Please someone who has Panic Attacks answer these questions???

Question

I have tried atleast 15 meds--usually work (help anyways) but only for a month or two, then they increase and my depression gets worse--I am SSI pending and literally starving to death(4 months ago I was 250 lbs-now I am 160- let me add I am 6 foot tall)--I actully pass out!! hyperventilate etc-- I really want to know if you can function in soceity--now-u couldn't before and what you did....Maybe not meds?

Answer 1

I had bad anxiety problems with panic attacks when I was a kid. I was never on a medication (and never have been!) and when I was about 10 and my mother was hoping my problem could be diagnosed, it never was. I don't know if that kind of thing just wasn't figured out yet at that time or what. This was around '89 and I don't remember hearing about these kinds of things at all back then.

When I had such problems, really I didn't function much at all. At that age I was also horribly depressed and mostly just wanted to do not much of anything. I had trouble dealing with school, sometimes restaurants were a nightmare and I couldn't stay, same with stores and other places. There were some good days and many bad days.

I am OK now and have been for quite a while, but it wasn't without a lot of determination on my part. I can't say that all people could get past it without ever being on medication, it might depend if it's a chemical thing in the body or not. Nor can I say trying to get myself out of it was easy or that it would work for all, but for me recovery mostly started when I realized I was letting it control me instead of the other way around.

Basically I had to make myself become a control freak over it. By the middle of high school I was fairly well okay, and had started to get myself pulled out of the bad depression I'd grown up in as well. I'm sure it was a large factor and tried to force myself to become more optimistic, stop thinking so negatively of myself, and so on. There were still times like in college, after I'd been okay for a number of years, that I would start feeling uneasy sitting in a class or where ever else. But I would always mentally tell myself to "Look around, there is nothing going on, nothing is happening, you are fine" and tried to get my mind on something else. And it worked for me.

I wish that it might be able to be that "easy" for you (and I use quotes because it wasn't easy), and anyone else with the problem I had. If possibly becoming a control freak over it might help, try it. Self talk, doing like I did and making yourself look around at your surroundings and telling yourself and making yourself understand that all is well, maybe it WOULD help others. If the medications aren't helping, just relieving symptoms temporarily, I would say that (as much as any of us would hate it...), it might help to find a good therapist who deals with that kind of thing and knows how to help people beyond just medication. Even if the first person you try (or have tried) doesn't do it, then try again until you find a good match. Hopefully if they can work with you to where you feel like you can take the control back, it might help a lot.

I hope at some point you can be free of this.

Answer 2

Sara, I'm pleased that you've been able to deal with your panic attacks recently, but you don't have to live with them if they're coming back. A professional counselor can help you find coping mechanisms to deal with these attacks -- those mechanisms are different for different people, and depend a great deal on what's triggering the panic attacks in the first place. For many people in your situation, a newer class of antidepressants might also be worth considering, especially since you've had such a long history of these attacks. Again, a qualified counselor or your doctor can help make that determination.

Answer 3

When I was 25 or so, I went through a period of panic attacks - to the point that I could not stand in line at a store, couldnt attend college, etc.... Im not big on medications, so I suffered through it - although I did go to a shrink for a while - didnt really do much for it. This lasted for about 4 years or so..... Finally, I just got to apoint where enough was enough and I put myslef in positions where I would feel anxiety, kinda desensitizing myself to it. It worked, because I then finished college and no longer have those attacks.... I wish I could tell you an easy cure to it - I know how frustrating and debilitating it is....Just hang in there and try not to let it control your life

Answer 4

I have panic disorder. I've had it for 7 years. There was a time at the beginning that I couldn't leave my house-but I have a full-time job now, a boyfirend, live in a big city...I have good days and bad days with the panic, but I do function!
You really do need a profrssional to help you through it though!

Answer 5

well im 23 with bipolar and panick attacks and i would have to say the right combo of meds has helped me, i had to go through a lot of meds tell i found the right one but once i did it was great and also seek out a mental health doctor, i have been with mine for over 3 years and he really knows and understands me, then about the starving thing i would apply for food stamps, food banks, there is help out there you just have to go to it

Answer 6

i use to work at a center calls Arbors North. Its a pschyosocial rehabilitation program. we worked with a lot of clients with similar occurences to yours. (there are also people there with other mental disorders) they teach you daily living skills and slowly accquaint you with life. you have a case manager and they can work with you on a budget and getting you any extra assistances that are available in your area. they usually provide at least lunch if not lunch and breakfast. due to govt changes they prefer people who have meidcare or medicaid but usually can work something out if you have private insurance. check your area, talk to a counselor at an area counseling center and have them track one down for you. you sound like an idea candidate that could really get a lot out of this program.

Answer 7

i have had ao many panic attacks for the past 2 yrs i cnt count them. my throat feels like it is closing,, my chest feels like a weight is on it, and i get dizzy and i feel like my mind isnt there. unfortunately i dnt think that not taking meds would work. i am on effexor, lithium and xanaxes because the lorazapam stopped working.

Answer 8

i symphaize with you. i am one who is on meds for the same thing. i am 5 ft. 10" and only 108 lbs. scared always, worried too too much and praying these pills help.
try breathing!!!! long slow breaeths in and long slow breaths out

Answer 9

you may not be having panic attacks--sounds like --poor diet- and dehydration-- go to er or doctor --asap