[Ashley0000]

Hi,
I've been suffering from panic disorder since age 4, now 18-its part of every waking hour of my life. It is a horrible thing to deal with, you think everything is wrong with you and that no one understands. On a daily basis I usually feel the following symptoms, dizziness,shakiness,nausea/upset stomach,feeling out of it, tightness in throat(a choking like feeling or gagging feeling),numbness,racing heart, etc. But sometimes it only happens at a certain time of the day-does that happen to anyone else?? Cuz its scaring me!!! and also I have been on several medications and still currently am. I am on xanax(2 different kinds), neurotin,and risperdal for sleep. Has anyone else been medicated and found anything helpful??? Also has anyone gone through a period where they will be panic-attack free and then for like a couple days or a week or more have their anxiety peak up? Let me know...I'm very scared!! this is keeping me from doing everyday activities so much so i've missed 23 days of school just this semester....HELP

[Peanut61]

Hello Ashley. I'm glad you're here. I have experienced, and do experience still, the symptoms that you describe, but they do subside often nowadays, (thank heavens).

You are not alone with this. If you need to, though, try to talk to your Dr., because staying in the house and avoiding the outside world, (which I've done for sure), will only make the problem worse.

Grandual re-exposure to your school, friends, etc., is the best way to get thru. this - honestly.

By now you know that you will not die from the panic attacks, even though I know it feels like you will sometimes, and that it is often a matter of breathing thru. them - it's the fear of having the panic attack that is just as bad as the panic itself, right?

As you have successes in dealing with the attacks, they DO become less intense and less frequent. They may even disappear completely.

I know it's hard to think about returning to school - if there is a way to return only part days, or meet with a counselor at school each day as sort of a 'safe place' that you can count on to feel more comfortable when you are feeling those panicky feelings that may help.

Your Dr. could write you a 'doctor's order' for you to be allowed a 'safe place' to go at school, and the school would be required to provide it as an accommodation.

Why don't you talk it over with your folks, or yourself with your Dr. and the school counselor and see if something like that can be worked out.

Just some ideas that came to mind. Sending you positive energy, Ashley. Regards, Peanut

<font color=blue>HI FROM PEANUT</font color=blue>