Ok, I dont mean to sound nuts but i have this problem.

I have been having panic attacks since this past winter.. i saw a doctor once for it who said i should be on medication and in therapy, but never went back. recently ive been having them a thousand times worse than i would have thought, where at times i practically feel paralyzed by it, if that makes sense.

I tried taking xanax for them a few times and for the most part they help, but my issue with that is that

1. it was not prescribed to me so i am a little worried since i know it can be habbit forming.

2. i dont always have it available when the panic attacks hit me.

i WOULD go back to the docs and have them give me something, but there may be issues with my insurance right now.

My question is– when all of this happens, what are some ways i can stop it? I am not under any stress that i am aware of, but i wish i was because then i could at least pin point the problem and deal with it. but thats another thing– any TINY little signs of stress give me panic attacks where im actually sick and throwing up. i cant handle stress like a normal person and i feel like im not even LIVING like a normal person anymore.

How can i stop my panic attacks without taking something for it?

(p.s. the other day i was having one attack after another all day and by the end of the night my nerves were so shot i was practically numb. idk if that makes sense either..)

Reader Answer:

There are many ways for you to deal with this problem.

One thing that I believe is very important is for you to rezlize that when your stressed the most important thing so you don’t have another panic attack is to not think about your next one.It seems to me like your very scared.

I can see that your taking xanax and I recommend a more natural approach to your situation.This is a great website that I recommend to people and am sure it will work with you.read the success stories You’ll be damned well imporesed.

Btw I know I already mentioned it but I can’t stress this enough.;Don’t get attached to xanax I know it relieves your stress and all but trust me when I say this.It’s not healthy for you to take that stuff especially when you begin to develop habits.

i wish you the best of luck and hope this helps.

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The original post is located here: How can I stop my panic attacks?

What are some good effective ways to control an anxiety attack or even worrying about having one? Do things like deep breathing or just calming down methods really help or are they a waste of time? There are many ways to control anxiety and here is one person’s method.

Answer:

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It is known that the best way to channel out any negativity is to release your negative feelings in a creative manner.

This can include writing out how you feel, drawing, dancing, etc.

Personally, I have my own journal. When I feel panic in my system, which can render me to have hyperventilation, dizziness, cold and warm spells, etc. I write out how I am feeling, and what is specifically bothering me.

Anxiety occurs when you are overly worried about something to the point of not being entirely sure what it is anymore. It becomes less of a problem when you are able to target the cause of the anxiousness.

Through creativity, you are able to see exactly what is bothering you in an artistic manner.

Specifically for anxiety however, you must realize your state of mind during the attack… Regard this simple acronym, and be sure to remember it the next time you have an attack:

S.T.A.R. – Stop, Think, Analyze, Reply.

Follow these four steps (in order) and everything should be easier to handle. I’ll explain:

When you feel you are having a panic attack, you should first stop any thoughts that rush in your mind, and hold off everything. Once you have achieved that (as this is truly the hardest part), you must think it through. “Why exactly am I worrying?” You analyze why you are worrying about the topic, i.e. draw out any phobias or past experiences you had that relate to the topic…

And finally, you tell yourself that these feelings are not going to help you through the panic attack, and that looking on the bright side is more effective, and, of course, channeling the feelings in a positive and creative way.

The original post is located here: Ways to control an anxiety attack?

How can I cure panic attacks? Is it possible for me to stop my panic attacks?

Does anyone know if there is a cure for panic attacks? I have tried many treatments to stop my panic attacks, but none of them worked. If any one can tell me about a treatment that worked for them, please do!

Answers:

Yes, it is possible for you to stop your panic attacks. There are many ways to control anxiety.

A simple, easy way to do it is to try to calm yourself down. Be aware of your surroundings. When you feel one coming on, notice that you are safe. Concentrate on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths. Notice that the air is coming in and out of your lungs and your heart is beating, the same as always. If you get too caught up in an attack, you can only make it worse. Assure yourself the anxiety is only temporary and will pass soon. Just remain calm.

Do this enough and you can calm yourself and talk yourself through each attack. The better you get at realizing what’s going on, the quicker you can overcome them.

If you have tried many approaches to getting rid of panic attacks, of course I do not know what they were, but I presume you have done some research on what usually works or helps, been to doctors, tried different medications, and worked with a cognitive behavioral therapist.

But the first thing would be to run down a checklist of what you have tried and what the nature of your trial remedies was. There may be something you have tried, but not long enough or in the right way … for all I know.

And then there are the unusual and unexpected causes of panic attacks, or the unusual recipes of health challenges that make diagnosis and treatment more challenging. In the latter case, however, probably you should have seen some positive difference to some method of counterattack. In the former, who knows?

I have read, for example, of one person for whom nothing served to rid of panic attacks except magnesium supplements. Another person could not be rid of depression until black mold was removed (between inner and outer wall, or wherever). Some are hyper sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. Others are more dramatically affected by heavy metal poisoning. (For some of these, removal of mercury alloy fillings improves one’s condition–though I am not sure I have heard of anxiety being a symptom.) How about laundry detergent residue in your clothing? Having an anxiety reaction to genetically modified foods?

In other words, if the usual suspects are innocent, look for the unusual.

In any case, long and careful observation and recording of symptoms, conditions, feelings, possible triggers to panic attacks, and conditions surrounding even temporary improvement is advisable. If you have not practiced deep and slow breathing two to four times per day for several weeks, do that (and during attacks).

The original post is located here: How can I cure panic attacks?

A frequent question that is asked about panic disorder is can panic attacks cause fainting? Because of certain symptoms that may seem related to fainting like hyperventilating, panic attacks and fainting have been thought to be related.

This is important and a thorough understanding of what is actually happening is necessary so as not to cause more even panic and make things worse. For a person having a panic attack, the fear may cause the person to have shortness of breath and this may lead to hyperventilation. They may suddenly have the feeling of lightheadedness and confusion which they often associate with fainting.

Biological causes of panic attacks

There are a number of biological causes of panic attacks and the following video will explain what they are.

One thing you need to understand is that when a panic attack happens, it may only last for thirty minutes or so. The feeling of fainting may happen at the start of the panic attack but this seldom occurs. In fainting, a person lacks oxygen that circulates in the brain. And the time for a panic attack is less for this to even occur.

Can panic attacks cause fainting?

Sometimes it can, but only because the person has fainted due to an unrelated medical reason.

If this occurs the person should consult a doctor right away since the fainting spell might be a symptom of low blood pressure or another cause. When a person has a fainting episode, he/she should be left in the same place so as not to cause panic when he/she wakes up and wonders where they are, which is stressful in itself.

The original post is located here: Panic Attacks And Fainting

Overcoming fear of panic attacks is one of the big challenges for anyone who had had one. Being affected by an anxiety attack the very first time is going to be uncomfortable. For example, you can get a feeling of nausea, not be able to focus very well and feel “spaced out” shortly before they hit full force.

It’s not just the bodily experience throughout the attack but the fact that you are more likely to suffer from anxiety about future attacks. Sometimes referred to as anticipatory anxiety, the fear of future attacks could cause never ending fear and tension preventing you from relaxing.

Click Here To Visit The Linden Method Website

Typically if the condition is not tackled, it can lead to phobic avoidance wherein you stay clear of places, situations, meetings, and events where emergency help is not easily available or where having an attack can be awkward.

One way to fight panic attacks is to very quickly try to distract oneself. That only works if you can manage to do that the moment you feel a panic attack coming on. If you are not recognizing the signs of one starting yet, try to pay closer attention and you will discover there are little warning signals.

Taken to the extreme, fear of panic attacks can lead to agoraphobia where you start to keep away from a lot of the activities you normally do. To avoid this, consider the following suggestions.

1. First of all, talk to your doctor. A lot of the symptoms linked to panic attacks for example a racing heart, chest pain, heavy breathing, profuse sweating, agitation, etc., are also present with other physical and psychological disorders. Getting a complete diagnosis from your doctor, for these reasons, will rule out any cause unrelated to anxiety. Let him know your symptoms, when did the attack occur, as well as how severe the attack was. Your doctor will ask about your past medical history and might do some tests (for example. urine test, blood test, drug screens, etc).

2. Go to a counselor who is properly trained to handle this kind of psychological disorder. Don’t start assuming you are going mad). The reason why you need to visit a therapist is to try to find out what is really going on which will help prevent future attacks. Never wait for too long to get help. Left untreated, another panic attack may lead to more severe problems. The therapist may subject you to cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy to process your thoughts.

3. Find the cause of the attack. Certain cases of panic attacks can show a “pattern” – particular activities, thoughts, time or person you are with at the time of the attack. A lot of these can provide you with important clues to stop later problems.

4. Master some relaxation techniques you can practice both at home and while outdoors. Music, meditation, yoga, and breathing techniques are not only useful for lessening the symptoms during the actual attack but also in building up your body’s relaxation response.

5. Don’t increase the fear. Absorbing all the fears and other negative thoughts that accompany anxiety attack only adds to more fear which exacerbates the negative impact even further. As an alternative, understand that you are afraid making it work to your advantage.

6. Assume a much more wholesome diet and lifestyle (exercise, well balanced diet, and enough sleep). Research studies confirm that as little as Thirty minutes of strenuous activity 3-5 times per week is a good stress reliever, helpful in preventing future attacks. A healthier eating plan boosts the supply of vitamins and minerals and keeps the chemical balance in your system. Sleeping no less than Eight hours a day recharges the body, refreshes your brain, and relaxes the muscles.

7. Do away with all needless stress. Because panic attacks are directly linked with stress, steering clear of activities, people, and scenarios that cause you stress help overcome the chance of future attacks.

8. Become knowledgeable about anxiety and panic attacks. You can find resources where one can learn more about the problem. Reading books, health magazines and articles on the internet on the subject of panic attacks will certainly provide you with all the information about how to overcome any unwanted effects it brings.

The fear of having a panic attack is probably one of the worst aspects of the condition but many people have managed to overcome panic attacks so there is no reason to think you can’t do so too.

The original post is located here: Overcoming Fear of Panic Attacks

Question:
I have had horrible mouth pain for a few weeks now and I need to go see my doctor and dentist the only thing is I have agoraphobia and I dont leave the house much. Just the thought of going to the dentist or doctors shakes me up and I keep canceling my appointments. I do relaxation visualizations to help my relax but it doesnt help for this. Any suggestions?? Thanks

Best answer:
I suffer from agoraphobia and found myself in the same position last year. I know you’re not going to like this answer, but you just have to force yourself to do it. I had to get an emergency root canal, and I was in so much pain that there was no way around it. It was brutal.

I did do a few things to make it easier one me, though. I took someone with me, which helps a lot when I have to go out into the public. Also, I let the dentist know that I suffered from agoraphobia so he would understand if I started having a panic attack. After that, I just shut my eyes and let him do what he had to do. I thought I was going to lose it, but eventually it was over, and I was extremely happy to be out of pain.

So my suggestion — if you’re in that much pain — just do it. You may panic and it will probably be horrible, but it’s not going to kill you. Once it’s over, you’ll be glad you went.

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The original post is located here: Agoraphobia and going to the dentist and doctors?

I am having a serious problem with agoraphobia. Therapy has thus far not helped (have seen 3 so far for 6-8 months apiece). I am frustrated. I am at my wits end. I am a confident, intelligent, outspoken person who wants to be successful and agoraphobia & anxiety attacks (which are very visible to others) are controlling my life.

I had two traumatic experiences in one year about 4 years ago and my problems seem to have spiraled from there. It’s incredibly frustrating because I had to quit my jobs. I dropped out of school.

I have many family members/friends who make me feel guilty about these things (and I do, and depressed, frustrated, hopeless at times, miserable, the works) largely because they cannot comprehend why I am having such a problem.

So my question is, is there anyone else out there who has or had similar issues as my own who has regained control of their life?

I am already familiar with standard therapy procedures regarding anxiety attacks and so far haven’t found much success at all. Things are getting worse and not better.

So anyone out there who knows of a support group or a cutting edge research or a method that has worked for them?

I really need some help.

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The original post is located here: Agoraphobia Panic Attacks and Depression

Question by Spencer S: Whats the best working OCD/Depression/ Panic Attacks/ Anxiety medicine?
I am so depressed and I have panic attacks all the time. Also I feel like I am going to lose control at anytime.I get all light headed and I feel like crap. What medicine is the best. I am on Xanax and its not working. Is Zoloft ok?

Best answer:

Answer by sanfiddle
I am a experienced with anxiety because I have now been on the pills 7 years. I took zoloft it seemed to work well if your not sexually active. So I ended up switching to Cymbalta. I never had a panic attack or anxiety again. It takes about a week to two weeks to fully work. The major side effect is dry mouth which you will get and sleepiness. The pill needs to be taken at night. It also helps you fall asleep. The only thing is once you are cured it is very hard to stop taking the medication because the withdrawal symptoms are so strong but it doesn’t seem like you will be cured for a few years.

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The original post is located here: Whats the best working OCD/Depression/ Panic Attacks/ Anxiety medicine?

How can I prevent panic attacks or how can I beat panic attacks?

I’ve been through several treatments and therapies for panic attacks. But no therapy ever really tells me how I can prevent these panic attacks. Is there any way for me to beat these panic attacks?

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The original post is located here: How can I prevent panic attacks?

Prozac for anxiety and agoraphobia?
I have tried buspar and zoloft for my anxiety. No luck with the side effects. I just started prozac. Does anyone  have any advice or words of wisdom? I am not depressed just have anxiety and agoraphobia

Best answer:

Answer by I’ma Shy Girl…
how can you not be depressed w/ agoraphobia…….i’m not on any meds, just wanted to say that.

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The original post is located here: Prozac For Anxiety and Agoraphobia