I have panic attacks when I stay home alone...how do I make them stop?

Question

For about 4 years now whenever I stay home alone at my house I get panic attacks and I cannot go to sleep. I have an over active imagination and think that someone is going to break in or something. I have stopped watching crime shows and scary shows at night but I still cannot go to sleep until 3 or 4 or in the morning when I'm exhausted. I don't have a job right now but I am going to hopefully have one soon. How do I make this stop? Is there anyone that has the same problem and if so have you gone to the dr to get some kind of meds and if so what was it and does it work and what are the side effects? Thank you so much.

Answer 1

I've suffered with severe panic attacks for as long as I can remember, and only recently have stated two different types of medication, perscribed by my doctor of course, to try to control this. I take Zoloft (antidepressants) and Xanax (anti panic meds) and from my experience the Zoloft does't help very much unless you get a higher dosage, and then there are a few side efects such as sleepiness and headaches but it's best to speak to a professional about those. Xanax is very helpful for the occasional panic attack and it is very effective but is addictive!!!

My doctor has told me that there are thousands of medications for panic disorders and you may have to try many before finding the right one for you. But don't stress there will be something that will help, all you need to do is speak to a doctor.

I have the same problem with panic attacks when I'm alone for long periods of time, and my parents are heading to England on a trip and I will be home alone for a month. So at least I know there are a few people in the same boat.

I hope this helps!!! Good luck!!!

Answer 2

Even though i didn´t have full blown panic attacks, i´d stay up all night wondering if someone was breaking in. It helped me a lot to stop watching forensic science and violent shows on TV. But the most important thing, was to talk about it in therapy, because i could find the root of the problem. Maybe you can try that too, instead of some medicine that´s going to temporarily fix the problem. You might wanna try calling a hotline too. I´m sure there´s one for panic attacks.

I wish you the best. I understand what you are going through.

Answer 3

If you are scared that someone is going to break in.. get bigger locks for all the doors... maybe an alarm system that beeps when any door or window is opened... I was terrified of my old house for the first few weeks when we moved in.. i had a newborn and my husband worked nights.. he didnt get home until after 3 am.. i was almost ALWAYS up until then.. worried about every creak and clunk... I had hubby put chain locks on all the doors and a bolt lock to the basement etc... but after a few weeks, i realised that i was being a little silly.. But I also like to watch crime shows and scary movies. They make you crazy! Now.. in my new house, only a few blocks away, I can leave the doors unlocked and not be worried. If nothing else helps.. you just might have to move to a neighborhood where you feel comfortable. Good luck...

Answer 4

Yeah I know what you mean. You hear more sounds when your home alone, and things you wouldnt even think of will freak you out when your alone?
I try to keep the T.V. or stereo on for comfort as I feel less alone. Make sure all the doors are locked, make sure I have a phone right on me, or close by.
Could you invite a friend over? Go to a friends house? Are you home alone alot? I dont think you need meds. You're not alone, lots of people get scared home alone. Take care...

Answer 5

Frankly, I think you should go and live with your dad, and see how it works out. When you have an anxiety disorder, being threatened and stressed and blamed is just going to make it worse, and your mother and stepfather are appallingly stupid if they don't realise this. Or maybe even they *want* you to leave, and are deliberately doing this. Many years ago I suffered from agoraphobia, and my parents were just as unhelpful, so I know what it's like. This kind of thing *is* curable - try not despair about it. I don't know what therapy / counselling / self-help treatment you're having, if any - you need to explore those routes, because it won't go away by itself - but you need firstly to be somewhere where the people around you aren't contributing to your depression and anxiety.

Answer 6

Yes, I had the exact same problem. It was like every shadow was an intruder coming to get me, and there were things under my bed, in my shower and in the closet even! I drove myself insane with it for a long time.
I finally overcame my fear gradually. I began by looking through my house to ensure it was locked up and I was alone. I began to realize that I was feeding my fear by being afraid. I stopped caffine after about 2 in the afternoon and then sat on my couch for a couple of nights with all the lights off and just listened. Slowly I grew more comfortable (although I still use a night light)

Answer 7

omg I am the same way!!
every time I stay home alone I get so scared of nothing I can identify and so lonely!!
i usually have insomnia those nights too...
I can't tell you what 2 do because I obviously have that too but I can let you know that I do it as well!

Answer 8

Get a dog to be your constant companion. They are always there and will be by your side no matter what. Get a big dog. I have a pit bull and have actually gone to sleep with the door unlocked. I always feel safe with him. No way is someone coming in my house. Good Luck.

Answer 9

Have a great dinner. Before going to bed have a full glass of warm milk. Hear some melodious numbers on your music system ( Hindustani Gazals will be the best ). Lie on your bed. Start counting from 1, 2,3,4 ( do this meticulously ) before you reach a million count you would have slept already. Try this....No medicine is required.

Answer 10

Get some klonopin or ativan. They work well for panic attacks.