[strugglingpgh]

I have been having a bad anxiety attack since late Friday. Klonopin has been helping some. Have no idea what has caused this, this is how the majority of my attacks are. The worst part is that I am jumpy, shaky, my mind is all over the place right now. My sister has a doctor appointment in a couple hours and the rest of the family is telling me to just calm down, relax and I will be able to do this. Do they still not realize what a BAD anxiety attack is?? I'm crying from the attack, I'm crying because my family doesn't understand and I am crying because I don't know what to do. I haven't eaten in 3 days, I feel week, I feel guilty, and I feel like I just want to run until I can stop! Someone tell me these things are real.

I hear you - particularly the reaction of those around you.

I am going through the situation of in my case an ungodly amount of stress causing similar anxiety and stress. This too has been brushed off by the important person in my life. "Tsk tsk don't worry" is the message I am getting. This infuriates and dissapoints me. It gives the message that our concerns don't matter - that WE don't matter. It tells us the people who ought to be caring have a complete disregard for our feelings and an ignorring of the fact we are in a significant situation.

What we need instead is acknowledgement! We need acknowledgement that we are in fact in an emotional crisis in this case upset. We need validation that our worrying is reasonable and to be expected. Instead of "Don't worry." we need to hear "I see you are worried. I understand that. What can I do?"

[*Laurie*]

I can't even imagine what is in people's minds when they tell those of us who battle with severe anxiety to 'just calm down'. Would they tell a diabetic to 'just produce more insulin'? PLEASE try to let go of the guilt. No matter what anyone says, you are NOT responsible for having anxiety. My heart goes out to you.

[Leyla]

hi there
just take deep breaths... i know easier said than done, maybe just stay clear of the other's till you can calm yourself down. if they don't suffer from anxiety they won't get it.

one thing i have learned is not to fight the anxiety that makes it worse, just accept that you are anxious right now but this too shall pass, like i am sure it has in the past... its good you are taking your meds.

take care...one day a time..you will get through this...been there so many times myself.