Anxiety attack...again...help

Hi....I have had 3 major anxiety attacks...the first recent one I ended up at E.R. but the other 2 I have lived thru somehow....with meds and time. I'm not sure why they have been happening so often and so severe lately out of the blue. I have been on meds for depression and anxiety for 16 years now and I have had a few things going on that have been very stressful, so have recently started therapy with a psychologist. I'm getting so frustrated..I have a 6 yr old daughter and an 8 yr. old son and I cannot let this recent bout of anxiety stop our daily routine, but since the episode last nite, and the 2 others before that, I have such a fear of this happening when I am out somewhere alone with my children. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.
P.S. I am taking 20 mg of Lexapro every morning and .25 xanax 3x a day.

I don't know if this will help you or not, but it helps me. During the attack try to focus on the here and now. For example the feel of the chair, describe what is in the room to yourself, tell yourself the date, basically anything to remind yourself where you are and that it will be okay. Also try to find a focal point and do your best to breath. (Easier said than done, I Know!)

someone told me that when they feel an attack coming on they do slow breathing and imagine being a white wolf that is roaming through the woods...stopping at trees looking at the lake...that these woods are the wolf's domain and that this wolf owns the woods...that makes her feel more in control...I am going to try it next time I feel anxiety coming on ....

I use that same type of exercise twirls. For me when I have my attacks I also hyperventilate, or have a tendency to do, so I cup my hands over my mouth for a few to regulate my breathing, that helps me a lot.

I think any form of imagery you can do, and focal exercises help. Have you spoken with your doctor about the recent attacks? Could possibly be that starting to deal with things have you at a heightened stance, this happens, but speaking with your doctor of psychologist could help.

I agree, the VA doc was rude, but doing his job (unfortunately not so much lookign out for your best interest).

I hope you are able to see sometimes breakthrough anxiety happens, and it doesn't mean it has to be a trend. All kinds of things can get us to have breakthroughs, but it doesn't mean a backslide.

Hugs, Lisa

during a panic attack i have to stop and think about something i love