Constant Fear

[worrywart73]

Hi ive had panic disorder since i was 17 and got it pretty much under control by age 20 with an occassional panic attack her n there.Well about two years ago now it came back more severe and with different symptoms so i had to suffer for quite sum time b4 i got any relief due to me bein so scared of tryin new meds. I was precribed zoloft 50mg and xanax 0.5mg but i didnt start the zoloft for three weeks after recieving it n fear of the side effects and becuz of the pamplet on the risk of suicide thoughts.I forgot to mention this time around i also suffer from extreme anxiety daily and never had that wen i was younger and it really scares me bad.So the dr has advised me to go up 25mg on my zoloft but im petrified to do this even tho i know its probably for the best but i cant get all the negative thoughts outta my head about the side effects and fear if i take it im gonna get worse. By the way im a 36 yr old female and shud not b so scared of things.My mind is constantly racing and i hate my kids seeing me like this,its really not fear to them.I do see a therapist,too.I actually jus started seein her tho.Ive seen phyciatrists also but they all say the same thing so i know its panic disorder but i jus want it to please go away.I jus want to know if im gonna feel better go up on my zoloft but im never gonna know if i dont try it.Im so sik of bein so scared of EVERYTHING!!!!!! Any advise wud help,thank u

[rls27]

Was there something that happened two years ago that triggered your anxiety attacks again...major life change, traumatic event, loss of loved one, health issues? Sometimes it helps if you can nail down what your triggers are so you can better understand your anxiety and learn how to cope with it.

More than likely you will never rid yourself completely, but you can learn to live with it and accept that it's going to be along for the ride. I would urge you not to fight it when you feel symptoms coming on, that may only heighten your anxiety. Instead, once you feel the physical symptoms of an attack, talk yourself through, remind yourself that this is only a panic attack and that you've been there before. It's familiar territory...it's not a heart attack, stroke, tumor, and you aren't dying. Take some slow, deep breaths, and think of your anxiety as something separate outside your body. Let's call it a gremlin.

So there it is, tapping you on the shoulder, reminding you that it's time to worry for no appartent reason. The more you try to ignore it, the more it tries to convince you it's time to panic. Don't ignore it, acknowledge it is there, and continue to live your life. You still have a choice to either curl up in a hysterical ball, or give yourself a few minutes to coach yourself through and continue with whatever you were doing. It's not going anywhere, but you don't have to give in to it either. Accept that it will just be along for the ride but you can still live a normal and productive life.

[mammo]

As scary as the listed side effects are you have to try and ignore them.  It's a shame that all  we ever hear about are the negative experiences with medication because the good stories far outweigh the bad.  You also have to realize that anxiety is like any other medical condition requiring medication to control the symptoms.  If you were diagnosed with Diabetes you wouldn't think twice about taking the needed medication and anxiety is no different.  Medication has given so many of us our lives back and you deserve the same. You will never know until you try and right now you're in limbo with this anxiety.  You have a chance to feel better and truly owe it to yourself to at least try.  Keep in mind that if one person in a million suffers a side effect the drug companies have to list it, but the chances of you having the same is almost nil.  You're stronger than the anxiety....take the increased dosage and get your life back. I hope this helps and best wishes!