don't know what to do?

Question

im really stressed at the moment, my panic attacks started while on meds, i wanted to go to hospital and get my stomach pumped and basically get it out of me, im doing CBT at the moment (on my 3rd session) to try and get this fear away as i NEED to take medication as i have a thyroid problem, i've been taking vitamins as a starting point as i have refused meds/pills for nearly 3 yrs now and im coping ok with that but my therapist has told me to take the meds now, im really freaking out at the thought of it and im totally angry with myself because i feel im letting everybody down, i don't know what to do can anyone help please?

Answer 1

First of all, you aren't letting anyone down..... believe me, the therapist only wants to help you as does your Dr.

Try these links to the Mind website:

How to cope with panic attacks:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/How+to/How+to+cope+with+panic+attacks.htm

Panic Attacks - troubleshooter:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Other/Mindtroubleshooterspanicattacks.htm

Understanding anxiety:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+anxiety.htm

How to stop worrying:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/How+to/How+to+stop+worrying.htm

The information is easy to read and understand. Hopefully you can pick up some good tips from the above, that will help you to cope with your anxiety and panic attacks.

The fact that you have managed to train yourself to take vitamins, which I assume are in tablet form, shows that you can and will take tablets. The fear stems from you believing that the panic attacks started when you took the medication.
Could you try and actually pinpoint when they started, and if there was specific incident that happened around the same time - it may be that you memory is playing tricks on you, and the panic attacks started for another reason - but you have associated them with the medication. Just a thought....

Use this link to understand more about CBT and how it works, also remember that it isn't a quick fix, and will take time to teach you how to better deal with things.

Making sense of CBT:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Making+sense/MakingsenseCBT.htm

Again the information is easy to read and understand.

Please don't blame yourself or be angry with yourself - you are suffering from an illness at the moment that takes away your ability to think logically and rationally - believe me I know how that feels!

At the end of the day it is your choice whether or not you take the medication, but with that choice comes the responsibility of accepting the consequences that your choice may have. Your therapist has probably told you that he/she would like you to take the medication, as it is in your best interests - but if you choose not to, then that is up to you.

With the right support and information you can and will get through this. It isn't impossible, even though it feels like it at the moment.

If you are in the UK I would also advise seeing if there is a local mental health charity close to you:

http://www.mind.org.uk/Mind+in+your+area/

They are easy to access and you can refer yourself, it only takes a phone call.

They are much less formal than the health service, but they are used to dealing with people with all kinds of mental distress, and they will be able to help you. Everyone will be kind and caring and no-one will judge you.

Hope this helps.

Take care and good luck.

PS - just a thought:

It might be a good idea to talk to you Dr and see if there are any alternatives to the medication that has been prescribed - if may be possible to take it in a different form than tablets: maybe you could have an injection from the practice nurse, or maybe the medication comes in liquid form as well.

It is certainly worth asking the question, I'm sure if you explain why you are struggling to take the medication now he/she will do all they can to improve the situation for you.

Answer 2

I have thyroid trouble as well and it does make me very anxious. You really need to take the meds not for anyone else but yourself.The thyroid causes a chemical imbalance in the brain if it isnt working properly and the only way to fix it is through medication. I take sea kelp which is herbal and is good for an underactive thyroid, however there is no getting away from the fact that you do need medication for it otherwise you may find yourself with a whole host of other complications because you didnt take it. What happened in the past when you took them probably wont happen again. You paniced before and now you know why (i am assuming this as you have been in therapy) Trust your therapist and take the first step, then just take one day at a time and see how it goes. Good luck

Answer 3

If you feel uncomfortable about the meds you are taking tell your doctor. There may be a different medication that you can try. Sometimes the medications just need time to start being helpful. If you are still unhappy with the results you may want to find a new doctor. Having someone to talk to also helps. Try talking with a friend, priest, or a family member about your situation. Most importantly, don't give up!

Answer 4

It's not your fault you have panic attacks. I think it's very admirable that you have coped for 3 years going without meds and are taking vitamins to try to help it. I was just the opposite - panic attacks over and over made my life hell for so long, and everyone wanted me to get over it with therapy and it just wasn't doing it. I needed meds. I have had a Dr. for a long time that keeps me on the same dose of klonopin and it helps me cope. I am about 98% better on meds. Sometimes you need help in that way.

Answer 5

i think excercise is the best cure for you. depending on how fit you are get going. start with gentle excercise first maybe do some stetches 10 press ups a few sit ups lift some weights for half an hour (if you dont have dumbels look for something thats a good weight for you) get motivated. go for a long walk or jogging, start something!!! excercise and you might not have to take the meds anymore, you will feel better both mentaly and phisically which will sort you out with your test. the panic attacks wont be able to get you if you fight like a brave

Answer 6

You are not alone. I have panic attacks so bad. The Drs. put me on all kinds of crap.
I finally went to see a shrink, Clonazapam (sp) works like a charm for me. There maybe something else going on, try going to a psychiatrist instead of a therapist, it makes a big difference. Hang in there. Good luck.

Answer 7

You know in this life that you really need to take care of yourself first. Like on the airplane with the oxygen masks. Place one on your face first. You can't be their for other people if you are not there for yourself.

So, take some time to find out what you need. Get the help you need and then worry about the other people in your life.

I wish you the best and I hope that you find what you are looking for out of life.

Answer 8

the main thing is you need the meds try not associate them with the panic attacks having one doesnt mean they will cause more unless you get into that way of thinking
the panic attack wont kill you but not taking the meds could have worse effects

Answer 9

I am tough admirer of nature, so use your natural potentials to get out from this psycho physical and social mess if you wanna survive

Answer 10

simple very simple
madam why to worry

1) just drink lots of water daily at least 6-7 liters
2) get up early in the morning and walk bare foot in the lawn

then see you are free from any anxiety
just do it and be happy