A member of SDMB contacted me and directed me to a support group in my area, so I will be going next Wednesday to a meeting.
I also went to the gym after work, but this actually made it worse, as it increased my heart rate and I felt faint from a combination of a high heart rate and panicking because I had a high heart rate (due to the cardio, but you know how the mind works…).
So I went to a walk in clinic and asked for something to help. I got 10 low dose Xanax for the next couple of weeks before I get in to see my therapist and doctor.
Here’s the thing: I’m trying to get pregnant, so am staying away from any type of medication. The only reason I took one Xanax tonight is because I am not in my fertile phase right now (I also have unexplained infertility, so it’s unlikely I’ll get pregnant this month, but you never know).
I feel much better now, but am not liking the side effects of this medication already!
Oh, as for the beta blockers, when I had this issue in the past my doctor suggested this, but we decided that because I am a fitness instructor and often do high intensity training, this would not work for me.
Dear God, I hate panic attacks! Could anything else be so awful? Especially when I’m out in the world, and I’m uncomfortable on the bus so I get off and walk, and there’s noplace to stop and rest, and the sun is beating down, and I look all frowsy and weird… nowhere to run (or stagger), nowhere to hide. Yaaaaaarrgggghhhh. All I want to do is get somewhere where no one can look at me, because in our society, very often to look is to judge.
I made a Tshirt with my motto: “Scrutiny Tempered - Derision Tested - Judgement Proof.”
SAM-e helps me a lot with anxiety and feelings of futility.
I’ve never had a panic attack, but I listen to the Dr. Joy Browne show on the radio, and she is always recommending Square Breathing for managing panic attacks and stress. This website has a good explanation about how it works and how to do it.
You aren’t going to like the answer. Current research on the subject of panic disorder indicates that the best way to deal with panic is exposure–meaning the best way to get beyond your problem with panic attacks is to have a lot of them, until you get used to that awful feeling of anxiety and you realize that anxiety can’t hurt you.
Exposure is hell, but it absolutely works. I could fill a radio flyer red wagon with the research studies that prove it.
I’ve woken up from sleep after having claustrophobic dreams. The dreams mean I’m having problems breathing and need to wake up. They trigger the panic associated with claustrophobia and this is not a natural mental state. I know that I can’t snap my fingers and make the feelings go away and the knowledge that it is an irrational fear does not lessen the feeling. I’ve had to get dressed and stand outside a couple of times to gain relief but normally it’s a function of focusing on something mentally. That can mean turning on the TV or watching a movie.
I tell you this because my problem has a specific cause that I can recognize and react to. If you’re having problems like this for no reason then you have a medical problem that needs to be addressed just as if you were suffering from a lack of a vitamin or mineral. Your body may not be able to produce the right brain chemicals or you could be missing something in your diet. It doesn’t matter the reason, you need to see a doctor.
If you’re cognizant enough to recognize a medical condition you should be aware enough to seek help.
I also have great success with Xanax. I always carry my bottle with me, but I can count on one hand how many times this year I have had to take any. It only take 1/2 (.5mg) of a tablet to help almost immediately.
I can’t take Xanax at this time because I’m trying to get pregnant. I was only allowed to take it last week because I’m pre-ovulation.
I spoke to my therapist yesterday and she thinks I have thanatophobia. I have another appointment with her tonight, so though I really want to go to the anxiety group that Cat Whisperer forwarded me information on, I will be talking to my therapist a bit more instead. My husband is coming for this appointment as well.
Also, I’m going to try my hand at Buddhist meditation.