Why am i So panicy?

Question

I'm 16, and im a nervous wreck. Some say it's all due to my thyroids, they asume they're over active, because i eat so much and don't gain a pound. I randomly have panic attacks, and what seems like asthma attacks. My heart skips a beat or so alot, or the beats sometimes feel exaggerated. I have a panic attacks everytime i fail at something. I think im a Kakorrhaphiophobic ( fear of failure or being defeated). My mom says im a hyperchondriac. I really don't know whats wrong with me. I've been to doctors, consulers, everything... They all say the same thing: Manic Depresent. I know for a fact that i am by no means depressed. I'm bubbley, and happy, and have a positive attitude twords everyone but myself.So inspite of their diagnosis, they put me on an anti-depresent, effexor. That medication put me threw the worst experience of my life, i will never take another anti-depresent again because of it.I can't even join social events! Panic Anxiety Disorder is taking over my life!

Answer 1

Slow down a little!!! You need to get the correct diagnosis first then get the correct meds to treat it. If your dr thinks you have a thyroid problem a simple blood test will let him know for sure. You may need something like xanax for your panic attacksif they are not related to your thyroid. Your mom needs to stop calling you a hypochondriac and get you the help you need. If you do have manic depression effexor will do nothing for it--you need lithium or another med to treat the manic phase as well as the depression. If all you are having are panic attacks and fear of failure you need to seek treatment for just those two things and not all the other things. I think you would benefit greatly from counseling. You need to make sure you and the counselor are a good fit--if you are not comfortable you will not progress. Give it another chance--a good counselor will teach you techniques to control your panic. Also, give meds another chance--maybe not effexor but another med. It usually takes 3-4 weeks to get the full effect of a new med so don't give up right away. You may feel worse before you feel better. Good luck.

peace&hope.

Answer 2

Did you ever actually have your thyroid checked? If you haven't, don't assume it's not your thyroid. Don't let a doctor tell you that it's not your thyroid unless that doctor has run free T3 and free T4 blood tests.

Thyroid problems are CONSTANTLY misdiagnosed as mental illness. All kinds of mental illness. Whatever is on the lazy doctor's mind that week. Rule out physical problems before you accept a diagnosis of mental illness and consent to be drugged into oblivion. All it takes is one simple blood test to find out if you have a thyroid problem.

And it really does sound like you have a thyroid problem. Nervous, eat a lot without gaining weight, panic attacks, asthma attacks, heart palpitations, emotional laibility. Yep, every one of those is a symptom of a thyroid problem. If you have insomnia and a fast heart rate too, I would bet anything that you have a thyroid problem. As a matter of fact, you sound exactly like me, except you have the eating without gaining thing, and my worst symptom was insomnia. I have Graves disease (the most common thyroid problem that would cause your symptoms.) I was told by two different doctors that I was bipolar too! I knew they were full of **** though. They forget that their patients aren't complete morons and can actually read. I ran home, and looked up the definition of bipolar in the DSMIV (the psychiatrists bible). My one and only symptom of mania was insomnia. So in no way do I meet the criteria for bipolar. I am a naturally depressed person, so I do have that side of it, but that's not a disease either, that's just how I am.

Answer 3

Wait a minute, I've been through the same thing when I was 18 and it lasted almost about a year. DON'T take anti-depressant pills because at this point it is ALL IN YOUR MIND hun. I felt VERY delusional at the time and afraid of people and everything! It may not be exactly what you are going through but it seems quite similar.

What I did to overcome this annoying phase was to look within. Sit quietly everyday for at least 30 minutes and examine the thoughts that pass through your head. If they are not good ones change them quickly to good ones and let the goodness blossom in your mind.

Create a positive image of yourself in you mind as calm and pretty (it really works) . Be patient with ANYTHING that happens in your life. Learn to expect the unexpected, and enjoy the unknown because NOTHING is ALL BAD. The "bad" things we call "failure" are not reall bad at all...it is a treasure in disguise, that's what we use to make us GREAT. So Change that view and you'll be more relaxed and can enjoy what everyday life has to offer.

And if you do find yourself failing, it is just to let you know where you need working on...so it's actually a good thing. Hope this helps, and good luck lil sis!

Answer 4

I have clinical depression and an anxiety disorder. I've been on a lot of different drugs to help (lithium, effexor, seroquel, paxil, lexapro, xanax, and lots more). I can honestly say, none of them made a long term change. I eventually grew a tolerance to them. I have found that it's just something I have to learn to deal with. I have learned what triggers my moods and I try to avoid what does. If I can't avoid something I just breathe my way through it and go. It's not easy or fun, but it is a part of life. I have learned that music really helps relax me when I'm frazzled. I am in law school so, trust me, I have my days. You just have to take it one step at a time and learn some relaxation methods that work for you. Have you ever talke to a counselor about bipolar disorder?
You know, one more thing, you don't have to be in a bad mood to be depressed. I am friendly and outgoing, but I still have internal moments that I don't show.
I hope you find something that works for your anxiety. I've included a couple of sites I've researched. Not everything always works, but you can take a piece from each and cater it to your needs.

Answer 5

The one thing you didn't say was did they check your thyroid? if it is overactive it can make you crazy. Been there. So, that needs to be done to rule it out. I have worked for DR. One woman was on the verge of a divorce. had been seeing a shrink for 3 yrs. No sheckup. Guess what. Her thyroid,and the divorce was already going through when she got the news. So, it can be that. Have it ruled out. Then, If you have a disorder try another medication. There are lots out there and only one may be right for you. Been there too. So, don't give up. Ask the Dr. for an older drug. One that's been tried and true for a lot of yrs. Good luck to you. You should be able to call Dr. and gat Bld. Order without seeing him if you've been there recently.

Answer 6

OK I think I know a simple answer to this; DONT WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK! If you can't be comfortable in your own skin you will never find peace.Also there is no way to happiness...happiness is the way, get it?Live life relax think of how you want to grow and evolve educate yourself.Find a spiritual puorpose. Everything we do in this life will eventually amount to nothing.Its all really nothing but a futile gesture. If you can stare this fact in the face and still be enthusiastic about life that is true courage don't ever live your life for someone else.

Answer 7

Please go back to your doctor and tell him about the negative effects from Effexor. I tried quite a few before I found one that worked. I felt the same way you do about anti-depressants until that one did work for me. I found that Lexapro works really well for me. Everyone is different, so different meds work better for others. I have had plenty of panic attacks and bouts of depression. I thought I was having a heart attack, or something! It is a horrible affliction.

Please go back to your doctor. If you find he is not responsive to you about changing your meds, then you need to find a doctor who is.

Best to you. Many Blessings.

Answer 8

Talk to your doctor about Paxil CR. I have similar problems and after a lifetime of dealing with it, I had to take meds for it. My doctor first put me on Paxil, which only calmed me a bit. Then he tried Wellbutrin, and that made me crazy. She finally prescribed me the Paxil CR and life has been great! I still have my moments every now and then, but for the most part everything is in control.

Answer 9

oh man, that sounds like me a few years ago. my heart skipped beats, i was afraid of failing, everything.

here's what i did: i went to the doctor and he put me on paxil and gave me xanax to take for immediate panic attack relief. then i went to a psychologist and she worked with me a lot trying to figure out why i am the way i am. and she also gave me lots of tips on how to get over panic attacks when i have them and how to prevent them. so what i did was: i would take 15-30 minutes out of my day everyday and just go to my room and lay there with the lights off and try to think of something relaxing, like the beach. i also had a relaxation cd that i listened to too. now, when i get panic attacks, i just tell myself that it's ok to do what i've got to do to get what i need. if i need to excuse myself from the situation, that's ok. people will be understanding. i just keep coming up with "escape routes" and telling myself that i'm ok.

3 years later i still get panic attacks every now and then, but i feel like i have my life back! i hope this helps!!

Answer 10

I used to be like that too... I actually grew out of it somehow. It got to the point where i couldnt do it anymore. Find alternatiove methods, Such as counseling, Therepy, ETC. good luck!!