Panic Attacks

Hello everyone.  I am new to your forums and found it today while searching for help.  My panic attacks have reached their peak over the past couple of weeks.  I am now taking Zoloft 50mgs per day and have been for about 10 days.  The dr says it will take a while to get into my system to begin working.  Work has seemed to be my trigger as many things have changed over the past couple months and the stress level is at an all time high there.  I had a panic attack last week which I thought was a heart attack and landed me in the ER.  I tried to go back to work 3 days later and had another attack and am now off for a month.  There have been many life events (deaths etc) this year that has also impacted myself and my family which I am sure has not helped.  I am seeking counseling starting next week to begin to help on that side along with the Zoloft.  Does anyone have any advice that can help me get over this hurdle and get back to work.  My life has spun out of control it seems over the past month and I feel like I am somewhat lost now that I am out for a month.  This issue has taken over my life and I want to get back to normal as soon as possible.  I know that I am not alone in my problem but am in uncharted territory for myself and my family.  Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

[JGF25]

Hi there....first let me say that you are doing all the right things to help yourself.  The Zoloft will take a good 4 to 6 weeks to really kick into gear but you should see a little improvement over time.  The therapist will do wonders for you.  Ask him/her to help you learn techniques such as controlled breathing to help you when you do have that panic attack so that you can nip it right when it starts.  Another thing is you have to come to the realization that you are not going to die from a panic attack.  I have them in the car and I breathe and if it takes a little while for it to go away then so be it.  I just keep on driving.  Yes its uncomfortable but if you start giving in, then pretty soon you won't be doing anything.  

As for your month off of work...use that to your advantage.  Get some exercise, work on the house, do whatever you can to keep yourself busy during that time.  The last thing you want to do is be sitting around thinking about your anxiety.  Take your mind away any chance you get.  

Lastly, like you said you are not alone.  We have all been where you are.  I have personally been where you are and you will get better.  Don't think that you will be this way forever.  You have a lot of stress in your life right now and that isn't always going to be the case.  Fall back on the fact that you had many years that were either anxiety free or at least anxiety-manageable and know that you were there once before and you will be there again.  

Take care.

[goawayanxiety]

I am sorry to say that I do not have advice...yet. I just came on this forum too for a huge onset of panic attacks. I am on my sixth day of meds. I just wanted to right you and let you know that you are not alone. There are some great people and posts on here that can help you. You will get through this!!

[weezer2180]

Thanks so much for your feedback.  I am going to try to stay busy and not hide myself in my house for a month.  It is a good feeling to know that I have started on the right path with the counseling, medication, etc.  I do feel like I am hiding from my problem since work is my trigger but my plan is to learn the proven ways to manage my anxiety so that when I go back I will have an arsenal of techniques to head off my problems.  My dr suggested going back for 1/2 days for a few days to ease myself back in so I think this will help as well.  I am trying to think positive (which I admit is sometimes difficult) and climb out of this.

[weezer2180]

It seems that we are somewhat on the same path right now since we are both new to panic attacks.  Everyone I have talked with both professionally and personally have suggested seeking counseling to go along with the medication.  The medication is to help manage our problem but the counseling will help us deal with the underlying cause and give us techniques to manage the problem when it arises.  I hope that we both can climb out of our positions.  Good Luck!!

[ehardy19]

I just wanted you to know that i started off just like you ... with deaf in the family that took a big total on my life along with stress . it started at work with being drizzy my doctor said i was suffering with vertigo and that went on for 4 weeks . i went back to work and alot with that was came a very bad feeling . I was having a panic attack which felt like a heart attack omg it was the worst feeling i couldnt catch my breath and then my vision was messing up so bad i couldnt move . i been home for three months the doctor give me Propranlolol 10mg to take twice a day . am scared to take it because i keep reading about side affects but i see that alot of people is taking the same meds that i have and i think i will start it asap . I want my life back . so you do what is right for you and if the doctor tells u that it will help u then do what u need to do to get your life back . GOOD LUCK !

[andrelle]

i stopped taking my meds 5 months ago and am i paying for it now. i am back on my 40mg prozac and on week 3 of it getting back in my system. this site has helped me so much.