Anxiety caused by traumatic event?

Question

I was told by a doctor recently that anxiety / panic attacks are 99% originated from a traumatic event in ones life, and/or worrying about one particular thing for an inordinate amount of time, wether conciously or sub-consciously. This would make sense in a way, as i have had bad panic attacks every few days for the last 2 years now, and i was worrying daily about one particular issue prior to starting with the attacks. Is anyone else the same? And can you ever get rid of anxiety for good, as i keep seeing people saying learn how to live with it, i want rid!

In response to below, when i get them i go pale, sweaty palms, numb all over, feel like im sinking, feels like my heart has stopped, think im dying too, i dont feel like myself, feels like im someone else watching myself, really detached, my pupils go huge, as big as they can, i have to keep moving about or they get worse, its weird...and even tho u know its apanic attack, u STILL think ur gonna die, its scary.

Answer 1

During a time when I was severely depressed I began to have panic attacks. I was a person who had experienced trauma, then for years had blocked it out. As my memories of the trauma returned with a vengence - full blown PTSD flashbacks included it was a terrifying time. The more my depression got out of control, the more frequently I experienced panic attacks when I would go into Libraries and in crowded Downtown Streets or Crowds.
After being treated with antidepressant medication and lengthy therapy, my anxiety and panic attacks have left for good. It has been a decade or more since I've experienced one.

The medication fed my brain with what it was lacking
The therapy helped me to perceive my world differently
Friends have walked beside me and treated me normal
I have learned to step aside from feeling like a victim and
have learned to step positively toward my future as a survivor.

Answer 2

Hey! I have panic attacks really bad also. I never had them until my Uncle died. My panic attacks are brought on by EVEN THINKING about death. So,the first thing you need to do is find out what is bringing them on.
I try to tell myself that "it's all in my head' and then I try to get my mind on something else. I don't think theres really anything you can do to get rid of them than to just face the facts and try to ignore the issue. I have tried everything, and if someone knows how to get rid of them I would like to know the answer to that as well. I have tried to take pills for anxiety but they don't work for me. I'm also a hypocondriac so I think "everything has side effects" which also make me freak out.
What happens when you get them? For me, my heart races, i can't breathe, i turn pale, my hands get sweaty and they feel numb, I feel like IM DYING. If you would like to talk about panic attacks I will talk to you more about it. I know how scary they are and I feel bad for anyone who has to suffer with them.

Answer 3

I didn't start driving until I was 20 years old or so. I met my hubby after a painful divorce. My new hubby is 30 years older than me and an opthamologist. During a trip (when I was about 22), on a whim, he bought a 40 foot long motor coach. He drove it for a couple hours, then pulled over and told me to take over. I became the one who drove everywhere- even after he added a 20 foot long car trailer to the back.
I loved to drive it but I was also aware it caused a bit of stress. I didn't realize just how much stress until I started falling asleep behind the wheel of that beast. I would abuse caffeine just to stay awake but it had very little effect on me (in a good way).
We also go to Hawaii every January. I LOVE the trips but I started noticing I have horrible nightmares 3 months and longer BEFORE the trip even happens. Then I started having so much physical pain I could barely walk.

I finally saw a doctor for it. After about 3 years of looking for the right "cocktail" I found the one that works. 18 mg Strattera, 20 mg Lexapro, 200 mg Provigil every day. I have tried so many medicines I've forgotten most of them lol. It takes real determination to stick to them even when they make you sick or seem to make you worse initially.

I've not gotten rid of my anxiety but it is more manageable now-a-days.
Hope you feel better soon. It CAN happen.

Anxiety and panic attacks don't always stem from extreme trauma as my case shows.

**Edit**
During my attacks, most of the time I become "cataplexic". My body becomes weak and my voice slurs as if I'm drunk. I get pale and fall asleep. During extreme cases I heave (or vomit if I've recently eaten) and my vision darkens from the outside in and I fall asleep. I used to think I was dying but now I realize them for what they are.

Answer 4

See panic attack treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net. (.net.nz/~shaneris) in section 8.