Constant Hyperventilating. Anyone else?

That's my mind of panic attack. I can't do deep breathing because it makes it feel worse. I really can't do anything to calm me down, truthfully. I just pop a xanax and have faith that it will eventually stop. Since I feel that the panic attacks are uncontrollable, I try to work on preventing them more than getting through them.

Sorry you had an attack last night:( I was hoping since the thread slowed down a little, everyone was having a good weekend. Did anything seem to trigger it?

I feel like I'm always on the verge of a full blown panic attack....so I would say that I'm "panicky" 24/7. It's the most horrible feeling and one I have to fight constantly...keeping very busy helps somewhat but it comes right back during moments of inactivity. And it's tiring to stay busy all the time. I'd love to just sit quietly and read a book or sit in my yard and stare at the cloudless sky but NO WAY...mind wanders, and never to a good place. I hate panic disorder.

Park, when I had my last panic attack I had to take .75 mg to get the attack to stop. I probably wouldn't have to take quite as much now, because I don't take xanax everyday like before. But like you, I was on .5 3x daily so I think it takes a little bit more to curb a panic attack when you do have one.

I think we have a lot in common. I remember this summer, when I was not doing all that well, being up north on a boat ride and something really funny happened. I laughed so hard, one of those laughs where it's hard to stop. And all of a sudden I felt out of breath and scared. I thought, oh great! Now I can't even laugh?!? It frustrated me, as I LOVE to laugh (and at that point I probably hadn't laughed in months). And my mom is my safe person too. She goes to Florida too, but not until March. Hoping by then I will be better. I'm also a mostly stay at home momtoo. I have an interior and wedding design business with a partner and we only work a day or so most weeks. I think that's why this bout has lasted so long for me, because like you said, it's busy activities with the baby...but mindless. I would (and have been lately) be more active, but it takes so much to get myself there mentally. I used to just run out the door and not give anything a second thought.

As for keeping the attacks at bay, I finally convinced myself if I did have a panic attack, I had enough xanax to stop it. I'm like andwes, I feel on the edge of having one a lot, but I rarely do anymore. I dont like having them, but it helps that I know I can stop it with xanax. I also take buspar (anti anxiety medication), which helps me to have a better outlook on this situation. Also, I don't know if you've read Claire Weekes book (Hope and Help for your Nerves), but its talked about a lot on this forum. It's a little old fashioned, but it has helped me a lot. Lastly, in therapy we have been talking about self love a lot lately. I have always really liked myself a lot, but I'm learning self love is a lot different. I seem to hold myself to a stupidly high standard for some reason. i am trying to find my way though it and as I do, the anxiety seems to be lessening little by little.

Park, I totally think you are going to get through the this...and soon!!

Park

As usual, you have received great advice and input (hello Andwes and Mom!!!!!!!). Miss you!

I would like to add my support and let you know I am here for you. Don't forget your coping skills! You have come so far! Once our symptoms start flaring up, I know it's hard but don't forget what you have learned! Hyperventilating is a major symptom of anxiety - start putting to use all that you have learned and you will get through this - promise.

We are here for you!

PS don't stress the xanax - 1 MG is a relatively small dose... Continuing talking to your doc and pharmacist - allow them to give you comfort and reassurance concerning this!

Warm hugs

Cornell

Post Edited (Cornell) : 11/2/2014 5:58:40 PM (GMT-7)

Thanks everyone. For me Xanax is a lifesaver because I've yet to find the right coping tool for me. My therapist really wants me to work on breathing, but to me they make my anxiety worse. Today I laid in bed while my son slept and I did my hand warming and got them from a starting temp of 71.2 which is basically a state of distress, to a temp of 94.5 and then I fell asleep! I also worked on my hand warming tonight for awhile. It kept my anxiety away, but then I started anticipating tomorrow and ended up taking my xanax. Feeling much better now....

Mom, let me google and see if there's a way to best explain it. First off though, do you ever notice that when you feel stressed or you're panicking that your hands feel like ice??

Ok, when P takes his nap I'll look for in doin it for you. It's a way to calm your body and it actually does work.

Thanks park:)