How do I get rid of my Anxiety attacks?

Question

I'm 25. I've been diagnosed with anxiety disorder. I feel shortness of breath, dizzy, anybody gets these symptoms? It's weird because I don't know what causes it. They gave me Lorazepam now Paxil 20mg I try not to take it but now I hear it makes you gain weight? How does it go away? I want to be normal again! Please help me with info. Thx.

Answer 1

Ever hear of "Recovery"? It is a non-profit, self-help group of people from all walks of life, meeting on a first-name basis only, and discussion their individual fears and what they have done since the last meeting to cope with them. Everyone is in the same boat and no one looks down on anyone else.

See if there is a group in your area. There is a book called "Mental Health Through Will Training," by Dr. Low.
Amazon might have a copy.

http://www.recovery-inc.com/

Mental Health Through Will Training: A System of Self-Help in Psychotherapy As Practiced by Recovery, Incorporated (Hardcover)
by Abraham A. Low (Author)

Answer 2

Hello Ana. Anxiety attacks are caused by an imbalance in brain neurotrasmiters. The spiritual explanation is that you are actually attacked by a spirit that is trying to get to your body. This sets on the body protective system and this is why you feel shortness of breath, dizzy. Yes, as a panic attack sufferer I have also felt this symptoms. You are not alone...there is thousands of people around the world going through the same situation. Besides the meds, acupuncture and yoga are excellent. Yoga because of the breathing techniques they teach you. My advice: NEVER BE AFRAID OF A PANIC ATTACK. If you are afraid you will get another one. If you are not scared the panic attack will last several minutes and then go away. After one year of meds my panic attacks were gone. [e-mail]

Answer 3

Hey. I used to suffer from panic attacks due to anxiety and a phobia. It got to the point where I had had enough and I wanted it sotrted, but not through medication. I went to my doctor and discussed hypnotherapy. He suggested I go for it, so I looked up the numbers of national hypnotherapist organisations and contacted them for therapists local to me so that I knew the person I saw wasn't any old cowboy. Anyway, I was quite sceptical, but the first time I went to see him we just chatted about me and what triggered the panic attacks etc and he explained how the hypnotherapy works and what he would do. I was still sceptical and when I went for my first session I was convinced that I wasn't really under...that was until I felt myself wake up some time later!! I noticed a difference within myself very quickly and after only 8 hour long sessions I was able to leave (it does take longer for some people). My anxiety levels have decreased dramatically and I haven't had a panic attack for 5 years now since I had the therapy. I occasionally still suffer from bouts of anxiety, but he taught me how to deal with it and all my sessions were taped so I can still listen to them if I need to. I know that a lot of people rubbish hypnotherapy, but as I say I went into it sceptical and came out a changed person. Don't let the panic attacks ruin your life, stand up to them. I wish you all the luck in the world.

Answer 4

First off, you are not alone. Ive personally experienced panic attacks off and on for years.. its more common than you think.. shortness of breath, dizzyness, tightness in your chest, tension in your shoulders/neck, an overwhelming fear you are losing control of yourself, or dying... these are all symptoms of a panic attack.. Dont be afraid to take your medications.. medications react differently with different people, and hearing that you will gain weigh with Paxil.. it affects everyone differently; the only way you will know how it affects you, and if it helps, is to take it. With anti=depressents, dont take it off and on, take it every day at the same time. Your body becomes dependent on the medicine and stopping it suddenly will cause adverse reactions.
Sometimes, if you feel a panic attack coming on, you can try doing something differently, try going for a walk, or getting up and moving around. Often, sitting and dwelling on the attack can make it more intense and severe...They never truly go away, but in time, with your medication, and learning how to control your attacks, you can get back to a somewhat normal life. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I'm on anti-depression and anxiety medication too.
Yes, many are known to cause weight gain. I've gained about 50 myself. However, a natural way to go is Valerian Root. Go to a health store and you can get the bottle with the dropper and pour about 3 drops into a cup of water or try the tea. It actually works to calm you down.
Be healthy.

Answer 6

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 7

I get it sometimes but I have found that it is becuse I have somthing ( worring) bothering me with a mixure of allergies. I have found that I can controle this by being in tune with my body by listening to it and thats when I find something good to fixiate on for a few minutes and soon it will pass. most meds. are just cover ups and not a solution. if you need help go to a all natural herb store (a hurbalist) and they can help but also learn meditation to center your self

Answer 8

I get these too. I'm not on any medications for it, but I did go to a psychologist for a while. It helped a bit, not much though. I don't know what causes mine either, but deep breathing when you feel one coming on helps a lot.

http://www.anxietynetwork.com

Answer 9

you will only get normal again if you take the pills while you learn to do relaxation and deep breathing and dissociation