panic attacks and suffer from anxiety

I just turned 25-female. I live in NYC, and believe it or not am an actress...with some decent success. People are always shocked to find out that I have panic attacks and suffer from anxiety. I've suffered from anxiety ever since I can remember, and panic attacks started when i was in high school. Certain weeks it rules my life, others, I am fine. As I get older, I am scared it is getting worse- i am so determined not to let this get in the way of anything I want to accomplish in my life! I couldn't sleep tonight (like many many nights) overcome with a massive tingling sensation coming in waves over my neck and back of my head. I've been taking some medication as needed to help me relax this past week, but normally I try not to. I have SO MANY anxiety symptoms and they are always changing. I get a lot of heart palpitations, racing, chest pain, tingling, sharp pains and "ZAPS" as I read someone describe them...(That is what made me want to join this blog...reading what someone wrote about a sensation i thought I was the only one feeling and that made me crazy-- but it turns out I'm not!) I just am so thankful that other people out there are open about their anxiety and panic- because I don't have anyone I'm close to that understands me. My mom is actually a physician assistant (PA) and my sister is a doctor, so while they "understand my symptoms" they look at me too medically, and discard a lot of what i tell them- say..."oh you're fine, its just your anxiety". I'm like...."logically, I KNOW THAT! But that doesn't make me feel any better, and WHY am I feeling this way!?" What will help? I need to hear other people's stories and support that FEEL THE THINGS I DO- that is so important I am realizing- that it is REAL and we are not crazy, and not alone. So, I am hopeful to make many new friends here and help others when i can, and have others help me.
Deep breaths and faith...

LoBo:
I am sorry to hear about your problem. I have had the same problem since I was your age. I t is still a part of my life 20 years later. I was diagnosed after several trips to the ER thinking I was dying of a heart attack. Most of the time my anxiety is on going, I've learned to deal with it on a daily basis. But....when the I have a panic attack it's entirely different. I had been taking atavan for some time for the panic when it strikes usually for several hours about every three months or so . I had to visit a phychologyst for another problem and when he read the presc. it reads 3xaday so he assumed I was taking it every day and told me I should not take it because it is addictive. It does show up in my labs so now I don't know what I'll do when the panic strikes. I guess visit the ER so they can tell me that I'm having a panic attack and give me some atavan???? You are not alone. june

Hi LoBo, I am so glad that you have found Healing Well and decided to join us. As has already been said, we are a very caring community that is supportive of one another and always willing to help each other. You have found a great place to be. I too have dealt with anxiety and panic for many, many years along with many of the sensations that you describe. There are times that I wonder if I will ever get it under control, but it's just a fact of my life - some days/weeks are just better than others. Most of the time it doesn't rule/run me, but I will admit that there are times it does and I think that's pretty much "par for the course" for a lot of people who deal with A & P. Along with many others, I use a combination of meds and counseling in order to help me through these issues. Even though your mother and sister are in the medical profession, it doesn't mean they really understand what you are dealing with. You've definitely come to the right place for support and being able to talk with others who have the same problem as you. Take care and welcome to Healing Well, Wen

Just wanting to stop in and WELCOME you to HW

You have received plenty of great input already

This is a great place with fantastic ppl and they will all lend a hand when you are in need

YOU are never alone again

Stay with us

LYN
**Join in some of the fun threads too we have to laugh

LoBo,

Welcome!

Everyone who has posted previously is right, you have found the best place for support and comfort right here!  I agree with you that it helps tremendously to have people to turn to who have been where you are and experience the same feelings and symptoms.  There is a comfort in sharing and knowing you are not alone.  I've experienced alot of the symptoms that you mentioned and especially hate the tingling head.  I do hope that you will continue to come here and let all of us get to know you better.