Help before I go crazy

[crazysue37]

Hi I want to introduce myself my name is Susan however my friends call me Sue I have suffered panic disorder for over 17yrs now and still knw very little about the disorder I thought for along time I was nuts or losing it I haven't worked in 12yrs I had a very promising life ahead of me I don't know anyone that suffers from this in my very few circle of friends I rarely leave the house I don't find much joy in anything except for my children and a good husband.when I have a panic attack I feel like its so hard to explain I hear everything around me but I close my eyes waiting for it to pass I'm almost paralized my children deserve better than me I need to know I'm not the only one who feels like this HELP please
Sue

[Quantum]

I wanted to respond before you go crazy.  I don't think I have had a panic attack yet because I avoid them.  If I feel myself getting stressed, and I remove the stress.  If I'm afraid of the dark, I turn on a light; if there are too many people at Wal-Mart, I go to a smaller, store.  If I know something will bother me, I don't do it.  As a result, I don't do much.  I'm sure it is a horrible way to deal with my drama, but it works.  But just to let you know, I don't find joy in much either.

[MameyK]

Hi Sue!

I wanted to post back with you because I could of written your post myself. I too only have a small circle of friends. The true only joy in my life is my kids also. I almost think they are what keep me going (KWIM?). I hope it helps to know your not alone on your feelings. Hope today is better for you.

Kathy :)

[herb]

Hi Sue,
just want to introduce myself.I have been suffering from panic attacks now for nearly 20 years.Iv'e tried every known meds on earth. Paxil seems to be the only one that seems to help.(but not much).My attaks are getting worse.I'm 37,have no friends,no girlfriend,no type of support system and feel totally alone on this planet.I stay depressed constantly.I wish i could meet people, exercise,go to school etc. but i can't seem to get motivated.I'm so tired of always being scared.
Life is passing me by.My emotions are always on a roller coaster.It's my sincere wish you find relief from this self-imprisonment disease-----Herb

[tryn2cope]

Hi Sue, My name is Shawna. I suffer from panic attacks, OCD and agoraphobia and PTSD. I understand. I can't leave my home either. My only contact with the outside world is my wonderful husband and my step kids. I am always feeling guilty that I can't go outside and play with my kids or just go for a ride with my husband. I have been "hospitilized" many times with these problems. I think you might understand what type of hospitalization I mean. My therapist and psychiatrist are constantly changing my medications and upping my dosages. They recently put me on Xanax. It does help a little, but the panic and fears and attacks are still there.  So just so you know, even though I am new to this site, you are not alone and it is comforting to me also that I am not alone with my feelings either. I hope that we can stay in contact. Hope to hear from you soon.
Shawna

[deztynee]

Hello Sue! I would like to share some information with you. I have been researching anxiety and panic disorders for 7 years. I suffer from anxiety and now have "almost" complete control over the panic attacks. I have seen and heard FAR too much about doctors and them giving and changing medication like it was underwear.

Panic attacks can occur "out of the blue" for no unknown reason, OR you can feel them coming due to stress, anxiety or fear. The attacks are crippling and you can suffer some of the following symptoms: rapid heart beat, sweating, chills, loss of breath, the urge to run or escape, a sense of doom like something horrible is about to happen, light headedness, nausea, trembling and shaking, senses are intensified by a billion( sight, sound) and feeling faint. Those are the most common symptoms. When I started getting them, I thought I was dying. My first one sent me to the emergency room. It took my researching to find out what exactly I had to do for "me". Yes, there was medication involved and let me tell you it was a gift from God!! There is anxiety medications you can take "as needed" to stop the attack if it is a bad one. Aside from the medication, I have learned to rationalize with my negative thoughts of something horribly wrong happening to me or about to happen to me. Positive thinking, DISTRACTION which is a biggy!! This may sound weird but, if you are feeling panicky, look at something and describe it!!! Either to yourself of out loud. For example if you have a plant in the room or a photo, ANYTHING, start describing how it looks, the color, texture, size, etc.....It is a wonderful distraction from what is happening. Or if you have somebody to talk to, talk to them about the price of rice in china, lol, anything that will distract you.

I'm not a doctor or a professional in any way, but I do have similar problems and wanted to share what I know with you. I hope you have found it helpful. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. Take care  :)