Getting Past My Anxiety

[Jmast184]

Hey everyone,

To serve as some information on my story, I'm 22, wrestle in college (graduating this semester), majoring in finance, and have recently develop what seems to be anxiety related issues. I had my first panic attack in late November and would have them intermittently until late December they persisted daily. I've been prescribed Lexapro (10mg) and Xanax (.25mg as needed) to help. I've been on the Lexapro for roughly a month, but I can't seem to shake the breathlessness feeling that I assume is a result of the anxiety. It's extremely debilitating as I don't seem to have another other symptoms of anxiety at this point. I was convinced for a while that I had some serious illness and would spend way too much time researching online. Last semester I was taking 22 hours in school, president of the finance club at school, treasurer of SGA, VP of the economics club,  interning at a financial firm, dealing with a long distance relationship, and wrestling. I assume that all of these factors contributed to my overall anxiety, but I guess that I'm just looking for reassurance that the breathing issue is in fact from anxiety. I've been to the ER twice and had multiple EKG's and a chest x-Ray which all came back "textbook". I cut out caffeine when all of this started, but I do consume smokeless tobacco. If anyone has any input, please feel free to respond.

[Jmast184]

Update - doctor confirmed that what I am experiencing is indeed anxiety. He upped my Lexapro dosage to 20 mg a day (not sure how I feel about it). The breathing issue has gotten significantly better. I've kind of self diagnosed myself with hyperventilation syndrome. When all of this started happening, I became more conscious of everything - including my breathing. Taking control of my breathing caused me to over breathe, giving me the effect of hyperventilation. Now I'm taking better control of my breathing and at times even forgetting about it completely. It's been a great last week in that respect. Also got back into lifting, I feel that I'm on the upswing from all of this anxiety crap.

[tiffmichelle]

Hope everything went well! Any update? I also went straight to medication because mine were so severe they were seriously taking over my life and I couldn't concentrate on anything. Also remember medication can take up to a month and a half or longer to fully kick in!

[Jmast184]

I take a multivitamin and B-12, Vitamin C, Iron, and Fish Oil once daily and have for years. That shouldn't be a problem. I'm going to a different physician tomorrow and I'll keep you all updated.

[Paxiled]

Some people will definitely benefit from these supplements, but I notice you recommend the same things to everyone.  Obviously, people have different needs.  You can also get too much magnesium, especially from the overuse of Epsom salts, which can cause diarrhea and other problems.  Too much B12, especially in someone who gets plenty from their diet, can create an imbalance with B6 and folic acid, arguably much more important for mental health than B12.  Too much Vitamin D in someone who gets too much calcium and not enough magnesium in their diet, which describes most Americans, can be a problem as well.  Not saying your advice won't help some people, it probably will, and I don't think the chances harm are that great, but a more individual approach is important when it comes to supplementation.  Peace.

[Gemfly]

When you were checked out did they do blood work?
Look into Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and iron/ferritin

Add magnesium supplements, Epsom Salt baths to help relax you and may ease anxiety.

[Jmast184]

The medication was the first thing that came to mind. For me, I initially wanted some medication to alleviate the panic attacks as they began. We have a school counselor/therapist that has a private practice as well. I went to see her twice, but nothing that we talked about/did was beneficial. Haven't looked much further into it.

[Paxiled]

Before you tried medication, did you try therapy?  Not only could a psychologist experienced in anxiety treatment help diagnose you, but could also teach you some breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques such as meditation that might take care of that breathless problem.  Just wondering if drugs were your first recourse.