Panicking About Having A Panic Attack?

[JenniferInOhio]

Outside, I look like your normal, healthy 32 year old woman. Inside, I am a mess. Ever since my panic attack last week, I have been having mini panic/anxiety episodes because I am afraid of having another panic attack. How ironic is that? Why can't my mind/body calm down? It is so frustrating. I think my husband thinks I'm nuts. I've been up since 5 am this morning. I woke up really nervous about taking my daughter to preschool today - what is up with that? Lately, it seems like I get nervous if I have something planned for the day (going out). I don't really expect an answer to why I am mentally going downhill, but I just needed to put my thoughts into words...maybe hear someone say, "you are not alone."

I am making a doctor's appt. today to discuss anti-anxiety meds. I do not want to take meds, but I think I need them. Thank you to those who answered my post last week about the different meds you take.

[pat57]

I will pm yyou

[mom4cem]

Jennifer,

Coming from someone who has had anxiety and panic issues for over 20 years, I know how lousy and upsetting it feels. Some people can shake off a panic attack and never have one again. Others have mini episodes and the fear of "if" another will happen can paralyze you. The first big panic attack I had was in a movie theatre. Let me tell you, it took me years to get back into a theater and even then I would be tense, nervous, heart pumping etc. The mind can and many times keeps that link between where or what you were doing at the time the panic happened and when you are in or near that situation again it flares. Even now, though I have not had a true panic attack in quite a while, I fight the anxiety daily, sometimes like you, I worry about going out. Normal things that others would not even ever worry about I do.

Those "what ifs" can take over your life and it's easy to say, but you need to find a way to deal with them, get past them. Seeing a m.d., therapist, cognitive specialist, whatever it may be is good place to start. Just letting someone in on what is going on can help. Having a support system at home is important too. Deep breathing, taking time out for yourself, doing something relaxing, all little things that can help the big picture.

PM me anytime if you want.

You will get through this!!!

[sandy]

Wow mom4cem said it perfect. I too suffered years with panic attacks. I felt like it was taking over my life. But I learned how to stop them before they start. If I feel anxious I just tell myself that the only thing to fear is fear itself and I sit down and take slow deep breaths and focus on something calming and soothing. I must say it has worked for me as I had not had a full panic attack in 5 yrs. I do suffer with anxiety and I worry about things I shouldn't but I think that is just the nature of this condtion. Be well.

[morgan617]

mom4cell, my son had his first one in a theatre too! Bizarre. Jennifer, I sent you a pm...morgan

[P SUDIK]

I am also going to pm you,but YOU ARE NOT ALONE, Everyone says I look perfectly normal too(not) BIG HUGS PAT

[JenniferInOhio]

Thanks for all the support and kind pm's. I went to the doctor today and he prescribe .5mg of klonopin. I am hoping just having it in the house will help my mind chill out.

Thanks again

[mvdula]

JenniferinOhio-

I know I am responding to an old post, but.....you sound so similar to me, I had to write. I have nto yet been formally dx with POTS, but my cardio ep is trying to get me an appt with Dr Grubb. Because of my POTS symptoms, I have had panic/anxiety issues - like you describe, when I know I have to go out and do something - like drive kids to school, go to a meeting, etc (I am stay-at-home mom) It is up and down - it is hard to separate anxiety from POTS. I have been waking up at 5am and throughout the night off and on for a few weeks now - I can't stand this because I have ALWAYS been a good sleeper. When I wake up early like that, I am very tachy and anxious - which makes me think it is just the anxiety. I do take Klonopin - about .25mg maybe 3x week. It helps A LOT - makes me feel camer and also more energetic at the same time - I think it must help my nervous system because I can actually do MORE without feeling that my body gets overstimulated then exhausted. I don't take it more often because I don't want to be addicted/build up tolerance. Just wanted to say I understand and it is nice to read about someone with similar situation. I have 4 kids and am 33.

[pat57]

http://www.recovery-inc.com/links.html

worth a look

[dezyrae2]

Hi Jennifer,

I am so sorry to hear that you are having problems with anxiety. I definately feel your pain though. You are not the only one with this trust me. I just had one of the worst panic attacks ever the other night. I even had to wake my parents. I have been staying with them since my divorce 2 years ago and i am glad i am. I am 31 and i have two daughters who are 11 and 13 and i totally freak out when i have to drive them to school. It is only 5 min. away from my house but i still get panicky. It is the worst feeling ever. I just got xanax to try but i hate to take any kind of meds. I dont know if i am just an anxious person or if the pots acts up sometimes and gives me those feelings. I wish i knew. I actually just got a program off of the tv called attacking anxiety and depression from the midwest center. I am gonna give it a try to see if it helps. If it does i will let you know. It is a 16 week program though so i hope it helps soon. I really hope you feel better soon and get some relief but please feel free to message me anytime. I think maybe we have alot in common right now and maybe a good ear would help us both. Take care. Desiree

[calypso]

I have had good luck in the past w/ Klonopin wafers. These are very small doses. They are in a class of meds called benzodiazipines, which can be habit-forming. But panic can also be habit-forming, so I picked the drug. I am not on it right now and have found that I can go on and off of it without any trouble.

Amy