how can i calm this down!

[shell1983]

I've been having panic attacks for almost 2 years. During the first year they weren't too bad once I knew what they were and started taking medication.  I hated the side effects from the zoloft so I quit taking it and was fine for a while after that.  I've started having them again but do not want to take medication.  I've been working out more and I'm seeing a therapist but I'm still having them and now when I have them they are the worst they have ever been.  I think about it all the time and I know that is why I'm still having them but how do I control my thought processes and QUIT thinking about it! Im only 25 and really don't want to deal with this forever!

[shell1983]

thanks so much for the advice! i do try the relaxation techniques, but when i sit down and try breathing and do start to calm down it seems like that just makes me freak out more! i really just dont know what to do...i have read on other forums about the rubber band trick, i may try that.  I just want to keep living a normal life and not let this control me! i'm going to give it another month or so of just therapy and rubber bands and if that doesnt help i will try another med.  thanks so much!

[kristine9190]

Have you tried any relaxation techniques? Your therapist should be able to help you with that. I have been on my meds for about a year, I was not a big fan of going on any meds either, but I made a promise to myself to give it a full year. I am almost to that year mark, and I haven't decided whether or not I will continue them. But, I do think that meds in conjunction with therapy are the way to go. Maybe you should talk with your Dr. about a different type of med, often times it just takes time to find the one that works best for you with the least amount of side effects. There is a lot of help out there, and I have learned that if meds are what I need to get better, than that is OK. Like you, I don't want this to be a way of life for me, so I will do whatever I can to make sure that I lead a normal life, and if I need the help of medicine until I get there, than I am OK with that. I certainly don't want to be on them forever, but I know that the process for recovering from Anxiety can be lengthy, so I don't have any expectations.

You should really think about it, just do what you need to do to feel better. Find the right med for you, and I think you will see a big difference.

Take Care!
Kristine