Anxiety Attacks
 

Hi Everyone :)

I posted a few weeks ago about the depression and anxiety attacks I've been having. My doctor started me on 50mg of Zoloft and I've been feeling better but last night, in the middle of the night, I had a horrible attack. I was woken up by it and the hardest part is the intrusive thoughts that race through my mind. Does anyone else experience this? I feel like I'm going crazy!

My doctor also gave me Ativan but I've been hesitant about taking it..

Yes, I get them. Get this book. http://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Ac...0666994&sr=8-1 It saved my life, and continues to do so.

Until it arrives, when you get the attacks, make some room for the anxiety. Then, recognize them for the what they are: physical sensations (name those things you feel - I feel my stomach flipping, and my arms feel weak, my heart is pounding), thoughts (name the thoughts: there is worry, there is planning, there is dread) and feelings (name those.)

The things you brain tells you in the middle of the night are not the truth. The panic and anxiety are not the truth. When you make some room for the anxiety, and break it down into what it is (instead of the giant monster it seems to be in the middle of the night) it is easier to bear, and starts to dissipate.

The book explains it better, and has some wonderful meditations, too.

:hug:

Thankyou so much! Heading over to Amazon now!

These attacks are becoming unbearable and I can barely function throughout the day because I'm up all night after I have one. I know my thoughts aren't normal and it's more of an urge to hurt myself even though I never would. The attack happens when I start to think the thoughts will come true. Last night was the first time I was actually woken up out of a deep sleep.

I'm really hoping and praying nothing happens tonight.. This is horrible.

I know these feelings, and I will look into this book. I do not take anything, but I consciously do deep breathing, and tell myself that I will NOT let ANTS (ANXIOUS NEGATIVE THOUGHTS) get to me. I then force myself to think of calm places in my life (the beach) or do mental lists to get myself back.

I think of my anxiety as a band of raggamuffin children. They chase after me, pulling at my clothes, warning me of dangers ahead. The more I run, the more of them chase me. And they get louder, and they call the ones who are bigger and can run faster. But if I stop, and sit, and breathe, they gather round. I tell them there is room for them here. That I will keep them safe. They start to sit. They might still cry, but they are feeling comforted. I tell them they can stay with me, that it is safe. That they don't need to warn me of dangers, that I am capable and will handle whatever comes. Then they lie down, and sleep.

Your anxiety might seem like giant monsters, but it's not. It's a combination of thoughts, feelings and physical sensations. That's all. Your pounding heart can be slowed with deep breathing. The other physical sensations can be felt, labeled, acknowledged and accepted for what they are - physical sensations. Your pounding heart is not scary when you are at the gym, but it is at midnight if you label it "truth about horrible future" instead of "pounding heart."

You are not your thoughts. Your thoughts are not the truth.

Do some quiet mindfulness meditation before bed. Tell your monsters there is nothing to rise up against tonight. They are welcome and you are all safe. Imagine them plodding into the room, getting smaller as they come out of the corners, and from under the bed. Turning almost muppet like as they pulls their blankets over to your bed, curl up, and sleep.

I've dealt with anxiety attacks of varying severity since I was about 22 years old--so almost two decades, in other words.

I saw a therapist who specialized in CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) about them about three years ago, and while I do still get panic attacks at times, some of the stuff he taught me really helps. Everyone's different, but here are some of the things I picked up that might help you as they've helped me:

- Re-frame your feelings about the attacks. I remember saying "I can't bear this" and "I hate this" and "I can't take feeling this"--but as Seagirl says, these are not the truth. The truth is, it's not a pleasant sensation, but it IS just a sensation. When I have a panic attack, I can bear it. I can stand it. I neither love nor hate it, it just is. I still get them, but now they're familiar and I have some ways to deal with them.

- There's a strong physiological component to a panic attack, and like a roller coaster, the ride lasts a minimum amount of time. This thought actually helped me because I realized that the "I'm having a heart attack" sensations were a purely physiological side effect of a whole bunch of adrenaline dumped into my bloodstream. It can no more be stopped than a doctor could un-inject a patient with a similar chemical cocktail. Instead of the half-hour heebie-jeebies I used to get, my panic attacks are now two or three minutes of feeling the emotional effects and another twenty or so minutes of shakiness and emotional calm. It's a HUGE improvement.

- I've learned a lot about what triggers panic episodes for me, and--surprise, surprise!--almost all of them are physiological. Pay close attention to when you get them. Sometimes it's random, but other times it can be something very specific--a given time of month, physical discomfort like an upset stomach or headache, letting yourself get too tired--and knowing that can help you avoid those triggers or at the very least understand your panic episodes when you get them. Now I can say, "This panic attack is happening to me the day before my period; it's right on schedule." It's like cramps, but it happens to my autonomic nervous system instead of my uterus. :D

I don't take anything for my anxiety issues, so I couldn't address how the Zoloft is affecting you, but I highly recommend combining any medication with therapy directed squarely at the panic disorder and/or with Seagirl's book, which sounds like a very helpful one that I'm probably going to look into as well. (Hey, my attacks are a lot easier to handle, but if I could make them easier still--even better. :) )

You aren't crazy, this is bearable, and you can stand it. It will ease. :hug:

Nola dear where were you 30 years ago when I first started having panic attacks? Probably still in your mother's womb. Thank you so much for shedding light on this topic. I am trying to give up worrying (and the subsequent anxiety that accompanies it) and I will certainly follow your advice. Thank you for sharing!:hug:

Seagirl thank you for sharing about this book. I am going to re-share it with another person I know who experiences these as well.

Thanks Monica and Kimberly for sharing about these horrible attacks. I think of how many sleepless nights I have had as a result and of course dragged out days that followed. It is a vicious cycle.

Pam--nope, I was probably cruising down the street on my bike like a not-yet-chubby 10-year-old. :D

And I give all credit to my excellent therapist. I was surprised at how much relief cognitive behavioral therapy gave me, and how quickly; I thought it would be the work of years, but I found the attacks eased in severity and frequency after a month and a half or so of once-weekly meetings. It's even more impressive on his part that what he told me has stuck with me so well and so long; since the time I saw him, I've never had as much anxiety even during more anxious times.

Still, don't you wish we could wave a magic wand and make attacks disappear? My nerves took a lot of fun out of my life for a while; I'm glad they no longer do so as much.

I wish you all the best and am going to join you in reading that book. :)

Wow this is an awesome thread, you all bring up some very helpful tips for anxiety attacks. I have generalized anxiety disorder and it's recently come screaming back into my life after I went off the meds cold turkey about a month ago. Now I'm dealing with the consequences and deciding to go back on Citalopram but a lower dose.
Seagirl your method of thinking of the anxiety in that way is AMAZING. It's beautiful and is something I'm definitely going to use. Thank you !
Kimberly, there are so many people out there who deal with the terrible anxiety as well, so know that you aren't alone. You will get through it and everything will be ok. Just keep loving yourself and treating yourself with respect and honor and love :-)

I understand where you're coming from. I suffer from panic disorder & a mild form of agoraphobia..at times better than other times. I've been on damn near everything out there & nothing has helped my anxiety except for Prozac 20 mg. which im currently taking. My sweaty palms, racing/obsessive thoughts, depression has all but disappeared. I've been in therapy for YEARS & as the poster above said..YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

I also take Klonopin (it's faster acting & lasts longer in the body). Have you considered trying cognitive behavioral therapy? (or just therapy in general?)

Wow! So happy to find this thread! I've only recently started having anxiety attacks only days after my surgery in February this year. Nola, your comment was very helpful. My mother always tells to just relax and breathe, "you'll be fine!". I like your experienced and educated reply. Thank you for sharing. I am going to keep those things in mind the next time it happens. I don't feel mine last only a half hour. The worst of it does. But then I can spend the rest of the day, almost, worried and expecting something tragic, like death, to happen to me. Thank you so much for sharing those tips! God bless!

You are not crazy, and anxiety attacks are not a symptom of mental illness.
They are caused by an inner ear disorder.

This is easily corrected at home with the use of over-the-counter medications (antihistamines)
The breakthrough in anxiety attacks was accomplished by Dr. Harold Levinson of Great Neck, New York.

He has written a book: PHOBIA FREE
Just search for 'Dr Harold Levinson, Phobia Free' in the internet.

The book should be at your local library, but you can also buy it online. He will tell you how to treat the anxiety attacks, and how to get a good nights sleep.

Best of luck to you.
:beach:

The anesthesia that is given to put you to sleep during surgery can damage the inner ear area.
If you read Dr Levinson's book, Phobia Free, he will tell you how it is treated using OTC medications from your pharmacy.
He lists the medications to use, and most don't require a prescription.
Harold Levinson, MD has a practice in Great Neck, NY.

:hug:

I had no idea! I even spoke to the surgeon about it and he said there's no relation. Thank you! I'm most certainly going to look into it!

I also have intrusive thoughts--so I know how hard it is to deal with them. A lot of people with anxiety disorders have these thoughts, and it doesn't mean you would actually do the things you think of--its simply a feedback. The thoughts are caused by high anxiety, and then they create more anxiety. One of the biggest way to feed intrusive thoughts, is to react to them.

I can see how we might self medicate anxiety by eating or drinking, especially at night, when the anxiety seems to get worse (at least for me.)

I have anxiety really bad. It is so bad that I shake at night (psuedo seizures). My depression contributes to my anxiety. I have things that calm me but medication is the miracle. I can't handle my anxiety very well without it I try but it just makes more anxiety. I have had anxiety as a diagnosis for about 3 years now. I try to deal but sometimes it gets very overwhelming.

Lynn

I am not sure if I have "anxiety attacks", but I have been experiencing a lot of stress lately due to some personal issues at home. I have taken my pulse when I'm feeling what I can only classify as an anxious episode, or "anxiety attack" and my heart beats about 105-110 beats per minute. I think that's high, right?

My doctor gave my a very low dose prescription for Xanax (.25 mg) to help me settle down for sleep, on occasion, when my mind is racing. But I'm reluctant to take it when I feel the anxiety like that, because I'm not sure if I'm actually having an anxiety attack or panic attack or whatever.

I'm going to speak with my doctor about it next week. Does anyone else have that same reaction to stress/anxiety? It's not so much that I can't function, but I do worry about the accelerated heart rate.

I have a very similar anxiety episodes. However, they are random and not specifically stress related. I am on Lexapro to keep my anxiety level on an even keel most of the time so they have been minimized greatly.

I don't take a tranquilizer for specific episodes, but I have friends for whom Xanax works wonders when they are panicking. Talk to your doctor, but don't be afraid to take the medicine as he or she indicates. It's supposed to help you!
:hug:

I have lived with Panick attacks for several years. I didn't know what they were for the first 2 years. I thought I was seriously ill. I'd wake up gasping for air, pains in my chest, shortness of breath; my tongue would swell and be dry so I couldn't swallow. Heat waves would flush threw my body. Tingling would start in my hands and progress threw my body and my blood pressure would go sky high. I was convinced I was going to die. I called 911 and the ambulance took me to the hospital 9 times. They would say I had bronchitis and send me home. It got so bad I was having them for 4 - 5 hours back to back. It runt my marriage and I lost the love of my life. I thought I was going crazy. One day on the way home from the hospital I saw a sign for a psychiatrist. I U turned and walked in his office and told the secretary I think I'm going nuts and I can't live anymore like this. She had me in with the doctor in 15 min. That day changed my life.
He told me I was not crazy at all. It's called "Fight or Flight" It's a real problem but can be handled. "Fight or Flight" is the physical signs your body does when it is dying. Just like having a heart attack, car crash, etc, for a unknown reason scientist have not been able to figure out yet what cause it to trigger when you’re not dying. It has absolutely nothing to do with stress or mental problem. (Even though I have a long history of that).
Anxiety attacks are brought on by stress or some mental issues. But not Panick attacks. They are so named because your body is panicky which in turn causes you to Panick and hyperventilate.
Now when I have them, I tell myself I know for a fact I'm not going to die, this is not going to last, and I slow down my breathing. Also I put a wet cold wash cloth on my neck it helps and walking. The really best way to beat them is talking to someone about anything else. I will call my friend and tell her I am having a Panick attack to talk to me. She knows so she will start a conversations about anything . Once my mind gets distracted, the PA will stop.

So breath slowly, know you’re not dying, and you can handle them.

Anybody heard of the 21-7 technique? Not sure what it is. I would like to expire this but not buy it right out. Especially since it is a whole bundle. I would rather just have an ebook to start with.

I get panic attacks and back when I was 21 (I'm 38 now) my doctor also prescribed Zoloft which made my panic attacks MUCH worse. I discontinued the drug and instead use other methods to combat my panic attacks including taking Valium for acute instances (only when I fly- I'm terrified to fly), hypnosis, exercise, and talking it out. Oh, I did take Buspar for a while, as well. However, I got diagnosed last year with a thyroid disorder and once I got treated I don't think I've had a panic attack since. Thyroid problems are known contributors to anxiety, as are some other medical conditions.

The Human Mind Is Great , But It Also Can Be Your Enemy Especially When Your Tired Or Had A Bad Day , It Just Won't Stop Thinking . Ignore Your Mind When It Starts To Babble (as I Like To Say). Take A Deep Breath And Focus On The Good Hearth That You Have. What Your Mind Thinks Is Not Who You Are.
This Is A Fact Listen To Your Hearth.

I have had anxiet disorder for a few years but it got really bad just over a year ago with a few months of several times a day panic attacks. I couldn't go out, missed so many important days of my kids lives, was depressed because of it all. I got on 10 mg cipralex and life has been better. I still have anxiety before my period and when I ovulate and I take 1 mg Ativan maybe once every 4 months but I am coping much better. Still wish it were non existent but I am confident one day it will come. Anxiety sucks!

before your period? I was wondering if it is connected to that. What time frame?

(((hugs)))) I've had panic attacks off and on since I was in my early 20's. About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and the doctor put me on medication (took a couple of different meds before we landed on Paxil) to control the chronic aspects of the anxiety/depression and xanax for the breakthrough panic attacks.

From my perspective the medication has been an absolute lifesaver. I was reluctant and a bit nervous to take them but the difference in my life has been night and day.

I have had panic attacks for years and in the last several they got MUCH worse. Fortunately, I found an excellent psychologist. One of the techniques he taught me is called "Square Breathing." You breathe in for four counts slowly, hold it for four counts, breathe out for four counts, and then hold for four counts before you start over. It helps me. It gives you something to concentrate on other than the attack, it floods your brain with oxygen, and for some reason the holding breath thing helps me a lot.

I just bought the mindfulness workbook. I'm so looking forward to getting it in the mail! I struggle with mild anxiety, but the more I can do to control it, the better!

My doctor gave me Ativan to help with my panic attacks as well and her warned me to be cautious. Ativan is something you would usually take during an intense panic attack - I used to get them at school and at work all the time, and for me it was like all of my private issues that I'd like to keep to myself were on display for the whole world. It was embarrassing and uncomfortable, and the anxiety I got just from thinking about the fact that people knew how bad my anxiety was triggered my attacks. It was kind of a vicious cycle and Ativan DID help me until my doctor helped me find a medication better suited to my needs - I guess it really depends on the magnitude of the attack, but I found when if I had an attack at home (I usually have them at night or am woken up by them like you were) I try to take deep breathes and calm myself with other methods than medication as Ativan is an addictive drug, and can be dangerous.

Do you have an amazon link? I am interested in something like that too.
Let us know how it is too, please

I bought the anxiety and phobia workbook by Edmond (can't remember last name) but it's wonderful!!!! Such a great book!

I sometimes get anxiety attacks due to PMDD (the nasty version of PMS). After two years of completely useless treatments, they decided to try me on diazepam (valium), another benzodiazepine. It's only 2mg, and sometimes I cut the tablets in half as they seem to be affecting me more strongly these days. Since I know that the anxiety is unlikely to last for more than a few days, I don't need to worry about problems related to overuse. It works very nicely for me.

Maybe try tracking how often you get these attacks, and note down possible triggers (including stress and your menstrual cycle)? Then you have better information to use when talking to the doctor. In my experience, doctors like it when you ring them up for a quick chat because you're concerned about using a drug carefully. It helps show that you are responsible, less likely to become an addict, and that you are keen on building a good working relationship with them. There's not much they can do for patients who don't take the meds (because of side effects, or fear of side effects) but never mention this to the doctor. Meanwhile, I imagine you'd be fine using it once or twice a week (jot this down too, obviously), and it's definitely better than being up half the night with an anxiety attack. I find that knowing that I have an effective treatment sitting in the bedside drawer does help the anxiety somewhat.

I'm not sure how fast my heart races but it goes super fast and beats so hard. For me, I have to hold my breath to try and get everything back on track. I have been dealing with panic attacks since I was 15 and it never gets easier. I believe that the racing mind is a sign of a panic attack.
On to the Xanax. I love it. I have been on different anxiety medications and this was the only med that help me. I am on 1 mg and I take it before bed. I sleep though the night and it was the ONLY med that stopped my mine from racing.
The issue with Xanax is there are some nasty side effects once your body is used to it so read up on it and make sure it's something you wanna try.
This should go without saying...don't drink any alcohol with it. I did it once (not thinking) and it caused me to black out but still be awake. Also, if you take TO MUCH (say 1 mg when you haven't taken more than .25mg it can cause you to also black out but be awake) Not trying to scare you but give you the heads up. Like I said, it was the only med that stopped the racing mind and allowed me to sleep finally.

I have social anxiety and general anxiety disorders. I am currently taking Klonopin and its been good for me. I am tired of my weight issues and am determined to stay focused and resolve it. As hard as it is to lose weight, its even harder when you have issues like these. I battle anxiety every single day of my life but I am determined to win.

I was wondering then if this is what I am having, I sometimes cry for no reason, I feel as if something is going to happen, I am afraid to go to sleep at night as I am not sure if I'll wake up in the morning, I am more aware of my body, ie heart pounding, a slight headache, a little twinge in my chest and I am freaking out like omg am I having a heart attack? I wake up in the middle of the night sometimes and feel as if something is going to happen. Is this Anxiety. ?

It sounds like a combination of general anxiety plus anxiety attacks (which are more acute- the "I'm dying" thing with the racing heart and shortness of breath.

I highly recommend you see your doctor, because anxiety can have causes besides stress or chemical imbalances in the brain. As an example, thyroid disorders can cause panic attacks. I suffer from Hashimotos, a thyroid disease, and used to suffer debilitating panic attacks. I am being treated now for my thyroid disorder and rarely have anxiety issues any more, and even find that I am less temperamental as well.

Thanks so much Dee I will go and have it checked.

Please ask your doctor for a full check up. Not just thyroid can cause those issues. Other hormonal imbalances can cause anxiety as well.

Also, consider exploring alternative therapies. I find that Yoga, prayer, massage and hypnosis really work well for me for keeping my anxiety in check. Other people meditate, or do acupuncture. Plus there's a ton of alternative herbal medicines out there that can help with anxiety symptoms. If you have a naturopathic doctor or a holistic practitioner near you, it might be worth seeing them. My normal doctor is now my naturopath because she has done such a good job of helping me- much better than traditional medicine ever did.

Good luck to you.