[Twilightzone]

No matter what I do, I still don't get it. I've had these panic attacks and anxiety since I was 15 which is a long time ago and I still don't get it. For example: my girlfriend Peg and I were on the freeway the other day and I was fine, totally fine. And all of a sudden I get the feeling I can't breath, like there's a tennis ball in my throat and my throat gets all dry. I'm prepared for that so I always bring a bottle of water, I drank water.... didn't help. Peg was talking me and all I could say was:"MMMmmm". My throat was closing up. And nothing happened to trigger it, I wasn't in a tunnell (I'm scared of those), I wasn't getting impatient because traffic was backed up, nothing like that at all. It was just a smooth ride and bam..... it happened. I started to shake, my heart started beating like crazy, I was sweating, I just wanted to get out of the car. I wanted to go home but not in the car. I just didn't want to be in the car but we were on the freeway. Peg is very understanding and drove us home as fast as she could and when we got home, I was fine again, It took me like half an hour to calm down but I fine. Tired but fine. But that's what I hate about anxiety, you never know when it's gonna strike. Once I was standing in line at the supermarket and there it was. I left my cart full of groceries and had to go home. I hate it

[AAAAA]

Twilightzone,

I've done the supermarket thing! I remember my first anxiety attack like it was yesterday, I was bringing my kids to day care and suddenly I couldn't see anything, it was all white, I couldn't breathe. No trigger, just an attack. That was 17 years ago.

As I got older, I knew that certain things would trigger an attack, stressors, crowds, etc. I've been on Serequel for a couple of months now, and I've been able to deal with the stressful situations, and they have been HUGE, without an attack.

When my dr first told me that he wasn't going to refill my lorazapam I was devistated, I'd found something that would help me cope, not function, but cope with the attacks. But he turned out to be right, the Serequel is doing it all!

I hope that you're able to find a medication that helps!

[BalishBun]

It sucks. I had thought of the very same thing, why am I getting this stupid feeling? Its nice outside; and actually it looks pretty relaxing, but I am exactly the opposite of relaxed. I used to loooove to drive. If anxiety were a person, I would beat them up.

[snowflake_48888]

I understand your frustration. For me I kept looking for a reason...why why why....and never could come up with a solid reason except I am to hard on myself. I have a family history of anxiety/depression on my fathers side and I wonder if it is hereditary. I am trying to accept the fact that sometimes it just happens and to focus more on doing the things that get me thru it then focusing on why.
Snowy

[Azalysa]

Years ago I got a major anxiety attack on an airplane (and I've never been afraid of flying) and demanded to get off the plane right before the tunnel thing was removed.

That was embarrassing.

And then anxiety ~really~ hit when I saw the plane start to move away from the terminal, stop, return, and my former husband (who had no idea I left the plane) got off.

[Soidhonia]

Hello ((( TZ))). I am sorry you are struggling at this time with all the panic and anxiety. I agree that meds help tremendously and therapy helps as well. I have been medically dependent for years, and I usually can cope pretty well on meds in certain problematic situations. I hope things get better for you soon, Taking a friend with you for a while until you feel safer with panic may help you to feel safer and less triggered by your surroundings, music helps as well to help Block out the environmental triggers that you may be exposed to when in crowds or having to wait in long lines. Take care. Soidhonia