why do i get so depressed after having a panic attack, 2 years ago my sister passed away and every since ive?

Question

suffered from severe anxiety attacks and it is only when i drive i get really depressed when it happens because i am not in controll of my life like i used to be. i am used to driving my own car, now my b/f has to chauffer us around and i hate it because i remember when i used to drive myself. it has taken a toll on my social life and i dont want to go places because i am afraid that i will have to drive and. i think that my problem comes from the fact that my sister and i used to drive a lot of places and now she is not here. this has been going on for too long and i need help but i am not sure how to ask for it. my dr. put me on buspirone 2 years ago but i never took it long enough for it to work. i dont really want to take meds. but i will if i have to. i was just wondering if anyone has this problem and if so can they give me some advice. i cant stop driving because i have to work but i dont want to hurt myself or some one else

Answer 1

First of all it is entirely normal to get depressed after a panic attack or for the two to go hand-in-hand. You are dealing with grief, and the feelings you are having are normal. You just need to express your feelings in a safe way.

Go see a psychologist. They can help you and they won't prescribe drugs if you don't want them. If you want to use only talking type therapy they will respect your wishes.

Answer 2

I also had some panic attacs and went to a doctor. I was treated for 2 month, now I'm much better, I'm not afraid that it will repeat because there are medicines which stop it, I have it with me all the time. What about depression... It causes panic attacs to appear, so treat it. I took Cypralex, I'm taking it now for the second time and it helps, not at once and you need a doctor who you can always consult. My friend has the same problem. a lot of women around the world suffer from it. But most are able to overcome. The problem is that you need a sedative medicine to prevent panic attacs or to stop them, doesn't go well with driving. But there are other medicines which prevent it like Grandaxin. With time it should become less intense but please, find yourself a doctor. I was told it must be treated.

Answer 3

Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad, and I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I, too, used to have panic attacks about driving - I gradually became more confident about driving after doing Cognitive Behavorial Therapy. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads online, e.g. http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/counselling/audio_resources/index.html

With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!

Answer 4

There is something about the driving that triggers panic attacks, likely, as you say, relating to your sister.

Your description sounds like a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. You didn't mention how your sister died.

You definitely need mental health help. Medications are an option.

There are talk therapies and newer techniques like EFT and BSFF that resolve these issues much less painfully and more quickly than traditional talk therapies.

Depending on your location, there are practitioners other than psychiatrists and psychologists who can help you.

Feel free to email me for more information