Hi frosty,

I'm also new the boards so welcome.

I have suffered from anxiety/panic disorder for about 15 years. I definitely feel more of an impact when it's that time of the month, although sometimes it just comes out of nowhere.

I know all too well how trapped you can feel. I've been in grocery store check out lines, at concerts, at work, stuck in traffic (that's a bad one for me) and been struck with a panic attack. Luckily, I've learned how to spot them coming and I can either do some breathing exercises and/or take a Klonopin and try to head it off.

I'll share something that I learned once at a group therapy session many years ago. Try and train your mind to think of the worst case scenario and you will discover how unrealistic it really is. For example: If I'm stuck in traffic and feel an attack coming on. Imagine that if I'm stuck in the car, the car will run out of gas and I'll be stuck in the road. Then I'll get into an accident. Then my insurance will cancel me. Then I can't drive my car. Then I can't get to work. Then I can't make money. Then I can't pay my rent. Then I'll be homeless. Now, in reality, running out of gas while stuck in traffic will hardly ever equate to becoming homeless. But that's the path your mind takes during an attack. Realizing that the worst case scenario probably won't ever happen can sometimes help in dealing with an attack. Seemed to help me anyway.

Another thing I was told to try is to wear a rubber band around your wrist. Not tight, just like a loose fitting bracelet. Whenever you feel the panic/anxiety creeping up, start snapping the band. Not enough to hurt or leave a mark, but just enough to make you aware of it. Sometimes it can help distract your mind enough to head off the attack.

Those were things I learned a long time ago and seemed to help. I still suffer from attacks, but not nearly as frequently. Klonopin and Xanax are both relatively inexpensive drugs. If your doctor finds them appropriate, you at least won't have to worry about them costing a ton. I know the insurance thing can be a pain. I hope you are able to figure something out. I know by me, there are several retail stores who pay health insurance (at least partial) for part time employees - maybe that's an option if you are going to school.

Anyway, hope some of my rambling helps. If nothing else, just know that you are not alone in how you feel. It's not anything to be embarrased by. Definitely talk with your parents and your friends about it. Often times you might even find out you have friends that have the same issues and you never would have known unless you had said something.

All my best...
Namaste,
Misty