I hate this feeling

[RileysMiMi]

Hi there...I'm a 28 year old female that has been suffering from anxiety\panic attacks for almost 4 years now. I have absolutely had it...I'm so fed up with this.
It started with a feeling of "I'm gonna die" and since then it has gotten better but has always been in the back of my mind. It has made me a hypochondriac. I can not go too far away from home without having that feeling.
Over the years I've been able to control it sometimes, with relaxation techniques and medication. After being on meds for 2 years I recently came off them, its been 4 months now and I'm starting to get anxious again. My headaches are back which really makes the anxiety worse. I had an MRI and everything was normal. I am dizzy all the time, that never went away, and I'm grinding and clenching my teeth which is killing my head neck and back.
I have a 4 year old, and it makes me so sad when he wants to go outside and play and I can only go out for a few minutes until the headaches come back then that feeling comes. I can't even take him to the park by myself because of the fear I might collapse and he will be left alone...I'm scared to death all the time and I feel like I'm driving myself crazy. I guess I really don't have a question, just wanted to vent a little bit.

[RileysMiMi]

Thanks all of you for you comments and support...I feel much better today.

I came off the pills because I thought I was better and I was tired of gaining weight and having yellow circles under my eyes being on them. I think it might have been brought on by all the stress I'm under right now. I just take it one day at a time.

Sweetwoman- I have been checked for EVERYTHING I could think of lol

I hope everyone has a non anxiety stress free day :)

[29sillygirl]

Vent away!  We are a very understanding group of people who have experienced severe anxiety in one ( or more) of its many manifestations.  

I am guessing that your body needs help with the panic that your brain is producing.  Did you stop taking medicine because you are opposed to it?  Or did you think you were 'better'?

Whatever we call it ,extreme anxiety will erode self confidence and inevitably lead to depression.  You have so much going on, you just can't afford to let that happen.

My belief is that you need medicine as a base from which to fight panic.  We are all experts at techniques for distracting our brains from panic.  I take clonazapam, as anal cancer treatment makes it impossible to tolerate antidepressants.  Without a small amount of it I would be completely housebound or living in a room with my sister.

Keep venting:).  After you get over this crisis, let us know how you are doing.  Good luck.

[ieatcatlitter]

I would say that you need meds. If coming off of them made you go back to feeling the way you used to, you may need them. There is no shame in needing them.

[Adiyah]

Hello Riley I hope this note finds you in much peace and comfort. I just wanted to show my support because I as well have been suffering with this for some time it started when i was about 18 and I am now 28. I was never diagnosed until about 2 months ago i've had tests done came back normal. Since December of 09 my anxiety has been out of control and went to Doc 2 months ago was diagnosed as "Chronic Anxiety" prior times before that i was at the ER in which they found nothing wrong gave me Ativans, Which I had only taken there along with Valium at the hospital. Only to go back to my Docs for other episodes and was diagnosed as being Chronic Anxiety and she suggests i should try the pills and seek therapy. I know it is so hard to deal with but we must not give up we have to fight this and be in control of "it" not "it" in control of us! I know how you feel i go thru day to day with worry im more on the Hyperchondriac side as well always worrying about health, family,finances,etc. Just try to have faith in Our Heavenly Father and Trust in Him he is OUR  Protector, keep rebuking that anxiety I will keep you in my prayers!! :-)

[sweetwoman23]

Hello RileysMimi

I have also panic disorder since I was 18,and the first panic attack came to me very suddenly with no reason and a feeling of tachycardia,nervousness,nausea etc...
I also have some relation to eating ,I get feelings like I am hypoglycemic or hyperthyroid,although it has been ruled out very often.

In spite of it I believe that there is maybe something physical/neurological going on in my case too,because of the relation to eating a bit (makes it better although there is no real blood sugar problem)

Have you ever tried to eat something  quickly when in panic attack and how do you feel then?

In many cases doctors don`t find the reason for panic attacks ,there are so many processes in our bodies and brains which can cause panic attacks and similar symptoms.

Have you ever been tested for neuro disorders like epilepsy?
Did you have EEG and MRI?
What about autoimmune disorders,blood sugar issues or the thyroid?

In my case the panic attacks are often almost remittend and I can go months with only some rare and mild symptoms but there are also times when it gets harder to deal with and I have to stay at home a lot,always my sugar drops and something to eat with me when I am going out.

What do you against your panic attacks?

Good health!

sweetwoman :)

hav