anxiety and Panic Attacks from being alone..

[rondoo]

I have had on and off anxiety for years but able to manage.  Past 6 months anxiety out of control.  Basically fear of something happening to me and I won't be able to get help or fear of being "alone".  Sounds ridiculous and irrational but cant get past it right now.  Cant even drive alone.  Very crippling.  Even if I go in a store I have to know where my husband is parked and make sure he has his cell phone on.  Worst anxiety I have ever had.  Taking Ativan now.  helps a little.  Has anyone else experienced similar anxiety and if so how did you overcome it?

[Technus]

I have the opposite problem and have panic attacks when there are large crowds of people.  It's an irrational fear but in my mind makes it's rational because I know that mobs of people can kill (for example).  Just look at wal-mart on Black Friday :/  You may want to consider getting a pet or something that can take your mind off the lonliness. i try to devert my focus on what I'm doing at the time, it's hard because lots of people pushing by you or trying to get down the isle is very distracting, so I try to think about something else, like making up stories in my mind.  I like to do alot of writing and it can help distract me.  Having a cat really helps me with my emotional problems, though I know I'm going to need more help than that.  One of the ways I got over my OCD was by reminding myself that it was a waste of energy, to put so much thought and effort into something that was irrational or even superstitious, when I could be free and enjoying my life.  I overcame my OCD, but the social anxiet is still an ongoing battle, but it has gotten better.

[metalfan1]

Yes I've had anxiety like that before. It happens less often then it did before although currently I'm having a bad case and trying to overcome it. What I do is just talk it out with people on here or with a close loved one. I suggest you talk to your husband about it even if you've already done so. I've told my mom and gf several times how i feel and it always helps. Also drinking teas can help. Like I said earlier I'm going through some bad anxiety and a few days ago I had to go to walmart all by myself. I almost went back home like 5 times. But I decided to stick with my plan. yes I was having anxiety at the store and it wasn't pleasant but knowing that i did it helps me. So I suggest you try that when your're ready. Maybe just take a walk around the block first and then go a bit further each time.

[Alisonj29]

Yes I was terrified of being alone in the last stages of my pregnancy and after my daughter was born. It was so bad my husband had to take a year leave from work. I worked through things with a therapist and exposure therapy as well as medication. It is a very real and scary fear. I hope you are able to find some help with it.
I found that always knowing I could call someone and talk to them while I was alone even if it was the middle of the night helped alot.

[mammo]

Yes, and was able to get beyond it with medication.  If the Ativan isn't helping let your doctor know this, there are other choices.  It is very crippling, and a heck of a way to have to live our lives.  You may want to look into therapy along with medication to address what is causing your anxiety.  Therapy can be a big help, but also a lengthy process and this is where medication can help. Do contact your doctor right away for something to control your panic.  I wish you all the best.

[alsky]

Ativan is great for short term but perhaps you need to discuss this with a therapist.  Our fears are usually irrational.   Try taking the Ativan with you but dont take it.   Sometimes just knowing you have it calms you down. -  this strategy worked well for me when my anxiety was really bad