Fighting off an attack at first psych appt

Here I am, in the waiting room of my new psychiatrist's office, fighting off what feels like a full-blown attack-in-waiting. I woke up late (worked an overnight shift Sunday night and my sleep schedule is still upside-down) and had to rush to get ready. As soon as I sat up in bed my heart was pounding out of my chest. I hate when I can feel it beating! I've been dizzy and feel like I can't fully focus on anything ever since. I can feel it welling up inside of me. They just checked my blood pressure (110/76 with a 95 bpm heart rate) and now I'm just waiting. I've never really been to a psychiatrist before. MDs have prescribed me ssris in the past.

I feel like I won't be able to accurately articulate my problem to the nurse practitioner. Why do I feel like this when I'm probably at the best place I could possibly be for my problem? I'm about to get help. I shouldn't be freaking out right now. If I keep this up they might lock me in a padded room. ;)

Hey JoErin, it's going to really be ok, this Dr. will be able to help, bet you are not the first paitent they ever
had lolol. It's normal to be anxious, if you get up and look through the magazines by the time you sit back down you will feel better. Peace

Larry ***

Thanks, guys. It went wonderfully. The nurse practitioner made me feel comfortable and she understood everything I was saying. She said that I fit into pretty much every anxiety disorder, especially PAD and OCD, but that she is optimistic about my recovery with meds and therapy. We are starting with Paxil and Xanax. If Paxil doesn't work out she said Luvox is the next step.

Thanks! :) You guys have helped me a lot. I'm nervous about the Paxil, but I'm excited about getting my life back. I took it about an hour and a half ago and I'm hyper-aware of my body as usual. I'm waiting for weird side effects. I may take a Xanax soon, as she told me that I would likely need it at least once a day for at least the first couple of weeks (as I get accustomed to the Paxil).