Hi everyone, iam feeling helpless, i was doing so much better while i was driving and when beeing around people, but yesterday it was a very hard day for me.
I had a major panic attack while i was in school. I only have class fridays and saturdays which is good that way i only needed to drive on the highway twice a week but after yesterdays episode i am scare to go back.
It was terrifying,i tried to calm my self down, i did the breathing, that self talking and nothing seem to worked. finally i decided to go home cauze i though i was going to pass out.
I didn't drive home my husband had to come and get me. After the attack was gone, i felt so dissapointed in my self and i starting thinking that the anxiety and panic attacks may never go away. I mean i was feeling great and proud of my self for going back to school but now i really don't know what to do or think.
I know i shouln't give up but iam so tired of fighthing this thing every day. Can anyone tell me if they have recover from panic attacks disorder?
DO PANIC ATTACKS EVER GO AWAY COMPLETELY?
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Guest
Hi Lilly, I feel exactly where you are coming from. I used to also have severe repetetive panic attacks all the time. YES, they are very scary, and anticipating them is very tiring! Do you take any meds, like ativan, or xanax? I know for some ppl taking meds can be scary, but sometimes they really do help. Last year from Jan-Mar, I had my worst panic attacks, but I remember taking a very small dosage of xanax, like 0.5mgs, and it really came in handy when the big panic attacks came. I do recomend talking with your doctor first, but they can be helpful. I only took one when I had severe panic attacks, cuz I don't like taking meds unless I really have to either. I have not had a panic attack since Mar. of 2009 or a xanax. Also, I have been on Lexapro for over a year, so if your not on an anti-depressant they can help tremendously too. I feel like taking the Lexapro, has really kept me from having the panic attacks, as well as the program with all the skills. I also had therapy at first once a wk, for maybe the first 3-6 months, now I just go once a month. Everything is not for everyone, but looking into some of these things may help rid some of your panic attacks or all of them! Also, what helped me early on was this therapy called tapping. Ask your doctor about this too maybe. Sorry so many things, but just want to help you calm down, yes, panic attacks can go away!!!!!
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Guest
Hi brandi: I actually was taking ativan a few months ago but since i was feeling better and my goal was to stop taking that medicine i gradually stoped. I am also taking lexapro i been on it for almost 6 years and the thing is i don't think is helping me anymore.
I am taking 20 mgs and i don't know if they can put me in a higher dose.And i really don't want to star taking the ativan again that will be like a step back for me.
I just wan to know if it's possible to do it with just the lexapro and the program? What do you think? Did you go through the program?
I am taking 20 mgs and i don't know if they can put me in a higher dose.And i really don't want to star taking the ativan again that will be like a step back for me.
I just wan to know if it's possible to do it with just the lexapro and the program? What do you think? Did you go through the program?
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Guest
Lilly,
I sooooo know what you are talking about. I have been dealing with panic/anxiety attacks since December 09. I can relate so much to what you were saying.
Couple of things, come to the chat room sometimes and you will several people in there who have recovered from this. Also, it is great that you are venting your issues, because I feel that you will get some good feedback.
Do you have the program? If not, I would suggest it, if you can. Are you seeing a Therapist? Are you on any meds? How is your diet? How is your support system? I sent you a private message. Email me anytime.
Lilly, you are not alone and being on this site you will see this. Also, go to the different topics here and you will see that. Take care and please know that you are not alone and we are here for you.
I sooooo know what you are talking about. I have been dealing with panic/anxiety attacks since December 09. I can relate so much to what you were saying.
Couple of things, come to the chat room sometimes and you will several people in there who have recovered from this. Also, it is great that you are venting your issues, because I feel that you will get some good feedback.
Do you have the program? If not, I would suggest it, if you can. Are you seeing a Therapist? Are you on any meds? How is your diet? How is your support system? I sent you a private message. Email me anytime.
Lilly, you are not alone and being on this site you will see this. Also, go to the different topics here and you will see that. Take care and please know that you are not alone and we are here for you.
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Guest
Hi Lily,
I read your post and thought "that is a question I asked myself daily" I graduated from the program a few years ago and I can really relate to your post I used to get panicky in school or business settings.Did anything really happen when you had your PA? I know you are strong your in the program your going to school and just because you had one PA does not mean your regressing I can honestly tell you I don't have anxiety problems anymore Do some days still suck? sure Do I still have PA maybe one or two in a year I don't really keep track. All I can tell you is that you are in the right place. I was agorphobic and avoided stuff and had PA,anxiety etc but you will recover stay in the fight I can tell you when I feel anxious and body symptoms come on I always tell myself "This is like a cold and it sucks but it won't hurt me" Right colds suck but they go away So good luck I hope this helps,Contact me anytime I don't check in very often but I'm glad I did tonight. I have had a bazillion PA's and I'm still here
I read your post and thought "that is a question I asked myself daily" I graduated from the program a few years ago and I can really relate to your post I used to get panicky in school or business settings.Did anything really happen when you had your PA? I know you are strong your in the program your going to school and just because you had one PA does not mean your regressing I can honestly tell you I don't have anxiety problems anymore Do some days still suck? sure Do I still have PA maybe one or two in a year I don't really keep track. All I can tell you is that you are in the right place. I was agorphobic and avoided stuff and had PA,anxiety etc but you will recover stay in the fight I can tell you when I feel anxious and body symptoms come on I always tell myself "This is like a cold and it sucks but it won't hurt me" Right colds suck but they go away So good luck I hope this helps,Contact me anytime I don't check in very often but I'm glad I did tonight. I have had a bazillion PA's and I'm still here
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Guest
Thank you so much Lionsfan, it really helps to hear your story, i needed to hear that it does get better and that iam in the right track.
I am very happy for you success and recovery from this disorder.I will definetely think of you when i have a question or if you don't mind when i need someone to talk to or listen.
I am very happy for you success and recovery from this disorder.I will definetely think of you when i have a question or if you don't mind when i need someone to talk to or listen.
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Guest
LillyM,
You asked the question of "do panic attacks ever go away?" The unfortunate answer is probably a no. But, the good part of this is that you/we learn how to deal and manage these panic attacks better. The real question is does anxiety ever really go away. It is a disease, not a symptom; however, we can educate ourselves and learn techniques to better manage the disease. Do not feel that the use of medications(benzos-ativan,xanax,etc)is taking a step backwards. If it helps you manage your panic attacks,anxiety,etc. then use it. It's not a crutch if you use it appropriately. Saying, "I am never going to need medications again" is denying you have this disease, and that is setting you up for failure in managing it. Hang in there, we all have good/bad days.
You asked the question of "do panic attacks ever go away?" The unfortunate answer is probably a no. But, the good part of this is that you/we learn how to deal and manage these panic attacks better. The real question is does anxiety ever really go away. It is a disease, not a symptom; however, we can educate ourselves and learn techniques to better manage the disease. Do not feel that the use of medications(benzos-ativan,xanax,etc)is taking a step backwards. If it helps you manage your panic attacks,anxiety,etc. then use it. It's not a crutch if you use it appropriately. Saying, "I am never going to need medications again" is denying you have this disease, and that is setting you up for failure in managing it. Hang in there, we all have good/bad days.
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Guest
Lilly,
Panic attacks can and do go away. Believing in this is a start, but the other part of it is learning to stop being afraid of them. And that's the tough part because, of course, we really don't want to have them! They're so scary!
You have to understand the facts about them: They always do go away, they won't kill or hurt you, and while they feel uncomfortable they happen because the body is alerted to some 'danger' and is doing what it is designed to do- fight or flight. It is important to talk to your doctor about this because a). having a support of people around you is very comforting and b). your doctor may or may not find some physical cause for your panic episodes. They may prescribe you a tranquilizer to help you over rough periods as well and sometimes just having that little bottle of whatever is a comfort, at least until you no longer need to use it as a crutch.
Knowing that it is your panic about your panic that is keeping these feelings going is the beginning of how you heal from panic attacks. You learn to overcome this problem by facing the very things you fear and being armed with the stuff you seem to know how to do already such as slow breathing & positive inner dialogue. The hard part is it takes a lot of practice and you have to weather a lot of discomfort, but in time, you literally get to where you tire from caring about the bodily sensations and the same ole, same ole concerns over "ohmigosh, what if...?" When you stop caring, the panic stops coming.
Avoidance will only cement your fear, so avoid avoiding. Practice driving to school and even sit in the parking lot, telling yourself over & over again "I am relaxed and happy going to school, it's ok for me to be here, and I want to do this"
Overcome the negative thinking that says "If I went to class and started feeling a panic attack, it would be horrible and I'd feel so bad about myself. I'd be a loser, a failure, etc" Reverse those thoughts to "It's ok to feel some panic wherever I go, because it's not a permanent situation and even if the worst happened (i.e. panic attack) and ended up at the ER what's so horrible? There are people there to help me through it. Panic attacks come & go anyway and I've already felt the worst they can do. It's not going to get any worse than this"
I also hear you beating down on yourself because you had a panic incident and chose to leave school. There is no failure in that- sometimes you can only do the best you can do. Don't put additional pressure on yourself with a 'should'- saying "I shouldn't have left- it means I failed" A 'should' only sets you up for the things you don't want to happen.
So don't give up. I am living proof that you can overcome panic attacks. In fact, I can say that I welcome them because they really have no power over me anymore. They don't have power because I honestly stopped being afraid of them. I choose to trust myself and have worked very hard facing my inner demons for a long time now. Cultivate the right attitude about anxiety and in time you can reverse this condition into something that was a mere annoyance you once went through, but has nothing to do with the person you are and the life you choose to live.
Panic attacks can and do go away. Believing in this is a start, but the other part of it is learning to stop being afraid of them. And that's the tough part because, of course, we really don't want to have them! They're so scary!
You have to understand the facts about them: They always do go away, they won't kill or hurt you, and while they feel uncomfortable they happen because the body is alerted to some 'danger' and is doing what it is designed to do- fight or flight. It is important to talk to your doctor about this because a). having a support of people around you is very comforting and b). your doctor may or may not find some physical cause for your panic episodes. They may prescribe you a tranquilizer to help you over rough periods as well and sometimes just having that little bottle of whatever is a comfort, at least until you no longer need to use it as a crutch.
Knowing that it is your panic about your panic that is keeping these feelings going is the beginning of how you heal from panic attacks. You learn to overcome this problem by facing the very things you fear and being armed with the stuff you seem to know how to do already such as slow breathing & positive inner dialogue. The hard part is it takes a lot of practice and you have to weather a lot of discomfort, but in time, you literally get to where you tire from caring about the bodily sensations and the same ole, same ole concerns over "ohmigosh, what if...?" When you stop caring, the panic stops coming.
Avoidance will only cement your fear, so avoid avoiding. Practice driving to school and even sit in the parking lot, telling yourself over & over again "I am relaxed and happy going to school, it's ok for me to be here, and I want to do this"
Overcome the negative thinking that says "If I went to class and started feeling a panic attack, it would be horrible and I'd feel so bad about myself. I'd be a loser, a failure, etc" Reverse those thoughts to "It's ok to feel some panic wherever I go, because it's not a permanent situation and even if the worst happened (i.e. panic attack) and ended up at the ER what's so horrible? There are people there to help me through it. Panic attacks come & go anyway and I've already felt the worst they can do. It's not going to get any worse than this"
I also hear you beating down on yourself because you had a panic incident and chose to leave school. There is no failure in that- sometimes you can only do the best you can do. Don't put additional pressure on yourself with a 'should'- saying "I shouldn't have left- it means I failed" A 'should' only sets you up for the things you don't want to happen.
So don't give up. I am living proof that you can overcome panic attacks. In fact, I can say that I welcome them because they really have no power over me anymore. They don't have power because I honestly stopped being afraid of them. I choose to trust myself and have worked very hard facing my inner demons for a long time now. Cultivate the right attitude about anxiety and in time you can reverse this condition into something that was a mere annoyance you once went through, but has nothing to do with the person you are and the life you choose to live.
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Guest
Hey Lilly,
I recovered and overcame my panic disorder. It was not easy and it took a lot of hard work, determination, and practice. I was never on medication, and I did it with the skills I learned in this program. When you are in the battle sometimes it is so easy to get stuck in one bad moment and forget the 5 good moments before the bad one. This is when you really have to fact check and not see it as failure but as opportunity to continue practicing.
I remember driving to work thinking everyday " is today the day I have such a bad panic attack I have to leave work? will I even make it to work? what if i freak out at work and need to call paramedics?" And it would never happen. I felt the awful symptoms. My hands were cold and sweaty. The air at my nostrils would seem to get hot and thin. My heart would pound and all the doubt would start bursting through like water through a broken dam. But it is in those moments when you grow. It is in those moments when you feel the fear and stick around that you get rid of this.
Even after not having that major attack i always feared and getting through it, I always dreaded the next panic attack. I would get through that one and continue to dread the next one. Almost like " i got through it this time but I don't know about next time." The only way I got through it was having panic attacks. It seems as though you still fear these panic attacks. It took me a while, but one day I had as bad a panic attack as my first major one, and in my mind i had thoughts like " omg today is the big one i might have to call paramedics..." But then the positive truth talk kicked in instinctively..." this is the one i have been fearing and dreading for so long now, let me turn around and face it with what i have learned, i have nothing to lose by sticking around.
It took almost an hour but i didn't need meds, paramedics or anything. I simply listened to my relaxation cd over and over, made some hot tea and it went away. I helped make it go away. But a lot of it went away on it's own the moment I stopped looking at the clock wondering when it would end.
I learned that even if it got so bad I felt overwhelmed, it goes away on its own. Your body only has so much adrenaline.
My advice is to continue to face it. By facing it you'll eventually realize that despite the episodes you can still do the things you need to get done. Also what you are doing is not easy, so the last thing you want to do is beat yourself up about having a bad moment or a bad day. Foster an attitude of more compassion towards yourself. Lean on your experience. You want back to school because you were feeling good about your progress. Don't let one bad day get ya. " SO what if you got me today anxiety, I'll be back next time stronger and more experienced"
Also I remember how horrible it felt, but I remember how much worse I felt if I ran and did not stick around just a little longer. Every time you hang around just a bit longer, each time it gets easier.
I thought I was never going to get rid of it, but i proved myself wrong. Thank god.
If I can do it so can you. I am no stronger and no braver than any of you. I just stuck around long enough to see it through because I wanted my life back
Take care of yourself and I hope you get back out there
EddyJ
I recovered and overcame my panic disorder. It was not easy and it took a lot of hard work, determination, and practice. I was never on medication, and I did it with the skills I learned in this program. When you are in the battle sometimes it is so easy to get stuck in one bad moment and forget the 5 good moments before the bad one. This is when you really have to fact check and not see it as failure but as opportunity to continue practicing.
I remember driving to work thinking everyday " is today the day I have such a bad panic attack I have to leave work? will I even make it to work? what if i freak out at work and need to call paramedics?" And it would never happen. I felt the awful symptoms. My hands were cold and sweaty. The air at my nostrils would seem to get hot and thin. My heart would pound and all the doubt would start bursting through like water through a broken dam. But it is in those moments when you grow. It is in those moments when you feel the fear and stick around that you get rid of this.
Even after not having that major attack i always feared and getting through it, I always dreaded the next panic attack. I would get through that one and continue to dread the next one. Almost like " i got through it this time but I don't know about next time." The only way I got through it was having panic attacks. It seems as though you still fear these panic attacks. It took me a while, but one day I had as bad a panic attack as my first major one, and in my mind i had thoughts like " omg today is the big one i might have to call paramedics..." But then the positive truth talk kicked in instinctively..." this is the one i have been fearing and dreading for so long now, let me turn around and face it with what i have learned, i have nothing to lose by sticking around.
It took almost an hour but i didn't need meds, paramedics or anything. I simply listened to my relaxation cd over and over, made some hot tea and it went away. I helped make it go away. But a lot of it went away on it's own the moment I stopped looking at the clock wondering when it would end.
I learned that even if it got so bad I felt overwhelmed, it goes away on its own. Your body only has so much adrenaline.
My advice is to continue to face it. By facing it you'll eventually realize that despite the episodes you can still do the things you need to get done. Also what you are doing is not easy, so the last thing you want to do is beat yourself up about having a bad moment or a bad day. Foster an attitude of more compassion towards yourself. Lean on your experience. You want back to school because you were feeling good about your progress. Don't let one bad day get ya. " SO what if you got me today anxiety, I'll be back next time stronger and more experienced"
Also I remember how horrible it felt, but I remember how much worse I felt if I ran and did not stick around just a little longer. Every time you hang around just a bit longer, each time it gets easier.
I thought I was never going to get rid of it, but i proved myself wrong. Thank god.
If I can do it so can you. I am no stronger and no braver than any of you. I just stuck around long enough to see it through because I wanted my life back
Take care of yourself and I hope you get back out there
EddyJ
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Guest
Hi Lilly,
Taking on anything new is stressful. When I went back to school in my thirties, the first year, especially, was awful--but congratulations to you for taking on more education. Some helpful things that have been passed along to me, I'd like to pass along to you:
Meds can lose their effectiveness over time-sometimes you do need to change dosage or med and it's not because YOU are at fault in any way--it's just the way of the medicine.
Everyone has a different view on meds. I've had quite a variety of experiences with them, and I've come to know and accept that my life with them is better than my life without them.
The right medication won't "fix" you; but it can level the playing field, so that YOU can start dealing with what you want to work on. And also, if it's a 'crutch'? Who cares? Would you deny a person with a broken leg a pair of crutches? do what works for you.
Early on, thankfully I was told by a professor of mine, that when you're feeling the best, is, strangely enough, exactly when you start thinking that you don't need the additional help anymore. And then of course, once you quit doing what made you feel better, you start feeling even worse, with the added benefit (lol) that now you beat yourself up for 'failing'. And the vicious cyle restarts with a vengeance.
So, that said, ease up and be kind to yourself. All of this is a learning process and the most valuable information has come to me through other folks like me--and you, and all of us--
You said you were wondering what to think? You should be proud of yourself for trying. Be proud of yourself for school, for having the good sense to call your husband, for your courage in trying yet again.
And maybe next time you feel anxious about the driving, plug in the Relax tape and tell yourself that you'll only drive as far as you can--and if you don't make it farther than five minutes from your house, so be it--give yourself permission to turn around and go home if you feel like it.
Be gentle to yourself,
sorry to be so wordy,
Karen
Taking on anything new is stressful. When I went back to school in my thirties, the first year, especially, was awful--but congratulations to you for taking on more education. Some helpful things that have been passed along to me, I'd like to pass along to you:
Meds can lose their effectiveness over time-sometimes you do need to change dosage or med and it's not because YOU are at fault in any way--it's just the way of the medicine.
Everyone has a different view on meds. I've had quite a variety of experiences with them, and I've come to know and accept that my life with them is better than my life without them.
The right medication won't "fix" you; but it can level the playing field, so that YOU can start dealing with what you want to work on. And also, if it's a 'crutch'? Who cares? Would you deny a person with a broken leg a pair of crutches? do what works for you.
Early on, thankfully I was told by a professor of mine, that when you're feeling the best, is, strangely enough, exactly when you start thinking that you don't need the additional help anymore. And then of course, once you quit doing what made you feel better, you start feeling even worse, with the added benefit (lol) that now you beat yourself up for 'failing'. And the vicious cyle restarts with a vengeance.
So, that said, ease up and be kind to yourself. All of this is a learning process and the most valuable information has come to me through other folks like me--and you, and all of us--
You said you were wondering what to think? You should be proud of yourself for trying. Be proud of yourself for school, for having the good sense to call your husband, for your courage in trying yet again.
And maybe next time you feel anxious about the driving, plug in the Relax tape and tell yourself that you'll only drive as far as you can--and if you don't make it farther than five minutes from your house, so be it--give yourself permission to turn around and go home if you feel like it.
Be gentle to yourself,
sorry to be so wordy,
Karen