[nate]

I have been feeling so unlike myself for the past 4yrs and i let it go for awile and i finally broke down and went to the doc. he told me it was panic disorder.It's so bad i can't even travel nemore and at night they get worse like im scared of the night. please if you have any advice let me know. The doc put me on xanax xr a month ago and it's not really helped so far.

[Myzen]

Hi Nate,

I'm with you on this. I have had panic disorder for 40 years!

At first it is very, very frightening, and it hit me just like you, with the fear of the travelling and the night terrors. Medication didn't help, and back then there wasn't any non addictive medication anyway.

Just now it will be very confusing for you, but you can get through this - please try to believe that. There will come a time when you can handle a panic attack and still go on with your day. You might think that it's hopeless, but one day you will take an attack and then just get up and get on with your life.

A good therapist might help. I found that the key was to face the fear. That's what was there at the bottom of the well for me.

It might not feel like it now, but PD is not the worst thing in the world.

Good luck

Myzen

PS - You might try some breathing exercises. I do one which works well for me.

[snowflake_48888]

I have had panic attacks for 16 years. I remember the first one so vividly, it was awful! I was afraid of everything, including driving, sleeping, night, stores..I became agoraphobic for a period of time. I quit driving, quit eating...I just existed for a time. I would lay on the floor of my bedroom if there was thunderstorms. I went from doctor to doctor trying to figure out what was wrong with me. I did not want to accept that I had panic disorder, I knew that I had something phyisically wrong with me. I finally found a doctor that I understood where I came from. In the beginning I was afraid of the medication he prescribed me, but eventually I found that I could trust him. He counselled with me 2 times a week, unless I felt I needed more. With his excellent work with me, my husbands help and my families support, I learned how to cope and deal with it. It does pop up from time to time still, but I have learned to deal better with it. If I feel that the symptoms is getting worse, then I will seek counseling again.

So I understand and know where you are coming from. Hang in there, find a T and Pdoc, and learn some relaxing techniques. Facing your fears one by one will be helpful also.

[Butterfly_Faerie]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
I have been feeling so unlike myself for the past 4yrs and i let it go for awile and i finally broke down and went to the doc. he told me it was panic disorder.It's so bad i can't even travel nemore and at night they get worse like im scared of the night. please if you have any advice let me know. The doc put me on xanax xr a month ago and it's not really helped so far.

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Are you in therapy for your anxiety?
I think this is something that you may need to do if your panic attacks are affecting you that much.

[Cassie_k]

Hi Nate, here is a wonderfull site I found on panic and anxiety, It has really helped me. Please take a look and tell me what you think?

http://www.paniccenter.net/index.cfm