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In need of anxiety attack support

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 4/20/2013 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. I am new to having panic attacks, and was just wondering if you guys have any tips for over coming them. From what I read it seems like I have all the common symptoms, tingling extremities, rapid heart rate, dizziness, lump in my throat... Etc. every time I have an attack I freak out and think something is terribly wrong and I'm having a heart attack or something even though in the back of my mind I know it's just anxiety. I don't take any kind of medication because I am somewhat ashamed of how much my attacks control me and taking medication means I'm giving up. I also constantly feel that i am the only young person who suffers from these, which i am sure is not true. That being said, I can usually calm myself down if I focus on something else. I was having an attack right before I posted this thread and focusing on what I am writing has calmed me down a lot. Sorry for rambling, but reading all of your posts and writing this out has really helped me. Again, any tips for overcoming attacks would be appreciated!!
Posted 4/20/2013 3:56 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know how young you are, but I remember having panic attacks as young as 12-13 maybe.  I only had 1-3 between then and around 21 when mine "blossomed".   I found if I was alone when one started, that going and talking to someone usually helped.  Got them to let me tell them how I was feeling (probably thought I was Cukoo bonkers).  Being by myself and being at night sometimes makes mine worse.
Posted 4/20/2013 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
I am 19 years old and I just started getting them. After my first attack I was so scared of having another one it just kept triggering more!
Posted 4/20/2013 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
I had the hardest time accepting to take medication at first. I thought it meant I was weak, or that I would be a zombie or in some fog all of the time. I thought of it as "mind control" drugs. If you see a good family doctor or a psychiatrist (psycologists don't do meds) they can help find a good med if thats what you need. Mine got so bad I eventually said screw it and dove in. They may be reluctant to prescribe benzo's (valium, Zanax, Klonopin) because young people are more likely for addiction or abuse. I was so glad to feel "normal" again after starting on Paxil and Effexor way back when.
Posted 4/20/2013 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
That is exactly how I feel about meds! I am about at my limit though because now it seems like they are triggered by anything and its always at the worst times, not that there is ever really a good time to have one. If you don't mind me asking, do you take the medication on a daily basis or just when you have an attack?
Posted 4/20/2013 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Oh never mind I just saw that you listed your meds as needed.
Posted 4/20/2013 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
Lexa+, I need to ask you a question, if you just had a check up and you were told that you had diabetes,
and needed Insulin plus exercise and good diet, would you still resist the medication?
My guess is you would be thankful that there existed good meds to treat your condition and allow you
a reasonable normal life. Those of us who have to have meds to treat this condition called PAD disorder are immensely thankful to have something that allows us to go to school, work, and care for loved ones. "All I ask is that you think about this, i'm not telling you that this is the only way for you, but for many of us it is". What ever you decide the members here want to help and you will be pleasantly surprised at the great number of us who will be here for you 24/7, our leaders/moderators are fantastic and offer help and direction.
Larry ***
Posted 4/20/2013 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Larry, that is a good way to put it! I tend to feel a sense of pride when I can over come them and calm down on my own, but sometimes it just isn't worth my pride when my attacks are intense and long lasting. I also wonder that if I did have medication, if it would help me to calm down just knowing that I have it just incase I need it. I was just very scared and confused about my attacks because they are still very new to me (I've only had them for a few months) but just talking about how i feel and reading everyone's posts on here has already made me feel better and helped me overcome an attack. So I am sure that getting a doctors reassurance and the right medication would only make things better.

Lex
Posted 4/20/2013 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
I take the Beta-blocker(Propranolol) and the antidepressant (Celexa) DAILY. The xanax is as needed which may be none, once a day, or 3-4x a day depending on the anxiety levels. Once my Paxil and Effexor were leveled out back in the day, I had to take valium (quick acting benzo) 1 or twice a year. Thats where I want to get back to. The beta blocker is supposed to block the adrenal effect on your body like racing heart and sweating. I don't know how effective it is , but my blood pressure is awesome now.
Posted 4/20/2013 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
I guess I will just have to go see my doctor, as I'm sure it's different for everyone. I noticed that a lot of anxiety medication is paired with antidepressants, do anxiety attacks and depression go hand and hand? Because I do not feel depressed, I am a generally happy go lucky person until I have a panic attack. Does depression cause anxiety attacks? This may be a silly question but like I said I am fairly new to this
Posted 4/20/2013 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
It's not uncommon for some to have depression and anxiety. Some get depressed from having long term anxiety. Both are thought to be caused by the same thing, low serotonin. Most antidepressants are SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). The way I have understood it, a cell produces serotonin for other cells to use. If it doesn't get used, then the producing cell takes the serotonin back (reuptakes it). The SSRI's make the producing cell not take it back (inhibits the reuptake). That way, the serotonin stays around and eventually gets used and you feel happy/normal. Antianxiety drugs are sort of like a tranquilizer or symptom dampener. They suppress your nervous system. There are also SNRI's which affect your serotonin and your norepinephrine (another happy chemical). I also take a beta blocker which blocks adrenaline from affecting certain reactions like sweating and racing heart. 

Other things like stress, stimulants (sugar and caffeine), diet, lack of sleep or excercise can all affect your body chemistry which ultimately affects your mood through your brain chemistry.

Post Edited (BB1980) : 4/20/2013 12:24:51 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/20/2013 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
You are just a wealth of knowledge for me! Thank you for all of the information.
Posted 4/20/2013 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
Lexa I have carried xanax for years take as needed, like you said just having it makes a difference,
I have not had one in two years.

Larry ***
Posted 4/21/2013 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Lexaa and welcome!

You have had some great responses already...so I will just add that I am glad that you have joined us, and hope that find much comfort and support here.

I definitely second that you should make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your treatment options. If you do no want to try meds initially...you can start with therapy, and wait and see how you do.

I did this. I had a prescription from my doctor, but decided not to fill it until I had given my CBT (therapy) a try. Turns out that the therapy sufficed. Not everyone will have the same results, but that is my experience.

We also have a great Resource Guide here on our main page.(1st post) It is full of great self-help techniques and information that you can use and get started with at home...check it out.

Keep posting with us as well and let us know how you are doing soon.:)

Scaredy Cat
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