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Posted 8/2/2012 11:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I've had a problem for a couple years dealing with issues and have panic attacks. I didn't realise that was what they were and I just recently spoke to my doctors about them. They are caused largely by social situations; I don't like being around people a lot, especially conflict.
My doctor gave me a few options: Beta blockers, SSRIs (anti-depressants) and psychology.
I'm concerned the beta blockers will cause me to become depressed and gain weight, due to how they work. Also, I have similar concerns with the SSRI and whether they're right for anxiety...they seem like a pretty serious drug. Psychology is...not an idea I like. I like to listen, not talk. I think it would increase my anxiety...and it is getting worse.

Any advice would be appreciated,
Thank you.
Posted 8/2/2012 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome!

I am sorry to hear that you are going through panic issues and social phobia. It is really hard to experience these things, and then to have to take a leap of faith regarding treatment options!

I always recommend doing whatever you can to get to a place of recovery. This often includes medication, therapy or both. For me, I responded well to therapy, and was able to stop my daily panic attacks through CBT. This is a form of therapy that involves both talking and workbook type exercises (similar to jounaling).

However, if the thought of therapy is so uncomfortable that you might avoid it...then why not take the medication so that you get to a point of feeling more comfortable about it, and then the therapy can be beneficial to you. (you could then choose to wean off of the medication later.)

Whatever you decide, remember that this is your choice, and one that will utimately help you to feel your best! We understand how you are feeling, so pleas keep posting with us, and we will be here to support you along your journey.:)

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 8/3/2012 8:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Scaredy Cat (Can I call you that?)

Thank you for your advice. I think I'll compare the two medications and choose that seems best for me, and if that doesn't seem to work...I'll look at psychology. I think :) Ms Decisive I am.

Thanks again SC,

Avianetrix
Posted 8/3/2012 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum nice to meet you. I have a lot of social anxiety so can relate on that one with regards to treatment options I agree with SC you need to do whatever suits you best.

SSRI's can help with the symptoms of anxiety but they will not help with the route cause that is why it is always good to do some type of therapy which there are lots to choice from to help you talk through what is making you anxious.

It is also good to come here and talk with others who know what you are going through. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.

Hibee
Posted 8/4/2012 11:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

Thanks for your advice too. I'm still rather unsure about the psychology, but I'm willing to try it because I really would like to learn to control 'this'. Would you be able to give me an idea of what this would involve? Is CBT the psychology usually used for panic attacks?

Thanks for any help :)
Avianetrix
Posted 8/4/2012 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
CBT is a form of therapy in which one learns to change thinking patterns from negative, to purposeful and positive. In the case of someone with panic attacks, this can work in two ways...

One, when you learn to think in a new way, replacing healthy/positive thoughts for the negative ones...it takes the foundation of the panic away. In other words...if we are setting ourselves up for panic with fearful thoughts and feelings (often unconsciously!) then when we stop doing this...we stop panicking.

Two, often panic is a vicious cycle. You feel the panic and symptoms, which then reinforces whatever fear you happen to have (dying/problem with health/going insane, ect.) which then feeds the panic...and on an on in a cycle. Through therapy you will learn to stop and attack, and when that happens, you gain strength and feel empowered.

These are all powerful tools to have. My experience is that through two courses of CBT (and reading anxiety books, and coming here) I went from daily panic attacks , to recovery from them.

I still have to manage my anxiety for sure...and still have struggles, but the difference in my daily life is night and day after therapy.:)

The decision is of course yours, and you must do what you are comfortable with...but that is what I can tell you about CBT and my experience.

Keep talking with us!

S.C.
Posted 8/4/2012 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
First of all welcome here to Healing Well, everyone here has been extremely helpful to myself and countless others and I know they'll do their best to give you the best possible advice we can offer.  I can only speak from my own personal experiences though, and I have yet to completely master how to deal with the nervousness/panic attacks that I've been dealing with.  The best advice I can offer you is to do whatever it is that you are comfortable with.  Don't beat youself up over being anxious and nervous in certain places, I know that was/still is my downfall.  I get angry and upset with myself if I get nervous or panicky in a certain situation, in stores, at certain gatherings/parties, etc.  Accept it and just know that you're a little nervous in these situations.  Trust in the fact that you've felt this way 100 times before and realize that nothing bad has ever resulted from it.  So what?  Little nervous?  Nobody cares, nobody notices, I know we think everyone does but nobody does trust me.  Wish I was so good at accepting the advice I'm currently giving, but believe me I know it's hard I struggle with the same crap all the time on pretty much a daily basis.

If the mindfulness and constant reminders aren't enough and you need something to relax, maybe you could benefit from a small dose of a benzo?  Some benzos are xanax, ativan, and there was another I used to take that I forget.  I personally am not a huuuuge fan of taking medications, but they help.  Especially the xanax and ativan, but just don't get hooked on them or rely on them too much.  They are very easy to get addicted too.

Best of luck, and I know you'll be fine.  We always doubt that we will be, but we are.  We just somehow deep down enjoy driving ourselves nuts lol

Mike

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