I feel like that too. I don't have attacks anymore but it feels like I am alwasy at the point... Sam S

how long does the normal attack last i hear 5-10 minutes but my heart will race days on end,and i feel never like myself anybody tell me why mine is like this,its like days on end with attacks and im always scared.

Hey Outlaw 1) I have had panic attacks for likely about 5yrs but very severe for about 1.5yrs. 2) For the first six months, I was able to work both of my jobs but then I had to leave one without notice and the other, I have had to cut way back on. My daughter is 12 now and able to do much on her own but it has certainly been awful for her because I can't do things like swimming, shopping, movies travel etc. like we used to. My 4 yr. live in relationship has recently come to an amicable end due to the psycological impact this disorder has had on me. 3) My biggest fears are vomitting in public, fainting and overall evident panic attacks. I fear that I will never be "normal" again and that even if I beat it right now, it could sneak up again just when I think everything is okay. I am trying to do this med free although I'm using some "natural" methods, i.e. herbs, vitamins and meditation. I have even trying acupuncture, hypnosis and EMDR therapy. To avail as of yet. It's interesting how many of us have similar situations/symptoms. When this first began I thought I was some kind of "freak" and that no one would ever understand. I'm glad to know this resource is here. At least I know that I'm not alone in this. Cheers, Lolita

Outlaw, Ditto your feelings. Here's my story: I turned 35 in April, I'm married, I have one 4 year old daughter and another baby on the way in January. Up until 2 months ago I was "Mr. Invincible". I never worried about my health. I hardly ever went to the doctor for anything. Then, one day at work (a few days after a bad cold and a bad leg injury) I felt a little lightheaded/dizzy. It made me very nervous and my heart raced, etc. (you know the panic attack routine). I guess that was my first panic attack. The next few weeks were hell. I had several full blown panic attacks. I broke down and cried several times with my wife telling her that I was afraid I was dying. I thought I had a brain tumor, stroke, aneurysm, cancer, etc. (you name it - I had it). After several "regular" doctor visits (my GP and an ENT) that all checked out fine (blood work, EKG, urinalysis, etc.), I finally accepted the fact that I needed to see a psych. I have had three visits over the past three weeks and have gotten better - no more full blown panic attacks. He always makes me feel better after a visit because he is very reassuring that I do not have some fatal disease. But, I keep telling him that I think I need an MRI or CAT scan for proof, but he assures me that is not necessary. I'm taking 100mg Zoloft per day and .5mg Klonopin twice a day. He said I will probably need to stick with the Zoloft for at least a year and he will try to wean me off of the Klonopin in a month or two. I still have moments of fear and anxiety. My biggest fear is dying at an early age, leaving behind my beautiful family - my wife, my 4 year old daughter, and unborn baby. I think of the pain that would cause everyone. I also think of how much I would miss in their lives. I'm still having some lightheadedness/dizziness from time to time - That scares me the most of all my symptoms. I'm not sure if it's symptomatic of GAD or a reaction to the meds or both. My psych did not seem too worried about it in my last visit. I also have an occasional headache (but they don't last very long), tired and fatigued a lot (probably the meds) and tension muscle aches in the back of my neck and shoulders (feels better after a hot shower or lying on a heating pad). Sorry to be so long winded.

Have you tried Prozac? I have bad anxiety too and it helps me ALOT! I hardly ever need the Xanaxx now. Talk to your doc hun, and try not to worry about health, your very young. I am 41 and my doc says I am fine but he worries about my mind the most. Anxiety is awful especially when it lasts a long time. Try taking the 12 week course here and GET the book called From Panic to Power, its in your local book store. It will help you understand and get control back. Good luck hun.........you are not alone.

1)how long have people had panic disorder here? and how bad does it affect work/love/kids life? 2)What are your biggest fears Death,no money,going crazy,cant find righr meds? 1)ive had it now for 5 years,i worked at a mill for 2 years with it,closed worked off and on anxiety makes it difficult.Strains me and my fiancee,and im afriad my kid might see like this im only 25. 2)Fears for me are strickly heatlth everything else i handle stores,people etc.I worry my hear is bad i will have a diffrent symptom daily,along with a racing heart.My newest is pain in my forarm,and hand,and left foot.So i worry about my heart.Also the lower left rib cage,i actually got my bp up tp 155/135 i was taking it like every 5 minutes,i thought i was dying.Probally worst attack ever for me.Meds arent working moi's ssri's havent worked side effects to bad.Xanax 5 years,and it wearing thin on me.Hope people might respond on length and fears,later people.