Panic Disorder Anyone??

Question

Any support on coping with crippling Panic Disorder?

Perhaps I should have gone more in depth with my disorder.
I am a 29 year old female and I have had panic attacks since I was 8 years old.
I went into panic "remission" as I call it from about 15-23, then unfortunate things happened in my life that I feel triggered them again. I have never been the same since.
I have tried the med route, the SSRI's made me worse. I am now on Klonopin and have been for about 6 years which no longer is working. My Psychiatrist seems to dismiss everything I say.
Also, I am Agoraphobic which makes it really hard to get anywhere.
My grandmother who is like my mother has Terminal Cancer and I am her caregiver, which obviously has brought on more stress.
I now cannot leave my home once again, at all.
I have no clue how I am even going to get to my next Psych. appt.
I feel constant doom and constant anxiety.
Can anyone relate??

Answer 1

Firstly, if your psch. is treating you like that, get rid of the assh***! You have to shop around for the right psych./therapist who will specialize in your disorder. Remember-you are paying them, they don't have ANY right to demean you or belittle your problems. I suffer from severe anxiety + PTSD, etc. Just because someone got a degree doesn't mean they are automatically "the one". Shop around for the psych. that makes you feel at ease and heard.
Here's a great trick for a panick attack- ICE! When you feel it come on, or are in the thick of it, grab on to ice cubes and let those suckers melt and burn in your hands as you sit on the ground, preferably with your back against a wall. I swear it's a miracle. It snaps you back into the present, and don't let go, no matter how painful, until you calm down and your breathing is regular again. It will be your savior until you can get a hold on your situation. Best of luck, and remember-ICE,ICE,ICE! :)

Answer 2

I would suggest joining support groups and trying therapy. Also the book Overcoming Panic Disorder: A Woman's Guide by Lorna Weinstock and Eleanor Gilman is a great read that I have recommended before. Stay active and involved and don't give up. Do research on the web about breathing exercises and foods that will help you as well. Even taking a yoga or meditation class could boost your coping methods. But if the panic attacks you have are so debilitating you feel a total loss of control, you should seek a professional. Despite doubts on therapy, they can help you and teach you ways to manage your condition.

Answer 3

there are a great many things available out there for panic disorder. contact your local mental health clinic, they can direct you to the resources available in your area.

Answer 4

your not alone i also suffer from really bad panic attacks . they can be life changing and affect you in every day life . can you talk to your family and friends about this ? or goto your local doctor and talk to them about talking to a therapist they really do help it helped me talking to friends and to a therapist i learned how to cope with my attacks , a good website to vidit is ABOUT.COM as this has good tips on there on how to deal with this . but please dont keep it all to yourself it helps to talk .

good luck

kitteek