This is my first time joining any type of support group. I decided to join because lately my panic attacks have been coming back. I don't like to talk about my disorder because many don't understand it and I feel I will come off weird. I have had panic disorder since the age of 8 but wasn't diagnosed until I was 15 years old. I could go on and on but the bottom line is I have struggled my entire life and I often wonder if I'll be ok. Its physically exhausting constantly worrying when the next attack will happen.
My symptoms are usually a feeling of needing to escape, tingling, shortness of breath, pounding heart, hot sweats, and stomach pain also followed with the urgency to use the restroom. I unfortunately need to rely on public transportation and I feel that the more I have them on public transportation, the more I fear using public transportation. I try to think of positive things during my ride but it doesn't always help. I am hoping to gain more knowledge and tips on how to control it better.
I found my challenge today was keeping my mind from worrying about having an attack today. Yesterday was a really bad day for me and I had a severe panic attack while at work. My whole day was ruined from there. That is why I decided I needed further help and I need to make a big change or I am going to be in a bad place. Along with my panic attacks, I worry about the future a lot, in particular things that are out of my control. In my panicked state, I started worrying that I would have to quit my job and not work because of my disorder. I am hoping to learn that I can live a normal life with panic disorder (although I already know this, it is hard on some days to make it through a day with panic attacks and I often envy those that have no idea what it feels like to be living with a disease like this.)
The hardest part for me was being diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Although this disorder runs in my family, it was hard to hear that I would have to deal with this the rest of my life. It is still a struggle and I don't reveal this to many people in my life because of a lot of misconceptions about panic disorder. Hopefully you will find the help you need here.
I was wondering if anyone had any insight into new medications. I will be 27 next month and my doctor wants to start weening me off of my medication because I can't be on it if I decide to have children. I have tried to battle my disorder without before, and both times I was unsuccessful. I unfortunately have come to terms with the fact that I will probably be on medication for the rest of my life but I don't want it to hinder me from having children.
I felt this way on Saturday and I was invited to go out with a friend and declined because I couldn't force myself to get out of bed. Unfortunately when there are things that you need to do, such as go to work, it makes it even harder. Try to find something little in everyday to help brighten your mood. For example, although you are having a hard time at work, be thankful that you have job with the ecomony being as bad as it is. Also try meditating at night. I usually put on soothing music or nature sounds and concentrate on deep breathing and when I breath out, I breath out heavy and imagine I am pushing out all of my negative thoughts and anxiousness.
Moving is a very stressful time and when I recently have thought of moving and my anxiety level skyrockets each time I think about it. If unpacking is overwhelming, try to do a little each day that way you aren't overwhelmed too much. Try unpacking one room at a time.
I hope this helps and keep us posted on how you are making out. I hope to hear that your anxiety slowly begins to fade away and you can get back to yourself again.
I have wondered the same thing. I have been on paxil for about as long as you have and my symptoms have reappeared as well. Paxil is so hard to ween off because the withdrawl symptoms are horrible. I am hesitant to try other medications because I have had such success on Paxil. It would be helpful to talk to our doctors, but again I don't want to try anything new!
I have a question in regards to my exposure work. I have anxiety taking the train to work every morning because a few weeks ago I had a pretty bad panic attack on the train and now I expect to have another one on the train daily. Despite this fear, I still get on the train but with the constant anxious thoughts of having another attack. My question is, how would I complete my exposure work if I already expose myself to my fear?
I work an hour away from work so I have to take the train to work everyday. I have anxious thoughts everyday getting on the train and I also have to ride the train to a certain point everyday in order to get to work, therefore I am exposing myself everyday. That being said, I'm having a hard time setting a goal. A goal for me couldn't be riding the train for 5 or 10 mintues because I have to ride the train for an hour. Could a goal for me then to be to get to a certain stops without having a panic attack?
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