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Any other Bee's suffer from anxiety/panic disorders? I have an intense fear of a medical disease. It began after I took a class in college. It started out with me getting tested "just to be safe" and then turned into a full blow panic attack. I know that I'm "clean" and DO NOT have the disease, but, for some reason, I'm still totally freaked out sometimes. Like, I can't breath, my chest feels tight, heart races, feels like I'm gonna cry and fall apart, feel like I have the disease even though I know I don't. I know it's totally ridiculous. And it doesn't happen all the time, just every year or so, but for that period that I'm triggered into anxiety, it's unbearable. It's like once I get the idea into my head, I can't stop. I can't stop thinking about it, imagining it, checking myself for signs or symptoms, etc. I feel like a maniac! I don't currently take anything for it because it doesn't happen very often (once a year or so), but I am considering taking action because yesterday I started feeling the onset of anxiety and I don't know if I can take a month of this! I don't know if my FI can take another month of this!
Are there any other girls here who suffer from anxiety or panic disorders? Do you take anything (prescription or natural) that helps relieve the anxiety? I exercise, don't have too much caffeine, get plenty of fresh air. I need something though! I need advice!
talk to a counselor. you can explore the medication question with him/her if you don't respond to talk therapy.
I had my first panic attack a year ago when I started grad school to get my DPT. I currently am on a beta blocker - I only take it when my heart is racing or I feel like one is coming on and it slows my heart rate and relaxes me. They're scary and definitely not fun! Mine are mostly brought on with stress and can happen at any given time! You're not alone!
therapy, ive suffered from anxiety disorder in the past. therapy was the most effective. took lexapro and a form of prozac at one point to try and curb it, but wasnt a big fan.
@kitzy: ditto
I feel like I am developing anxiety and people dying. I had two friends pass away suddenly this year, one was engaged the other about to be and I can't stop thinking that I am going to lose my FH too. I get so upset about it, so far no full attacks, but I think the "episodes" are escalating. I feel for you, it can not be fun to go through that and hope you find something that helps soon.
I understand how you feel. I started experiencing anxiety/panic attacks in college. Something would trigger me and I would completely fixate on it. It could be medical related, something going on in my life (relationships, feeling like someone would break into my home, etc.). I was on medicine for awhile and saw a therapist. I took Clonazepam, which worked well, but made me really tired. Also, the night after I would take it, I would have bizarre dreams.
Talking with a therapist really seemed to help. I can feel things coming on, but I can mentally block them now. In the past few years, I've only had one or two things get me for a little bit, but they weren't even for long periods of time. The episodes definitely weren't as intense, either. I've also gotten better about going to the doctor to check, if something really does seem wrong. I hate hearing bad news, and I feel like if I ignore it, it goes away :-).
Good luck!! I hope everything goes well!
I have suffered from panic attacks and have been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder. Go talk to someone and if needed you can take medication. Honestly medication has helped me more than seeing a therapist because there isnt really anything WRONG its just that I have a chemical imbalance! In addition, eating right, exercise, yoga, meditation and surrounding yourself with positive people will also help. I hate panic attacks - they are very scary. One of the things you should do is accept that you are having a panic attack and try to know when it is coming so that you can calm yourself down. If you tell yourself "Im having a panic attack, this will pass." it is sometimes easier then just freaking out because of it. If you want to PM me with any questions - please feel free to do so! I was diagnosed with GAD 5 years ago and have learned to live with it - happily!
I have suffered from panick attacks also, I have only had a coupld but I did get really anxious a lot. i went to a counsellor for about 3 months and have not had a panick attack in about a year, and rarely feel anxious. I tried medication but it is not a permenant solution. I would go to your doctor and ask for them to suggest a counsellor. Since your panick attacks are bad try medication, but only as a temporary solution until the counselling help, since in the long run medication can make it worse. I hope that everything works out, Keep us updated. Feel free to pm me if you need any suggestions in the mean time.
just a note: don't think of medication as a magical solution. it helps immensely, but you also need to learn the skills and self-talk to help manage the anxiety. that's the reason i stressed talk therapy before medication. medication is not a cure-all and will not make your anxiety disappear completely, but it can work wonders in conjunction with talk therapy. i've seen a counselor weekly off and on for a couple of years, and it's like i'm a changed person.
Thanks, ladies. My fear is not generalized. It specifically resolves around HIV. I have NO idea why (other than the class scaring me to death!). Seriously. I have never had unprotected sex with anyone that did not have a full battery of tests done first. Commercials, newspaper articles, jokes, even seeing drug users or homosexual men (I know, I know) can trigger the panic. I work as a public defender 2 days a week and will not touch anything after my clients use it. I know I'm safe, but I can't help being anxious and worried. It's not even something I can talk about socially because it is SO weird!
My latest panic attack was brought on when I tried on a pair of my friends earrings (which I knew she had not worn in weeks and she had had her ears pierced since she was 8 months old!). But still, I thought "OMG. What did I just do." I took them out immediately and began to fixate on something that was totally not possible. So now I'm all anxious....
I don't personally have anxiety but someone in my family does. You should 100% go see a doctor. Don't suffer any longer than you have to, these things usually don't go away on their own. I would go directly to a psychiatrist (rather than a GP) because they know a lot more about this stuff and will better be able to suggest the right meds if you need them. They can also suggest whether therapy would be helpful (you might need to see a separate person for therapy). My loved one has GAD and occasional panic attacks, and medication has made a HUGE difference.
@PitBulLover: I second the exercise part! When I don't get enough exercise, my panic attacks are more likely to occur. Also, if I am starting to feel a bit nervous, I pop in an exercise DVD, do a fitness game on the Wii, or head to the gym. That seems to help a ton. Something with those endorphins :-).
Kitzy: I don't think medication is a magical solution. I'm actually opposed to taking unnecessary medications. I know there is a reason I am anxious. It may be a chemical imbalance. I mean, I've been a constant worrier (and always about dying) since I was a kid. But maybe it's something else and talk therapy would help. Sadly, my insurance doesn't cover a lot of therapy! They want me to pay $500 out of pocket and then only pay 50%!
I've suffered from anxiety for about 10 years off and on. Panic attacks are the WORST. So scary and the fear of having one is almost worse than actually having one! I take Ativan for my anxiety. It works for me but I try not to take it unless I need it. I also agree with therapy...it has helped me so much and helped me recognize what my triggers are. My therapist compared anxiety to a boiling pot of water. If it's simmering it WILL boil over if you don't watch it! If you keep it from even simmering, you're fine. As soon as you start to feel up come up, DO SOMETHING! If you let the anxiety take over, you will lose every time. I have felt much better after talking about it and taking my medicine as needed. It's not a cure all but it helps comfort me just knowing I have it.
I totally feel for you...when I'm feeling anxious or stressed I'm convinved I have a brain tumor when I have a headache or that I have a horrible disease if I'm tired! Good luck, please take care of yourself!
futuremrse: YES!! The fear of having a panic attack is worse than the actual attack. Summer 2007 was my first and worst attack. I went to get tested several times (all negative) but I'd still sit in the shower and cry. I could only fall asleep if I slept ON TOP of my fiancee! I would touch my body all over to find swollen lymph nodes (a "symptom"). But, I'd touch myself so much that I would cause my own pain!! Because I'd touch and poke all day long!! And I am SO afraid of being that insane again that that is more scary than the actual anxiety!
@KendraJ: I have horrible anxiety about dying/the world ending as well - I always feel so alone with these thoughts even though I try to tell myself everyone must think them.
@KendraJ
Yep, it's an ugly cycle. Thinking about anxiety is enough to give me anxiety! My panic attacks have never lasted more than 5-10 minutes but the fear of having another stays with me for weeks or months. My thearpist said that's part of the problem...I'm going to have one if I keep expecting one! She's totally right. What a crazy thing to deal with. And I hate when people tell me to "calm down." Yeah, I would if I could, obviously! :)
My FI is always telling me that I am fine and he doesn't know why I am getting so upset. He doesn't understand how REAL it feels. My constant worry/panic goes one for at least a week. It's all I can think about. I can't sleep. I don't want to eat. I touch touch touch in an effort to see if I have symptoms!
@futuremrse: I HATE it when someone tells me to calm down! DH now knows (after many screams) not to ever say this to me!
Have any of you tried St. John's Wort? I hear it's an effective natural remedy
My FI is great about it. He is a medic so he knows a panic attack is a real thing. But it's frustrating when people don't get it. Like I REALLY want to be feeling like I'm having a heart attack! It's not a choice!
I used to get really bad panic attacks. I went to counseling for awhile, which really helped. The best thing I took out of there is this: whatever the situation is, I have the choice to react to it in most cases. I fall down, scrape my knee. What can I do about it? Get upset at the blood, or clean it so that I don't have to see it anymore. It took awhile for that to set in, but it helps. Another thing I like is the 10-10-10 rule (I think I got this from Oprah). How is this event going to effect me in: 10 minutes? 10 days? 10 years? Usually, things that stress me out don't make it past the 10-minute mark, and it helps me out things in perspective. Hope that helps!
I love that 10-10-10 thing!
No, I've never tried st. johns wort. I've tried Kava Kava pills though and they work for me for very mild anxiety.
I should add that I didn't want to take meds, either. I tried St.John's Wort for awhile, and it was okay., but nothing super-duper. For whatever reason, water made me feel better. I figured that if I was able to drink water during a panic attack, I must be okay, because someone who was really having a heart attack, etc., couldn't do that without help.
Can I just say this thread makes me feel so much better. I had my first panic attack a year ago at Ruth's Chris steak house and literally thought I was going to die. It is such a weird feeling to have and is hard for others to understand if they have never gone through it. I went to go see a doctor ASAP after my episode. I was put on lexapro. It did help but I didn't like feeling dependent on a pill so I have slowly weened myself off of it. So far...I've been clean for a few months. YAY! I think the thought of having the lexapro and Xanex in my purse at all times helps. I just tell myself...if I feel anxious I can take a pill! So far...just knowing I have it...makes it better. That feeling that I have control to make it stop if I want. It helps me talk myself out of it.
I'm not really sure what my triggers are. I don't like feeling like I can't "leave" somewhere. It's kind of like a claustrophobic thing I think. Like....I am a little freaked out about flying on planes. i work myself up thinking "I can't get off if I want too." I have definitely been getting some anxiety thinking about flying to Hawaii for our honeymoon. ;/I know it may sound dumb but I just like knowing that at anytime...i can leave and go home. =)
I agree with all the other ladies that we have to come to terms with the fact that it is just something that is apart of us. I know it is easier said than done (believe me) but try to celebrate the mini milestones...like for me...I have been panic attack free for 13 months! Now...I do feel anxious at times but I keep telling myself...I'm fine and that it to shall pass.
Exercise has helped me A LOT! Something about working out and kicking those endorphins into high gear has definitely helped. =) I don't know if this has helped but I would definitely say go talk to a doctor about getting on some medication. If anything...it is just nice to have "just in case" or for you to take for awhile. =) I'm sure come closer to the wedding I will be needing to pop a few pills. hehe!
@GardenBride: I was on lexapro too and it did not help. That really is more of a mood stabilizer. The clonazepam/xanax has helped much more and actually its true that just knowing its there if you need it is help in itself. I was also anxious before flying for our honeymoon but on the day itself I didnt even need to take anything!
@GardenBride:
that is TOTALLY me. I've had panic attacks in restaurants because I have to just sit there and wait and I can't leave. I hate feeling "captive." I also do not like flying for the same reason. I'm not afraid of a plane crash, it's "I can't get off!" Same thing with being stuck in traffic or in a long line. Ugh. Sucks. Glad to hear you're dealing with it and doing well without everyday meds. I feel the same, just know I can take a pill makes me feel better. Dumb anxiety. :(
@KendraJ: I had a severe roach phobia that popped up once FI and I moved to the city. we are on the first floor and didn't really have a severe bug problem, just one large one every week or so, but it was way too much for me. After a month of living in the apartment, I had a 2 day panic attack because I walked into the empty apartment alone and a roach was crawling on the wall. I couldn't stop crying, even when I was not going back to the apartment the next night. I refused to stay there alone, which was totally uncharacteristic of me. FI and I were fighting all the time because I was constantly on edge and anxious. I knew i was being irrational and for lack of a better word, crazy, but I couldnt stop the thoughts from coming.
My mom basically forced me to get therapy and I can honestly say it has changed my life. In fact, I am sitting right now in the same apartment all by myself :)
Progress came pretty slowly, and I did use medication sometimes (klonopin), but only to reduce my anxiety levels when I was going back to my apartment by myself and if we saw a roach and I felt a panic attack coming.
If you can't afford a therapist right now, see if your work has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). My company does, and it covers 2-4 therapy sessions. It may not be enough, but it also could give you basic tools to help reduce your irrational thoughts.
I would like to say that I am so glad I found this thread. I suffer from anxiety/panic attacks and I haven't met or talked to anyone else who has ever felt the same way. I generally know when an attack is coming on and can mentally "prepare" myself for it, but it sucks! We were eating dinner on sunday, and I started to feel weird. I wasn't sure if it was because I was really hungry because I skipped lunch, or if I was having an attack. Bam in the middle of dinner I had to run to my room and lay face down on the bed because I was having a panic attack. My FI doesn't understand, and he doesn't know what to do. I tried to tell him that I can't really talk when I'm having one, so he has to stop asking me questions!! I started having these attacks when I was pregnant and my dr said they were due to my fluctuating hormones. but then after she was born, they never really went away.
It is SO nice not to be alone!! We were at a friends tonight and I started getting a chill (the door was open) and the first thing I thought (because I'm already very anxious and in panic mode) was "OMG. This is a symptom. The flu. Flu like symptoms. I'm chilled I bet I have a fever." So, I started having a full blown attack. Luckily my FI was there to hold my hand and give me support (he could tell something wasn't right with me). We left half an hour later. I went to Whole Foods and bought some natural anxiety relievers until I can get to the doctor to figure this whole thing out.
But - I did come home and take my temp. just to make sure. And of course. No fever. I swear I'm not crazy - just anxious!
I'm in a very competitive grad program, and I have so many friends and colleagues who deal with panic attacks regularly. I even had them myself for a time after a close friend died violently while I was present.
Get yourself professional help. I struggled with this - I kept thinking I was weak, and that I should be strong enough to handle it myself. But that's a big mistake that most people make. Find yourself a psychiatrist or a therapist, or hopefully both.
Other things that helped me and my friends (but are not substitutes for drugs and therapy) were yoga and fish oil supplements. I recommend them as well.
Update: Okay, ladies! I tried the kava kava Whole Foods anti-anxiety blend and the Whole Foods St. John's Wort last night (both at once). I'm happy to report that it really relaxed me. It didn't take away the OCD behaviors, but reduced them. I didn't have anymore panic attacks last night. AND I SLEPT! It felt so good to sleep!
I'm call the doctor today, but I'm glad I got something that works in the meantime! Thanks for all your suggestions!
I have dealt with Panic attacks for most of my life. I have this fear of being stuck alone without being able to get help if I get sick. So of course, I'm panicking about panicking and I feel like i'm having a heart attack. I start crying uncontrollably and feel dizzy.
The doctors have had me on a myriad of different meds like lexapro and prozac but none seemed to calm my thoughts. The most effective thing that I have started doing when I can feel as if an attack is coming on is to immediately immerse myself in something that must have my complete attention. Whether it be exercising, cooking, sewing, I have to take my mind off of whatever it is. This is often hard but if I keep at it long enough, I start to come down and feel better.
I get really stressed out at work and I feel like I cannot take my mind off of things sitting in front of a computer for 8 hours a day so when I get really stressed, (the stress usually causes the attack) I jump up and walk around and talk to people about something funny.
I hope this helps!
I have horrible anxiety attacks about my mother or dog dying..Ridiculous, I know. I started seeing a therapist and take klonopin and xanax, but I don't take them daily..only when I'm having an attack.
Good luck! It's an awful feeling when you feel like you aren't in control of your own body..I hope you find something that helps!
Etrbin: OMG. Yes, that is what I have to do! Once I start thinking about something, it gets OCD. The thoughts are obsessive and I can't make them go away for several days (or several weeks). All I can do is think about it, over and over and over!
AnneTossy: It's not ridiculous. My fear is absolutely absurd. I have an intense fear of HIV that started after I took this class in college I have been tested and know that I don't have it, but I still worry that somehow I do and they won't tell me because they don't want me to be sad!
I’ve suffered from Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Major Depression (and a touch of OCD) for years. And I’ve learned how to manage it which came in handy when I met DH, because he has Panic Attacks and I was able to suggest some things that seem to help.
The hardest part of all of this is the realization that the thing we most identify as “who I am”, the brain, has some crossed wires and I’m no longer ‘in control’ of it. Unlike a heart attack, having a mental illness makes you question, “who am I?” It’s very scary, but just know-- you aren’t your mental illness. You can get better and this is not a reflection of your true self.
Good Luck!
Here's an interesting article...
http://www.amenclinics.com/brain-science/spect-image-gallery/spect-atlas/images-of-anxiety/
Just jumping in here... I have some training in this area, and the latest technique I know about is Exposure Therapy. It's been tested and proven effective, and if the therapist is well-trained and follows the protocol, I think there are maybe 12 weeks of therapy and the problem should be resolved. Basically you do a lot of preparation, get tools in place for handling the anxiety, a better understanding of triggers, etc. (so it's sort of like CBT as well), and then when a lot of ground work has been done, you walk through a panic attack in therapy. I know medication helps, CBT alone can help, but this one can give you a way of knowing you can handle the symptoms and keep you from developing a full-blown panic attack. If you want to know more, search for Evidence-Based Practice, Anxiety Disorders/Panic Attacks.
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