Coping with panic disorder

[Nikki Sahagin]

Hi all,

 

So I am a sufferer of panic disorder.

I have a panic attack almost every day, sometimes more, and even without one I feel an almost constant sense of low level anxiety, fear, depression, irritability and uptightness.

 

It's an exhausting and depressing way to live. No-one knows except my mum and she seems to think it's best I don't either it case it effects friendships and career prospects. To some extent, I agree.

 

To push myself into the deep end, the crazy, repressed part of me is making me go travelling for two months to Asia.

 

I don't know where this came from. It's so unlike me. But i'm trusting the part of me that agreed to it and there's no going back now.

 

What I would like to do is have an anxiety 'back-up' in case a panic attack happens. I've been on diazepam before for two weeks which really helped. I was thinking of asking my doctor for a prescription for a month or so, to tide me over. Even just having it there serves as a crutch for me, but knowing how doctors can be with diazepam, I have reservations that he will let me.

 

Thing is, I'm not an addictive personality and even when I've been prescribed before, I haven't taken it constantly, just when I felt a panic attack come on. I'm hoping my doc will trust me on this.

 

Has anyone had any luck with a longer duration of diazepam from their doc? (1 month, 2 month tops)

 

Aside from this what's helped you with your anxiety?

 

Here's a list of all I can think of and things I've tried:

 

* exercise

* mantras

* rescue remedy

* valarian

* CBT

* anti-depressents (all made me sick and tired)

* diazepam (worked the best for short term relief which is what I'd prefer)

* meditation

* hypnosis videos

* self help books.

[KathyM]

Relaxation techniques are what I would recommend. Learning how to consciously relax your body is what has helped me with performance anxiety, and is something used by people suffering from panic attacks. (I used to have to perform in front of hundreds of people, and I've found relaxation techniques to be helpful). Visualization of calming scenes while practicing relaxation techniques is helpful. Also, positive self talk. Telling yourself "I can handle this", "I am a strong person", "I can get through this" is something a lot of people find helpful.

[KingCrimson]

Your description of "I feel an almost constant sense of low level anxiety, fear, depression, irritability and uptightness" is almost spot on with what I feel everyday. For this, I was recently prescribed Prozac, but haven't taken it yet (see my thread about prozac and drinking).

 

I don't think I've ever had a full blown panic attack, but I do remember few occasions where I've felt "overwhelmed", slightly nauseous, or just really worried/in a state of despair.

 

It's as if my mind is just racing with thoughts, I lose track in convos thinking dwelling on about anything and everything.

 

Now here's my advice. I doubt a lot of people will agree with this. It may even seem counter intuitive, but it works for me:

I usually feel the least anxious, and the most full of vibrant energy when I'm jacked up and loaded on caffeine.

 

It sounds weird, but being so stimulated just gives me a sense of euphoria, confidence, and alertness that I feel 100% focused. I'm pumped up for anything. I feel like I could sprint a mile. I feel like talking non-stop and being super friendly. I get my work done and feel productive. I am pumped up for the gym and always lift more weight.

 

I am usually feeling my worst when I'm sleepy, lethargic, bored. That's when I sit and mope, overanalyze, overworry. As if my mind is stuck in traffic and stressed out. When I'm loaded up on stimulants, I feel like I'm just speeding on by in the fast lane with the top down.

 

but then again, that's just me... try it out? Start your day off with a triple latte? Then repeat in the evening before the gym or any extracurricular activites you do. Come home feeling productive, unwind with a glass of wine or beer to help relax

Edited January 6, 2012 by KingCrimson

[Nikki Sahagin]

Your description of "I feel an almost constant sense of low level anxiety, fear, depression, irritability and uptightness" is almost spot on with what I feel everyday. For this, I was recently prescribed Prozac, but haven't taken it yet (see my thread about prozac and drinking).

 

 

 

I don't think I've ever had a full blown panic attack, but I do remember few occasions where I've felt "overwhelmed", slightly nauseous, or just really worried/in a state of despair.

 

It's as if my mind is just racing with thoughts, I lose track in convos thinking dwelling on about anything and everything.

 

Now here's my advice. I doubt a lot of people will agree with this. It may even seem counter intuitive, but it works for me:

 

I usually feel the least anxious, and the most full of vibrant energy when I'm jacked up and loaded on caffeine.

 

It sounds weird, but being so stimulated just gives me a sense of euphoria, confidence, and alertness that I feel 100% focused. I'm pumped up for anything. I feel like I could sprint a mile. I feel like talking non-stop and being super friendly. I get my work done and feel productive. I am pumped up for the gym and always lift more weight.

 

I am usually feeling my worst when I'm sleepy, lethargic, bored. That's when I sit and mope, overanalyze, overworry. As if my mind is stuck in traffic and stressed out. When I'm loaded up on stimulants, I feel like I'm just speeding on by in the fast lane with the top down.

 

but then again, that's just me... try it out? Start your day off with a triple latte? Then repeat in the evening before the gym or any extracurricular activites you do. Come home feeling productive, unwind with a glass of wine or beer to help relax

 

Hey KingCrimson,

its oddly nice to have someone relate to how you feel, although I wouldn't wish the feelings on anyone. I'll have a peek at your thread in a bit. If you ever want to talk about this, feel free to PM me. I know I don't talk about this much in my 'real' life.

 

My big issue is I HATE coffee. I just don't like the taste at all. However, a small glass of wine, even a quarter has a really lovely effect.