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I just want to hear some ways people have dealt with panic disorder

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Posted 4/11/2007 6:09 PM (GMT 0)

 

 

I was just hoping to hear some ideas on how people that have had panic disorder have overcome it.  I have troubles driving over bridges or panic when on highways or in a situation where traffic is moving fast and someone is directly behind me or in front of me.  I also, am unable to go into stores (big ones) and I miss it..  I can't even go out to eat with my husband because I start having one.  We have tried to go during times when they aren't so busy and I can sit close to the door where I can escape fast.

I feel so bad because I can't even go up to my daughters school now to pick her up.  She has to come out to the car.  I have a hard time going to her softball games and last night had problems with her dance class.  I can't stand this anymore, I want a normal life.   I am a christian and believing God is going to heal me of this awful mess... I have had it before but not this bad and its been several years ago.  I was put on Paxil, but when i got pregnant I went off (about 2 yrs ago) and then they are back. 

I have been put on Zoloft which didn't work and was making me so tired..... Now I am going on Effoxor next week after downsizing my Zoloft.

 

Just hoping to see how others have made it through such a horrible feeling.... :)

 

Posted 4/11/2007 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
There are numerous Self help techniques like Breathing and Cognitive behavioural Therapy ....Meditation and self help books available for those that want to help self
Please check out HW resources at the side as well as read some of the other threads on ppl THAT are helping selves

Welcome to HW.........
Posted 4/11/2007 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi godluvsu,

I want to tell you that I was exactly where you are and even though I'm not over everything (I still won't drive on highways or tall bridges), I have improved a great deal. I also have had problems with driving at all (anywhere, anytime) and I would have an instant panic attack as soon as I would start the car. I would drive a couple of blocks, stop and gain my composure and a couple more, and so on and so on. I did it because I had to because I don't think I would have ever drived again if I had the choice. I was also put on medication (Zoloft) and it helped but then it stopped completely. I then tried a couple of more antidepressants which either didn't work or made me have suicidal thoughts. As a last resort, my doc put me on Xanax XR long term which is a once daily benzo. I hated being on it and depending on it but I actually did so much better. I'm off of it now and have been switched to Klonopin twice daily because we are going to soon start having me take the meds on an as needed basis rather than to take them everyday.

I'm sorry to just go on but my point is that you can get through it whether its meds, therapy, self help books, etc. It WILL get better so don't despair. And actually being able to talk and let it all out here at Healing Well when I didn't feel comfortable talking about it at home helped me tremendously as well.

Take Care
Posted 4/11/2007 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
hi!
I really do feel for your situation! But you've been given some fine advice here! I am glad that you are under a doc's care. You may need to go on a benzo, like xanax (if your doc will prescribe you one!). With the benzo, it'll help you to not be so panicky and you can start trying to work on your anxiety issues with CBT, relaxation exercises etc.
Look for an email from me! I will put my ID name "janetlee" in the subject line!
HUGS!
janet
Posted 4/11/2007 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi.  I just wanted to let you know that Effexor gave me my life back.  I have been on it for eighteen months now and live a normal life.  My anxiety was so bad I just used to lie on the sofa all day.  Now I am working (part time), having a social life and enjoying myself.  If you want to chat, you are welcome to email me (it's in my profile).  I am going away on holiday for five days on Saturday (flying too!!).  Good luck and take care.

Posted 4/11/2007 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Klonopin has helped me a bunch. Read my "my progress" thread on here.

I'm basically finished with panic attacks for the most part, but I don't quite have my life back yet. So many old habits...

The rest of the journal entries I HOPE will be about me making an effort to rebuild a life for myself in the wake of anxiety/panic.
Posted 4/12/2007 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Again!
I've emailed you some info...hope you find it useful!
Also, Jan Marie is a GREAT lady to talk to! You may want to take her up on her offer to chat! smile
janet
Posted 4/12/2007 8:45 AM (GMT 0)
I also take effexor and it has really helped me with my depression and anxiety. It takes time but people do get better from this. Along with my meds, I use relaxation techniques, yoga, complimentary therapies and CBT and I find all of these useful. You will find ways of dealing with anxiety and it is good to not avoid things that you think will make you anxious as you can't avoid them forever. You have to tell yourself that nothing bad is going to happen to you and that anxiety is not going to hurt you. YOU are in control and you have to learn to tell your mind that. When I feel anxiety coming over me, I use distraction techniques to avoid the anxiety from escalating. You will get well from this, it doesnt happen over night but anxiety will not hurt you and it is a normal body response.
Posted 4/13/2007 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to tell all thank you for your input and look forward to talking and listening to what others have to say about panic attacks/disorders.  :-)
Posted 4/14/2007 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
my dr has put me on Buspar. I am currently on 15 mgs/day. I also take a bit of clonazapam. Effexor was awful for me, totally messed with my sleep and disgestive system, and it extremely hard to get off of. I 've been off of it since last august and am still not feeling the same. Hope it works better for you. It does work good for my hubby.

you can google Lucinda Bassett, she has a great program out that I will be starting.

Blessings,

Sweet
Posted 4/15/2007 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on Zoloft for about 7 weeks now, and I have noticed a huge difference.  I still have my days of course because my doctor keeps upping my meds, but i can finally go shopping and do all the things I was avoiding for so long. 

 

Stephanie

Posted 4/15/2007 11:45 PM (GMT 0)

Zoloft was my magic pill until I grew tolerant to it. I know it's the exact opposite for others, just like with any med.

Take small steps at a time, like when you go to get your daughter, open your car door one day, the next maybe stand outside against your car door. Avoidance will only make things worse but taking baby steps is a very brave thing to do and will help you get better.

Posted 4/15/2007 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
I emailed you again and hope it went thru this time! Let me know!
janet
Posted 4/16/2007 12:40 PM (GMT 0)

Janet,

It was in my junk email.  I am in the middle of reading it.  Thank You

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