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Anxiety Sufferer for 10 Years

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 9/15/2016 12:08 PM (GMT 0)
First post on here, just wanted to bounce some thoughts along to you all.

32 Year old male, had my first panic attack about ten years ago. Probably the scariest day of my life. Was sitting in my house and my heart just started racing, thought I was having a heart attack etc.

Been to the hospital for another I had a few years later. Constant anxiety. Seen two cardiologists, both which say my heart is fine but I do have mildly high blood pressure. I get heart palpatations at night sometimes after eating a meal and then I focus on my heart and I start getting more anxiety and a panic attack.

The real reason for this post is wondering where these stemmed from. Was I pre programmed to have this anxiety and panic, or did something bring these on? People who don't have anxiety don't understand how crippling it is.

I think a lot of mine stem from stress that builds and builds and if I focus more on having anxiety, then I can almost feel it coming. I do take .5 Xanax XR a day that seems to keep them at bay but it would be nice someday to not have to use medication to control my brain.

Just venting.
Posted 9/15/2016 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Yankee and welcome!

Your question is a well known and debated one. I am not sure that it can be determined fully with anyone...but do believe the origins of anxiety are a mix of both nature and nurture. IOW, both brain chemistry and life's circumstances contribute.

However, the reasons behind the anxiety are secondary to finding a good treatment plan, IMO. (working to find anxiety triggers IS an import part of therapy, but finding help is the 1st step.)

Are you currently in, or have you had past work with a mental health specialist? If not, I highly recommend exploring this option.

Self help is another important step that is essential. We have amazing Resources at the top of the main forum page here. Practicing these coping skills daily will make a big difference in how you feel.

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/15/2016 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Yankee, I'm right there with you. I've had anxiety since I was a teen and really can't figure out what triggered it then or now.

Those first few panic episodes are the worst and they instill a very negative vibe in your mind, which is very hard to shake.

I'd say focus/meditiate on your good medical health and realize the anxiety is a total mind game. A few years ago I was hospitalized due to horrible anxiety which kept me from sleeping for literally 2.5 months. Once I got a sleep aid (at the hospital), my life improved rather quickly. Point is, your mind can get stuck in a loop or cycle of anxiety and sometimes needs a small break to reset.

Maybe take a trip out of town or do something totally different that "resets" your thinking? Just a thought...
Posted 9/16/2016 7:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum but sorry to hear you are dealing with anxiety/panic.

I do feel that some people are just more anxious than others and a lot of these anxieties develop during childhood.

I would take the xanax as prescribed and look into Mindfulness Meditation

Hibee
Posted 9/17/2016 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
Just remember that it's not your fault that you have anxiety, and that anxiety doesn't make you a good or bad person. It may be part of you, but it's not *all* of you.

Strength to you!
Posted 9/17/2016 6:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Yankee, Welcome this is a great site for help and support. I'd say it could stem from childhood. Both my parents mom had bad anxiety and my dad was a manic depressant I didn't know this till I was way older. I started having panic attacks at 17 I'm gonna be 35 and I still get them. I didn't have the greatest childhood and my mother was OCD about everything and about stuff being bad for you took me along time to break that. The meds helped a great deal for awhile now I'm off and I see I go back to old patterns. Anyway point is it's nothing we did there is a lot of help out there look I'm off my meds after 15 years and it's hard but you an do it with the right skills and help....
Posted 9/18/2016 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
ask your dr about buspar but xanax xr is an execellent med for now. if buspar works for you -you can stay on it long term.
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