[lenjan]

OK, I have been in a series of panic attacks all damn day. I've taken the Klonopin, and a little Risperdal, and I took a nap, and I woke up panicky. I'm supposed to be picking up a friend in an hour to go out, and I'm panicky. I got yelled at by my boss for a misunderstanding, and I tried to explain what happened and why, and I'm panicky. I can't breathe, I feel like I'm going nuts (even more than I already am), I have a funny feeling in my stomach and I just want to curl up and hide.

What does one do with a DAY-LONG panic attack?

Candy

Since you were able to fall asleep it is not the same panic attack. it may be about the same situation but panic attacks don't last all day. At any point in the day where you are able to return to a calm state such as napping the attack has stopped. Im guessing what is going on is that throughout the day the upset stomach comes back along with thoughts about the situation which is triggering the shakey, I cant breath feelings. Now that you know you were able to relax and go to sleep think about what you did to reach that level of relaxation and sleep. Do those things now only not to the point of falling asleep. Since they worked once in order for you to fall asleep they WILL work again. All you need to do now is step back and look at what you did to get you there and you will no longer be in panic over this one situation. if for example it was breathing then everytime you feel panicky remind yourself to think about being in your bed doing the breathing. and the panic attack will stop.

[kimmydawn]

(((((((((((((((((((candy))))))))))))))))))) i'm sorry it's so bad right now. maybe speak to your dr about another benzo that might work better for you?

i hope it calms soon for you.

kd

[lenjan]

I took a nap 1) because I was cold and I'm not ready to pay for turning on the heater yet, but I have two really great warm blankets, and 2) I'm not handling criticism well right now and my boss *****ed me out, so I went to hide. Sleep is my favorite avoidance tactic.

I dunno. I went out, I had a good time (mostly), and I'm going to go take a shower (thereby pissing off the downstairs neighbors, since it's after midnight), take my meds and go to bed. Tomorrow is another day.

Kd, I have thought for an awfully long time that the Klonopin isn't doing a damn thing. I am going to call my pdoc on Monday. Thanks for the suggestion, though!

candy

theres your key LOL the next panic attack you have try wrapping up in your favorite warm blanket. ( I have comforters ALL over my house so that I don't have to go looking for one. Here in this room is a green one. My bedroom has a blue sky with clouds on it. The living room has winnie the pooh and blue sky/clouds on the back. I also make myself a double mug of hot chocolate to drink while wrapped up safe and warm and yes I have a doll and teddy bear too wrapped up with me. and alot of times my cat slips inside at my feet.

[lenjan]

LOL well, handily enough, I collect teddy bears, and I'm thinking of starting to bring one to therapy ;-). We're doing some intense stuff and I walk out of there feeling like hell, so I figure a bear might do some good.

I have comforters all over the place as well. Sadly, I can't take them to work with me! Thursdays and Fridays I work at home, and being alone often is a stressor as well.

I'm still calling my pdoc on Monday to see if I can get my Ativan back ;-). It did WONDERS for my anxiety, but it went away last year when I was actively suicidal -- not a good thing to have around, in those circumstances -- and he hasn't suggested it since. Time to bring it up! LOL

no you can't carry a full sized blanket to work. How about looking for a sweater in you favorite comforters type of fabric and design. that way you can still wear your "comforter" item at work. One time I actually cut down a comforter into a shawl and wore it at work. I had requests up the you know what in orders to make more for my co workers.

My back pack ALWAYS has something in it from home - a doll or bean bag ( the kind that smell good and go over your eyes for relaxation but I rub the material and beads) my favorite pillow case that goes with my flannel blue sky and clouds comforter set, a teddy bear. you name it one or two items always find there way along for the trip.

Yes talk to your doctor about the meds to.