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[northernsunshine]

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  

I have had bad panic attacks for over 2 years now and for the last 1 have been on and off celexa as I didn't want to get addicted to them....I've been on 20mg/day again for the past 3 months.  I find myself not wanting to walk anywhere because my heart rate increases when i do and then i start feeling like I'm unable to breath and this definitly brings on an attack.  I know in my head that it's just my panic attack because I'm not overweight and i've had a chest xray done and everything is fine.  I have a nice slow resting heart rate so that's good from what my doctor says....so how i can talk myself into walking places when i'm affraid of having an attack?  We've been invited to go to theme parks and other fun stuff but i keep backing out because i'm scared of having an attack while walking around....any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance

[theotterone]

Talk to your doctor.  For some, anti depressants and anti anxiety meds can be a short term thing.  For people like my mom and I (and now my dad, though he is 64), it is a lifetime thing.  I don't like who I am or how I feel off my meds.  I have to have it re-evaluated, but communication is key.  Then there is the Nike saying "Just DO IT!"  Once you get going, the less you think about it, the better chance you will enjoy your walk.  One foot in front of the other, one step at a time.  There are times I can't leave my desk, my house or a room in my house due to the anxiety.  But it IS managable, you can have a great life.  There are meditations you can learn to help with your breathing to slow your heart.  There are exercises (written) you can do.  My boss' favorite thing to do with me when I am anxious is play the "what is the worst that can happen" game.  We go over what I am scared of, the worst outcome, then what would happen.  It ends in me realizing that being axious about something may be bigger in my head then it actually is.  Not always, but a good chunk of the time.  When I am in an attack, my family and true friends have learned how to support me without smothering me.  You can do it, and have my support! :o)

[northernsunshine]

Sorry about the title posting should have read over before posting...lol