Stress Center Peer Support

I have had panic disorder, along with generalized anxiety disorder for almost ten years. I figured by now I would be able to get it under control, but that has yet to happen. I voluntarily checked into the hospital about two months ago for my panic.

Since then, I have had a total of about ten really good days. The last few days have been really bad. I had several panic attacks and that seems to ruin my whole day. After panicking, I feel like a failure and that it is never going to end. Even though I know from past experience that it does end, it is hard to tell yourself that when you feel so crappy.

My panic attacks causes me to get the dry heaves, which upset my chest and stomach. This, in turn, caused me to stop eating. It turns into a vicious cycle. If I don't eat, I feel crappy, if I force myself to eat I feel crappy.

How do I find the strength to go on with my day without crying all day long and fearing the next attack?

Dear bthnown,
Have you started the program? If you have not please do. It will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself. I was in such a state I really wasnt functioning well at all. The program has helped me so much, literally a life saver. I have my life back. I was having panic attacks and anxiety 24/7 and because of the program am feeling so much better. I have had to go back to the program because of some traumatic circumstances in my life, but I feel I would not be dealing as well as I am if I had not been thru the program. Remember It's Just
Anxiety and its not going to hurt you. It's no big deal. I know it feels like it at the time,
but the more you play it down, the sooner you will feel better. Try not to blow it out of proportion. Give yourself positive self talk
YOU WILL BE OK AND YOU WILL FEEL BETTER.
I think its very important for you to eat every
2 hours. This will keep your blood sugar levels balanced and your moods and anxiety will stay more stable also. Exercise is so important to. Hang in there. Stay with the program and you will do great. If I can help in anyway thats what we are here for. Just let me know.
Lots of Compassion
Your Friend Angla

Angla:

Thanks for your support. It feels really good knowing there are people out there that are dealing with the same things.

I really appreciate your input.

Beth

I agree with Angla! Eating frequently will help. Today I had a panic attack in a store and it had been weeks since I'd done that (taking amg supplement has worked wonders for me). It was 9:45 am and I had gotten my son ready for school and drove him to school. But I wasn't really too hungry, so I didn't eat anything. I stopped at a few stores afterward. I was feeling pretty good, then BAM! Rush of adrenaline! When your BS drops, the adrenals pump out adrenaline to tell the liver to release glycogen which ups the blood sugar.

I ended up leaving my cart in the store and walking out. I felt like a failure, the whole 1.5 miles drive back to my house was panicky too. I was literally talking to myself in the car, "you're OK, it's just anxiety, you don't feel any chest pain, it's not a heart attack, there is no pain." It did help and of course once I got home, I felt 90% better.

I also have had anxiety that started 12 years ago, but I've had years of no anxiety and then it rears it's ugly head. I'm trying to kick it in the butt this time with the program.

Welcome and you'll find tons of support and resources here!!!

Ocean

Hi

I like you have had enough of just surviving with generalized anxiety and panic - I really did not want to live like that every day anymore, but I did not have a plan to fight it.

Since starting the program, and now only 4 weeks in, I have noticed huge improvements in myself, and so have family and coworkers. Lately at work I feel supported and liked, and I feel I handle stress exponentially better - people like me more but I AM STARTING TO LIKE MYSELF for the first time in twelve years.

I have been on different medications in the past, and have seen psychiatrists and therapists and discussed with my family doctor -
none gave me a plan on how to change how I think. THIS PROGRAM IS HELPING ME SO MUCH in combination with medication to deal with the depression I was not dealing with previously. The meds alone never got me to feel better about myself.

Get started today, look for the tiniest of progress and focus on that instead of negative things. The program will teach you how to implement these changes - you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Start now, and in 4 weeks you WILL start to see change, and imagine where you could be a year from now!

I can't wait for you to realize that there is hope - coming from someone who has previously lost hope that I could ever change how I live and think.

Don't give up and keep looking and asking for support. Don't stop till you get what you need!

Heather