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Posted 6/4/2015 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi...

I'd like to give a little background info. I've suffered with panic attacks for 36 years now. I can recall I was always prone to being anxious but at the age of 15 I visited the Kenner, LA Pan Am plane crash site with my step father whom was a mortician. That was the start of full blown panic attacks.

Since than I have struggled through the years with episodes of very bad panic attacks and agoraphobia and some actually some not so bad times. So there is hope and good days.

Most recently, I've had a sent back and really need assistance building my confidence up once again to get out of my home and some tools to aid in overcoming my fear. I too have had an episode with depersonalization. It's so scary. I sort aid via the internet and came across this forum. After spending hours reading various post, I had to take a moment and thank everyone here.

This forum is the best. You ALL are the kindest, most understanding and patient group. Reading about others like myself has lifted my spirits and it's so comforting knowing that I am not along. And that my situation will improve. Thanks!!!!
Posted 6/4/2015 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome. I'm so sorry you are struggling. This really is a great forum, and I hope you'll feel as at home here as I have.

Looking forward to hearing more from you.
Posted 6/4/2015 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
Mia, now you are one of us! I found that one of the best things for my mental health was to comment on
someone's post that needed help, you do not have to be a professional, just someone who cares, Peace

Larry ***
Posted 6/4/2015 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome mia13, I'm happy you found us and really happy to hear that reading posts has already helped you. This is an awesome community of people that really do care and above all else understand what it is like to live with anxiety. You are not alone, we are here for you and will walk this journey with you if you let us.

I'm sorry to hear of your childhood trauma regarding the plane crash, I can understand how that would set you off. Please know there is light at the end of tunnel, even though it may seem dim now, there is light and you will see it.

Are you in therapy? We recommend CBT or Mindfulness therapies as both are effective of treating anxiety.
Posted 6/5/2015 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for welcoming me into this community. You'd think after dealing with panic for so many years I'd have it under control by now.

I do see a therapist once a week however I'm still feeling uneasy. This feeling of depersonalization is something new I'm experiencing and it's so frightening.

To others that have had these feelings, do you still try to get out the house or do I wait it out? I'm so confused as to what is best. I'm open to any suggestions.

Again, thanks.
Posted 6/5/2015 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
Yes you have to get on with your life, baby steps. Try to get out of the house as you can, do things you enjoy doing, simple is better at first, maybe just go for a cup of coffee. It will get better, the more you work on your anxiety the better the depersonalization will be as it is a build up of anxiety and stress.

See the top thread on the page titled resources, there are some links there for derealization/depersonalization.
Posted 6/5/2015 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mia!

I'm new to this site as well! Ive been having depersonalization everyday for the past 2 weeks but I think thats due to a major increase in anxiety, although before that I would have it every so often. The best way I deal with it is to focus on my breathing. It seems to bring me back to reality and myself. I still go out and force myself to face it. I'm starting Lexapro tonight in hopes it will help everything I've been feeling lately. Not at all myself. But I do remember my life before the start of all these fears, thoughts, anxiety and I know I got through it 8 years ago and I know I can do it again! Thats what keeps me going. And of course my family and friends!
Posted 6/5/2015 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Meeshy1,

Welcome. Sorry to learn you are dealing with these emotions. I think you're right. An increase in anxiety probably is to blame. I know that prior to the start of the depersonalization, I was waking every morning with panic attacks for a week or so. Thank goodness, those have started to subside. I will try focusing on my breathing. And I'm even going to attempt to get out of the house a bit tomorrow.
Good luck with the start of Lexapro.
Posted 6/5/2015 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
Mia,
How has Lexapro worked for you? I was hoping it would make me tired tonight but I'm feeing the opposite effect and wide awake right now :(
Posted 6/5/2015 4:47 AM (GMT 0)
Meeshy1,

It helped to minimize the anxiety. I bet you are wide awake more from being anxious, rather than the Lexapro. I did read your post and i too have been having those same intrusive thoughts you've mentioned. I've found the xanax has really been helpful. May i ask what dosage were you prescribed?
I hope you get some rest. I hope to hear from you tomorrow.
Posted 6/5/2015 6:04 AM (GMT 0)
My doc started me out at 5 mg of Lexapro.
Posted 6/5/2015 8:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

You have received some good support already so I just wanted to pop in and say hi and welcome you to our forum stay with us and keep posting we are here for you.

Hibee
Posted 6/5/2015 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Hibee,

Yes, this group has been so supportive. Thanks for the warm welcome!!!!

I even joined in on the chat group last night. :-)

Mia13
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