how can i make life worthwhile?

Question

since i was 11 i have had panic attacks, im 21 nearly and hardly leave my house. i want to go out and enjoy life but i cant as my panic attacks rule my life, its awful. i just freeze on the spot and havent walked in town for years. i cant work, im on benefits and i get dla. i dont want to but i have too.
i have been to my gp many times, they must b fed up with me.
i refuse to take antidepressents because throughout my teens i was prescribed many antidepressents, they made me feel worse. i wont take them again and all my gp can suggest is counselling but that doesnt help much either.
i dont know what else to do
im fed up with my life so much i just wish i could be normal

Answer 1

I suggest that a GP is not the doctor you need to see. You need to see a psychiatrist. You are agoraphobic, and anxiety is the least of your problems.

Answer 2

You are normal just going through a bad patch. I had the same problem with panic attacks and couldnt leave the house. I was referred for Cognitive Therapy which helped a bit. I also went to see a hypnotherapist who was also a psychotherapist and thats what got me over the agoraphobia. Maybe you just havent had enough counselling or not the right counsellor. It takes time and its frustrating but you will get there in the end. And well done for refusing antidepressants. I found they made me feel worse and just masked the real problem. Good luck

Answer 3

do you know the cause of your panic attacks? I don't think antidepressants could help but the right kind of counselling or psychologist should help you. It takes time with these kinds of aids. how long did you try counselling for? Was it with a recommended counsellor? You need to get to the bottom of the panic attacks. try doing some art therapy at home even, by expressing your anxiety through art on paper. it really can help, but it is always more successful if you have a professional to do it with, like a psychologist. Good luck. Have you tried any homeopathic products to help relax you?

Answer 4

Hi Honey
I work at a Community Mental health Centre. You need to go back to your GP with someone who is older than you and more assertive and insist that you are referred to a secondary care like the one i work at. You will then be in the hands of a multi disciplinary team made up of Psychiatrists, nurses. social workers and support staff who specialise in your area of need. Gps are often stubborn and sometimes it is necessary to exaggerate the way that you feel in order for them to wake up and listen. It is good that you have recognised your problem and are willing to accept the help if offered. Another way would be to attend your local A&E department and tell them you are in crisis, this may get you a referral.
Dont be too quick to rufuse medication, it will be necessary to help you to fight your difficulties. New medication needs to be given a good six weeks before you can say that it does not work, and yes it will make you feel tired and doped in the beginning but stick with it. You have nothing to lose by trying other than getting worse symptoms by not.
Good luck chicken... and remember
NEVER GIVE UP HOPE
COS WITHOUT HOPE.... THERE IS NOTHING.

XXXXXXXX

Answer 5

I'd suggest trying counselling again, it may help get to the bottom of your problem. What about meditation or yoga? Have you tried reading anything that might help? I'd suggest "Ask and it is given" by Ester and Jerry Hicks. Maybe a change to your basic outlook on life could be what you need - if there isn't anything psychological or biochemical at the bottom of your problems. I hope something works for you.

Answer 6

sonds rough kid,Why dont you try to bring yourself on bit by bit,. first become a morning person, select a nice little cafe in the town and go there every morning, buy a magazine or something, and relax, chat to customers a little, be home for 11 a.m. do this for a while, then become an afternoon person, and do simlar then you are a day person stay like that, till you feel like a night out maybe, but do it , it will help, and do breathing exersizes.

Answer 7

i have bipolar disorder... i dont like going out alot ..so i understand how you feel ..but you have to start somewhere... i too was on anti-depressants when i was 11yrs old .... for many years ..i was on and off them ....now that i was diagnosed with bipolar...7yrs ago..i understand the importance of my medication.... the thing is that medication has changed since those times ...anti-depressants are now none addictive..... and believe me they work much better than they used to... not a zombie..like they used to make you.. maybe you should try again and see how they work this time for you...and see if you can be reffered to a councellor ... the combination of the medication ..and councelling help ...might just help you to regain the life you want... and deserve... i know it has for me ...but if you do nothing ..then ....nothing will change ... so do it because ..your worth it and theres alot of life to enjoy out there....but the first step must be yours .. medication is a good first step ...i know ....all the best for the future ...

Answer 8

this is a difficult question. i think you should find a psychotheripist who you feel comfortable with and search until you find someone who does something that DOES work. this is not going away on its own. i also think that maybe in addition to this you learn to enjoy your sollitude and perhaps take up a hobby or find some interest that you could persue in the comfort of your home. this might make it more tollerable if you have something you enjoy and look forward to.

Answer 9

I think you are normal, just in need of a bit of confidence. Try going out for short walks to start with, then go a bit further, dont bother with tablets, they never work anyway.

Answer 10

You need specialist therapy for agrophobia