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Coping with panic disorder


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Nikki Sahagin

This is my second time typing this because the site crashedso I’m shortening it.

 

Basically, i’ve suffered with panic disorder pretty much allmy life

 

I have at least one attack a day, quite severe and very noticeable.Even without an attack, I live with a near enough constant feeling of low levelanxiety, depression, self-consciousness, guilty, irritability and moodinessthat sometimes escalates into fullblown

 

Its an exhausting and horrific way to live and is prettymuch mental torture

 

Some miracle part of me seems to want to break out of thisbecause I signed myself up to a two month travelling trip in Asia. Itssomething I always wanted to do and I was sick of this fear that gripped me. Ithought ‘f it. If i’m going to live with massive, unbearable fear even walkingdown the street, I might as well give myself something BIG to be afraid of!’

 

Anyway I’m going with this part of me and there’s no backingat now, but I know I need some help in case the panic creeps in whilst i’m away

 

What I WANT is basically a month prescription of diazepam whilst i’m away as a quick pick me up and as a crutch. The longest i’ve beenprescribed diazepam is about two weeks and i’ve only asked for it on two separateoccasions

 

I’m concerned that my doctor wont let me because I know howconcerned they are about addiction etc, but I am not an addictive personalityand only need it there as a crutch and for an emergency. I think a four weekprescription would do wonders for my nerves and help me flourish out there

 

Has anyone else had any luck with a longer termprescription? (1-2 months) Have your doctors been cool and understanding andlet you?

 

Aside from this short fix whilst I’m away, what’s worked foryou?

 

Antidepressants – make me sick and tired

 

Diazepam – worked the best for me – AMAZING effect,but always been short term and low dose and only used in emergency

 

Meditation – calms a little

 

Rescue remedy

 

Mantras

 

Self-help books

 

Regular exercise

 

Healthy diet

 

Early nights - didn't found this helped at all weirdly

 

CBT

 

Drinking a little (sometimes helps, sometimes not)

 

Never drinking alcohol (sometimes helps, sometimes not)

Edited by Nikki Sahagin
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Hey Nikki,

 

I too have suffered from anxiety and nervousness all my life so I know where you are coming from. How old are you?

 

This is my second time typing this because the site crashedso I’m shortening it.

 

Basically, i’ve suffered with panic disorder pretty much allmy life

 

I have at least one attack a day, quite severe and very noticeable.Even without an attack, I live with a near enough constant feeling of low levelanxiety, depression, self-consciousness, guilty, irritability and moodinessthat sometimes escalates into fullblown

 

Its an exhausting and horrific way to live and is prettymuch mental torture

 

Agreed...this is not the way life is meant to be lived. The fact you are looking for help is great! There are a lot of people (my friends included) that would rather be miserable than to improve their lives.

 

Some miracle part of me seems to want to break out of thisbecause I signed myself up to a two month travelling trip in Asia. Itssomething I always wanted to do and I was sick of this fear that gripped me. Ithought ‘f it. If i’m going to live with massive, unbearable fear even walkingdown the street, I might as well give myself something BIG to be afraid of!’

 

Anyway I’m going with this part of me and there’s no backingat now, but I know I need some help in case the panic creeps in whilst i’m away

 

What I WANT is basically a month prescription of diazepam whilst i’m away as a quick pick me up and as a crutch. The longest i’ve beenprescribed diazepam is about two weeks and i’ve only asked for it on two separateoccasions I've never been on a prescription like diazepam and feel you are throwing chemicals at your problem instead of actually fixing the root of it. Which in the long run will lead to a happy life, in theory.

 

I’m concerned that my doctor wont let me because I know howconcerned they are about addiction etc, but I am not an addictive personalityand only need it there as a crutch and for an emergency. I think a four weekprescription would do wonders for my nerves and help me flourish out there

 

Has anyone else had any luck with a longer termprescription? (1-2 months) Have your doctors been cool and understanding andlet you?

 

Aside from this short fix whilst I’m away, what’s worked foryou?

 

Antidepressants – make me sick and tired

 

Diazepam – worked the best for me – AMAZING effect,but always been short term and low dose and only used in emergency

 

Meditation – calms a little I'm starting to do mediation and breathing exercises. Most people are shallow breathers. Look to use your diaphragm when you breath in, your stomach, NOT your chest, should rise. Hold your breath for a few seconds and then release. Eventually your lungs will expand and breathing should calm you down.

 

Rescue remedy

 

Mantras

 

Self-help books

 

Regular exercise Always good. Are bodies are meant to move, not be behind a desk. Join a gym or better yet a sport team where you can socialize and active.

 

Healthy diet Paired with regular exercise, this one may be the most important thing you can change in your life. "You are what you eat" it completely correct. Cut back on sugars, processed foods, caffeine...I've cut back about 95% and feel great! I still have some more work but this is a huge factor in mental health.

 

Early nights - didn't found this helped at all weirdly A consistent sleep pattern is crucial! Try to get to bed by 10 and get 8 hours sleep. It may feel weird at first but it takes 3 weeks for the body to accept a new habit.

 

CBT Not sure what this is

 

Drinking a little (sometimes helps, sometimes not) If you get sleep, eat right and exercise you won't need alcohol to have a good time.

 

Never drinking alcohol (sometimes helps, sometimes not)

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Nikki Sahagin

Hey goodguy, thank you for your response.

Sorry it has taken me a while to get back!

I'm 22, but have had anxiety/depression/panic since the age of about 12/13, when it's easily written off as 'hormonal changes'. :p

However, I have had signs of panic/depression/anxiety at a much younger age. In school I was horrifically shy and liked to hide away, not talk and bite my nails. I also struggled with sleep and eating because I felt sick with nerves and would always feel sick before school.

Contrary to popular believe, I have never outgrown this, it's only gotten worse and 'rooted' itself.

This is why in my case, I've always felt it's more biological and that something in me is predispositioned to nerves and low moods.

I will put into practice all that you have advised here and see what happens.

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Keep a food diary and be aware of how you feel after you eat. How much sleep you get or don't get can make you feel anxious. Stay away from drinking, that's the one thing (and smoking pot) that will make your symptoms worse.

 

CBT, look into finding a therapist and do CBT!! It saved me.

 

Yoga, deep breathing, mediation, brisk walks, any type of exercise can help too.

 

Don't just rely on drugs..

 

Do you know why you're anxious, what your triggers are? do you have fears and worries, past, present or future thoughts that set you off sometimes?

 

One thing is never to be afraid of panic attacks and anxiety. Learn to control it and know that once yucky feelings pass, you will feel better and along the way you get stronger, and can fight those feelings and not let it control you.

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When you say rescue remedy, do you mean those Bach flower remedies?

 

I've just bought one online called Clemitas. I'll let you know how it goes.

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When you say rescue remedy, do you mean those Bach flower remedies?

 

I've just bought one online called Clemitas. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

My sister and ex use those. They've used them off and on for years and like them.

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My sister and ex use those. They've used them off and on for years and like them.

 

That's cool. Different companies make them, so I'm not sure if certain brands are more effective than others, maybe some brands aren't that good at all.

 

So, I really hope the one that I've bought works.

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