17 hours straight of panic - what to do?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 6:27 pm

Everyones response was really kind, and I appreciate how much time and effort was put in to their comments. That day was so frustrating because I tried doing so many things to get my mind off the 17 hour long anxiety attack - I did laundry, baked a pie, went grocery shopping, cleaned my apartment, took a total of four walks totaling eight miles throughout the day, watched tv, journaled my thoughts - all these countless things that usually work and end the attack, but it just kept going. That was what freaked me out, how nothing was working. I was exhausted, but my sense of self was overridden by this thing that wouldn't let me sleep, wouldn't turn off. I finally went to the emergency room around 4 am, and they gave me a xanax. I took it and then walked another two miles home, and finally fell asleep. But then I woke up the next day, right back into where the anxiety attack left off. It was so nerve racking, because the last time things were this bad was about six years ago, when I'd fall asleep to all day long anxiety attacks and wake up to them and it just kept going on like that, and while I had no plans of suicide, I knew I'd have to have some breaking point where I wouldn't be able to hang on any longer so I checked myself into a hospital. I was there for about four days, and they put me on an anti-depressant (I don't remember which, I've pretty much been on all of them at one point or another). This past year has been progressively getting worse, to how things were in my post from Thursday night. For the past three months I've been seeing a therapist four times a week, and I'm sure I need to get back on meds, but I'm freaked out because even though I've been on them before, everywhere online it is nothing but postings from people talking about their horrible side effects and their anxiety and depression getting worse. I'm concerned about thanksgiving and christmas - my anxiety will most likely keep me from being able to spend it with anyone, but then being alone will totally depress me to no end. No idea what to do, but trying to remain optimistic...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 6:50 pm

OMG I feel your pain! Been there. After about 4 hrs.i`m ready to lose all common sense. I can`t imagine all day

I would get a quick acting med like ativan for these bad days.
Don`t make yourself suffer that long unnessisarily(spelling). When enough is enough get some relief. Sometimes being strong isn`t enough! Take care of yourself and do whats right for you! I wish you luck and will pray for your peace.

Paige... · Post by **Paige...** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 3:48 am

Thomasjames-If you know you need to go on medication, do not pay attention to the negative posts online about the side effects of these medications. Everyone is different, for every negative comment you read I'm sure there is an example of how medication has made a really positive impact on someone's life. Of course you are anxious about it, but it sounds like you are doing all the right things (this program, therapy sessions). Also, you have been on them before so you know how you react to them. You need to start healing and sometimes you need some extra help to get there, it is nothing to be ashamed of. I know that when I first got on Celexa, it was the right thing for me at the time. It no longer is because I am learning and practicing the skills from this program, but who knows if I would have been able to get through this program (or the years before I found this program) without it. Maybe you start and try to maintain a low dose while continuing to do this program, see your therapist, and take care of yourself...the lower the dose, the less chance of side effects. Remember that we (as anxiety sufferers) are scared of medication, but if you really know that you need it, you should listen to yourself. Just continue to work on these skills and you will be fine...you will!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:09 am

I can't say I totally relate, but I know how absolutely miserable it can be to be so anxious all the time. I went through a horrible stage of depression and anxiety for about 2 months, and finally checked myself into the hospital. They didn't really do much for me there besisdes up my meds(which made a world of difference)and monitor me. I was also scared to be on meds, but I knew at the time it is what I needed. Think of it this way: you wouldn't drive a car without oil would you? No, so why you want to run your mind and body empty of something that could potentially help you? I had a few side effects with my Zoloft in the beginning, but I adjusted my dose until I found the right amount for me. It's trial and error. None of us like to be on medications but sometimes we have to have them. I tried the xanax and ativan but I didn't want a quick fix such as a benzodiazapine, so I take vistaril which is like benadryl. Just recently I have decreased my dosage from 100mg a day to 25mg a day. It feels good to know I have some control back. Do what is best for you. No one else. Only you know what works and doesn't. But, there is no need to suffer through all of this without the possible help of medication. Just keep with the program, and all of us are here for support and comfort. This is a great place and part of a wonderful journey to prepare you for life. Hang in there, and don't give up, no matter how bad you want to! Remember: your greatest suffering comes before your greatest victory!