Hi,
My name is Michelle, I am in my early 30's with two boys aged 11 and 14 and a wonderful boyfriend of four years.
I began having extreme panic attacks in July of this year. I began going to the Doctor's for several weeks before I would except that there wasn't anything physically wrong with me but anxiety.
Currently I am undergoing therapy with a holistic therapist. I am also working on changing my diet, Yoga and meditation. I am contemplating medication as I have gotten a bit worse since on stress leave from work. Afraid to go into public places in fear of another panic attack striking.
For the last four years I feel I have had nothing but what I felt was a normal life, prior to that a bit out of the ordinary. I have been tossed into a very scary world of panic.
I went to the doctor's yesterday and began on medication, (Effexor). I feel a bit racy inside and did not sleep well. I know that some people have similar side effects and that after one week it seems to get better.
I am hopeful that within a week€™s time I won't have any side effects. I don't know very much about the medication though. I was hoping that someone would like to share some of there side effects or successes with Effexor.
I have started on a low dose for one week and increasing the dose after.
Thank you for sharing.
Since I began having panic attacks I have been very frightened to drive. I think the best thing happened to me the other day though. My youngest son came back from seeing his father in Edmonton on the bus. I had made plans from my boyfriend to pick him up but plans fell through. I was in a situation where I had to drive. It was very far from the house but I did it. Although I had anxiety on the way there I did not on the way home. Maybe because I had to do it I don't know but I was very happy to prove to myself that I could do it.
I still find it difficult to drive but I make myself drive each day even if it is to the store which if fairly close. My goal is to continue driving and facing the fears that I have as I will have to go back to work in a few weeks time.
Each day only gets better! :)
I am happy to report that the medication which I started six days ago has given me little side effects. I only seem to have a bit of problems with sleep which the Doctor said to give a week.
All seems promising. I increase the dose from 37.5 mg to 75 mg after tomarrow.
Michelle
I do feel less anxious since on the medication. I don't know if it is in my mind or not but what ever it is I am glad.
I found that doing Yoga and meditating also helps ground me back down. I did not do Yoga for two days and felt a difference. I found too, If I have more than one cup of coffee that this makes a difference as well.
I am learning to live in each day and not the next or the what if place.
Today will be my last day at 37.5 mg, I increase my dose to the 75mg and I think that I will feel even better. I am glad that I decided to work with the medication but also understand that the medication alone won't work forever.
I see a therapist for cognative therapy and with reduction of stress, which seems to be working.
Being positive I think is the key.
;p
I have been trying to go out everyday, for a long walk where I will have to go to the store or lunch with my boys.
I can get through it each time but I still feel panicky before I leave the house. I don't actually have a panic attack just the stomach problems and the feeling of unreality.
I have been trying to ensure that I do positive self talk.
Does anyone else have this experience and how do you get through it?
Michelle :quest:
Hi Beth,
Thank you for sharing, I am sory to hear that this also happens to you every day. I'll be sure to share anything that I find that works.
I am looking forward to anything that may help, thanks Ann-Marie.
Michelle :)
I have been off of work for almost 6 weeks by the time I have to go back to work.
I am quite nervious as I still have some panic attacks. I am hoping that all will be well.
Has anyone had time off for stress leave and then had to return.
Any suggestions on coping?
Thanks,
Michelle
Beth,
Thank you for responding and I too will be thinking of you. I am sure that you will do just fine.
I know that I am almost ready but not quite. I still have a bit a trouble in public. I do however; continue to go out every day just because I know eventually that I will begin to feel comfortable again.
I am now trying to set up a routine prior to going back. I get early just like I would if going back to work and now I am going to try to do the Yoga earlier and some meditation.
My boyfriend of 4 years also works for the same company which may be a blessing. I am going to have him take me into the office next weekend and get myself comfortable.
We moved while I have been off. I think that if I have a chance to go in before I begin it may make me feel a bit more at ease. At this point I don't even know where my desk is.
But staying positive all will be ok. I think it probably will be good to go back, as this will cause a distraction from so much focus on how I do feel.
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