what kind of anxiety is this

[longhaul195]

Has anyone had the kind of anxiety that starts with a panic attack but as the panic subsides a high level of anxiety kicks in that can last indefinitely. No one else would notice but inside I'm such a ball of nerves I feel out of touch. And instantly I can't eat anymore. I've been on medication before and when I went off it the same thing happened again.
I'm back on the meds(an ad) but it's taking awhile to kick in so I'm using klonopin daily until it does. This bout has been the worst ever, last time i was better in a couple weeks. I had never been an anxiety prone person before these two episodes so not sure how I got here. Just wondering if that kind of anxiety is what other people get too.
Thanks

[tisa1029]

sometimes when a panic attack goes away, it seems that everything is good again and then you get that crazy anxiety that starts and makes you feel as if maybe another panic attack is going to happen. Pretty much you fear the fear of having another attack and probably just don't know it. You said that you have never been an anxiety prone person before. But anxiety and panic happens to anyone that has stress and issues with bills, family problems, work etc. let me know if this helped.

[longhaul195]

thanks for getting back to me. the anxiety is kind of strange though. It's like a constant flow of adrenaline or something that makes me feel surreal and it could go on forever. It doesn't really feel like a panic attack (after the original) just intense anxiety and the weird part is I can't even take a bite of food without effort. It comes on so fast. It's so uncomfortable and I can't get rid of it. It seems like most people with anxiety on here have shorter episodes that come and go but mine sounds different to me.More intense. Just wondering.
thanks!

[amish1979]

I thought the same exact thing. "Everyone on here just has a little panic attack and then their fine afterward...nothing like me."  The truth is you aren't as special as you think you are.  Sure, maybe some people here "just" have a panic attack and then go on their way, but that may be more the exception than the rule.  I know exactly how you feel, dude.  I feel like I'm in a fight-or-flight situation AT ALL TIMES.  My tunnel vision is constant, my breathing is always short and quick, even when I wake up in the morning I'm not refreshed because my body has been in fight-or-flight mode all night.

It sucks.  I don't know what else to tell you.

I'm seeing a therapist, avoiding medications for now, and doing a LOT of reading on panic attacks and anxiety and how to deal with them.  There are times now i get glimpses of normal life again, and I don't have the fight-or-flight feeling. They don't last long, sometimes an hour, sometimes a whole day, but I think I'm on the right track.

[28yomigranesuff]

You situation seems just like mine. Not sure if I am having a panic or anxiety attack but it seems like it lasts for a whole day or hours at a time, that being the anxiety not all the attack symptoms.

I just started Prozac two weeks ago and have Klonopin as well which I have fought taking but twice in the last week succumbed rather than suffer through the attack.

I too as amish said have not been waking rested and think it might be because my mind/body are still workign though this at night.

My whole issue was brought on by a short hospital stint that I think brought some hidden anxiety to the forefront. I am seeing a therapist as well but I am in the beginning stages of this whole thing and am not going to let this rule my life. I want to fix it quick and get back to my old self.

Sometimes I feel like this forum is great therapy to speak my mind, other times I feel like I read posts and it makes me think I have other issues through my self diagnosis.

[longhaul195]

I'm sorry to hear this happens to you too. I didn't think my situation was special by any means...just wondering if it was a sign of something else. The last thing I want to do is live on Klonopin but for now that's where I'm at. Mornings stink for me too, sometimes feeling like I could pass out the minute I get up. Lexapro took it away last time and am trying it again it hopes the same will happen again. There must be somewhere to learn how to control this without meds because I don't want to be stuck on them for life. So far therapy hasn't taught me much. Trying a new therapist now. Can't stand the feeling and wonder what else it's doing to my body. Hope yours gets under control for good.

[eronski]

It sure is tough, I know.  My attacks come on super quick and usually don't last more than a half hour but they can come back over & over - 20 times in one day.  I hate that feeling you have where in your mind your screaming but on the outside you look normal to those around.  I have heard it called Derealization - it's like your on a different "plain" than everyone else and it's a very lonely feeling.  It is so common which should bring us all comfort and it won't kill ya.  

I hate taking drugs too, I have had a prescription for Klonopin for 10 years to take on an "as needed" basis.  I maybe take 10 a year and they can really help out.  I have had anxiety and panic for 25-30 years off an on.  For the first time I am taking something regularly, Zoloft, and it has made a big difference.  Hated to do it but why suffer - I consider it a physical disorder and not an emotional one because I am such a happy and content person.  I have very little stress other than worrying about my children.  It doesn't make sense for me to be anxious???  In other words I think it can effect anyone regardless of how well they can or cannot control their mind and emotions.  

It's really a challenge but you just have to take it as "your cross to bear" for now.  Maybe it will fade away like mine has for years & years at a time.  Every time it comes back I think--- here we go again-- and I hang on tight for the ride!  Good Luck, you are not alone.  Erin

[lynn57]

You sound exactly like me.  Klonopin is my only real salvation. SSRi's help, but not soon enough.  I have been on klonopin for five years.  I take 1/2 mg in am and 1mg in PM.  My doctor moved and now i am having another episode after 3 controlled years.  my new Doc hates benzos and wants to get me off of them.  This is not the time!! I hate the actual panic attacks, but I hate the hours of total jitters and that uneasy anxious feeling.