Anxiety/panic attacks, getting better?? I need some help anyone please!!o

I'm 21 years old about to be 22... I work full time, go to school part time (not right not though) and have a beautiful daughter (21 months old and yes I live with the mom)
So 2 weekends ago I was upstate and was drinking red bull and Henny chillen in the pool and life was great.. I was a little drunk/tipsy and everything was good.. about an hour after I stopped drinking I started feeling funny.. 2 hours later and I told myself that this wasn't the alcohol it was something else. I felt like I couldn't breathe, my heart was racing, I felt out of it, like I was gonna die.... We were all out eating, I asked for the car keys and went to the car to lay down in the AC with windows open.. I started to relax a little and just as I relaxed everyone came to the car saying it was time to go back to the hotel and that I ruined everyone's plans (obviously made me even more anxious) I apologized and said I'll stay at the hotel room sleeping by myself. I figured I'd lay down and listen to soothing music on pandora. (about a month before this I was in Atlantic city and drank way too much red bull and Henny and no sleep, went to my hotel room bugging out I knew I was having a panic attack. I showered, drank milk, ate, nothing helped until I sat on the sofa and listened to soothing music.) I didn't stay alone though.. Everyone decided to stay in the room with me. I dimmed the lights and threw my headphones on and little by little I started calming down. Eventually I fell asleep.... That was 2 weekends ago... This week on Monday I called out, did errands, came back home to play video games and had 2 beers and went to sleep fine. Tuesday I decided to get some food after work and I drank 2 beers... An hour later I felt the same way as I did upstate... I told myself you have to be kidding me, I only had 2 beers.. I was in this state of panic and my boys hit me up to play some cards. I figured if I win some money I could calm down. Went, lost a little, left and came back and I still felt all this anxiety. I tried my best to keep my cool in front of them and it must've worked since they didn't notice any thing bad about me... I finished my 2nd beer at 5:30, I didn't feel normal till about 10:30 p.m. And kept playing cards, won some money and left midnight. Got home and fell asleep no problem. The next day Wednesday I went to work and completely forgot about the night before and everything was cool.. On my way home I decided to buy some food and bam, it hit me.. I felt super anxious and a panic attack coming on. It was horrible. I got home around 5 played with my daughter then had to go out to pick her mom up at 6:30. The whole time I'm over here in a panic state trying to keep my cool. (Yeah, probably should've never took my daughter in the car with me) I got home and told her mom how I was feeling and she said to lay down and sleep it off. I tried and nothing. I ended up going to the hospital at 9pm. And left at 2am. They did blood work, urine sample, ekg, and chest X-rays and EVERYTHING was "healthy".... I was dumbfounded. I was upset but relieved. By the time I was okay to go the panic attack was long gone... Went home and went to sleep. Took off Thursday on the count I barley slept and 2 min after I woke up I felt anxiety again and like I was having a mini panic attack... All day Thursday was like that and I went to my doctor and he said since all the test were normal at the hospital there wasn't much he could do. All he could do was prescribe me Xanax and tell me to get a counselor to find out what what triggers these attacks and anxiety.. So I went home but didn't take anything.. Tried my best to relax and eventually went to sleep. Out of fear I would feel out of it again I called out Friday too. However, after I woke up on Friday I was alright. I was a tad nervous but no panic attacks.. I made an apt with a counselor for this following Thursday and from what I told her she said I have a lot on my plate for my age... Saturday was the same thing. I felt like my throat was half closed but I could still swallow and breathe... No panic attacks though. Then today Sunday, I felt a little nervous but again, no panic attacks. It went from bad bad to getting better.. Is it getting better or is it gonna go bad all over again... Any opinions, stories, advice ANYTHING!!!! I greatly appreciate it... Sorry for the long post I just need help

Give me a second...lots of new posts to get through, about to read yours now...be with you soon!

S.C.

JD,
Hello and welcome!
I am sorry that you are going through this anxiety and panic...but glad that you have joined us...as this is a great place for support!
I can't tell you how many posts I have read similar to yours! Young person, with a lot going on...just starting to embrace responsibility and the many new experiences that this time in your life brings your way.
I also recognize your catalyst for anxiety....energy drink and alcohol. This is more common than your would think. That is not to say that everyone who imbibes in these will get anxiety/panic...but for someone with an existing pre-disposition...it can definitely be a trigger!
So you were exposed to anxiety/panic initially, and then it can easily become a cycle...
...the good news is that you are doing the right things in seeking help...first from your doctor, and now with a therapy appointment coming up. Well done.
You will benefit so much from this!
Another thing you can pursue, starting immediately if you choose, is self-help.
We have so much great material in our Resources (see link below) Check it out, and try some of the coping skills. The suggested exercises should lower your overall anxiety levels and help manage the panic.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Keep posting with us for encouragement and understanding. We have been (or are still) there...and will be here to cheer you on as you seek your recovery.
Scaredy Cat

Scaredy Cat , Lindamine

I am so glad I got to hear some one else's opinion, and advice

I greatly appreciate what you guys told me and I will defiantly check out the resources on this website. I'm anticipating the therapy in hopes that it does help and yeah.. I figured the alcohol is a trigger and it sucks because I love me some drinks but if no alcohol makes me feel normal again then I'll be sober my whole life.. Anxiety sucks and I'm upset at the fact it came out of nowhere but I hope it can go away...

Once again thank you guys for making me feel better... One last thing though.. Do you guys think it will go away? Or is this just the beginning of the battle :(

I agree with S.C. about the energy drinks -- and caffeine in general. I can't have caffeine without feeling jittery and anxious. If you drink soda or coffee (or any stimulant), I'd cut those out and see if that helps you feel less anxious.