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New to anxiety and panic attacks

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Posted 10/28/2014 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
I am new to this panic attack deal. I started about one month ago. I was convinced it was due to menopause, since I read that online. Now I am not so sure. I am seeing a therapist with my husband to deal with our marriage issues. I have always been a type a person. What I believe is what put me over the edge was watching the news on this Ebola and Isis stuff. My daughter is up at school and she had mono. I think all of this has contributed to it. Anyway, I am going to an acupuncturist and I have been trying to meditate every night.I also bring headphones so I can do relaxation at lunchtime when I am working. I have also bought a treadmill to exercise on at night. My doctor gave me 10 Xanax, but I have not taken any. I think I might need an antidepressant, but I am super scared to take any. I read lot bout them on the net and it says to try and deal with this without meds. I am trying, but it's not working and I just don't know what to do. I don't want to get hooked on antidepressants. I know you can't stay on them forever. I would welcome any ideas or suggestions to help me. The acupuncturist had me get Calm drink. It is a powdered magnesium supplement. I have been drinking that also. I also went to cardo dr, and he did electrocardiogram and it was normal.
These panic attacks leave me exhausted and depressed. :
Posted 10/28/2014 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome! It seems like you have quite a bit on your plate. Any of which could possibly add to your anxiety. It seems like you are doing all the right things, with the exercising, meditating and acupuncture. But sometimes letting time pass is a big part of anxiety (and one of the toughest things to do). I ,too, share your apprehension with anti depressants. But after seeing a lot of success stories on this forum, my fear has subsided a lot.

This site has a ton of great info on coping skills located in the resource tab. Also, I read Hope and Help for your Nerves by Claire Weekses and found a ton of helpful information there too.

Post Edited (Momtogigiandquinn) : 10/28/2014 1:52:15 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/28/2014 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hey CW,

Welcome. :) Sounds like you're heading in the right direction in finding ways to cope with this. Sometimes anxiety does become more than we can handle, and that is when SSRI's make sense, from what I have heard/read. SSRI's don't need to be taken for a lifetime, they can be taken for a tough season of life. You would need to "ween" off of them when you are finished taking them though. Definitely a personal decision. :)
Posted 10/28/2014 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
Continue with the meditation, practicing is doing, so you are doing it. It is calming. I practice mindfulness and that helps too. There is a site-mindful.org- that can help you. Also your breathing can stop an anxiety attack in it's tracks. In through the nose, and out through the mouth. It is called "smelling the roses, and blowing out the candles". It slows down your breathing and your heart rate.

I hope that this helps. Feel better soon and do keep posting, it helps...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 10/28/2014 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi CW and welcome!
I echo the above adice. Keep up the good work! You are taking postive steps in the right direction...it just takes time and commitment. The anxiety didn't come on all in one day...and neither does is go that way!

Here is the link to our Resources here that are filled with great information and self-help material:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206
Posted 10/28/2014 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry you're struggling right now. We all sure do understand anxiety.

It sounds like you have armed yourself with some excellent tools to fight this- good job!!

Let us know how acupuncture goes- I'm considering it myself.

Also, antidepressants are definitely a personal choice. Many of us are on them and many are not. They can be a good tool should you choose them. You can take them for a season like TooMuchAnxiety said or like many of us, take them for a lifetime. I believe I'm a lifer on them bc I am prone to anxiety & depression.
For me, depression almost always followed long periods of uncontrolled anxiety.

As for the xanax, some of us take benzos (xanax is a benzodiazepine) & some of us don't. When taken as needed precribed by your doctor, they can sure help. People fear addiction to them but when taken as needed, you don't get addicted.

Menopause/hormones can definitely play a role! I'm 43 & I think peri menopausal & I believe that may be contributing to my struggle this year.

Post here for support & guidance. We're a helpful and intelligent crew :-)

Sending love-
Lisa

Ps: consider going to individual therapy for yourself in addition to the marriage counseling.
Posted 10/28/2014 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, I really have to thank you all for your suggestions, links and kind words. I am overwhelmed by it. I finally found a place where I can discuss this and there are people here who understand and not just think we are off the wall crazy!! I am seeing a psychiatrist on Thursday morning to discuss medications. Not sure I will take any, but I am finding out all my options. I just want to feel myself again!! Thankyou
Posted 10/29/2014 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
CW,

Firstly, I just want to congratulate you on being so proactive about this situation! Many people (me included) struggle with anxiety and panic for years before they reach out for help or even recognize what's happening to them.

If you want to try organic and holistic treatments first I say go for it! I am also of the mentality that jumping straight into meds isn't always the best option.

Going through this for the first time can be terrifying, but wow sounds like you're doing an excellent job coping :) also update when you can on the acupuncture I'm interested but haven't tried yet.
Posted 10/29/2014 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
i hopefully am tru with antidepressents but some times i need something. i use buspar and its perfect for times when i am having anxiety but dont want/need a benzo. its not addicting. check it out and see if it helps you.
Posted 10/29/2014 5:34 AM (GMT 0)
C.W.,

Let us know how your appointment goes with your P-doc goes on Thursday...I hope that it is a postive experience and step for you!

Talk to you soon,

S.C.
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