Needing some hope

Hey guys, I'm brand new to this site and so far just browsing around and reading everyones post has made me feel a little bit better.

about 4 months ago I had my first panic attack and immediately after went into the haze of constant anxiety and fear of more panic attacks. It has effected me greatly. Im a 24 year old male, always have been fun, outgoing, happy and loved being around people. Now all of a sudden the past few months I feel like Im not even close to the person I used to be. I dont go out to see friends anymore, cant drive, getting depressed and have no motivation to do anything because I was fighting my anxiety so much I just kind of gave up and isolated myself. I want so badly to be the person I used to be. I have been trying to put myself out there but I just get so anxious and it sucks.

I just started Paxil 3 weeks ago- 10mg first 2 weeks then upped to 20mg last week. I have noticed the anxiety is a little bit better, maybe 5-10%. My side effects are sleepiness feeling out of it and spaced out and feeling kind of weak. Im hoping those feelings will go away soon.

I know distraction is key but I dont even know what to with myself, I just lay around all day doing nothing and think about how miserable I feel. I feel like im in that"quarter life crisis" stage of my life where I cant decide what I want to do, what I enjoy doing, etc.

I started CBT about 3 weeks ago and it seems to help a little bit. After each appointment I feel like I might actually have a chance of overcoming this and getting back to my normal self. But that feeling doesnt last for long. Next week we are starting EMDR treatment so Im pretty excited but nervous at the same time bc he said it might trigger some panic during the appointment.

Anyway, sorry for venting. I dont have very many people who I can talk to who actually understand what its like to feel this way.

Does anyone have any tips, tricks or strategies? Any positive experiences with paxil or AD's? Or any positive outcomes with EMDR therapy?

Thank you guys and I hope your all doing ok.

Hi Snappy and welcome!

Don't be sorry for venting... we are all here to share our stories and try to help each other. Please feel free to post as often as you like!

I agree with Aus_Dad completely. It's a good sign you're feeling a little better on Paxil, but don't be discouraged if it doesn't end up being a complete fixer for you. I think most of us have tried a few meds before landing on the one that helped us feel all right again.

I tend to fall into depressive episodes after battling especially bad panic attacks, and that's pretty common. Paxil should help relieve your depression as well as the anxiety once it gets built up in your system. Part of depression is laying around without wanting to do anything or even knowing what you like anymore. It's a pretty tough spot to be in, and it's almost impossible to explain to someone who has never experienced it. The only thing worse in my opinion, are the panic attacks!

I hope your anxiety continues to lessen, and you continue to benefit from the therapy. You're making great progress. Keep us posted!

-Cat

Hi Snappy

Welcome to the forum I am pleased you have found us as you can see you will get good support here from others who can relate to what you are going through.

Sorry to hear you have been dealing with anxiety and panic they are a real pain to deal with but the good news is lots can be done to help and it already sound like you are on the right track. A lot of us here have had great results with CBT and I am sure you will get more out of it as the weeks progress.

Paxil works well on anxiety but can take upto 8 weeks to fully kick in so stick with it and keep in touch with your doctor.

Hibee

I can't add any advice, because you've been covered by our great members, but I just wanted to say welcome.

Keep posting, and venting. We are here.