New here. Undiagnosed.

[JoriMar]

Hello everyone. I posted in Introductions 2 days ago and last night in HA. I'm undiagnosed but from what I've been reading, I'm pretty sure I have HA and may be approaching the beginnings of PD and Agoraphobia. I plan on seeking CBT because medication anxiety is part of my problems.

I'm 31, female, married, no children (other than 2 dogs who I love like they were actually two-legged kids  ).  I started having panic attacks about 3 years ago, precipitated by "brain zaps". I never knew what was going on, so I made several trips to the ER. I've had countless MRIs and CT Scans and they've never found anything medically wrong with me.

I have panic attacks usually 3 - 5 times a week. Almost always in the late mornings, while at work. Sometimes at other public places. I've never had one at home, and I'm fine as soon as I get home. So I've started avoiding going out. I'm in the middle of a move to another state, and I want to get over this so that I can enjoy my new home without becoming a hermit. My panic tends to peak when I have forced (no escape) interaction with other people. I tend to get so anxious that they're going to find out that something's "wrong" with me I talk myself into having an attack. Distraction/meditation helps bring me down when I can do so in a safe place by myself (usually my car). But then I'm useless the rest of the day because I'm terrified it will happen again. I always pick the "flight" in fight or flight and have to run away from the feelings. Cold water also helps, if there's no one in the bathroom at work I'll run in there and splash cold water on my face. It's starting to affect my work, so I need to get a handle on it. My workplace has done me the HUGE favor of allowing me to keep my job and telecommute from my new state and I don't want them to rescind that offer. Stress is a factor, and this a very stressful time of year for me at work. I took the day off yesterday because I've had a bad week (multiple panic attacks a day, plus low-level anxiety 24/7). I was thinking of going into work today while no one is there to clear out some of my work so that stress isn't multiplied on Monday by all the stuff that didn't get done yesterday plus all the backed-up items from last week that I still haven't done.

[ashcrash85]

Your first task, and for anyone new to anxiety and panic is to see your doctor for a complete physical.

This is the smart thing to do, and responsible.

After that, once you get you physical clearance then you know it is an anxiety issue and be pointed in the right direction of a therapist.

It doesn't have to be a life sentence or even a punishment. Learn as much as you can about panic, such as, that you're not in physical danger it's just a misfiring of your body's defense system.