Anxiety and Panic Attacks

L8APEX

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Finding the right therapist along with a bit of good ol' Valium does wonders. I'm luckier than some, but I've still gone through hell a several times.
Valium has been around for years and unlike most of the new meds, I don't get acclimated to it.
Drinking and antidepressants dont mix. Many popular depression meds tear up your liver, especially in the higher doses.
 

Blk91stang

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Has anyone thought of what the major contributors are for the majority of people?

So far I'm convinced the biggest one is not meeting expectations that we put on ourselves or others expect from us. This is driven by the media (social, magazines, TV) and from family and friends. Unlike all other animals, we complicate life more than it needs to be. Luckily we can escape this but it requires literally never giving a shit what anyone thinks about you and never comparing yourself to others.

The way we live our lives, when it's good it's good, but that can change all too quickly. It's best to be thankful for the simple things in life, appreciate what we have, and never worry about what is out of our own control.

I know this doesn't answer the OP's question, but I believe it's important to understand the source so it can be treated properly.
 

jshen

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Xanax & Clonopin is a commonly prescribed treatment, per my Dr.,....I was prescribed valium 35 years ago and it still works today...If I feel "it" coming on I take a tablet and it does the trick

Let me add this- I see a doctor for this and highly recommend you do the same.
 
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velocicaur

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We had a decent anxiety thread earlier this year too. The key is to seek help before it gets too out of control whether that is therapy, medication, etc. One of my biggest regrets in life was not seeking help sooner. I would highly suggest medication because it has been occurring over a long period of time and it isn't just a one off event. Look into benzos for instant anxiety/panic relief (xanax, etc.) Use them sparingly and they are as good as gold.

There was a decent anxiety thread earlier this year:
https://svtperformance.com/threads/suffering-anxiety.1174319/
 

fangin2u

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I had anxiety attacks when I was a kid and Angioedema set in, mostly on my bottom lip. Ran a grocery store for a major chain most of my working life considerable pressure. One night an anxiety attack hit me and my bottom lip was touching my nose, my wife had to drive me to the ER. Fortunately I’m retired and doing ok now.
 

TBCobra

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Sorry to hear you're having these problems. I have no advice sadly but I wanted to wish you well and tell you to not turn to alcohol. These will only exacerbate the overall problem. Good luck!
 

nxhappy

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the truth is, you are prolly stressed out, beyond **** sake, like many of us. Step 1 is to realize, you are not alone, and there is help. One this is for sure...pills are NOT the answer. They will only **** your true chemical balance and you don't want the addiction. Honestly if you smoke some green get a good INDICA strain and you will sleep like a tiny naked baby. Get with a therapist and talk out your bullshit. Talk to family about your worries. I know it may seem petty but COMMUNICATION is key. People can sympathize with you and help you out. we are here for you bro.
 

Twisted2v

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Never take any SSRI.

It would be a good time to start doing bloodwork. You can have your own tests done in most states.

I personally recommend herbs, meditation, and breathing exercises. Another thing is facing your anxiety triggers in less stressful situations. Such as, if a student gets panic attacks in school, visit the school when it's empty/after most kids are home and there's no pressure of a test.
 

pwrshft99

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I'm right there with you OP, it's freaking scary. I can't wait till Jan 1st because my state is legalizing.

Guess your are IL or MI. Don't write off a medical card. It was extremely easy for me to get one. I'm also excited about the 1st but recreational will face shortages and atleast 10 times the 1% tax medical users pay
 

ViciousJay

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Guess your are IL or MI. Don't write off a medical card. It was extremely easy for me to get one. I'm also excited about the 1st but recreational will face shortages and atleast 10 times the 1% tax medical users pay
I'm hoping it help's my taxes, but alcohol is a true tribute to anxiety as people have stated. The way things are processed these days aren't clean, unless hard stress are involved.

My experience and I'm willing to share are, I got married to a person and living someone for 4 years, got married and got a divorce after 5 months, my mother and myself both lost our jobs, lost my dog to cancer, lost my uncle to a heart attack, tried to help a cousin and had them move in but was forced to kick them out, take jobs that undermined me to pay the bills. This all happened within 6 months which left me like the OP which I snapped one day. I'm not on any meds and had hard to a find a job in the meantime I would freak out going to job interviews but I got through it but still a battle. My grandma has been on xanex for 30 years plus but it's not the answer as others have said. I don't want to sound crazy and I'm not a religious person but I ask for the archangels of Micheal, Gabriel, Raphael, and Jesus to protect me before I go into a stressful situations. I know what I've said sounds stupid but you'll pull through.

Stress is a bitch and I've been through more than most but listening to music is also a help. Look into something like this

 
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shurur

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You need to figure out what triggers the panic attacks. And to try to stay calm and think it through. Awefulliziing and dumping achohol will work only so long.

I can only give you my subjective advice..as I am no professional..



1. mine come when $ problems hit at the same time from two or more places...like car not running and other bills at once...my car health is my health...and with my low pay the fear is real, as I need to stay on the road and working.

It comes from growing up poor.

2. The other comes from being arrested and tossed in Jail for standing up to bullies while on my own property. Then taken to trial as well and losing all my money.

Also..Sometimes I wake up in my cell.

3. A third trigger is when someone tries to push me around or bully me.

Your triggers may be more subtle and elusive.
See a counselor or phsychologist and talk it out.

Get blood work done..you may not make enough seratonin.

Mood stabilizers regulate seratonin..and are used for anxiety. Add 5htp to your list.
Better to knock yourself out with an OTC sleeping aid than drink.

Also take note of what you are doing when it happens..especially breathing...I breath very shallow when it is happening....dont forget to breath.

Assertivness training helps deal with aggressive folks and keeps you from lashing out and looking bad even though you are right.

Praying helps even for new born atheists...life will make you pray to someone..pray for luck.
 
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ViciousJay

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OP, as a man don't be afraid to cry, if anyone calls you a pussy they deserve to be blasted in the face, stand tall and except you're hardship and face it head-on and remember family is in the cornerstone or if not there is a community like here to help, it takes balls to admit what you're dealing with it and focusing on positive things in you're life will only help you out of the rabbit hole.
 

Chancey

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Thanks for the responses guys. I don't exercise regularly anymore, I'm sure that would help. Honestly, hearing responses from you guys that have dealt with it help me alot.
Ive been there off and on too OP. Usually it goes away in a few minutes to an hour or so. I have to pray and focus on the things that really matter. Its funny, I used to live in complete and utter chaos/turmoil. Did drugs and drank heavily. Now I have been sober, praying to God and living and honest life for the most part for about 15 years. The anxiety only started happening in the last year or so. Seemingly for no rhyme or reason. It can feel overwhelming occasionally. Some good advise from several on here... Try prayer and exercise. It helps me alot. God speed man...
 

Makobra

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a few years back i was nearly killed by a tahoe, turned my f150 into what looked like a jeep, flipped the suv twice, and caused my truck to shove the two cars in front of me into another guy. I was alarmingly calm to EMT's. they ran their test, and had me sit for a bit. after a while they checked again, still nothing. no shock, I wasn't shaken at all.

I'm not a badass. I'm just ALWAYS stressed so when SHTF I don't lose it but that is not a healthy way to live life. I have to actively try to rest. its a weird thing. rest for my mind, my soul, my body. you gotta find that and dig out whatever things are causing you to stress out for no reason. I just got a major promotion, you'd think I'd be relieved that mo money is coming but I think its actually stressed me more.

I've had all KINDS of weird things from stress. bale's palsey, skin things, headaches, ocular migraines, all kinds of crazy crap.

unplug. eat fine food. laugh. dream. rest. soak in moments with people you love.
 

SolarYellow

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SSRI's are nothing to cause fear as long as you don't take the few causing harm, suicidal thoughts, violence, etc..,
 

VNOMIS

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I've dealt with anxiety for most of my life. Unfortunately, I'm a stubborn **** and thought I would just deal with it on my own. I finally made an appointment to see a therapist. Best decision of my life. I've been taking paxil for about 3 years now (I got lucky and that was the first drug I was prescribed by my therapist and it worked). My only regret was not seeking help years ago. What I thought was normal behavior was actually extreme anxiety. Hope you're able to get some help. Good luck!
 

mebetter

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I have been there, and when it first happened to me I too thought I was having a heart attack. I was afraid to take SSRI/SNRI but once I tried it after about a month I could really tell a difference. I stopped taking it for a couple of years, and recently battled with stress and anxiety again; and talked to my doctor and I'm now back on effexor; and things have been better. It's not a cure all, and I still have moments of trouble which is life; but I'm better able to mentally deal with trouble. Cannabis can help as well, but it depends on the person; some people who are prone to over-thinking and anxiety become even more anxious with cannabis use. Good luck, and I hope you are able to find a resolution soon to your troubles.
 

03Sssnake

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For the past 6 months now, I have had a hard time dealing with this crap. Started out in June one day when I started feeling really lightheaded, felt like I was going to faint, my heart was just pounding, my breath was really short, nausea, tingling everywhere. I thought for sure I was having a heart attack. I called 911 and went to the ER. Ran a bunch of tests, everything is fine. Happens again 3 days later and I go back to a different ER. Same thing, everything is fine. Even MRI of my brain, multiple EKG tests, and extensive blood tests. I am healthy.

I've now seen 4 different doctors and I was determined that something was physically wrong with me. I started thinking I had some sort of cancer, or another terminal illness. I started researching and my symptoms kept coming up with anxiety and panic attacks. I just brushed it off because I always felt that anxiety is nonsense, and its just a weakness, not a real medical condition. Let me tell you, it is real and it is awful.

I am at my wit's end with this stuff. Doctors have prescribed these SSRI pills, but I am scared to take them to be honest. I have been drinking a lot more now, because that is the only thing that works. Has anyone else experienced this before?

So you have had the bloodwork done. What exactly did they test? cbc, complete metabolic panel, lipids etc? Those are always good to check, but did they check hormones like testosterone, estradiol, prolactin etc..... You could have one that is out of range, especially testosterone if you are later 30s, 40s etc....if your testosterone is low it can really **** with you, anxiety, depression, feeling of dread.... Way too many doctors want to prescribe meds for anxiety without further diagnosis and short term that is ok. However I would look for a longterm solution and resolving the principal underlying cause. Good luck bro, I hope you find resolution and relief soon.
 

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