Avoidances & Panic Disorder

bann46 · Post by **bann46** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 2:07 pm

OK, how many people can relate to this? On Monday(1/28) I was diagnosed with panic disorder. My doctor started me on Celexa immediately. I took 1/2 of a 10mg tablet on Tuesday and had the "jitters" all day. The Doc told me to either skip a day or take a 1/4 tablet. I didn't want to give in and not take anything, so I took at 1/4 tablet on Wed. The rest of the week I've been taking a 1/4 tablet and just increased to a 1/2 tablet today. Things were going along just fine all day (ofcourse I was home and didn't venture far away from it). I went to the grocery store, even though I frequently get panic attacks when I go. I made it through just fine with only anxiety but no major attacks. Then tonight, I had to go out and remove snow at the apartment complex I manage (for the millionth time this winter). I was kind of looking forward to it as I needed some exercise. But I think I overdid it and while I was out salting the walks, I had a panic attack.

The jist of my story is that I have A LOT of avoidances but I still do them. I do not want to let my panic rule my life and I WILL NOT become Agoraphobic because of it. The problem is that the more things I do lately the more anxiety/panic I have! I never used to get panic attacks while driving or at the store, at work, at the gym or during the numerous times I've been out to remove snow at the apt complex. Yet, these panic attacks have been happening more and more lately and I'm really starting to dread everything I do. I don't know if it's because of the Celexa I just started and I need to get used to it or if my panic disorder is really starting to control my life. Can anyone relate to having avoidances, but still do them anyway? How do you cope when they appear to be taking over? Please advise as I am scared to death to do anything anymore.

FYI - I AM NOT the type of person to give up, but I really don't know what to do anymore.

CYNDI49 · Post by **CYNDI49** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 2:54 pm

Hello,
I was starting Lexapro..and I had one panic attack after another...they were terrible..I quit the Lexapro and I was only having a few panic attacks...nothing like when I was on that for 4 days...I had to quit..I couldn't stand it..so maybe it is the medication..I also avoid alot of things fear of the anxiety..and panic..I just hate it..I am finally slowing down with the panic and anxiety attacks....why i don't know..there for awhile it was out of control.. I am taking xanax..I started to cut back on that and found my panic attacks are getting better.. I don't get it.. really I don't...Good luck always here for ya..
cyndi

Kldrn · Post by **Kldrn** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 1:16 am

I agree, I felt so much worse taking the medication (Zoloft). Took only or 3 days and couldn't take it anymore. That was right before I started the program. I feel much better without medication, although I keep Ativan with me, but have not had to use it since starting the program 2 weeks ago.

Faith2 · Post by **Faith2** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:24 pm

Keep doing what your doing

. I had panic disorder in my mid-20's and developed agorophobia after a death of someone close to me. Unfortunately, I relapsed 20 years later - gradual process as a result of a veritigo condition. You have a great outlook and facing your fears and not avoiding things is exactly what you need to do. Good for you! Even though it is extremely difficult for me right now - what I tell you is true because it is what worked for me the first time and I completely got over my agorophobia and panic attacks. The more you face it, the less power it will have over you until one day you don't even think about it. There is no greater joy than reaching that place where you know you are past all of this and you will get there.

Focus on positive self talk and the breathing exercises and remember it always passes. Good luck!

AMANDAJ · Post by **AMANDAJ** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:36 am

I think that I have a fear of people since I have had really bad anxiety attacks going to my Chiropractor this year. I shouldn't be afraid of her since she is a really nice Christian woman. I had an anxiety attack this weekend at McD's when ordering breakfast and it was really busy inside. I was stuck on the idea that the clerk wanted change and my husband didn't give me enough but I forgot I had dollar bills in my pocket. I didn't realize this until I went out to get change in my car. Now I have been beating myself up for having this attack since I really hate having them and want them to stop. My panic attacks have stopped for several months now, which I am grateful for.

I just wish I knew how to stop the anxiety attacks and not make myself so depressed when I mess up and seem to embarrass myself.

I also had the same problem with Lexapro and now on Seroquel which is the stronger kind of anti-depressants.

I try also to not let my panic and anxiety attacks stop me from functioning in life when they can be disabling. I have had panic attacks on my vacation as well when I jumped off the catamaran and went into the water when I get terrified of water and heights.

AmandaJ

Maeggie · Post by **Maeggie** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 6:16 am

Hi,

I completely relate. I am a huge avoider and still do but am learning, key learning, how to challenge it.

I read on here somewhere when I first started that the panic and anxiety gets worse and worse throughout as it is like deamon being slayed, the more you battle the stronger it wants to become, the more challenged it feels the worse it gets- makes sense to me.. dont forget that!

Also, I have been working on telling myself (when Im having a good day and the bad creeps in) that the bad thinking is a memory (like Carolyn said tape 3) and we dont do things like that anymore- makes sense to me too!

Dont forget you control your thoughts and practise makes perfect!

I think you are doing a great job and make sure you continue to blow the big positive things out of proportion, not the other way around!

best wishes and keep in touch!

Maeggie · Post by **Maeggie** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 6:17 am

p.s. perhaps a med change will help- I had terrible jitters and worse anxiety on celexa amongst other side effects (no sleep, numb brain, no sex drive nausea sweats(BAD!)). I switched to Zoloft and had a much much better experience all around on it-- something to think about!