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16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

I third the recommendation for the anxiety and phobias workbook. It is kind of the same format as the panic center here. And I know just the feeling you guys are talking about in regards to looking back on what you wrote or what you were thinking and wondering how that was really you thinking that!

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 6252

Hello every body.

First. Lisamarie, I mentioned Buspar on a previous post. It does the same thing as Xanax but in a different way. It is not related so you can take them together if you have to. It is not addictive. But you have to take it regularly. I had no trouble with it. It didn't make me sleepy. Xanax and all the Benzo's can be a big problem over time. The problem can be reversed but it takes a long time. Buspar will take a while to start working and if it works for you I am sure you will be happier on it. Benzo's (xanax) have too many ups and downs. You won't get quick relief with Buspar, just one day you will notice a reduction in the anxiety and in a short while later you will start to feel normal. So much different than the Xanax. This is presuming that it works for you. There was no rebound when I quit taking it. I am so close to being the way that I was that it sometimes scares me. I also am off all medication. You can do it and so can your friend.

About the light. What it is is a box with three full spectrom flourescent lights in it. It replaces the day light that is missing in the winter. SAD is a dissorder where your seratonin and melatonin levels get all mixed up and can be a major cause of panic during that period fall to spring. Or if you work indoors a lot. You have to sit in front of the light for around a half hour a day, usually at breakfast. Mine is on a stand so you can use the area below it. The UV is filtered out so you won't get a tan or burn from it. If you have SAD it will work right away. You will have more energy, be calmer and sleep way better. If it does nothing for you (Not SAD) it makes one super reading light. There is some information on the Net under SAD ( Seasonal adjusted disorder). Other people using it or have access to one say they feel good right away. I bought mine from Sears. There may be better models but I like this one. It has two stands and can also be wall mounted. What ever you buy make sure it has more than one setting. Up here in Canada you can try one at the Hospital for free. Every little thing you can do to reduce the anxiety helps. I find myself now saying " who is this Guy", I haven't felt this normal in a lot of years. If you have to stay on the Xanax, have a therapist explain how it works chemically, not mentally, it will make a big difference in how you use it. Oh and the chills. I used an electric heater in the bathroom and closed the door so it was the only hot room.

And above all remember that if some one as messed up as I was can get better then so can anyone.

Davit.

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 81

Hi Ashley,

I just went to my dr yesterday morning and I cannot believe I forgot to ask her about the freezing a lot! Being on Xanax tends to make me not very focused for some reason. She wants me to try taking Buspar. Have you heard anything good or bad about the medication? I just got it filled but haven't taken it yet...I think my anxiety is making me stall! lol Our Bowling team took all 4 wins...so we are heading from second to last place on up. My best friend bowls with me and she was in a bad car accident several years ago and experiences the anxiety much more severe than I do. It is nice to have someone that close that understands, yet at the same time I wish I could take it all away from her! Her and I both used to be the most friendly, upbeat outgoing girls and we are fighting so hard to get that back!

Davit,

I catch myself upping the heat all the time when I am freezing then it must ease up because I start sweating from being layered and hot! I am also interested in information about the "light"! I will definitely try your advice! Thank you.

TexanFemme,

I am sorry I don't know your name to address you more personally! It makes me feel better that it is a normal symptom to have so I don't think it is something specific wrong with me...besides anxiety! I also have laughed after reading some of the stuff I wrote...it was like who was that talking!?! That workbook you talked about sounds very helpful! Thanks for your advice!

JGD84,

I definitely will work on the journaling! I tend to slack on my "good days" though. Thanks for the tip!

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 57

Hey Davit!

Im glad you like the book. It really has helped me a GREAT deal... What is this "light" that you can buy? You're the 2nd person I've seen talk about it on here...

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 6252

Hey Texan.

I bought the book (Anxiety and phobia workbook) Good book I highly recomend it. People if you don't want to buy it maybe your library has it. A very good companion for the program. A bit limited on herbals but that is minor. Good artical on SAD. I bought a light a while back. Any one who is interested, it works. I sleep better and have way more energy.

Davit.

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

It's also good to hear the importance of journaling... which I started about 2 months ago as well. Journaling has helped me because I document the type and frequency of my symptoms. It's allowed me to realize that my stress can manifest itself in a variety of different physical ways!

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 57

Lisa,

The 1st thing I want to say to you is that I commend you on your (unnoticed by you, maybe) determination to get your life back. That is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Secondly, I can relate to your chills during panic. I, too, like Davit had the "bathroom issue" in the beginning of my panic attacks. And I'd be in there freezing. It was NOT fun. But it eventually does pass. I think the main thing that helps during a panic attack is realizing what is goin on with your body and jus go with the flow. And JOURNAL JOURNAL JOURNAL during it. Bcuz the next day, you can go back and read it over when your mind has calmed down & is more rational. To be honest, when I go back and read my journal, I laugh about being that freaked out & irrational. DEFINITELY helps lol

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 6252

Yes. I used to keep the bathroom hot because the other thing that happens is the need to use the toilet. So I'd be sitting there with a blanket over me shivering. It went when the panic went.

Davit.

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11226

Hi Lisa,

Bowling sounds fun! I am so impressed with how upbeat you are after everything you are going through. You are a very strong woman!

Cold flashes are common with panic. Hot flashes are more common though and generally cold flashes occur after hot flashes. Members, do you have hot or cold flashes? If so what do you do to alleviate this symptom?

Have you talked to your doctor about this symtom Lisa?

Hope you are having lots of fun bowling tonight!

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

Lisa,

I'm no expert... just a person who experiences panic attacks as well.

Frankly, the most surprising revelation for me and panic attacks is the physical nature of the attacks... even though they're originate as a thought or sensation. The 'real-ness' of having pain, cold/hot flashes, shaking and a variety of other 'physical' symptoms shocks me less and less everday.

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