[sinking slowly]

Hello to everyone. I have just joined this community. I have been diagnosed with panic disorder and depression, and have been on Zoloft for 9 years, and then when I was not improving on the panic attacks, I was put on xanax. Just recently, we had a terrible tragedy in our lives. My son, who is in college as a freshman, had a great friend who we happen to be very close to. His family vacations with mine. Just the week my son left for school, his friend committed suicide. We are all devastated of course. The hardest thing to deal with in the world. I have already had an experience in my own family, my niece did exactly the same thing about 15 years ago. I am sure that it has something to do with the recent increase in my panic attacks, and my son leaving for college. But it didn't start right away. It started about two weeks after, and literally overnight. I am having attacks at intervals so close together. Even waking me up at night. I am at my wit's end. I don't want to leave the house. But I have to work, and my son plays college football, so I have to go to his games. I have one tonight. And it's Homecoming. HUGE crowds. I am petrified. Even though my husband will be with me. Anyone else have such a sudden increase in panic attacks? I am dressing to leave and already shaking.

[kaliope]

I will tell you something that worked great to alleviate my panic attacks. you have to relax. it is physically impossible to panic and relax at the same time. you just cant do it. have you ever done a guided meditation or been hypnotized where someone has started at your head and slowly taught you how to relax each muscle group going all the way down your body till you felt totally relaxed and felt all like a limp noodle..or even had a massage to know what it feels like to be totally relaxed? you need to recapture that feeling. when the panic attack comes on, relax, just let go of everything and go to that limp noodle state and the panic attack will stop. I didn't believe it would but it does. the first time I tried it, I had to do it three times over to end the panic attack but it worked and then it wasn't a problem again. it ended the panic attack every time. so if you don't know how to relax, practice it while you are ok so you can get your body to do it upon command. its not like I am really relaxing..i mean who can really do that when they think they are dying...lol..but I just let go of all my muscles as if I was relaxed and it signals the brain the same way and the panic attack stops. hope this helps. I have another anxiety tip that works well. if you want to know it, PM me. take care.

[sinking slowly]

It's a ferris wheel tonight. In the bathroom at my son's game, and I am afraid of leaving. I hate this. I used to be such an involved, energetic and happy person. Now I feel like my life is spiraling out of control. I do know muscle relaxation. I was a dancer when I was in my teens and early twenties. Learned it from an incredible dance instructor I had. But we did it while lying on the mats on the floor. Can't do that at work. I am so frustrated. But I am thinking talking about it will help. I have to be comfortable enough to tell someone other than my husband. No one else knows that I have been diagnosed with this.

[sinking slowly]

I am home. Exhausted. And sore from being so tense. Panic attacks make me physically exhausted, and because I tense up so badly, I get very sore from head to toe. I never had physical pain like this. I am taking a very rare Melatonin and going to bed. I have to go back tomorrow, and watch more Homecoming activities. I will pray tonight, for some rest and relief from the constant attacks. Too many tonight to count. And I refuse to overmedicate. So a deep breath, a melatonin, and bed. Praying that I can sleep. I need a break.

[Shriveled Muse]

Hello, I wanted to congratulate you for making through that day. It sounded very strenuous. Is it possible to practice relaxation while sitting or standing? As you get used to the feeling in different positions, maybe it'll help.

If you feel comfortable, you can also talk to people here on pc either by posting more in the forums, pm or the chat rooms. I found that it helped me a lot personally since I don't have anyone to talk to in real life.

Best wishes and welcome to pc~

[sinking slowly]

Woke up in a complete panic. I was so bad that I ran to the bathroom and vomited. Took my morning meds, hoping it passes quickly. I have to shower soon and get ready to leave for the school. I am praying that I get through this day. Just telling myself to breathe.

[sinking slowly]

I am leaving. Morning meds taken, and I am still very shakey. But I have my husband, and friends are coming today as well. Maybe a good time to discuss my issues with my friends. Then, maybe they will understand my behavior at times. This is new to me. Never had to prepare myself like this. And the dread and sore muscles. I am sure that it will be okay, rationally, but right now it seems like I am preparing to climb a mountain. Wish me luck.

[sinking slowly]

Home. Exhausted. But I got through it, even the countless panic attacks. But I did it somehow. Tomorrow I am calling my Doctor.

[Travelinglady]

I am glad. You can tell us what he/she says if you would like.

[Shriveled Muse]

Congratulations again and best of luck with tomorrow and contacting your doctor~

[sinking slowly]

Thanks everyone. I am off to work and will call over my lunch hour. Hopefully they can get me in or the Doctor can call me this evening. Fingers crossed. And I will hope for a calmer day, doing what I always do. Without too many attacks.

[Disorder7]

Yes, yes, and yes. I've had panic attacks for over 20 years, but recently they started to increase to several times a day. It's so exhausting.

I hope this isn't the case for you, but I was diagnosed as bipolar a few months ago. Turns out SSRIs can make bipolar people turn manic, and my panic attacks are sometimes a physical manifestation of mania. By the way, Zoloft is notorious for pushing bipolars over the edge.

I was misdiagnosed as having depression and anxiety. I think the doctors missed it because I don't have happy mania. When I'm manic I have extreme irritability and lots of anxiety/panic attacks. I wake up in the middle of the night with my heart racing and thinking I must be dying. The energy surge, the increase of adrenaline, makes me nervous.

Your increase is probably related to the recent stress in your life. But if you are taking an SSRI and not getting better, you may want to make sure you have a psychiatrist. A general practitioner will not know how to handle it.

Take care. I hope things turn around for you quickly.

[sinking slowly]

No Doctor yet. He was out of the office at the hospital. The receptionist triaged him, and she said she expects him in at 10 am tomorrow. She said she will let him know to expect my call. Work was okay, only a few attacks. But it is a safe place for me. I never used to panic there at all. I will call tomorrow to my Doctor. Hopefully, he can get me in. It's 26 miles one way. I like to go from work, because it's quite close. I am a country girl. Practically live in the woods across from farmland. Worth the drive. I need some sleep and relief from this.

[sinking slowly]

So you understand Disorder7...and I will go to my Doctor's office if I can't talk to him. I will go straight from work. He'll see me, although I may have to wait. But something needs to be done. I can't keep going like this. Now I am off to work. Update later. Thanks everyone.

[trimommy]

How are you doing now?

[sinking slowly]

Sorry I left for a bit. We had a friend who lost his brother on Tuesday night. We have been busy trying to help him out and attend the wake and services. That and work. I am so tired. I have been able to talk to my Doctor,and he wants me to see a therapist every week for awhile. I start tomorrow. I have told a few more people, which is actually helping me to cope. They're very good friends, and were very supportive. I am still panicking more than I used to, and longer duration for each attack. I don't think I can keep up my normal pace if this continues. I am praying that this therapist can help. My Doctor really recommends her,but the ones I have seen in the past just didn't fit. I will keep fighting the good fight. Another tragedy certainly didn't help. Thanks everyone.