Panic Disorders

Never done this before.  Just wondering if there are other people out there who have had a problem with panic attacks and feel dread sometimes, like they are going to have a panic attack, and just don't know what to do.  Feel guilty about taking meds, but they do seem to help.  Anyway, that dread feeling is the worst feeling.  I don't know why it takes such a hold, but it does!  It helps to know that I am not alone.

[anxietyfighter]

You're definitely not alone. There are lots of great people on here who are happy to share their experiences. I've been dealing with panic attacks for 7 years. I'm not on meds at the moment but have done before but am considering going back on them.

Don't feel guilty about taking your meds though, especially since you found one that works. Anxiety is an illness, and if you have found something that helps you deal with it that's great.

[robrob76]

You r definately not alone!!!  i have had panic attacks for 10 years and had an anxiety disorder for 15 years..!! on and off meds..
dont feel guilty about about needing meds, they r an aid ...alot of getting thru panic is learning about them..and the fear of another attack is exactly that..u keep the cycle going...get thru the next panic and when its over say to yourself..' i made it ' and try not to think about the NEXT one coming..cos as u know it will come..
goodluck my friend.

[blsdnsvd]

I was a sufferer of Panic Attacks back in the late 90's and before i was diagnosed, i had no idea what my ailment was. The symptoms are horrifying and can become overbearing and crippling. I have learned how to manage the attacks by deep breathing and staying calm because once you give in to them, they will become worse and unmanageable. sometimes med's are needed to initially control the symptoms and depending on the serverity.

Be sure to monitor your symptoms and seek professional help if they become overwhelming...it helps.

[kevintool]

Thanks for your support.  It is easier knowing I am not alone in this, that others have the same problem and learn to cope.

I have read so many books and articles about panic attacks and often wonder why experts equate them with the "fight or flight" response.  I have experienced a "fight or flight" feeling several times in my life and I can tell you that my panic attacks are nothing like the "fight or flight" response.

[Brenndy]

That feeling that you are experiencing is often times referred to as a feeling of "impending doom."  

As the other poster stated,  you are not alone in this battle, but it can be controlled with a number of various modalities; two of which that work well together are medication and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy.)

Hang in there.  Better days ahead.

[whitecat78]

I have experienced dread many times and a scary feeling, i take a anti-depressant, kratom for anxiety and my mood has changed drastically. Self help such as cognitive behavioral therapy is good too.