Having more panic attacks then normal

I have been having a lot more panic attacks lately. I have no clue whats been triggering them. It seems like they just come on for no reason. I can't explain them. They come on anytime of day. There isn't a certain time of day when they come on. I am having one as I type this. I don't want to have to take my meds for panic attacks because I don't want to get hooked on them. I am really worried that my panic attacks may be starting to take over my life. Has anyone had this happen were they have started getting more panic attacks then ever before? If so do still have the problem if not what did you do to make them better? Will it get better or am I doomed to have panic attacks take over my life?

I'm not a person who has panic attacks, but I would think that stress could bring them on. Do you feel like you are having more stress lately?

I strongly encourage you to meet with a therapist. Maybe there are some cognitive-behavioral techniques that can help or other ones that don't necessarily mean you have to be dependent on drugs from now on.

Hope you get better soon. I know panic attacks are no fun, from what two friends of mine who have them say.

For one, you have drug options that are not addictive, although certain ones such as benzos are. However, you are still justified in not wanting to medicate and you have so many more options available to you.

My psychiatrist has had me doing a bit of self behavioral cognitive therapy. She gave me a sheet with three columns: What I'm feeling, the trigger for what I'm feeling, and what I am thinking at the time. It's been helping me to fill this out even if I'm not sure what the trigger was. You may feel as though the anxiety comes from no where but your thoughts can be fuel for the fire most of the time and you may not even know it.

I started having frequent panic attacks about two years ago, when it felt like everything hit at once. They wax and wane. Just about two weeks ago I started having them frequently again, including one just a few hours ago. Somehow I am not losing hope.

You'll be okay.

After looking at things I think my panic attacks are being caused by stress. I am a stay at home girlfriend which don't get me wrong I love doing it. I just hate seeing my boyfriend be stressed. I also hate the fact that I am not working and not helping with the bills it stresses me out so bad. I don't have a job not by choice but because of a bad financal situation. My car broke down back in Jaunary and I have no money to get a new one. Which of course means I can't work. It is still winter and where I live it gets very cold on some days so walking to work or even to a bus station is not a good idea. Lucky with it being tax time I will be able to get a car very soon. My boyfriend is going to help me get a car. I am so thankful to have a man who understands that I just need help to get me back on my feet. He gets that I would love to have a job but with me not having a car and him working 8-10 hours a day it is not an opiton at the moment. I know I shouldn't be worried. It's not like we are not making it by just fine because we are. I just want to be able to help him. I mean we always have food to eat and we have our own place. His job allows me the freedom to be able to stay home while trying to get a car but it is just so stressful.

Hey, yes of course your panic attacks are caused by the huge stress and the burden you placed upon yourself. I am sure you have thought of the worst case scenarios such as having a break up, or you feeling inadequate, or not having the freedom of having the car or being able to help him. You have obviously placed a lot of pressure on yourself to fix the situation. Dont worry, just know what you are going through is temporary and in a month or two, you will have a job, a car, and your bf will still be there. You are trying, but dont knock yourself out either..just make small strides at your own pace....perhaps one small thing positive on a daily basis. Envision your life with a job, with a car, and without the anxiety...this will happen eventually because this is your goal and your eventual outcome.

I cycled many times over 30 years with agoraphobia from mild to almost no anxiety where except for no travel my life was normal to severe anxiety that kept me confined to my house. Looking back I can see there were triggers for all the episodes of extra bad panic attacks and looking back you probably will as well. Any understanding you can gain of your condition will help you get over it. I totally overcame agoraphobia 20 years ago and know now that self-education plus cognitive therapy will get you to your new amazing life in short order if you work hard at it. Make it your job. You're right not to get started on meds - especially stay away from benzodiazepines, Xanax, Klonopin, etc. Good luck. You can do this. Hal