as yoy can have at least a few things a week you will be fine and drink water.
Posted 11/3/2013 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Redhangie and welcome.

I am sorry to hear about your anxiety and panic attacks...they are truly miserable to go through.:( It is not unusual to have an initial health issue trigger the A/P, and then for the anxiety to lead to ongoing attacks and health worries.

The good news is that there is hope for recovery. Have you and your doctor discussed the possibility of a therapy referral? Many people find the combination of meds and therapy to be the right management plan for them.

I found much relief for my anxiety and panic through CBT. (cognitive behavioral therapy) This is a favorite technique for treating these issues. If it is possible, I really recommend looking into it.

Self help is another options. Ready2Run mentioned our Resources (link below) and a book recommended there on health anxiety. If you find yourself preoccupied with worries about your health, then you may want to have a look at this as well. There are other great coping skills in there as well such as instructions for breathing and relaxation exercises, and a link on stopping an attack, and more!


https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Practicing these decompressing type exercises everyday can significantly lowers stress...thus lessening symptoms.

Keep posting with us as well. We are here anytime, and we understand and care!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

Posted 11/3/2013 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Redhangie,

I'm new here too, you're not alone, I'm finding really fast that people on here really support each other, it's such a relief, I've started a course called " Mindfulness CBT" and that is helping me cope a bit better, I'm on antidepressants for my anxiety.
Keep strong
Sonja
Posted 11/4/2013 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Red!

You are DEFINITELY not alone and not crazy (crazy is my word because I felt that way for a long time).

Anxiety is so overwhelming to deal with on or off meds. When combined with depression, you really have to have a good sense of humor to cope.

I, too, grew up with A and D but they were not diagnosed until my mid 40s. I always wondered why I hated to attend work functions? Or, how about mysteriously having laryngitis before school presentations were due? The biggest one for me was insecurity and wanting to run away from my own wedding!! I hated everyone looking at me, the worthless one (or so I believed).

Alcohol always seemed to help calm me down, but the blushing face and sweaty palms were so embarrassing to me. I never felt like I fit in. Anywhere.

Knowing that I am affected by clinical depression and social anxiety saved me from becoming alcoholic! Now I know what demons my Dad tried to chase away in his life. Depression and anxiety caused him to attempt suicide 5 times in his life. Life gave him 5 cracks at it until he got it right. Lucky man!

If you are not seeing anyone to pharmacologically help you, it's helped me just get the courage to open the door. Sometimes not so much. Most of the time now the panic attacks have stopped and I can understanding why anxiety and depression grip me. Before meds, I "reacted" not always appropriately.

Just so you have some measure to go by, I am 48 and take 2700 mg of Neurontin, 60 mg of Cymbalta, 10mg Buspar, 300mg Wellbutrin and 5mg of Felodipine (blood pressure reducer). It seems my anxiety and depression were becoming quite the little pressure cooker for my ticker!

I have A LOT of other things happening in my life now like learning a brother has Parkinson's and dealing with my out of control child, bankruptcy....yada yada.....all the things that increased my dosage of Neurontin to its height. The psychiatrist said Neuronitin is good for seizures, which panic attacks resemble, I suppose.

Anyway, you will get lots of support in these forums! They have been very helpful to me. I hope they become the same to you. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

Lori
Posted 11/4/2013 6:26 PM (GMT 0)

hi red,

this place is a great resource.  you can post as many times as you need.  you will find others who are dealing with conditions similar to yours.  and people are always willing to listen.

I hope you feel better soon!

Posted 11/4/2013 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Red,

Just wanted to say hi and welcome!

I'm sorry about your panic attacks and anxiety. These things can make simple tasks difficult to do. Things will get better. Take it one step at a time.

Hope you feel better soon.

UA
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