Panic attacks are keeping me from living my life!?

Question

I can't deal with panic attacks. I won't go anywhere for fear i will have another. I would appreciate some convincing words so i can leave my house. I really hate this!!

Answer 1

If you know for sure they are panic attacks you must be seeing a psychologist? Is it not helping? The medication should help you!

For about a week just lay down, get comfortable and imagine yourself walking out of your house....walk down the street....stop and walk back. After you get comfortable just imagining it, than actually do it. First, walk outside to the sidewalk....if you start to feel uncomfortable then go back inside. Do this everday until you can actually walk down the street comfortably. Then, you're cured!

Answer 2

See a doctor and get started on some meds. Then have the doctor refer you to someone you can talk too. I've never heard of panic attacks going away by themselves and it is a horrible way to suffer for years. I know. I did it. Getting meds was the best thing I ever did.

Jen, panic attacks are not the same as agoraphobia, which is what you seem to be giving the advice for. Although that may lead to panic attacks, a panic attack can happen anywhwere, anyhow and irregardless of whether you are alone or not.

Answer 3

I was in a situation like yours for some five years. It was horibble!!! Finally, I'm free from panic attacks ( I can get them on some rare occasions but now I know how to deal with it). I have to say this - I was taking medications for some time but that wasn't a solution. Bottom line is - I had to face myself, my emotions. I'm still having a lot of troubles with my emotions but I've learned a lot by having those panic attacks - now I'm glad I had that experience! Hope you will be too! You can turn this into blessing!
God bless!

P.S. You can contact me if you want

Answer 4

First of all...I wouldn't be coming on a site like this for answers, most of these people are just wasting your time. (minus the ones living with it) I live with bipolar and Panic with Agoraphobia and have lived with it for eight years. If you want to talk, e-mail me I'll try and help you the best I can, but my first suggestion is to talk to people who have it and understand, not people who just don't get it. E-mail me even if you just want to talk to someone who understands. There is also a website called www.bipolarchat.com. There are many wonderful people in there with all sorts of Panic driven disorders. They are a great support group and most I have become pretty good friends with. They don't judge you there they just help you understand what is happening and why. Good Luck... Hope to hear from you.
[e-mail]

Answer 5

For many years I suffered from panic attacks: sense of impending doom,feeling my head detached from my body,rapid heart beat,dizziness,feeling of passing out,dry mouth,difficulty swallowing,feelings of unreality.I was so dependent on Xanax that I wouldn't dare leave home without them.I joined the pool across the road from my doctors office so I could be near him.I wouldn't go out of town.I wouldn't eat in the dining room at work because I was afraid I would pass out and embarrass myself.I was in the e.r. frequently with an irregular heart beat and feeling flushed.They would occur more when I was driving.Then the greatest thing happened.I went to my doc's office convinced I was having a heart attack and he was out of town and his associate saw me.He told me I was having panic attacks and that I was depressed.He told me panic attacks were an underlying symptom of depression.He put me on paxil and they cured it.I take an occasional xanax if I feel really stressed.The attacks are gone and its been awhile since I had one.If I feed tense I will take deep breaths and try to focus on something in the environment,like the license tag in the car in front of me and that helps.You can get over them.you may need medication and there is no shame in that.

Answer 6

ok i know exaxctly how u feel i have panic attacks so bad that i feel like i am having a heart attack and my throat is closing up. i have not drivin a car for over a year. i havent left my house in over a year but to go to the hospital or do the doctor. recently on top of me having this i was diagnosed as having bi polar mania. i feel like i have lost touch with reality and i am so upset that i cant beat this. i have to take ativans and i have taken them so much they hardly calm me anymore. i wld suggest telling ur doctor. effexor is a drug that takes awhile to get in the system but it is used to treat this. ativan(lorazapam) ia a good pill to also take because it does calm u down. i wish i cld tell u i am better, but i still havent left the house and i still freak out but i can offer u a friendship so when u feel like u cant take it contact me at [e-mail] or on yahoo mess genler10 not 100 and we can chat. i know exactly how you feel and what u are gng through. maybe we can help each other out.....

Answer 7

#1 Social Reprogramming Method : http://SocialAnxiety.uzaev.com/?zCEQ

Answer 8

Check out (http://www.reducingstress.net ) there is a lot of great content, information articles, expert advice and links on the subject there.

Answer 9

i use to be the same way as you. would not go into stores or anywhere's. it is an awful way of living. i went to the doctor and he put me on xanax and i am telling you that is a wonder drug. it helps me so much. i would still be like you if i hadn't of gone to the doctor. good luck to you.

What is agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is the fear of being in a situation where one might experience anxiety or panic and where escape from the situation might be difficult or embarrassing. People with agoraphobia may feel anxious about such things as loss of bladder or bowel control or choking on food in the presence of others. They also might feel anxious about being home alone, leaving home, or being in a crowded place, such as on public transportation or in an elevator, where it might be difficult or embarrassing to find a way out. To avoid the anxiety associated with these situations they refrain from putting themselves into such situations.
The severity of agoraphobia is quite variable. Some people with agoraphobia live essentially normal lives as they avoid potentially anxiety-provoking situations. However, in severe cases of agoraphobia, people are homebound. These people work very hard to avoid any and all situations that might cause them to become anxious.

What characteristics are associated with agoraphobia?

Two major characteristics are associated with agoraphobia:

People develop anxiety when thinking about being in a situation out of their comfort zone. They fear feeling trapped in a situation where they judge it would be difficult or embarrassing for them to leave the situation.
People avoid those situations which bring them anxiety or panic. It is the fear of the anxiety that leads to the agoraphobia.
Does agoraphobia affect males, females or both?

About twice as many women than men report that they experience agoraphobia. Frequently, people report that the onset of their agoraphobia followed a stressful or traumatic event in their lives.

At what age does agoraphobia begin?

The most common age for agoraphobia to begin is when a person is in his/her mid to late 20’s.

How often is agoraphobia seen in our society?

Less than one percent (1%) of the population of the United States is thought to have agoraphobia.

How is agoraphobia diagnosed?

People suffering from agoraphobia sometimes fear that they are "losing" their mind or "going crazy" because of their fears and anxiety. Consequently, they might seek advice from a mental health professional.

Also, it is common for a friend or family member to notice that another person is reluctant to leave home without a companion. For instance, a spouse might notice that his/her mate finds reasons not to leave home. In these cases, the friend or family member often urges the agoraphobic to seek professional help.

A mental health professional arrives at the diagnosis of agoraphobia by taking a careful personal history from the client/patient. There are no laboratory tests required to confirm a diagnosis of agoraphobia nor are there any physical conditions that must be met. However, it is very important for the therapist not to overlook a physical illness that might mimic or contribute to a psychological disorder. If there is any doubt about a medical problem, the mental health professional should refer to a physician who will perform a complete physical examination and request any necessary laboratory tests.

How is agoraphobia treated?

There are three main types of treatment for agoraphobia:
Therapy
Medications
Combination of therapy and medications
Behavior and cognitive therapy are the treatments of choice for agoraphobia. If panic accompanies the agoraphobia, people are sometimes referred for a brief course of a prescribed medication, such as an antianxiety medication.

What happens to someone with agoraphobia?

Severe cases of agoraphobia can be very difficult to treat and can last many years.

What can people do if they need help?

If you, a friend, or a family member would like more information and you have a therapist or a physician, please discuss your concerns with that person.

Answer 10

Yes, you should see doctor and take the anxiety pill to control it