[bluecupcake]

Hi. I'm new to the community. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2004. In 2008 I was diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder. But concurrent with both those diagnoses I have anxiety. I used to have terrible panic attacks when I feel like I'm going to die. My anxiety is usually exacerbated by lack of sleep. I take Klonopin for my anxiety. When I'm having a panic attack, my mind races faster than I can speak and my concentration is very poor and I am easily confused. I suggested to my Doctor that maybe my other medication is exacerbating my anxiety. My panic attacks last for about half an hour to an hour of sheer hell. I've gotten much better at controlling my anxiety. To reduce an attack I make sure I get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. And I only have one cup of coffee. Caffeine makes it worse too. Oh and the Klonopin calms me down. I only take the Klonopin when I'm having an attack. I have one or two mild ones a month, typically early in the morning with lack of sleep. I work and go to graduate school, so sometimes I don't get enough sleep. I look forward to being part of this community. Cheers

[MudCrab]

Welcome, bluecupcake.

[bluecupcake]

Thank you, Mudcrab

[sassymck]

Hey. I'm new too. I've also been diagnosed with bipolar but based solely on my anxiety--they think it's anxious mania. I don't get an elevated mood or highs per se. I also get racing thoughts. I've checked out the bipolar forum and the OCD forum as I have been diagnosed with both. I definitely have OCD, but that is an anxiety-based disorder. Today, for the first time, I looked at this forum, and it's where I feel the best fit. I don't want to go anywhere alone because I am so anxious about it. I wake up with anxiety in my gut about facing the day. I don't even like to shower because I fret about getting my hair right. Oh I do worry so. Yes, this is the place for me because anxiety is at the root of all of my issues. I have taken the Klonipin also. I could see myself in your post. I now take Topamax as it is calming, stabilizes the mood, and controls headaches, which I suffer from. I have found it utterly to be my salvation of late. Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting to know you--and the others here. Cheers to you!!!

[janealizabeth]

Hi! I'm a relatively new member too. I have had Generalized anxiety disorder and depression for 14 years and things have been getting better in the last 2 years. I graduated (grad school) few months ago and started working. I identify with all the issues of caffeine, lack of sleep, racing thoughts...I deal with them too, only a little better now than I did for the decade before that.

I have been on klonopin earlier...currently I'm on Effexor and it's working well for me. I go to therapy as well, I'm been fortunate to find a therapist with whom I have developed a good working relationship (after trying a few therapists, btw). He helps me with identifying, breaking my incessant thought patterns and incorporating relaxation and anxiety management techniques that would work for me.
I have also been trying to meditate and that's been helping me a lot. Listening to relaxing music, spiritual talks for half hr before sleep time are helping me fall asleep much faster and helping me stay asleep as well. And that in turn has been contributing to a better day. I make sure to drink a lo of water, many a time, that makes me feel more balanced.

I'm wishing you luck with school and work! Hope we all make great progress by helping each other!

[janealizabeth]

@Sassymck: I hear you about the shower thing! It's still a bit of an issue, please let me know if there's anything you do or tell yourself to get through that. Would be a huge help!