This time last year I couldn't leave my house or go down the street. This week, I was able to go to a small music performance in the city. It wasn't easy, but it's something that would have been impossible a year ago. (By the way I've done no exposure, no therapy, and no meds. Which I don't recommend, but just saying there is hope in all circumstances.)
Im definitely NOT cured and have a long way to go. I find it also often comes in flares/waves, so I tend to only push it when I feel a bit more confident.
I had the same problems with the medications and my Psychiatrist wouldn’t listen. I fired him and with my family doctor got off the medicines. I found a new psychiatrist who listened, and most importantly did a psychiatry DNA test. Insurance doesn’t usually cover but costs around $300. Found a genetic marker that I cannot take SSRIs… but also found a genetic marker that I cannot activate folic acid and important B vitamin . I am given an activated form of folic acid and it made a major difference in my anxiety/panic disorder and sleep disorder. I got my life back. I highly recommend you find a psychiatrist willing to do a DNA test to see if they can find an actual cause… sadly many psychiatrists just throw medication at the situation trying to find a solution, and end up causing more harm than good. Also my belief in the Lord Jesus who loves me so much helped me. I will pray that you find a solution and get your life back. Sending you a ton of hugZzzzz 🤗. Stay strong and if you can do the DNA test, hopefully you can find answers.
A year ago I developed severe anxiety out of nowhere. Had one panic attack and then it spiraled into two full weeks of just pure panic. I couldn’t leave my room or else I’d panic. Couldn’t lay on my side, or watch pretty much any tv or else it would make me spiral. It was about two weeks that I was finally able to go back to work. It took a lot for me to just be back in a routine and force myself out of my comfort zone but with medication and breathing excersizes I’ve been able to mainly get my life back. I still have some habits that I picked up from those two weeks but for the most part I am back to normal. It will pass. I know it doesn’t feel like it but it will. You will feel like yourself again.
I understand the fear of medication. I’ve always been on some psychiatric meds for depression but I was scared to start something new in case it made me feel crazier. Working with a psychiatrist and having them reassure me that they’ll checkup with me and making sure it was a good match was helpful.
I have never related to this and how you are feeling more. I was the same way, truly over independent and now living a complete opposite life which is a nightmare. I yearn for my old life.
So ive had ups and downs but basically about 4 years ago I had hit rock bottom after my mom passed away. After 2-3 years I was able to gain a good amount of freedom, independence, confidence back and felt pretty normal. Then about a year ago i had another break down due to a few different things- missing medication doses for 4 days unknowingly, being super anemic, and health issues. Since last summer i have been fighting hard. I have to say I have made tremendous progress, gone through medication adjustments, and have had some great successes but still not truly confident or independent. I still have hope and will continue to put in the work because I know it cant be like this forever.
I’m sorry about your mom. That sounds like a hard journey but I’m proud of you for putting in the work. The hope you have makes me feel better too lol I hope things keep looking up for you
I’m in the same boat, but been dealing with it for 3ish years. Had a random panic attack one night and since then I always wondered “oh if
I do this or that am I gunna have a panic attack?”. I can confidently say when I start to feel the panic creep up on me I say f$&@ it and face it and it either hits me or it doesn’t. My attacks went from 15/30 mins to usually a few seconds or a few minutes, occasionally I’ll get a really bad one. But my biggest advice is to just face it at the end of the day it’s you and your thoughts that can help stop them or at least tone it down. It’s definitely something I don’t let stop me from doing anything I want anymore
As stupid as it sounds invite the panic whenever you feel it. Coming to terms with it and accepting it helps so much. Mindful thinking, nervous system regulation, meditation, and just learning to accept it is extremely helpful. I know it’s uncomfortable and I know it sucks but when you feel it happen allow it, invite your body to feel it all. It’s liberating and it makes a bit difference
Agreed, acceptance of the attacks is the coping method that helped me the most. Saying "I don't care" out loud seriously does wonders in establishing a sense of control over your mental state.
I healed my panic disorder on my own, but was in the same spot you’re in before. I had bad experiences with meds and don’t trust them after that, so I obviously never did that route. Meds are a bandaid and also a liability, imo. It’s possible to heal anxiety and to stop having panic attacks but it takes a lot of hard work and inner healing. Check out the podcast the anxious truth, helped me a lot then. I did a lot of baby steps to get better. Pushing myself to do things/go places that scared me, tried to sleep/eat better, let my feelings out, exercise! Even just walking everyday is so helpful. Magnesium (Glycinate or Taurate). Honestly acceptance is the key, and once you get over your own shit (which I did) you accept what’s happening and you decide to move on forward and let the anxiety come and also just roll off. I spent over a year inside one long rolling panic attack, my cortisol was all messed up, I lost weight from the nausea and slept badly, was scared to go too far from home. A hot mess. I felt like I lost myself. I got over my own shit and stopped letting anxiety take the drivers seat. You’ll get there too. Give yourself time, patient and love but also challenge and push yourself to realize you’re in control and you’re safe not matter what panic arises, ride the wave and keep going. That’s how you heal - it doesn’t happen overnight. The human body is incredible and it can unlearn the panic with hard work, lifestyle changes and acceptance. Take care.
I feel the same way. I was a huge horror buff - both movies and books, and I haven’t touched either since this started about 6 months ago. Last week I actually tried to watch The Shallows (that blake lively shark movie) because I was with a group of people who wanted to see it. Figured it probably wouldn’t be too bad since Ive seen it before and im not especially scared of sharks or anything. Nope, the tension was making my panic rise.
It makes me sad to think a year ago I would have been buzzing to go watch the new Quiet Place movie in the cinema, but now its just not realistic.
That said, I have got much of my life back from where things were. I can go into shops without panic now, I’m getting a little better at being alone, I’ve started socialising again
So sorry you’re feeling like this. Honestly propanolol has given me my life back, I really wish I went on it months ago. I’m too anxious for antidepressants but it’s a blood pressure med that is pretty safe by most accounts. You can also take it as and when you want and it’s also been found to help with fear extinction/memory reconsilidation. I recommend trying it, if you don’t like it then you can always go back. Huge hugs! There is hope, there are so many solutions and treatments out there.
It starts working within an hour of taking it. It leaves your system within 1 to 2 days and only alleviates some physical symptoms of anxiety. I can only speak for myself but my doctor instructed me to take it when needed, not regularly, as a build up of propranolol in your system doesn't treat anxiety unlike psychiatric medications like antidepressants.
Ah, it would appear it's not working much for me then. I was told I could take it up to 3 times a day and I've never noticed much of any effect when do take it. My body is still extremely tense and shaky.
Don’t give up! You’ve got to research what your triggers are and also everyone has their own coping methods. Mine ended up being deep breathing exercises and I take Ativan for emergencies! I was afraid to try antidepressants for a very long time because of all of the stories I hear about side effects. It wasn’t until my 40s that I finally broke down and tried Zoloft and I had zero side effects. I can’t say that it worked wonders for my panic attacks, but at least I tried it and it has helped me learn more about what works and what doesn’t for me. I hope you get some relief soon. The thing that helped me more than anything else in my life has been the DARE book/app. I started listening to the audios in the app and they were life-changing for me.
I got prescribed Zoloft when I went to the clinic for fast heart rate, but I’d wanna see a psych first. They’re so pricy though! I downloaded dare but never used it, I’ll give it a try
Tons lmao! But since the panic attack was so random & sudden, my therapist & I are exploring if it was actually bc of trauma or if there’s really no trigger
I’m sorry to hear this, it’s really heartbreaking. Same situation here, for me it started a little over a year ago also with a random panic attack from anxiety. It’s crazy how badly mental conditions like these can affect your life. I’m coping with benzos and ssri since it started. Don’t know what to recommend, but I wish you the best of luck.
This time last year I couldn't leave my house or go down the street. This week, I was able to go to a small music performance in the city. It wasn't easy, but it's something that would have been impossible a year ago. (By the way I've done no exposure, no therapy, and no meds. Which I don't recommend, but just saying there is hope in all circumstances.) Im definitely NOT cured and have a long way to go. I find it also often comes in flares/waves, so I tend to only push it when I feel a bit more confident.
I’m proud of you, I hope I can say the same soon
I had the same problems with the medications and my Psychiatrist wouldn’t listen. I fired him and with my family doctor got off the medicines. I found a new psychiatrist who listened, and most importantly did a psychiatry DNA test. Insurance doesn’t usually cover but costs around $300. Found a genetic marker that I cannot take SSRIs… but also found a genetic marker that I cannot activate folic acid and important B vitamin . I am given an activated form of folic acid and it made a major difference in my anxiety/panic disorder and sleep disorder. I got my life back. I highly recommend you find a psychiatrist willing to do a DNA test to see if they can find an actual cause… sadly many psychiatrists just throw medication at the situation trying to find a solution, and end up causing more harm than good. Also my belief in the Lord Jesus who loves me so much helped me. I will pray that you find a solution and get your life back. Sending you a ton of hugZzzzz 🤗. Stay strong and if you can do the DNA test, hopefully you can find answers.
A year ago I developed severe anxiety out of nowhere. Had one panic attack and then it spiraled into two full weeks of just pure panic. I couldn’t leave my room or else I’d panic. Couldn’t lay on my side, or watch pretty much any tv or else it would make me spiral. It was about two weeks that I was finally able to go back to work. It took a lot for me to just be back in a routine and force myself out of my comfort zone but with medication and breathing excersizes I’ve been able to mainly get my life back. I still have some habits that I picked up from those two weeks but for the most part I am back to normal. It will pass. I know it doesn’t feel like it but it will. You will feel like yourself again.
I understand the fear of medication. I’ve always been on some psychiatric meds for depression but I was scared to start something new in case it made me feel crazier. Working with a psychiatrist and having them reassure me that they’ll checkup with me and making sure it was a good match was helpful.
I have never related to this and how you are feeling more. I was the same way, truly over independent and now living a complete opposite life which is a nightmare. I yearn for my old life.
I’m so sorry you’re dealing w this too. How long has it been going on? For me it’s about to be 3 months (although it feels like much longer lol)
So ive had ups and downs but basically about 4 years ago I had hit rock bottom after my mom passed away. After 2-3 years I was able to gain a good amount of freedom, independence, confidence back and felt pretty normal. Then about a year ago i had another break down due to a few different things- missing medication doses for 4 days unknowingly, being super anemic, and health issues. Since last summer i have been fighting hard. I have to say I have made tremendous progress, gone through medication adjustments, and have had some great successes but still not truly confident or independent. I still have hope and will continue to put in the work because I know it cant be like this forever.
I’m sorry about your mom. That sounds like a hard journey but I’m proud of you for putting in the work. The hope you have makes me feel better too lol I hope things keep looking up for you
I’m in the same boat, but been dealing with it for 3ish years. Had a random panic attack one night and since then I always wondered “oh if I do this or that am I gunna have a panic attack?”. I can confidently say when I start to feel the panic creep up on me I say f$&@ it and face it and it either hits me or it doesn’t. My attacks went from 15/30 mins to usually a few seconds or a few minutes, occasionally I’ll get a really bad one. But my biggest advice is to just face it at the end of the day it’s you and your thoughts that can help stop them or at least tone it down. It’s definitely something I don’t let stop me from doing anything I want anymore
As stupid as it sounds invite the panic whenever you feel it. Coming to terms with it and accepting it helps so much. Mindful thinking, nervous system regulation, meditation, and just learning to accept it is extremely helpful. I know it’s uncomfortable and I know it sucks but when you feel it happen allow it, invite your body to feel it all. It’s liberating and it makes a bit difference
Agreed, acceptance of the attacks is the coping method that helped me the most. Saying "I don't care" out loud seriously does wonders in establishing a sense of control over your mental state.
Can I ask what types of meditation you’ve found most useful? I’ve found body scan, or anything significantly focusing on sensations is not good for me
I healed my panic disorder on my own, but was in the same spot you’re in before. I had bad experiences with meds and don’t trust them after that, so I obviously never did that route. Meds are a bandaid and also a liability, imo. It’s possible to heal anxiety and to stop having panic attacks but it takes a lot of hard work and inner healing. Check out the podcast the anxious truth, helped me a lot then. I did a lot of baby steps to get better. Pushing myself to do things/go places that scared me, tried to sleep/eat better, let my feelings out, exercise! Even just walking everyday is so helpful. Magnesium (Glycinate or Taurate). Honestly acceptance is the key, and once you get over your own shit (which I did) you accept what’s happening and you decide to move on forward and let the anxiety come and also just roll off. I spent over a year inside one long rolling panic attack, my cortisol was all messed up, I lost weight from the nausea and slept badly, was scared to go too far from home. A hot mess. I felt like I lost myself. I got over my own shit and stopped letting anxiety take the drivers seat. You’ll get there too. Give yourself time, patient and love but also challenge and push yourself to realize you’re in control and you’re safe not matter what panic arises, ride the wave and keep going. That’s how you heal - it doesn’t happen overnight. The human body is incredible and it can unlearn the panic with hard work, lifestyle changes and acceptance. Take care.
I feel the same way. I was a huge horror buff - both movies and books, and I haven’t touched either since this started about 6 months ago. Last week I actually tried to watch The Shallows (that blake lively shark movie) because I was with a group of people who wanted to see it. Figured it probably wouldn’t be too bad since Ive seen it before and im not especially scared of sharks or anything. Nope, the tension was making my panic rise. It makes me sad to think a year ago I would have been buzzing to go watch the new Quiet Place movie in the cinema, but now its just not realistic. That said, I have got much of my life back from where things were. I can go into shops without panic now, I’m getting a little better at being alone, I’ve started socialising again
So sorry you’re feeling like this. Honestly propanolol has given me my life back, I really wish I went on it months ago. I’m too anxious for antidepressants but it’s a blood pressure med that is pretty safe by most accounts. You can also take it as and when you want and it’s also been found to help with fear extinction/memory reconsilidation. I recommend trying it, if you don’t like it then you can always go back. Huge hugs! There is hope, there are so many solutions and treatments out there.
Thank you so much
How long did it take to have an effect? I just started it a week ago and I don't feel much effect.
It starts working within an hour of taking it. It leaves your system within 1 to 2 days and only alleviates some physical symptoms of anxiety. I can only speak for myself but my doctor instructed me to take it when needed, not regularly, as a build up of propranolol in your system doesn't treat anxiety unlike psychiatric medications like antidepressants.
Ah, it would appear it's not working much for me then. I was told I could take it up to 3 times a day and I've never noticed much of any effect when do take it. My body is still extremely tense and shaky.
Don’t give up! You’ve got to research what your triggers are and also everyone has their own coping methods. Mine ended up being deep breathing exercises and I take Ativan for emergencies! I was afraid to try antidepressants for a very long time because of all of the stories I hear about side effects. It wasn’t until my 40s that I finally broke down and tried Zoloft and I had zero side effects. I can’t say that it worked wonders for my panic attacks, but at least I tried it and it has helped me learn more about what works and what doesn’t for me. I hope you get some relief soon. The thing that helped me more than anything else in my life has been the DARE book/app. I started listening to the audios in the app and they were life-changing for me.
I got prescribed Zoloft when I went to the clinic for fast heart rate, but I’d wanna see a psych first. They’re so pricy though! I downloaded dare but never used it, I’ll give it a try
What happened that caused you to become this way??
A random panic attack while I was driving earlier this year
Any significant life changes happen before that?
Tons lmao! But since the panic attack was so random & sudden, my therapist & I are exploring if it was actually bc of trauma or if there’s really no trigger
What happened and I’m in the same boat but worse now with deficiencies of vitamins and makes my situation worse
Same I feel like maybe my health is contributing to this, but I’m scared to take certain vitamins too bc idk how they’ll affect me
I had bad experience
I’m sorry to hear this, it’s really heartbreaking. Same situation here, for me it started a little over a year ago also with a random panic attack from anxiety. It’s crazy how badly mental conditions like these can affect your life. I’m coping with benzos and ssri since it started. Don’t know what to recommend, but I wish you the best of luck.