New here! Severe panic disorder

CaliLove12

New Member

Joined : Mar 2012

Posts : 2

Posted 3/15/2012 4:40 AM (GMT 0)

Hey guys. I am new to this so bear with me.
I've had panic disorder for 5 years now

My husband passed away unexpectedly when our son was 15 months old
Needless to say ive been struggling a lot. My attacks occur daily, and I have been on every medication out there. Xanax is the only thing to calm me down anymore.

I get waves of terror. Hot flashes. Blurry vision. Chest pains. Shortness of breath. And an overall sense Of intense fear. It's worse at night and it has completely robbed me of enjoying my time with family and friends. I do not want to do this forever!! I've been in therapy for 5 years, with little relief.

Any tips on pushing through this constant fear? I want and NEED my life back. My son needs me:)

Scaredy Cat

Elite Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 28868

Posted 3/15/2012 4:58 AM (GMT 0)

Hi CaliLove and welcome.

First of all let me say that I am deeply sorry for your loss. To lose your husband early and unexpectedly, when you have such a young child it truly tragic.

I see that you are doing everything that you can to recover. I can only suggest staying the course of medication and therapy. Do you do individual therapy? Do you feel a comfortable connection with your therapist/doctor? Have you considered seeing someone else for treatment? Not that your current one isn't doing a good job...but rather, a switch in routine will sometimes bring about a new perspective, and maybe something will click with your recovery process.

Do you have a support group? (one for young women/mothers who have suffered a similar loss) This could be something that could help...the feeling of isolation that this loss surely brought about could be relieved by talking with others who know how you feel.

We are a group of people who understand each other from an anxiety standpoint...so please feel welcome here, and post anytime! We have chat rooms available as well, if you enjoy 'real time' talk.

Looking forward to getting to know you better:)

Scaredy Cat

janetlee

Veteran Member

Joined : Mar 2006

Posts : 1986

Posted 3/15/2012 7:49 AM (GMT 0)

Hi, Cali
I feel for you as I know what it's like to feel trapped by anxiety! I don't expect to be free of it completely in this lifetime, but of all the books I ever read on the subject, the one that helped me the most was "Hope and Help For Your Nerves" by Claire Weekes. Her basic premise or technique is in 4 steps:
1) Facing
2)Accepting
3) Floating
4) Letting Time Pass
If you got the book, it would explain these steps. You can find the book easily on ebay for under $5.00
Also, I don't know that anyone on here ever tried it, but I found out that Taurine (an amino acid) really helps me and it's good for other health-related problems as well. If you want more info, just send me an email.
I wish you the best! Do NOT give up!
jl

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