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Enyone scared about an unending panic attack

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Posted 10/13/2014 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys
I'm struggling with going far from my house and a month ago I never had this , I feel like its getting worse and worse and my world is getting smaller I stay home and even at home I'm not fully calm , When I know that I have To drive like 30 min from home I start thinking if I have a panic attack It won't stop and I'll be in horror until I get home and my heart will pound and race what if the heart won't make it and stop :(
I had a panic attack in the car before and all I wanted To do is drive home , standing at a stop light during an attack was horrible I wanted To go not just stand there , anyone else fear about panic attack lasting long time , you know when u look up panic attack it says they last about ten min ( yea right i wish) mine lasts long time or until i get out of the place im in and know that I will have to go on antideprassants at some point but sooo scared to any advice :(???
Posted 10/13/2014 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Yes!

What you describe is called agoraphobia. "The fear of having a panic attack away from your safe place." I have it too. Some people think agoraphobia is not being able to leave your home. That is a form of it but not as common as what you & I have, fearing being too far from home in case we "freak out."

It's all part of the generalized anxiety disorder spectrum. What I am doing to help is I'm seeing a psychotherapist once/week and taking antidepressants.

Do you see a therapist? If not, I strongly suggest it. Chances are good if this is your only issue (anxiety), you could get the help you need with therapy & doing the homework & not have to use antidepressants. With that being said, many of us are on antidepressants & they help a lot too.

Keep talking, we're here to support you & understand your issues so know that you most certainly are not alone.

Sending love-
Lisa
Posted 10/13/2014 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
There is a website I visited when I was first learning about and fighting my anxiety / panic attacks. It teaches a lot of things on there, but one is about facing your fears by exposing yourself to them little by little. Right now it sounds like your fear is to leave your safe place, and the website suggests that you would try to venture out just a little at a time into places that cause you anxiety.

The website is super great for lots of teachings about anxiety. Please check it out! :)



www.anxietybc.com/self-help/facing-your-fears-exposure
www.anxietybc.com
Posted 10/13/2014 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
I feel your pain! I think it's a common thing for people who suffer from anxiety attacks for a prolonged period to develop this. I'm not sure how everyone else deals with this but I find that not letting it win kinda helps...easier said than done,I know.
Push your comfort zones and realize that when you did, nothing bad happened. Its a long road to recovery and you may never be fully free from anxiety but it is manageable. I am in the bottom of a deep anxiety pit right now and am trying so hard but it's one step forward and nine back right now so I get where you are but we all have an inner strength but it's not always easy to find. Hope you find yours soon and I'm willing you better, all the best
Posted 10/13/2014 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Haha just noticed I have written much the same as toomuchanxiaty 😄
Posted 10/13/2014 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
I have a touch of agoraphobia that I have been trying really hard to get rid of. My anxious bout started at the end of April and I pretty much didn't go anywhere all summer long. Anxiety at home and away from home. Towards mid August, I was ready to fight back. I finally got myself out of the panic cycle with the help of xanax. I finally accepted my anxiety and started to expose myself to uncomfortable situations (which was just about everything). I allowed myself to leave any situation I was too uncomfortable with. I celebrated small victories and tried to build on them. I am still going through this, but i have come a long way. I am not on an anti depressant, but I was prescribed one. I think if I would have taken it I probably would have been through this whole ordeal by now.

You have a chance to turn it around before it gets any worse:) Are you in therapy? Do you take any kind of medication for anxiety?
Posted 10/13/2014 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thnx guys :)
I'm not on meds I carry Xanax just incase but don't want to take it regularly , I'm thinking everyday and hoping to get enough corouge to take the SSRIs,
I'm Definelty going to try to take my self out of the house More often maybe not too far:( at first .
I remember someone telling me i hope u don't become like some people that don't leave their homes , I remember saying oh no I will never get to that point , and here i am 😣.
Have you guys ever heard of panic attacks lasting all day (not anxiety but full blown panic attacks) or is that just a fear of ours ?
Posted 10/13/2014 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
I've had anxiety & panic since my early 20's and I am 43. I've had years in between with no issues. I've never had a full blown panic attack last all day. I have had constant anxiety all day, especially when I've been depressed. I don't know though if the anxiety eventually causes the depression or the depression causes the anxiety lol.

There is a big difference between panicking and constant anxiety. I've never had panic last more than 15 mins or so. Chronic anxiety, yes. That's usually my indication I need an AD or need my med changed.

When we are anxious, we feel so tender & vulnerable so please try not to let that persons comment loop in your head and upset you. It is what it is. It sucks but VERY common w/anxiety. That's "all" it is.. And it's very treatable!

Sending love!
Lisa
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