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Thread: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

  1. #1
    Darcy Foxx
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    Default Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    I'm stealing the idea of the Eating Disorder Recovery and Support thread, since there seems to be so many people on here suffering with anxiety & panic disorders, I thought it'd be nice to have a place where we can rant and rave and support each other through the shitty times.

    I made a thread about this in LO, so I won't repeat it all here, but my anxiety has been worse than ever lately. It's really hard because so many people just do not understand what it's like to have a BAD panic attack. So many of my friends are like, "oh my god I'm like totally having an anxiety attack, I'm so stressed!" but they don't understand what it's like to be almost crippled with that sickening, choking feeling of a severe attack. A lot of the time it feels like people think that I'm just being a big drama queen when I say I need to leave work because of my anxiety It's comforting to know that there's people out there who understand what I'm going through...

    I think my biggest goal for 2008 is to overcome this anxiety and panic.

  2. #2
    God/dess kitty260's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    I know how that feels. I had months on end when I would feel sick to my stomach 24/7 and constantly have this insane feeling of dread hanging over me. For me, it was money related. As soon as I got into a decent financial position I felt better, but I still wake up during the night panicking about money. I never said anything to anybody because I knew it was my fault I was in a bad spot and I didn't want anybody to think badly of me.

    This thread is a great idea. Thank you for starting it.
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  3. #3
    Banned All Good Things's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    Darcy, if you don't mind, could you share with us exactly which meds your doctor has prescribed to you?

    I'm suspicious that s/he's put you on anti-depressants, probably an SSRI or two, which is why you said in your other post that you hadn't been on them long enough to experience any benefit.

    Most anti-anxiety meds in the form of benzodiazepines have an immediate benefit and are designed specifically for people with anxiety or panic attacks. Klonopin (clonazepam), the drug Cameron mentioned, is one of these. There are many others you would recognize, like Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), etc. Some doctors use a combination of these, or will combine them with an SSRI.

    I'm very surprised that your doc has not prescribed something that will give you an immediate benefit, considering the severity of your symptoms. You may want to talk to him/her about this soon!
    Last edited by All Good Things; 12-26-2007 at 10:29 PM.

  4. #4
    Darcy Foxx
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    TOO, I take Ativan for spot treatment. But he said to only take them when I am actually having a panic attack, and once I pop an Ativan it's over and out for me - I'm not able to go about my daily business on them, I just have to sit on the couch and space out. They'll temporarily stop a panic attack in its tracks, but they're not a long term solution. I also take Celepram (aka Celexa, Cipramil) which is an SSRI, which I am taking every day to help with the general feelings of anxiety, not the actual attacks.

    I'm going to go back to my psychiatrist asap, I think perhaps I might need to up my dosage of Celepram because lately I've seriously been feeling like I'm about to snap and become a crazy agoraphobic.

    I'm going to see my GP tomorrow and see if he'll give me a prescription for Maxalon, an anti-nausea medication, because I find that taking that has a calming effect on me, probably because of my emetephobia.

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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    Has anyone else drank to avoid anxiety?
    you live like an ivy vine
    you can only survive by clinging onto trees
    that's your flaw
    put down some roots so you can stand on your own
    -Kenpachi



  6. #6
    beauty21queen
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    I have ^^^ if im having a really bad one and keeps recurring its not like its all the time just once in a great while .This month though its been a few times because I dont have my medication because I dont have any insurance at the moment.

  7. #7
    Darcy Foxx
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    Quote Originally Posted by TigersMilk View Post
    Has anyone else drank to avoid anxiety?
    yep. at first i found it really helped. lately though i've found that drinking seems to trigger my anxiety. i sure hope that it doesn't fuck up my new years eve...

  8. #8
    Kaylinn
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    For the beter part of last year, I was suffering from terrible anxiety. It was coupled with deep depression. I was unable to make decisions for anything. I had several panic attacks in the grocery store just because I couldn't decide what to buy for dinner.
    I have been unable to work for the past 6 months because things got so bad. I would start to get ready for work, but start to cry and not be able to stop, and I would have anxiety attacks at just the thought of having to work. On the days I actually managed to get ready and driv to work, I would be in panic mode he whole way there, have to pull over on the side of the road...and would always end up turning back to go home.
    Along with all of this, I developed extreme guilt. Guilt over everythign little thing. I started justbeing guilty that i wasn't making money or contributing to the bills, and that guilt got worse and worse as our financial situation got worse...I would get guilty over everything I did.

    I became unable to look people in the eye, anywhere. If the guy at the gas station tried to talk to me outside the scope of " do you need anythign else?" I would have a panic attack.

    Drinking made it worse, and would send me into the worst panic attacks ever, which sent me to the hospital a few times. One such panic attack was so bad I was unable to walk, my legs just wouknd't hold me up. I hyperventalate when I am having a full blown attack. I stutter and can't talk. One bad attack left me feeling weak for days.

    Now what helps.
    I am not on any medication, as I can't afford the doctor or the drugs right now.
    when I startto feel a panic attack comming on, if I try to talk myself out of it, I usually can. Just say stop. breathe. it's ok. Take deep breaths. If I can catch it early, I can calm myself down. If i give in to it and don't try to calm down, it will develop into a full blown attack that I cannot control or stop. My boyfriend has helped me a lot, when he sees me starting to freak out he holds me and tells me to breathe, and helps me try to slow down my heart.
    I stopped drinking for a long time because that seemed to set me off for no reason and gave me the worst anxiety attacks.

    Lately, I have been trying positive affirmations and positive self talk. It sounds silly to say, but it has worked miracles for me. I even started going back to work last week. I just do not let the thoughts into my head tatcause me anxiety. If I find myself starting to think I'm not good enough, I make myself stop, and tell myself I am beautiful, I am confidant, I am worthy.
    Ido not allow myself to feel guilty. I force myself to make decisisons. Even if they aren't the best ones, I make them, because the inability to decide sends me into a panic, so I just force myelf to decide. Do it or not, the outcome doesn't matter, as long as you make a choice.

    I have been makign signifigant imporvments in the past week or so since starting to try to change my thought patterns. I just try my hardest not to let any negative thoughts enter my mind.

    I will need to get on meds as soon as I am able to. Mental illness, depression and panic dosorders runs in my family. Not one single person on my mothers side doesn't suffer. My aunt, mom, brother, uncles, grandmother, they all suffer from anxiety disorders and depression. My mother has manic depression and bi polar disorder.

    But for now, I just try to keep up witht he positive self talk. I do not allow myself to get worried that leads to the anxiety attacks.

    So that's me. Hopefully I am on the road to recovery, because honestly, if this kept up for much longer, I doubt I would have made it. Iwas at the point of having suicidal thoughts several times a day, to the point of plotting out and planning what to do and how to do it. I was thisclose to committing myself to a hospital. I still hope it doesn't come down to that.
    I am takign it just one day at a time.

  9. #9
    Darcy Foxx
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    Kaylinn, that's great that you've developed some control over it, even being able to occasionally talk yourself out of a panic attack is a huge achievement.

  10. #10
    Kaylinn
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    As long as I can catch it early enough, I usually can. ( if I'm not drunk)
    When I feel one comming on, it pisses me off. Espicially when it happens for no reason. It's embrarassing, ya know?
    So I just try to say NO! This isn't going to happen. You can control it. just stop!

    The hardest ones to control are when I'm driving on the highway. Because it's difficult to pull over and try to get control. It really sucks when your driving and your hands get numb and you can't breathe when your trying to drive on the highway.

  11. #11
    God/dess jaizaine's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    Great idea for a thread Darcy, thank-you. I have noticed several threads about anxiety related issues lately so it seems that it does effect several of us on SW.

    I was diagnosed with OCDwhen I was 14 and have been seeing a psychiatrist ever since. I have been on several SRRI's - anafranil, zoloft and I am currently taking luvox. I haven't had problems with anxiety for many years until this year I seem to have been effected quite badly with it.
    I have a feeling that dancing heightens my anxiety somewhat, not because I have a problem with it but just generally because of the social nature of the job - I am not very outgoing and I hate talking to customers so I really have to push myself to be social at work and it creates anxiety.

    Recently my panic attacks have gotten so severe that I have been trembling, vomiting and having diarrohea.

    It is one of the worst feelings I have ever experienced to be inthe midst of a panic attack. I dread future attacks so much that I avoid doing certain things that I think might trigger an attack (even tho more often than not it doesn't trigger one).
    Quote Originally Posted by Corgan View Post
    when regulars turn cheap, it's time to kill em off.
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    There are many stereotypes about the industry that I work in. Sometimes they can be true but human beings are very diverse creatures and cannot be pigeon-holed into one category.

    Some of the most effortlessly beautiful, kind, intelligent, successful, motivated, driven and ridiculously hilarious women that I have ever met have been dancers. I've met the best friends that I've ever had in this industry.

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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    So glad to know I'm not the only one who suffers from this crap. I don't want to be on medication for the rest of my life. I've also tried meditation and self talk to help with the anxiety. It'll work for a little bit... and then it'll start to trigger into a full blown attack later. All it takes is that one stupid thought! Feeling like I'm gonna have a heart attack, etc. I used to be the most care-free person I knew. I'd give anything to be that person again. I didn't start getting panic attacks till about 3 years ago. I'll never forget my first one. I thought I was actually going nuts.
    Last edited by Mily; 12-27-2007 at 06:13 PM.



  13. #13
    Darcy Foxx
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    Quote Originally Posted by Kaylinn View Post
    The hardest ones to control are when I'm driving on the highway. Because it's difficult to pull over and try to get control. It really sucks when your driving and your hands get numb and you can't breathe when your trying to drive on the highway.
    I get that too, mine can come on REALLY bad when I'm driving, particularly when I'm on a highway or trapped in bad traffic where it's difficult for me to get off the road if I feel like I'm going to pass out.

    Quote Originally Posted by jaizaine
    I dread future attacks so much that I avoid doing certain things that I think might trigger an attack (even tho more often than not it doesn't trigger one).
    Me too My psych says that avoiding stuff is one of the worst things you can possibly do, because it's just acknowledging the anxiety and letting it win, but sometimes I just can't help it.

    I've only been having panic attacks for about 6 months, and it's intensified greatly over that time. I can't remember what it's like to wake up in the morning without thinking, "Gosh, I hope I don't have a panic attack today"

  14. #14
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    MY daughter is now suffering Panic Disorder. We have an appt. for a complete checkup, if all that clears, we are going to therapy together.

    I come from an alcoholic family, as does her side...so she got a double whammy.

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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    I started getting panic attacks 10 years ago, and I suffered for a few years on my own. It got so bad that I didn't leave the house for a couple of weeks. I went on medication (celexa) and was on it for 5 years. It helped immensely. I went off it last year, just because I don't want to be dependant on it for the rest of my life... This month has been so bad with my anxiety though. I haven't had a full on panic attack (well, that's not true... in August my mom passed away and I had one when I saw her die) but my general anxiety level is through the roof! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who has trouble driving... That's the worst for me! Part of me wants to go back on the meds, but part of me wants to get through it on my own with stuff like exercise and yoga and positive thinking. I just wish I could wake up like a normal person and not think about how my anxiety will affect my day.

  16. #16
    Pamela
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    My daughter says the "what ifs" are a real bummer. Her thoughts will actually make her have Panic Attacks, when she is otherwise feeling great.

  17. #17
    God/dess xdamage's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    The SSRI's did an amazing job of calming my anxiety disorder. The only downside is SSRI side-effects, mostly a decreased libido (which I suppose isn't all bad since my libido without meds is distractingly high at times).

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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    Suggestions on talking your way out of one? Sometimes I have these odd feelings like if I do something/go somewhere/see someone that something bad is going to happen.

    I haven't been diagnosed with anxiety and as far as I know I don't have any irregular heart conditions. Though I haven't seen anyone to either tell me yes or no on that subject. That will change soon.
    you live like an ivy vine
    you can only survive by clinging onto trees
    that's your flaw
    put down some roots so you can stand on your own
    -Kenpachi



  19. #19
    Darcy Foxx
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    Quote Originally Posted by Pamela View Post
    My daughter says the "what ifs" are a real bummer. Her thoughts will actually make her have Panic Attacks, when she is otherwise feeling great.
    the "what ifs" are my huge downfall too. i remember during a session with my psychiatrist, i was ranting and raving and he stopped me and goes, "do you realise you used the term 'what if' 14 times in the last 10 minutes?"

    i think that's what fucks me up on stage. i start thinking, "what if i have a panic attack on stage? what if i pass out? what if i get really dizzy and fall over? what if i start feeling sick? what if i vomit on stage?" of course, rationally, most of those scenarios are completely fucking unlikely, because like my psych always points out, i've felt dizzy on stage a thousand times and so far i've never passed out, and i haven't vomited since i was 8 and have huge mental control over that.

    i can be feeling 100% fine but the minute i let the "what ifs" sneak into my thoughts, i crash and burn.

    Sometimes I have these odd feelings like if I do something/go somewhere/see someone that something bad is going to happen.
    me too. for weeks i've had this really fucked up feeling that i was going to die in a car accident on the way back from my parents' house in the country after christmas. i was panicking so bad the whole time i was at their house, and even worse in the car on the way back to the city. obviously, we didn't crash.

    i used to be able to talk myself out of mine by really focusing and telling myself, "stop being so fucking stupid. you are NOT about to die. this is just a panic attack. everything you are feeling right now is normal for a severe panic attack, so just calm the fuck down" etc. but that's kinda stopped working for me lately

  20. #20
    God/dess greenidlady1's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    Darcy, I really truly believe you need Effexor or Cymbalta. I mean I suffered with attacks that involved throwing up, diarrhea, tachycardia, sweating and visiting the ER thinking I was having a heart attack, I thought I was going crazy too. I thought I was dying. I also became agoraphobic. I couldn't handle crowds at all either.

    Ativan has a longer half life than Xanax and I think it's half life is longer than Klonopin's also. "Half-life" meaning it's longer lasting. I am most familiar with the Klonopin because I use to take it. I took half of the .5 mg and it did the trick. If you take too much of a benzo it'll knock you out. In fact I use to take Ativan for sleep years ago. Take a fourth a tab if a half a is too much for you. Take the lowest, effective dose possible so you don't build up resistance too quickly.

    I don't think Celexa is a proven anti-anxiety med. I know Effexor and Cymbalta are. Effexor can make you tired at first if he/she decides to switch you to it. Start at 75mg and get the extended release (XR). I wouldn't let him give me more than that. It's not easy to get off of. If it pulls you down too much I have heard of people adding just a small amount of Wellbutrin to counteract the drowsiness and sexual side effects. Effexor didn't make me gain weight nor did it make lose my sex drive by itself. But I have heard of others taking the smallest dosage of Wellbutrin to counteract the most bothersome side effects.

    Effexor saved my life. I have been on it for 4 years now. I haven't had 1 panic attack. I still get depressed from time to time as 150mg only has mild anti-depressant properties. But like I said before a panic attack, to me, is the worse feeling I have ever experienced.

  21. #21
    God/dess greenidlady1's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TigersMilk View Post
    Has anyone else drank to avoid anxiety?
    I drank because I felt anxious but for an actual attack I couldn't think of drinking a glass of anything.

  22. #22
    zxcire
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    Quote Originally Posted by TigersMilk View Post
    Has anyone else drank to avoid anxiety?
    One of the main reasons I started drinking was because it calmed me down and allowed me to be sociable. I always felt *and still feel* anxious in social settings and the alcohol helped me deal with that until it became a problem in itself.

    I find the best way to deal with my anxiety now is to do what scares me, because if I don't I will become crippled with fear. One thing builds on another until I'm stuck in my house and scared of everything. I believe the antidepressants I take help me with the ability to go through with scary things and to work through my anxiety.

    I rarely have anxiety attacks anymore because I consciously work through the fear and do what scares me. But it's not easy.

  23. #23
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    I take Effexor, too, for General Anxiety Disorder and Depression. I take three 37.5 mg tablets a day. I also take Klonopin for my panic attacks. I'm supposed to take two .5 mg tablets a days, but I only try to take one because it is pretty strong stuff (for me, at least). If I'm a little bit more on edge, like around that time of the month, I'll take my prescribed dosage. These two meds really work for me, too. I've taken Ativan and Xanax, but Klonopin does the trick for me. Lasts longer, and is supposedly less addictive than the other two. As far as anti-depressants... I've also been on Celexa and Lexapro. Neither helped me with the depression and anxiety like Effexor has. There have been a couple of times that I ran out of my Effexor and had to wait a few days to get it, and I couldn't believe how I felt w/out it. The room always felt like it was spinning, I kept getting hot flashes, headaches, nausea, and I was scared of every little thing. I also stayed indoors to avoid anything that 'might kill me.' I think you should try these two meds out, Darcy.



  24. #24
    Darcy Foxx
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    I have been on Efexor in the past, for depression. It turned me into a crazy basket case. I was like a zombie, with no emotion, no feeling... sure I wasn't depressed anymore, but you could've killed a person infront of me and I probably wouldn't have even flinched. And it gave me a CONSTANT feeling of nausea, and I always felt really detached, like I was coming off ecstasy or something. It was horrible

    I think maybe I should try a quarter of an Ativan and see how that affects me... my biggest problem right now is working, and I need something to calm me down at work, but not fuck me up like taking a full Ativan does. Even a half bombs me out too much to dance on stage.

    I'm going to see my GP in an hour to see if he'll give me some Maxalon. I sure hope he does...

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    God/dess jaizaine's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anxiety / Panic Recovery and Support

    ^^^
    have u had maxilon before Darcy? the reason i ask is because it has caused restless leg syndrome in me and that is one of its known side effects. if that happens it can make you more anxious.

    also as far as behaviour therapy goes have u ever tried any exposure therapy or systematic desensitisation for your fear of vomiting?
    it could be useful if the fear is really taking over.
    Quote Originally Posted by Corgan View Post
    when regulars turn cheap, it's time to kill em off.
    Quote Originally Posted by Lysondra View Post
    You're still a vagina.
    There are many stereotypes about the industry that I work in. Sometimes they can be true but human beings are very diverse creatures and cannot be pigeon-holed into one category.

    Some of the most effortlessly beautiful, kind, intelligent, successful, motivated, driven and ridiculously hilarious women that I have ever met have been dancers. I've met the best friends that I've ever had in this industry.

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