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panic attacks and fear

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 11/21/2009 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. I was just wondering if it's normal to have this fear of having another panic attack that basicly controls your life?
I am only 19 years old and I am scared of basicly everything now, I'm scared to take showers cause I'm scared of having an attack and falling, so now I only takes baths, which still scares me but I have to stay clean lol. But like I said I'm only 19 and I'm too scared to go out and be with my friends, I'm scared to leave my house basically. I do not want to let this take over my life, but how I get control back of my life? How can I go out and just have fun without worrying about getting another attack.
This fear has me so bad that I had to quit my first job because I kept scaring myself into having panic attacks.
I start taking Prozac tomorrow morning, and I'm even scared of that. I read the side effects and now I'm afraid its going to do more harm and not help at all.
If anyone has any words of encouragement or any advice it would really help me out. :-)
Posted 11/21/2009 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi OhemgeeShay. I used to have panic attacks. The attacks themselves are fear inducing not only because the physical experience is so disturbing, but also because I never knew when I would get one. They were not necessarily associated with a stressful or frightening event. I could be at a party having a great time and then feel the cold sweat roll over me and know what was coming. Like you I began to limit my activities because I feared another panic attack. What helped me was getting on medication and making sure that I had as much control as possible in social situations. That meant that I would always bring my own car so that I had a way to escape if I needed to. I adjusted expectations in advance so that people would not expect me to stay anywhere for a long time, give them a ride home, etc. Sometimes that was awkward, but it was the only way I could manage to do things. As the medication began working and I discovered that I could control my attack symptoms (at first only if I were alone in a quiet place so I could concentrate, but later even in busier situations) I was able gradually to get back into my life. You are on the right track. Pay attention to how you are feeling and let your doctor know about concerns, but give Prozac a chance to help you. Things will get better.

Rose
Posted 11/21/2009 5:08 AM (GMT 0)
Take the meds that the doctor gave you. You might feel more anxiety at first or a little out of sorts but once they kick in you will feel good. And then when they start to kick in face the fear. prove to yourself that the anxiety is not going to stop you from taking a shower and then take a shower not a bath. You have to face the fear head on to show yourself and not be anxious about it. I was the same as you 15 years ago and i got through it now i do anything and this is my first time in 15 years of feeling any anxiety and i dont let it stop me as a matter of fact i go do more things just to show myself i will not allow this anxiety to control me. good luck and you will make it through it just dont give into the anxiety over the meds give it about 2 weeks and you will be feeling pretty good and anxiety should go away. Barb
Posted 11/21/2009 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
Get a book called "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne. Within the first 20 minutes of reading this you will begin to realize what your body is doing, why and how you can move forward.
The fear of the unknown is the worst feeling. This book will help you understand what is happening and how to get better. Along with the meds, you will feel better soon.
Anxiety cannot hurt you. I know it is unbearable uncomfortable, but it cannot hurt you. Go out with your friends, do things you love. Who cares if you have a panic attack. You won't die. It will pass and you can have your life back.
I have been where you are and facing your fears is the only way to go. The more you face them, the faster your anxiety will go away.

Good luck.
Posted 11/26/2009 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome to HealingWell and the A & P Forum.

I am glad you found an alternative method that helped you beat your anxiety and this particular expensive book has been mentioned by others.

I would like to caution our wonderful members to remember what works for some does not always work for others and many people do need their medications.

On HealingWell we strive to seek a balance between alternative and traditional approaches. I feel strongly, both approaches have value for anyone seeking healing.

I have had Anxiety and Depression for 27 years and I have learned to control my anxiety through therapy as well as using medication. I also take supplements.

Thank you for sharing your story with us and I am glad you are doing well.

Sincerely,

Kitt
Posted 11/26/2009 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
What might have caused your anxiety?
Is there any pattern to your anxiety? Does it occur more in mornings, on weekends, during school exam weeks, etc?
Are you eating healthy, getting enough sleep and avoiding drugs/alcohol/caffiene/energy drinks?

There are a lot of online techniques you can learn from to relax through your anxiety. Although you have been getting worse and you may think there is no way to improve I am convinced you will learn how to eventually get rid of all your anxiety. Get a plan and follow it through.
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