Don't know where to turn!

I have hit a severe point with my anxiety and I cannot find help. I'm at the point where I'll experience an anxious event (i.e. I hear a sad news story, a movie ends up being stressful/sad, I get overwhelmed over school) and it will set me into a panic that lasts for days. Every waking moment, my heart beats rapidly, stomach hurts, mind races. I'm nauseous (and throw up half the time so it's hard to eat) and I'm constantly running to the bathroom. I cannot focus on anything because only anxious cycle in my head. I'm in a hot sweat and shivering at the same time. I can't sleep at all because my mind is racing. It usually lasts for four to five horrendous days and subsides. It used to happen a couple times a year, but it's now almost every other week.

I need to find a therapist and psychiatrist, but cannot. My PCP and every other specialist I see for several medical problems either do not know anyone or only know ones who charge $200-$400 a session. I was only recommended one therapist who takes my insurance and he turned me away and said he wasn't equipped to treat me. He, too, only recommended the expensive therapists and psychiatrists, and when I left a message to ask if he could recommend anyone in my insurance, he stopped answering my calls. I've asked the counseling center at my school, the mental health association in my town and four others, my religious leader and social worker at my church. Only recommended therapists that do work anxiety (like addiction counseling) and the $200-$400 ones.

I don't know what to do. My income is $400 a month. I'm in school. I have a few thousand in savings. My insurance is not good and has no out-of-network benefits. If I go see an expensive therapist, it will be a financial burden. I don't know if these people (any of them) are good or can help and one appointment with any of them will be a big financial hit.

I need some advice because these spans of panic are unbearable. Even 2 pills of Xanax won't help me sleep at night or calm me down significantly. Any suggestions?

Hi Lola,

I am so sorry to hear of the difficult time you are having with the anxiety! :( I know how hard this is.

If therapy is not an option due to the roadblocks you mention running into with insurance...

...self help may be your best bet. We have some really good Resources at the top of the main page here. You will want to look at the links for panic, as well as the Stress Relief Exercises to help lower your overall anxiety levels as much as possible.

It does take some initiative on your part, but it can be very effective if you practice the coping skills daily.

Another thing I did was to check out just about every book at my local library. (as well as purchasing some CBT workbooks, since you have to write in them daily) I took what was applicable and helpful to me from each book...essentially creating my own self help program, custom for me!

Keep posting with us as well. Support is a key part of recovery!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat