[partlycloudy]

Hi, I'm new to this site. I'm getting treatment (and good results) for bipolar2, GAD, and - panic attacks. At the moment I take .5mg of Xanax at the onset of a panic attack. Unfortunately, I cannot pin down what is initiating an attack. I can be sitting here, doo-be-doo-be-doo, and then WHAM! I'm at the top of the world's tallest building, right on the edge. No triggers I can see except for breathing regularly.

I see a p-doc. I have a therapist and I'm getting EMDR treatment, to which I'm responding well. I take Effexor, Wellbutrin, Xanax as needed, and Ambien for sleep.

I work full time. I have reduced my work-related anxiety down to a manageable level, so I can actually hold my head up as I walk down the hall, without scurrying from place to place. I no longer expect to be fired every time my boss calls me into her office. Also, the panic attacks aren't limited to the workplace. Sometimes I'm in my car. Sometimes I'm sitting on the sofa, trying to read or watch TV. Why is this coming out of nowhere? Anyone else have some advice?

Thanks in advance (and all you people seem REALLY NICE!!)

partlycloudy

Plays well with others

[mizzy]

Hello, i have aquestion for you
Are you a deep thinker?

[partlycloudy]

Deep thinker? Hmmm these days my mind is racing so quickly I can't even follow my own thoughts. When I'm slowed down, though; I do give things a lot of thought. I like to write a lot of it down, otherwise it gets lost in the ether of my brain. My speciality is anticipating other people's thoughts without basing it on any facts whatsoever. Some might call that mind reading - I call it - jumping the gun.

Does worrying count as deep thinking? Probably not - but I can worry in the Olympic class.

pc

Plays well with others

bump

[partlycloudy]

These are still part of my daily existence. I feel like a pot of chili that's been on the stove for a long time, so it's all crusted on the bottom. Someone has scraped all that stuff up and it's blurping up like a pool of lava. Too many metaphors for one image, sorry. I hate this tightness in my chest, I hate the tunnel vision I get. I hate the headaches that have returned, the hallmark of my adolescence. I'm fighting something here and I no longer know what it is.

I feel like I give in when I take a xanax but I have to be able to function.

pc

Plays well with others

[ALi26]

Hey partly cloudy..I have Panic disorder and OCD. So I get what you are dealing with. ANyway, Do not drink caffenine or diet drinks containing aspartame..they contribute to panic.Change your diet to as healthy as possible. Try to find friends like you. Excercise.Join a support group and don't give up. Then it will win. No Way! Do you need anty more suggestions?Let me know .I know it is so hard. But life is worth fighting for. ALi

[partlycloudy]

Hi, thanks for your reply! I cut out caffeine almost a year ago, and drink water, or water with bubbles... never been a soda person. I joined a gym 3 months ago and it has helped great deal. I saw my p-doc yesterday and she concurred that as improved as I am, I'm still dealing with a lot of issues. I do meditation and listen to soothing music, light scented candles and incense... I try to keep my environment as calming as possible. I think it all helps, but I am WAY too hard on myself and so I'm impatient with my progress.

I'm also trying to lighten up on making friends IRL. I get so lonely when my husband is out of town. I've lived here for 3 years and moving from the north to the south has been a real culture shock for me. It's all one big adventure!

pc

"Plays well with others"