Need some help in figuring out what is wrong with me. I'm a single mother in my 30's of two little children completely on my own with no help from anyone. I started having panic attacks in late 2006 after I became sick from a bad ear infection. After several 911 calls due to shortness of breath and feeling like I'm getting ready to have a heart attack I was told I am having panic attacks. The attacks only happened when I am taking care of my kids. Some other things I felt during that time was nausea especially when the sun went down, burning sensations all over my body, pain in my armpits like lymphnodes hurting, restless legs at night, insomnia, constantly thinking I have heart disease or HIV. The symptoms lasted about 6 months and then stopped last year. I figured I was okay. I have had mild anxiety but not the attacks.
I recently came down with Lyme disease. Last thing I needed. My doc says I recently contracted it but my panic attacks started again. Trying to get well and taking care of my kids at the same time was too much. I sent them away for a month out of state. I didn't have an attack while they were away. They have been back exactly one week. I am constantly yelling at them now. They are only toddlers so I know it is not their fault. Yesterday morning I suddenly felt this weird fluttering in my throat and my hear was beating weird, my stomach tightened into a knot, and I felt like I was about to have a heart attack. The fear lasted for about an hour and then I was completely exhausted with sore achy muscles. I had another attack I suppose. I just don't know where to get help for this. My primary doc is quick to hand out a prescription for xanax. I feel like medication masks the problem.
Can someone point me in the right direction of where to get help? I can't raise my children like this. I love them dearly I am hurting them. Please help.