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Posted 5/15/2015 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Help...feel like my anxiety is getting worse and worse..can't leave house can't drive. Having panic attacks and just always trying to prevent the next one. Should I see about an antidepressant.....I already have anxiety meds...but this has been going on for so long I'm feeling like I'm in a box trapped by my own fear and it's miserable!! Has anyone else had this? I can't even go for a walk....I feel like the walls are just closing in sometimes. I had to cancel my last psych appointment bc I was too anxious to drive but think I need some help very soon. *sigh*

Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 5/16/2015 11:14:11 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/15/2015 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
What med's do you have and how do you use them, Peace

Larry ***
Posted 5/15/2015 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hello!
I am so sorry you have been feeling this way, and yes, I have had this. I also had to cancel appointments because I was too anxious. Is there someoneyou can ask to come with you? That helped me. I am sure you will benefit a lot from starting therapy or any sort of treatment. You will get better.

Keep posting, we are all here for you.
Posted 5/16/2015 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi LL,

Yes, if you could remind us of what you have tried thus far? You see a P-doc...is this solely for Rx's or therapy...both?

Have you thought about trying or re-visiting therapy if you have not done so, or it's been awhile?

How about self-help? We have great material in our Resources at the top of the main forum page!

Let us know a little more about your history with anxiety management, and we can help advise you a bit better! ;)

Know we are here for support!

S.C.
Posted 5/16/2015 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry, and yes I am in the same boat - can hardly drive or go anywhere by myself. Been in therapy for 2 years and doing exposure therapy for 1.

Made some progress but not enough. In fact , just tried to take my car for an oil change and didn't get very far before I had to turn around and come home. When I couldn't even get to my therapist office he would work with me over the phone, or stay on the phone with me while I drove there. Maybe your therapist would be willing to do this?
Posted 5/17/2015 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
I have clonazepam and xanax. .5 3× a day. But I haven't taken them consistently. The weirdest thing though is that sometimes I scared to go to sleep at night. Or I can't sleep at all bc I can't stop worrying. Even when I take the meds sometimes they do not help. I wake up in the middle of the night sometimes in a full blown panic attack. This has been accumulating over the last year. I see a dr. but I haven't gone into the full extent of these problems bc they are kind of recent. The worst part is that I cant sleep well anymore. I also feel winded alot...but had a heart check up and they said everything was fine with my heart. I'm just so stressed about my life right now. my heart rate also gets up to 112 at some points during an attack :/
Posted 5/17/2015 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
Ll,

Perhaps talking to your p - doc about a maintenance Rx, such as an A/D, taken daily could be a consideration...

...and therapy if you are not currently in sessions.

This could perhaps help you get into a more consistent management routine for the anxiety.

Another thing to possibly look into is the use of a beta blocker to help you regulate your heart rate...if this is your biggest concern.

All things to consider and talk to your doctor about.:)

Wishing you the best in finding something to help you feel your best!

S.C.
Posted 5/17/2015 9:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry to hear you are having a tough time at the moment.

An antidepressant might be a good option but you need to chat with your doctor about that and it's important to remember that medication will only help ease your symptoms they are not a cure all so it's best to combine them with talking therapy such as CBT.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 5/18/2015 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in a place where no one understands what I'm going through. I've left work now..but I don't want to go back. I don't think I can handle it. I can't be doing nothing though....
Posted 5/18/2015 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
LL,

Please make an appointment with your p-doc to discuss all that you can possibly be doing for your management plan and recovery.

Possible medication changes and therapy should be explored to help you get back on track.

There is help and hope!

S.C.
Posted 5/20/2015 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks. I will. It happened again today :/ My heart rate skyrocketed And my hands and feet felt icy...are these panic attack symptoms also? When I went to talk to my friend on the phone I could barely talk because I felt like my brea thing was so shallow...and shaky. Do these all seem like normal symptoms of a panic attack...I felt so weak too.
Posted 5/20/2015 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi LL,

Sorry it has been a rough day for you.:(

Have you checked out the self help links for panic and acute anxiety in our Resources?

If not...I highly recommend them!

Practicing these daily can.make a huge difference in how you feel...and reduce anxiety/attacks/symptoms.

Find them at the top of the main page here.

S.C.
Posted 5/21/2015 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Labell, you sound like most of us who suffer from PAD, Panic, Anxiety, and Depression so don't think you
are too different ok? I use to take xanax myself and i had to work also, i would take half about mid morning
and see how i was doing, if it was a tough day i would take another half mid afternoon, i would try to
wait until i was home but if i felt it was necessary i would take it about 3pm.
about 30 minutes before going to bed i would take another half, most of the time this would handle anything
that would come up, in about 4-5 days i would settle down and feel normal. You are going to be ok, Peace

Larry ***
Posted 5/21/2015 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks! I don't want to leave the house anymore, I don't want to go anywhere or do anything...and I don't know why. My days pretty much revolve around my panic attacks. I want to be independent, but Im afraid of everything now. I have my clonazepam for the just in case times, but not sure if this will be enough for me. I also dread the comatose like state I feel on antidepressants. ..like I can't really feel anything towards my husband or anyone else.
Posted 5/21/2015 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Let me know if you would like me to post direct links here for self help with panic and agoraphobia.

...and we're you able to talk with your p- doc yet?

S.C.
Posted 5/22/2015 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Dear LL,

I imagine most of us can relate to what you've been through. I know I have been through it multiple times. First of all, antidepressants react differently with different people, sometimes it takes trying different ones to find the perfect one for you.

I find at times when I get to the point of having trouble leaving my home (and there have been times when I stayed in for 2 weeks at a time without even cracking the door), or making excuses to avoid things, it's a sign I really need to have therapy.

Actually, I'm sure I need therapy all the time. At this point, I go weekly and it keeps me in check. She makes sure I am using my coping skills and getting out of the house every day. I also take meds.

I read mindfulness and CBT materials on a regular basis. Also, I listen to guided meditations on my tablet.

I hope you can find the help you need quickly so that you won't have to suffer this way. There is light at the end of the tunnel! I promise! I know the anxiety can be so overwhelming - but it CAN improve or go away all together.

Best to you! C
Posted 5/24/2015 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks. My panic attacks are happening so frequently and everyday it's become a debilitating and frightening situation. I'm afraid to be alone. I constantly feel on the verge of Another attack. I'm trying to take control of my thoughts but its not working so well. I wonder if I have gone too far and too long without help. Even going on a walk leaves me winded and I will have an attack. I can't leave my room or bed. The only way I get sleep or do anything is if I take my klonapin. Of course this worries me because I can't do this forever....I wonder whats wrong with me and if I will ever feel safe in my own house. Sigh, feeling sad and down :/ :/ I've had these feelings before but I don't remember if they were this bad...I feel so helpless and I dont know why I feel like I can't be alone. Luckily my brother is here this wkd. I've been told I have panic disorder and general anxiety disorder and depression. I have an appointment with a psych doctor but not until mid June. I could go see a regular doctor. I don't know.
Posted 5/24/2015 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry that you are struggling with anxiety and panic so bad. Have your tried watching any mindfulness video's on youtube?

Great news on getting an appt with a psych doctor, that is a big step and I think is going to help you a great deal, have you thought about going to weekly therapy? Doing either cbt or mindfulness is a great step on relieving anxiety and panic.

If you don't think you can hold on until your appt in mid june, then please call your regular doctor and make an appt.
Posted 5/28/2015 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
I am finding it hard to get out of bed these days and think I need to go on an antidepressant or smg but my psych. appt isint for another 2 weeks. Should I try and see if I can find a PCP that will give me smg?
Posted 5/28/2015 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
LL,

So sorry you are not feeling well.:(  Yes, from what you describe, you are right to reach out for help.


Can you call your P-doc and see about getting your appointment moved up...or if he/she is willing to prescribe you something over the phone?

I think the less prescribing doctors you have the better...and your P-doc is better equipped to handle your Rx needs.

Put in a call and ask how you should proceed.:)

S.C.

Posted 5/28/2015 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with SC and think the less prescribing doctors you have the better, Please call the P-doc office and see if there is any cancellations and maybe you can get in earlier, if not explain your situation and tell them it is a emergency and you don't think you can wait 2 weeks, they should be able to get you in sooner. Many Hugs to you.
Posted 5/28/2015 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
i know where your coming from with panic attacks im going through hell at the moment i think i must have done something in a previous life to someone
Posted 6/3/2015 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the replies. I feel like this has been going on for so long now. I'm stuck. I feel like I've tried to be okay for so long when I was feeling bad that now I don't even know what is wrong with me anymore. I think I passed my limits and reached my breaking point awhile ago. I need to refocus and get myself better. Is there something my p-doc can do? I don't know why but once my anxiety kicked in and I continued to soldier on, things have been awful since.
Posted 6/3/2015 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry you feel stuck, please know there is light at the end of the tunnel, I promise you'll get out of this funk.

You're P-Doc can give you an SSRI or a benzo to help with anxiety attacks, please talk to him about either or both. I hope you can refocus and get out of this. Are you going to therapy? Sorry I can't remember, I get everyone mixed up lol
Posted 6/3/2015 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
Labell, the only drug i used was xanax as needed. My doctor and i had a long talk about the use and miss
use of xanax. I used it as directed and most of the time i took less but i had it and just knowing i could
shut down Panic if i needed to was a great comfort to me, so much so that over a period of time i was able
to not use it a all, it was just riding shotgun against my Panic and helped me to get past a bad time, Peace

Larry ***
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