Please somebody answer-I need help

[kellysmum]

I'm a 48 year old female.  I have generalized anxiety disorder and depression.  I have recently begun experiencing panic attacks.  These most often happen in the morning but can go on all day.  I take Klonopin .25-.5/ 2x per day and xanax as needed.  I also take Paxil.  I am a mess.

I cannot be alone.  I go into an absolute panic when I am alone.  I shake, I feel like I'm going to throw up, I feel as if I want to crawl out of my skin, I feel dizzy, I hyperventilate my heart pounds.  I almost passed out in the shower the other morning.  I am convinced I am dying of cancer and I am petrified of being alone at any time.  The only time I feel better is when I'm at my doctor's office and he is reassuring me that I'm fine.  I'm okay for a day, then the next morning the whole nightmare starts all over again.  I am scared of mornings.  I feel weak and alone and don't know where to turn.  I just want to run to the hospital so someone takes care of me.  My dh works nights and does not get home until around noon.  I can't get in to see a therapist for two more weeks.  Somebody please help!!

[avnostlga]

Let me start by saying it's all okay.  I experience the same things you do.  Mornings are the worst for me.  I'm a 41yr old man, and have been dealing with anxiety for the past couple of years.  A few weeks ago, I began getting severe reoccurring  panic attacks.  Like you wrote, they start in the morning, and can go all day.  However, unlike you, I prefer to be alone.  My S.O. is gone all day, often returning in the early evening.  As bad as it sounds, I feel better when she is not around.  I find that one thing that helps me is that I repeat to myself, "I will not let this get the best of me." over and over in my head while lying down.  The physical feelings are the hardest to suppress.  I'm not on any meds, and am preferring to deal with this med free.  Meds, have increased my anxiety in the past.  Do you lie down when you feel these feelings?  I've found that helps me a lot.  However, when I'm at work, I can't really do that, so often it's a day of silent suffering for me.

[LindaRK]

I can certainly feel for you ..... I've been in your situation.  I'll be 56 in May.  I've had anxiety for over 36 years.

Like you, I can easily get freaked out when my hubby goes away.  Not so much for a few hours or if he goes into the city for a day, but if he goes out of town for a few days, week, whatever - if he goes FAR away, I can easily become a basket case.  That is pretty much the only time I MIGHT take Ativan.  What has really helped me is to become less dependent on him (we work together at home - we're together ALL THE TIME).  When he goes away, I try and keep myself busy and occupied.  Simple as it sounds, it really works.  By keeping myself stimulated mentally and physically, it doesn't give my brain any time to ruminate on my anxiety.

[kellysmum]

Wow, you guys are really brave to face panic attacks without using drugs too much.  I don't know what I'd do without my Klonopin and Xanax.  I know I need therapy-badly.  Right now I'm practically housebound.  I don't know how I'm going to get out to see a therapist.  Thank you for the replies.

[avnostlga]

In the area of California where I live, there are services provided for those whom are housebound to be able to get to see their doctors.  There is a fee, but it's not large.  You need to call to schedule the appoint to be picked up/and brought home a week in advance.  You can also schedule weekly/monthly rides to see a doctor.  Look into it.  If you think you can handle a car ride from a stranger, it may be a route you can use to seek help.  Could a neighbor possibly drive you?  That's another alternative that may be more comfortable for you. 

[kmaz3824]

I am so sorry you are experiencing this, and I can relate to every single thing you wrote. I am a 43 year old woman with two young children, and my panic attacks deliver such HORRENDOUS physical symptoms, I sometimes cannot muster the strength to walk from my bed to the bathroom. Every symptom listed for panic attacks, I seem to have and then some. If I go to my doctor for any of them and she tells me there is nothing physically wrong, I will immediately become focused on one of the other ones and it will be awful. Right now, for me it is dizziness, visual disturbances (floaters and blurriness), and a huge, huge, huge fear that I'm about to have a stroke or seizure.

I will say, one thing that does help me is the knowledge that all of the symptoms I have had before and even if they feel new or even slightly different, the overwhelming odds are that it is panic and anxiety. I keep telling myself that over and over and over and eventually my Klonopin will kick in.

I hope that helps a little. It is SO comforting for me to know that I am not alone in this because it is such an isolating experience.

Good luck! 

[laineyk]

 ok two questions, 1st, when did you start the paxil? because what you describe could all be from that
                               2nd  your Dr. has you taking klonopin along with xanax?????   how often do you take the klonopin and when do you take the xanax

[alicat22]

I can remember when I went through about a week when panic attacks first showed up where I could not sleep, eat, go out or function at all. I was terrified all the time not knowing what was wrong with me. It helps to try all the "tools" to see which one helps you. Try to stay positive and read from websites that offer positive input. Don't become a cyber-chondriac. It will only feed the fear. Check out a list of positive affirmations such as, "I am perfectly healthy and strong", "This will pass". Even if you don't believe what you're telling yourself at first, your brain will catch on eventually. Try to distract yourself or do anything that is comforting such as listening to music, crosswords, calling a friend or relaxation exercises. I know it sounds too simplified for a terrible situation, but it will get better. It doesn't happen overnight but little by little between meds, doctor/therapist and having a bunch of helpful tools, you will find peace.

[kellysmum]

I am being weaned off the Xanax.  Only use it for breakthrough anxiety.

[keiji]

Hi, kellysmum

I want you to know it's nothing to do with bravery of the person when you have fear reaction. It's only your body producing too much adrenalin and other hormone that makes you afraid of things that you don't even understand. It's body's chemical reaction, and your brain is reacting to adrenalin which was overproduced.

Adrenalin can be produced not only for when you are at dangerous situation, but also when you have unstable blood sugar.

I was in the exact same situation as you did when I was at the lowest condition. Now I'm drug free for 4years. I still have anxiety, but it's tolerable without any help and the level of it is less than 1/10 of the worst time, and I can drive around by myself. All I did was eating healthy food and avoid bad food.

[laineyk]

so you know...I have the exact same problem & klonopin doesnt even touch my anxiety at the moment because I tried coming off zoloft and went into withdrawal

if you need to vent I am here for you...right now I am not functioning at all

[ruthless]

Hi I am from the uk and am 50 with a husband and 3 grown children - all amazing
I tell myself when I get anxiety. 'It's just anxiety, anxiety is giving me these horrible thoughts, my mind has become sensitised to this.
I write how I am feeling down