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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 1/11/2008 10:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hey all I was wondering if anyone else experiences or has experienced these symptoms. I had panic attacks about 2 years ago, and they pretty much disappeared until this last month. Back then, I feared having a heart attack and I would get myself really worked up over any little sensation I felt. It was pretty horrible.

Well now I all of a sudden have this fear of going crazy, as in what if I'm going schizophrenic. I can get myself so worked up over this, like I dwell and analyze every little thought in my head. It's as if my brain is trying to scare the heck out of me. It's like what if I'm really starting to crack up, or I'm on the verge of some sort of breakdown? From the moment I wake up my heart is pounding and my mind is racing. I can't turn my brain off and I just feel like sleeping all day and hiding out at my apartment.

Anyone else's fears change like this? I have enough insight to know I'm probably experiencing severe depression and anxiety, since I've had one of these "episodes" before. This time around, it's much worse unfortunately. I thought I had it beat. Anyone else's anxiety come and go, and does depression usually go with it? Sorry for the long post, and thanks for reading.
Posted 1/11/2008 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi KalEl, We wish you a warm welcome to Healing Well; this is a great community to be in and you will find that many members here will be able to give you help and suggestions.  First of all, you're not going crazy, as you said - I just think you are dwelling on things.  Are there stressors going on in your life right now?  Do you think those are causing you to as you do?  Are you seeing a therapist?  Are you on any meds that can help with this?  If not, may I suggest that you think about these options.  I believe that panic can come and go especially if under a lot of stress and yes depression often goes along with it.  If you can't get to a therapist, you may want to try the free CBT course that is online.  I will bring that thread up to the front for you so that you can take a look at it and maybe try.  If you don't know what it is, it's a way of changing your negative thoughts and replacing them with postive ones.  It has a workbook that saves where you are so that you don't have to do it all at once.  Many people here, including myself, use this program.  It works for some, but doesn't always work for others. I hope this information has helped you, even a little bit and I'm sure others will post who have had/have experiences such as yours. Please keep posting to let us know how you are doing and so that we can continue to help you.  Again, a warm welcome to you from the Healing Well family. ((((Hugs)))) Wen
Posted 1/12/2008 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Wen has given you fantastic input I do hope you read her post and take some of her points and work on them we are HERE for you ...I ma sure IF you have questions ppl will give you good advice this is a very caring place

Be well and Welcome
STAY with us

LYN
Posted 1/12/2008 11:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Wen and Howlyncat, thanks for the replies! I actually went to a therapist today and I've been diagnosed with "general anxiety disorder" and depression. I did get some medications, it sounds like it takes a little while for them to start working. It can take 4 weeks for the full effect of the meds, from what they tell me. I also got some books and relaxation cd's to get me started. Thanks for the warm welcomes, I'm glad I stumbled onto this website. It's good to find people who can relate.
Posted 1/12/2008 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
I am so glad you found us and I know you will find the support is most helpful as we have been thru the same issues or are going thru them as well

Relaxation tech's are great as is CBT

You are doing good with the steps you have already taken towards fighting this beast known as a/p,and to me that is the best thing to do FIGHT back dont let it grab hold of you totally ....You have a/p it doesnt HAVE YOU
Take care
LYN
Posted 1/12/2008 5:31 PM (GMT 0)

KalEl

Hello, I am Kitt and Welcome to Healing Well.  I am sorry I was gone when you joined but just wanted to stop by and say hello.  You have the same dx as I do.  I am glad you went to a therapist.

From experience, I can tell you that this is a disorder you can live with and still have a great life.  I was dx 26 years ago.  I know I need to take my meds but many people do get off the meds too so it is an individual situation.

Again a warm welcome and know we are here for you.

 

Posted 1/13/2008 2:14 PM (GMT 0)

Hi KalEl - I just wanted to let you know that I too, have recently started to experience these exact feelings and I know just how scary they are.  I think all we can do is just keep telling ourselves that if we have enough insight to question these types of thoughts and to be able to recognise that we are just nit picking and over analysing everything that's running through our heads then more than likely we are just fine. 

I don't know about anyone else but I often find as well that when I feel calm and relaxed, after a little while I start to feel worried about that and think, okay it's only a matter of time until the anxiety kicks in again... and then sure enough, it always does, and usually with these types of feelings... 

Again, I'm sorry that you too are experiencing these awful feelings, I just wanted to tell you that I understand where you're coming from and really hope that you get the support you need.

lulu

Posted 1/13/2008 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi KalEl, You are most definitely taking the right steps in the right direction in order to get better.  With the help of all of what you are doing you will get better.  As lou lu said, these are awful feelings but we can overcome them with time - and it does take time.  The meds will take a while for you to really feel the full effect of them, but you start noticing a bit of a difference sooner than that. I wish you well and keep posting, we are family here and we want to know how you are doing and want to be able to help you. Wen
Posted 1/14/2008 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all thanks for the great replies. These are awful, scary feelings, but like you said lou-lu, if we have enough insight into these thoughts and feelings, we're ok. People who do go "crazy" don't realize it. Even though I know sometimes my thoughts are irrational and ridiculous, they still spin around in my head and cause lots of anxiety. My therapist even said that psychology students sometimes go in for therapy, they're studying all these awful mental illnesses and start the "what if" questioning about their own mental health. This is a great website, my friends and family are supportive even if they don't entirely understand what this is like. I think one has to go through this to really relate. It does feel like a family here. I'm especially interested in the cognitive behavior therapy. Thanks for the info wen.
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