Trauma - PTSD » Panic Attacks Disorder

My testimony, and request for feedback or comments?

admin — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

~Ralph Waldo Emerson — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think you are so scared that you are getting anxious again, that you are making yourself anxious. Try and break the self talk, it never does any good. I have a little saying that I say when I start that stuff. Also when things like this happen I tend to pay more attention to the way I do things. I find that when my anxiety is up I do everything at warp speed. It is amazing how just taking things a little slower can help… at least in my case. I also make it a point to never miss work because of anxiety, I just think it makes it worse to sit at home and think about it.. to me its like giving in to it. Finally I would remember that whatever you are going through with the houses and other life events are already in motion. They are going to happen regardless and no amount of thinking is going to stop it. So try and break any thoughts about what can or is going to happen. good Luck! Hello: I had a lot of panic attacks (daily for 9 months or so) about 7 years ago right after I got married, switched jobs, and bought my (our) first house, all in the same 4-6 weeks. I guess it was too much at once. It was scary as hell, as you all know. It took me a good 1-2 months to figure out what was wrong with me. The first attack was in the middle of the night, like 2:30 AM. I just jumped up out of bed sweating, severe sharp chest pains, couldn’t breathe well, blurry vision, sweaty palms, throbbing in my neck and temples… the whole package. Having no idea what was going on, I woke my wife and had her rush me to the emergency room. Besides having high blood pressure and a high heart rate (due to the big panic attack), they said I was fine. So then they kept coming and I was put on a "halter" thing that monitors your heart. I had to wear sweaters to work to hide this thing for two days, then I returned the unit with its’ data to the doctor and a couple of days later they interpreted the results: hy heart was in fine health!! So why all of these sharp pains as if someone was jabbing my chest with a kitchen knife? Why these electrical sensations that felt like a "shock" or a "jolt" going through my body? Finally, I talked to someone about this and they suggested that maybe I was having panic attacks. For me, these were a "hoax"… I’d never even really heard of them and due to the extremely physical symptoms. Plus, I am a totally "normal" guy if I can use that word. No big childhood traumas, no relationship issues, just married the girl I always wanted, just bought my first house… you know, everything was great! Well, at the advice of my doctor I tried Xanax, twice a day, at .25mg. It pretty much saved my life at the time (that is, because these attacks made me certain that my own death was eminent!). I had to increase the dosage to .50mg for a while, and then started reading books, etc. Stopped caffeine, cut WAY back on alcohol, started exercising regularly, and eating better. Then, after about 9 months.. the attacks and the GAD began to stop. Whew! I was over that for good! Or so I thought….. but the memories and the fear of these attacks never really went away. You all know how scary they are – it’s almost impossible to forget the experience. Then about 4 years ago I went to Atlanta on a business trip. Everything was great, good trip… then all of a sudden in the morning after breakfast (still at the hotel) I got these massive "flashes" of sharp pain in my head, followed by a weird sort of "wiggling" feeling in my head. They were so severe it almost made me feel like I was going to collapse. VERY scary! This went on for another 10 or so episodes (now at the office) until I decided to cancel all of my meetings and ask the local HR rep. to take me to the doctor. They thought maybe I had a brain tumor (that’s always a nice idea) so they gave me a brain scan. The result? Everything was fine!! Eventually these pains went away.. they only lasted one or two days but man were they severe and scary. So here we are 7 years after the original attacks. Life is great. My wife and I are healthy, doing great in our careers, and we have a 13 month old angel of a daughter. A few weekends ago I stayed up drinking with my dad until like 3 AM, something I haven’t done in YEARS (I rarely get drunk, but boy did I ever). We all know that drinking and anxiety do not mix: BAD IDEA. Alcohol makes you feel relaxed at the time but there is a big chance, especially to the "sensitized" person to make you anxious the next day or two, increasing as your level of consumption increases. So of course, the next day, I felt "edgy"… but maybe not much more edgy then a non-anxiety sufferer would feel. In fact, I had a couple of beers that next night (trying the old "hair of the dog" theory) and it actually worked, I was finally able to feel relaxed towards the end of the night. Two days later, I found out that a very close friend of mine through childhood and beyond had died at the age of 35 (my age). Two days later a mutual friend called me and asked if I would speak at my deceased friends’ funeral. Being one that is good at public speaking (imagine that, a panic sufferer! Told you I got better!) and also feeling as though I owed this to my friend, I agreed of course. On the way up to the funeral I was feeling pretty shaky but it actually went well… but the week leading up to it was very stressful. Losing a friend at that age is just wrong. So then my wife and I got a little crazy and put an offer on our "dream house" without even putting our existing one on the market. We were prepared to rent out the existing one if we needed to, but that was left to be seen. We did this on faith, faith that our house would sell and faith that God would show us the way through this if it is His will (you guessed it, we’re Christian). So there’s some stress too…. but at the time (this was two weeks ago, maybe 3 now) I wasn’t stressed. I was excited about our options. That’s the thing though, was I really not stressed or did I just not realize or detect it? I think of myself as quite unshakeable as far as stress, but lately I am wondering if this is a lie I tell myself. If I am unshakeable, why the anxiety and panic attacks? So slowly but surely anxiety has crept back in… just feelings of general uneasiness, then feelings of FEAR, being afraid that another attack is going to come and panic will get reintroduced into my life after so many "normal" years. And that’s just it… first, because I am more "sensitized" than others as far as nerves go, I get the weird bodily sensations that less sensitized people get. Weird throbbing in my temples (physical, I can put my fingers up there and feel these blood vessels throbbing in my head), sweaty hands, dizziness, fear of panic, sharp chest pains, the whole deal. Then, "bewilderment" by these sensations… that is, being "impressed" by them rather than just going "hmm.. that was weird" and forgetting about them. And then comes the fear. And you know as a recovering/recovered (or so I thought) sufferer I tell myself "I know you just felt a big chest pain and you have shortness of breath, and you feel like the world is about to end… but this is just "The Liar" in you, your nervous system playing tricks on you. So you tell yourself that, but then you feel the feelings, and they SCARE you. The fear takes over. The sensations bring fear, which strengthens the sensation, which increases the fear, which intensifies the sensations until it becomes unbearable. So here I am now, back on Xanax. I’ve only taken two .25mg pills in the past few days, the first pills in many years. I can tell you that I am very thankful for the medication, although I have been stubborn about taking it. I don’t really like the way it makes me feel… kind of dopey, not firing on all cylinders. But, it’s so much better than the alternative. For the past week it’s gotten pretty bad, although I have had a couple of "normal days" where I felt like my old self. However, today was bad, just like the old "anxiety days" of the past. I felt like I was going to "lose it" much of the day. Just scared of anxiety, that’s what it is, and then it fuels itself! Once that cycle starts, it sure is hard to stop it. That’s the funny thing, we (anxiety sufferers) are afraid of how we are going to FEEL, not of a real health problem… even though they do seem so very real don’t they? I had to take a Xanax today. I still didn’t feel "great" but it sure did help. Last night I was up for THREE HOURS straight just listening to my heart beat. It was weird. It wasn’t beating fast, but it seemed to be pounding and I had sharp "needle like" pains, it was really scaring me. I KNOW that my heart is fine though, because this only happens when I am feeling anxious or panicky! It seems so real though, these sharp pains in my chest and the sides of my chest. They feel sharp and "electrical" if you know what I mean. It was so bad that I didn’t go to work today. Just too freaked out and delirious. I’ve also been taking Magnesium supplements, having heard that this helps calm your overactive nervous system. Has anyone had success with this? Well, I don’t want to take Xanax forever, and maybe after we close on these two houses and we get moved in this will pass… I sure hope

Response:

I think you are so scared that you are getting anxious again, that you are making yourself anxious. Try and break the self talk, it never does any good. I have a little saying that I say when I start that stuff. Also when things like this happen I tend to pay more attention to the way I do things. I find that when my anxiety is up I do everything at warp speed. It is amazing how just taking things a little slower can help… at least in my case. I also make it a point to never miss work because of anxiety, I just think it makes it worse to sit at home and think about it.. to me its like giving in to it. Finally I would remember that whatever you are going through with the houses and other life events are already in motion. They are going to happen regardless and no amount of thinking is going to stop it. So try and break any thoughts about what can or is going to happen. good Luck! d

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello: I had a lot of panic attacks (daily for 9 months or so) about 7 years ago right after I got married, switched jobs, and bought my (our) first house, all in the same 4-6 weeks. I guess it was too much at once. It was scary as hell, as you all know. It took me a good 1-2 months to figure out what was wrong with me. The first attack was in the middle of the night, like 2:30 AM. I just jumped up out of bed sweating, severe sharp chest pains, couldn’t breathe well, blurry vision, sweaty palms, throbbing in my neck and temples… the whole package. Having no idea what was going on, I woke my wife and had her rush me to the emergency room. Besides having high blood pressure and a high heart rate (due to the big panic attack), they said I was fine. So then they kept coming and I was put on a "halter" thing that monitors your heart. I had to wear sweaters to work to hide this thing for two days, then I returned the unit with its’ data to the doctor and a couple of days later they interpreted the results: hy heart was in fine health!! So why all of these sharp pains as if someone was jabbing my chest with a kitchen knife? Why these electrical sensations that felt like a "shock" or a "jolt" going through my body? Finally, I talked to someone about this and they suggested that maybe I was having panic attacks. For me, these were a "hoax"… I’d never even really heard of them and due to the extremely physical symptoms. Plus, I am a totally "normal" guy if I can use that word. No big childhood traumas, no relationship issues, just married the girl I always wanted, just bought my first house… you know, everything was great! Well, at the advice of my doctor I tried Xanax, twice a day, at .25mg. It pretty much saved my life at the time (that is, because these attacks made me certain that my own death was eminent!). I had to increase the dosage to .50mg for a while, and then started reading books, etc. Stopped caffeine, cut WAY back on alcohol, started exercising regularly, and eating better. Then, after about 9 months.. the attacks and the GAD began to stop. Whew! I was over that for good! Or so I thought….. but the memories and the fear of these attacks never really went away. You all know how scary they are – it’s almost impossible to forget the experience. Then about 4 years ago I went to Atlanta on a business trip. Everything was great, good trip… then all of a sudden in the morning after breakfast (still at the hotel) I got these massive "flashes" of sharp pain in my head, followed by a weird sort of "wiggling" feeling in my head. They were so severe it almost made me feel like I was going to collapse. VERY scary! This went on for another 10 or so episodes (now at the office) until I decided to cancel all of my meetings and ask the local HR rep. to take me to the doctor. They thought maybe I had a brain tumor (that’s always a nice idea) so they gave me a brain scan. The result? Everything was fine!! Eventually these pains went away.. they only lasted one or two days but man were they severe and scary. So here we are 7 years after the original attacks. Life is great. My wife and I are healthy, doing great in our careers, and we have a 13 month old angel of a daughter. A few weekends ago I stayed up drinking with my dad until like 3 AM, something I haven’t done in YEARS (I rarely get drunk, but boy did I ever). We all know that drinking and anxiety do not mix: BAD IDEA. Alcohol makes you feel relaxed at the time but there is a big chance, especially to the "sensitized" person to make you anxious the next day or two, increasing as your level of consumption increases. So of course, the next day, I felt "edgy"… but maybe not much more edgy then a non-anxiety sufferer would feel. In fact, I had a couple of beers that next night (trying the old "hair of the dog" theory) and it actually worked, I was finally able to feel relaxed towards the end of the night. Two days later, I found out that a very close friend of mine through childhood and beyond had died at the age of 35 (my age). Two days later a mutual friend called me and asked if I would speak at my deceased friends’ funeral. Being one that is good at public speaking (imagine that, a panic sufferer! Told you I got better!) and also feeling as though I owed this to my friend, I agreed of course. On the way up to the funeral I was feeling pretty shaky but it actually went well… but the week leading up to it was very stressful. Losing a friend at that age is just wrong. So then my wife and I got a little crazy and put an offer on our "dream house" without even putting our existing one on the market. We were prepared to rent out the existing one if we needed to, but that was left to be seen. We did this on faith, faith that our house would sell and faith that God would show us the way through this if it is His will (you guessed it, we’re Christian). So there’s some stress too…. but at the time (this was two weeks ago, maybe 3 now) I wasn’t stressed. I was excited about our options. That’s the thing though, was I really not stressed or did I just not realize or detect it? I think of myself as quite unshakeable as far as stress, but lately I am wondering if this is a lie I tell myself. If I am unshakeable, why the anxiety and panic attacks? So slowly but surely anxiety has crept back in… just feelings of general uneasiness, then feelings of FEAR, being afraid that another attack is going to come and panic will get reintroduced into my life after so many "normal" years. And that’s just it… first, because I am more "sensitized" than others as far as nerves go, I get the weird bodily sensations that less sensitized people get. Weird throbbing in my temples (physical, I can put my fingers up there and feel these blood vessels throbbing in my head), sweaty hands, dizziness, fear of panic, sharp chest pains, the whole deal. Then, "bewilderment" by these sensations… that is, being "impressed" by them rather than just going "hmm.. that was weird" and forgetting about them. And then comes the fear. And you know as a recovering/recovered (or so I thought) sufferer I tell myself "I know you just felt a big chest pain and you have shortness of breath, and you feel like the world is about to end… but this is just "The Liar" in you, your nervous system playing tricks on you. So you tell yourself that, but then you feel the feelings, and they SCARE you. The fear takes over. The sensations bring fear, which strengthens the sensation, which increases the fear, which intensifies the sensations until it becomes unbearable. So here I am now, back on Xanax. I’ve only taken two .25mg pills in the past few days, the first pills in many years. I can tell you that I am very thankful for the medication, although I have been stubborn about taking it. I don’t really like the way it makes me feel… kind of dopey, not firing on all cylinders. But, it’s so much better than the alternative. For the past week it’s gotten pretty bad, although I have had a couple of "normal days" where I felt like my old self. However, today was bad, just like the old "anxiety days" of the past. I felt like I was going to "lose it" much of the day. Just scared of anxiety, that’s what it is, and then it fuels itself! Once that cycle starts, it sure is hard to stop it. That’s the funny thing, we (anxiety sufferers) are afraid of how we are going to FEEL, not of a real health problem… even though they do seem so very real don’t they? I had to take a Xanax today. I still didn’t feel "great" but it sure did help. Last night I was up for THREE HOURS straight just listening to my heart beat. It was weird. It wasn’t beating fast, but it seemed to be pounding and I had sharp "needle like" pains, it was really scaring me. I KNOW that my heart is fine though, because this only happens when I am feeling anxious or panicky! It seems so real though, these sharp pains in my chest and the sides of my chest. They feel sharp and "electrical" if you know what I mean. It was so bad that I didn’t go to work today. Just too freaked out and delirious. I’ve also been taking Magnesium supplements, having heard that this helps calm your overactive nervous system. Has anyone had success with this? Well, I don’t want to take Xanax forever, and maybe after we close on these two houses and we get moved in this will pass… I sure hope and pray so. Anxiety and panic take all of the fun out of life for me. No matter how well things are going, they aren’t good if I am having these issues. It does cause depression for me because I am one that really wants to enjoy life, and I do… usually. When I can’t, it really gets me down. I get these weird fears that

Response:

Hello: I had a lot of panic attacks (daily for 9 months or so) about 7 years ago right after I got married, switched jobs, and bought my (our) first house, all in the same 4-6 weeks. I guess it was too much at once. It was scary as hell, as you all know. It took me a good 1-2 months to figure out what was wrong with me. The first attack was in the middle of the night, like 2:30 AM. I just jumped up out of bed sweating, severe sharp chest pains, couldn’t breathe well, blurry vision, sweaty palms, throbbing in my neck and temples… the whole package. Having no idea what was going on, I woke my wife and had her rush me to the emergency room. Besides having high blood pressure and a high heart rate (due to the big panic attack), they said I was fine. So then they kept coming and I was put on a "halter" thing that monitors your heart. I had to wear sweaters to work to hide this thing for two days, then I returned the unit with its’ data to the doctor and a couple of days later they interpreted the results: hy heart was in fine health!! So why all of these sharp pains as if someone was jabbing my chest with a kitchen knife? Why these electrical sensations that felt like a "shock" or a "jolt" going through my body? Finally, I talked to someone about this and they suggested that maybe I was having panic attacks. For me, these were a "hoax"… I’d never even really heard of them and due to the extremely physical symptoms. Plus, I am a totally "normal" guy if I can use that word. No big childhood traumas, no relationship issues, just married the girl I always wanted, just bought my first house… you know, everything was great! Well, at the advice of my doctor I tried Xanax, twice a day, at .25mg. It pretty much saved my life at the time (that is, because these attacks made me certain that my own death was eminent!). I had to increase the dosage to .50mg for a while, and then started reading books, etc. Stopped caffeine, cut WAY back on alcohol, started exercising regularly, and eating better. Then, after about 9 months.. the attacks and the GAD began to stop. Whew! I was over that for good! Or so I thought….. but the memories and the fear of these attacks never really went away. You all know how scary they are – it’s almost impossible to forget the experience. Then about 4 years ago I went to Atlanta on a business trip. Everything was great, good trip… then all of a sudden in the morning after breakfast (still at the hotel) I got these massive "flashes" of sharp pain in my head, followed by a weird sort of "wiggling" feeling in my head. They were so severe it almost made me feel like I was going to collapse. VERY scary! This went on for another 10 or so episodes (now at the office) until I decided to cancel all of my meetings and ask the local HR rep. to take me to the doctor. They thought maybe I had a brain tumor (that’s always a nice idea) so they gave me a brain scan. The result? Everything was fine!! Eventually these pains went away.. they only lasted one or two days but man were they severe and scary. So here we are 7 years after the original attacks. Life is great. My wife and I are healthy, doing great in our careers, and we have a 13 month old angel of a daughter. A few weekends ago I stayed up drinking with my dad until like 3 AM, something I haven’t done in YEARS (I rarely get drunk, but boy did I ever). We all know that drinking and anxiety do not mix: BAD IDEA. Alcohol makes you feel relaxed at the time but there is a big chance, especially to the "sensitized" person to make you anxious the next day or two, increasing as your level of consumption increases. So of course, the next day, I felt "edgy"… but maybe not much more edgy then a non-anxiety sufferer would feel. In fact, I had a couple of beers that next night (trying the old "hair of the dog" theory) and it actually worked, I was finally able to feel relaxed towards the end of the night. Two days later, I found out that a very close friend of mine through childhood and beyond had died at the age of 35 (my age). Two days later a mutual friend called me and asked if I would speak at my deceased friends’ funeral. Being one that is good at public speaking (imagine that, a panic sufferer! Told you I got better!) and also feeling as though I owed this to my friend, I agreed of course. On the way up to the funeral I was feeling pretty shaky but it actually went well… but the week leading up to it was very stressful. Losing a friend at that age is just wrong. So then my wife and I got a little crazy and put an offer on our "dream house" without even putting our existing one on the market. We were prepared to rent out the existing one if we needed to, but that was left to be seen. We did this on faith, faith that our house would sell and faith that God would show us the way through this if it is His will (you guessed it, we’re Christian). So there’s some stress too…. but at the time (this was two weeks ago, maybe 3 now) I wasn’t stressed. I was excited about our options. That’s the thing though, was I really not stressed or did I just not realize or detect it? I think of myself as quite unshakeable as far as stress, but lately I am wondering if this is a lie I tell myself. If I am unshakeable, why the anxiety and panic attacks? So slowly but surely anxiety has crept back in… just feelings of general uneasiness, then feelings of FEAR, being afraid that another attack is going to come and panic will get reintroduced into my life after so many "normal" years. And that’s just it… first, because I am more "sensitized" than others as far as nerves go, I get the weird bodily sensations that less sensitized people get. Weird throbbing in my temples (physical, I can put my fingers up there and feel these blood vessels throbbing in my head), sweaty hands, dizziness, fear of panic, sharp chest pains, the whole deal. Then, "bewilderment" by these sensations… that is, being "impressed" by them rather than just going "hmm.. that was weird" and forgetting about them. And then comes the fear. And you know as a recovering/recovered (or so I thought) sufferer I tell myself "I know you just felt a big chest pain and you have shortness of breath, and you feel like the world is about to end… but this is just "The Liar" in you, your nervous system playing tricks on you. So you tell yourself that, but then you feel the feelings, and they SCARE you. The fear takes over. The sensations bring fear, which strengthens the sensation, which increases the fear, which intensifies the sensations until it becomes unbearable. So here I am now, back on Xanax. I’ve only taken two .25mg pills in the past few days, the first pills in many years. I can tell you that I am very thankful for the medication, although I have been stubborn about taking it. I don’t really like the way it makes me feel… kind of dopey, not firing on all cylinders. But, it’s so much better than the alternative. For the past week it’s gotten pretty bad, although I have had a couple of "normal days" where I felt like my old self. However, today was bad, just like the old "anxiety days" of the past. I felt like I was going to "lose it" much of the day. Just scared of anxiety, that’s what it is, and then it fuels itself! Once that cycle starts, it sure is hard to stop it. That’s the funny thing, we (anxiety sufferers) are afraid of how we are going to FEEL, not of a real health problem… even though they do seem so very real don’t they? I had to take a Xanax today. I still didn’t feel "great" but it sure did help. Last night I was up for THREE HOURS straight just listening to my heart beat. It was weird. It wasn’t beating fast, but it seemed to be pounding and I had sharp "needle like" pains, it was really scaring me. I KNOW that my heart is fine though, because this only happens when I am feeling anxious or panicky! It seems so real though, these sharp pains in my chest and the sides of my chest. They feel sharp and "electrical" if you know what I mean. It was so bad that I didn’t go to work today. Just too freaked out and delirious. I’ve also been taking Magnesium supplements, having heard that this helps calm your overactive nervous system. Has anyone had success with this? Well, I don’t want to take Xanax forever, and maybe after we close on these two houses and we get moved in this will pass… I sure hope and pray so. Anxiety and panic take all of the fun out of life for me. No matter how well things are going, they aren’t good if I am having these issues. It does cause depression for me because I am one that really wants to enjoy life, and I do… usually. When I can’t, it really gets me down. I get these weird fears that I am stuck this way forever, which I can’t bear. So I am wondering what I should do to try my best to get rid of this forever. I have read about Joe Barry’s "Panic Portal" and Linden’s "Linden Method" but have read some negative and positive reviews about. Should I read a good book, should I learn to meditate? Should I keep taking Xanax when I need to and work on cognitive stuff like convincing myself that everything is OK and "The Liar" has returned, and will pass? Should I see a therapist? (Never done that.. sounds expensive, will it help?) Should I stick with good ol "take care of yourself" and just exercise daily, eat good, drink much less, etc.? I guess I just wanted to write out my "Anxiety Testimony" and see if anyone has any comments or advice for me. My main concern is that if this continues, it really will have a true effect on my health. Everyone knows that stress is bad for you and can lead to many other actual organic health issues. If you’ve gotten this far, thank you very much for taking the time to read my story. I just needed to "vent" and get it out there to this group to see if anyone has anything to say. I want to be healthy and enjoy my life. Anxiety and Panic ruin all that could be good for me and I HATE it! Thanks — … read more »

Response:

Klonopin-What dosage?

admin — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Sounds almost identical to my experience. Anyway, I finally restarted the Klonopin and the panic attacks on freeway stopped.

Same here. Will keep it up with the same dose. Chip

Joe — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I did a slow taper off Konopin 3 mg/day about 8 years ago. I started getting panic attacks while driving on the freeway. My taper was so slow, it didn’t occur to me that my panic attacks where related to less Klonopin. I thought they were just part of my condition (panic disorder is chronic and waxes and wanes). Sounds almost identical to my experience. Anyway, I finally restarted the Klonopin and the panic attacks on freeway stopped. Same here. Will keep it up with the same dose. Chip Joe — The charter is available at:http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Is Klonopin considered less addictive or about the same as xanax? I’m only on .5mg/ 2 times a day for a couple weeks now. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

1 mg TID…been on and off this class drug since early 90’s…really major improvement when on it. Agoraphobia is better especially, and not as many panic attacks. For those taking this medicine rather than alprazolam, what dosage are you taking? Is this the same dosage that you started with or has it changed? Are you prescribed more than one pill a day? Any info that can be shared about it is appreciated. (not the textbook version; your actual experience). Thanks

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Is Klonopin considered less addictive or about the same as xanax? I’m only on .5mg/ 2 times a day for a couple weeks now.

Neither is addictive. Addiction implies compulsive use with ever increasing doses in order to get "high". Most people with anxiety disorders take benzos in order to feel less anxiety, not to get "high". Physical dependence can develope to both, meaning there is a withdrawal syndrome if either drug is stopped abruptly after daily use for several weeks. Apparantly some people have a harder time coming off Xanax, and Klonopin can be used to help people taper off Xanax. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, I take 1 mg twice daily. Same dose I started on several years ago. It seems to really help out with my anxiety. smiles, Elise

For those taking this medicine rather than alprazolam, what dosage are you taking? Is this the same dosage that you started with or has it changed? Are you prescribed more than one pill a day? Any info that can be shared about it is appreciated. (not the textbook version; your actual experience). Thanks — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

hi, i take 0.5 twice a day and it seems pretty good. some people need more though – sometimes quite a bit more! =) — _TJ_ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

For those taking this medicine rather than alprazolam, what dosage are you taking?

3 mg/day……1 in AM and 2 mg in PM Is this the same dosage that you started with or has it changed?

I switched from Xanax 10 mg/day to Klonopin 5 mg/day in 1987. (called the 2 to 1 switch) Any info that can be shared about it is appreciated. (not the textbook version; your actual experience).

I went down to K. 3 mg/day about 10 years ago, and didn’t feel more anxious. So I stayed at that dose. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Slowly tapered off the Klonopin to 1/2 tab a day. After a while, the panic attacks came back full-force.

I did a slow taper off Konopin 3 mg/day about 8 years ago. I started getting panic attacks while driving on the freeway. My taper was so slow, it didn’t occur to me that my panic attacks where related to less Klonopin. I thought they were just part of my condition (panic disorder is chronic and waxes and wanes). Anyway, I finally restarted the Klonopin and the panic attacks on freeway stopped. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use to take it. I took .75mg every night and 3mg Lunesta. It was not strong enough for me but I have heard a lot of pos things about it. I did not have any side effects. Good luck!!! Amanda — The charter is available at:http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm I take .5 mg three times a day, with an extra tab if really needed. Been on this dosage for over 5 yrs now. Added PaxilCR 12.5mg once a day last June-still struggling. Klonopin over all has worked well for the most part for me.

Was taking .5mg 3x a day, with an extra if I felt a PA coming on. Was also taking 45mg of Remeron 1x a day. Slowly tapered off the Klonopin to 1/2 tab a day. After a while, the panic attacks came back full-force. I’m back to .5 mg 3x a day for the last 6 days, and have not even come close to a PA. Working on getting rid of the Remeron because of health reasons (also because it’s not working), but will be sticking with the Klonopin 3x a day. If it’s working why mess with it? Joe — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I use to take it. I took .75mg every night and 3mg Lunesta. It was not strong enough for me but I have heard a lot of pos things about it. I did not have any side effects. Good luck!!! Amanda — The charter is available at:http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

I take .5 mg three times a day, with an extra tab if really needed. Been on this dosage for over 5 yrs now. Added PaxilCR 12.5mg once a day last June-still struggling. Klonopin over all has worked well for the most part for me. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Bad Times

admin — Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – snip: "I hate this thing, too, but I’m not quite sure as to how to stop it, yet." kili Hi Kili — I hear ya loud and clear espcially about the what do I wear. I use to agonize over that so much that I’d be in tears with half my clothes thrown on the bed 10 minutes before I was suppose to be somehwere. I think one of the greatest tools I took away from group therapy was the permisson of the group for me to say SO WHAT to all those nagging questions. My biggie was what if I have a panic attack and faint. I was afraid to go anywhere until my therapist led me down the so-what path. So what if I faint? Someone will come to my aid. So what if someone doesn’t like how I look? So what if I choke on my words in front on a group? So what if you panic in the car? And on and on until I was able to begin using the so-what thinking and then able to apply the sword to stop it. The "I don’t give a fig (won’t use the cuss word I actually use) technique works when its learned and applied. Sorry for the rambling but I do feel your pain. -frizz

Thanks for the validation and the hope that maybe I can eventually stop it. {{{{{ Frizz }}}}}} I really *do* appreciate your input. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It sounds like your anxiety level is way up there, Kili. And it’s probably related in part to your medical problems. Are you on any psych meds? What’s the dose? A high enough dose of a benzo taken on a regular daily basis would make you feel *calm*, or calmer. Chip I was on alprazolam, but I can’t get any more of it; my Mayo Clinic doctors won’t prescribe it anymore. I have to see my local doctor. That would be great, if I *had* one. I can’t get one because of my medical problems. Oh, the irony! :-/ Can you go to a local mental health clinic and get treatment for your anxiety……panic disorder and/or acute stress disorder? Maybe Mayo Clinic would be willing to refer you for treatment of anxiety. They could serve as the referring doctor and write a letter of referral. Chip

I’ve asked Mayo, but they have no idea of anyone in my area (they’re half the state away) and I wouldn’t know who to turn to around here. I should start checking p-docs in the phone book to see if they take my medicaid HMO. One of the problems I have is getting to an appointment, though. I don’t drive, nor do I have a vehicle if I did drive. When we go up to the Mayo, we already KNOW when we’re going and my husband can request time off of work, because it’s automatically an overnight journey. (5 hours to the clinic and 5 hours back, plus actual clinic time.) Soooooooooo, I sit. But, you may have inspired me to pick up the phone tomorrow and ask around. Thanks for that, Chip. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Group: I just have to vent for a while. I have been going through such a rough time right now with my panic/anxiety. My driving phobia has been getting worse and I’m feeling more and more self conscious about it. I am being hard on myself. I started seeing a new therapist and I’ve seen him twice. I really like him and am hopeful that he will help me get back on the right track. I HATE HATE HAATTE this! I am so tired of analyzing EVERY little thing that happens or doesn’t happen in my life and I want my FREEDOM PLEASE Tell me that I can get back to a place where my anxiety/panic isn’t the only thing on my mind ALL THE TIME!!!!! I appreciate this group so much because it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one going through this even though I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I only live less than 5 miles from work and it’s gotten so bad that sometimes I have anxiety attacks on the way to work and has gotten so bad that sometimes I get anxious just by being in the vehicle. Thanks Kellie

Hi Kellie, I can relate. I struggled and still do with a highway driving phobia. Mine did not extend itself to all driving but I do understand the feelings. Elise i is right.. don’t let this thing take over, it cripples you to not be able to drive and leaves you dependent upon others, and that, in turn, makes you feel worse about yourself and more helpless.. I’m so glad you like your therapist – that is the main thing I look for in a therapist, someone I like and someone I feel like I can have a good working relationship with. Maybe you could leave early for work and give yourself permission to pull over and relax if you need to when the stress builds. It helped me to consider that possibly *I* was not the only one driving that was afraid, for some reason that helped me not feel so bad about myself, I think. Benzos too, can make a difference in anxiety levels.. just don’t be hard on yourself, but don’t retreat either.. Feel free to talk about how you feel and what your thoughts are when you are driving.. your thoughts are the culprits here. Those are what is scaring you, not the driving itself. Take care, Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

kellie, sorry to read you’re feeling bad. I’m sure it will get better!! I know it feels like an eternity when you feel lousy even for a short time. Hang in there and see if you can improve just a tiny bit each day until you’re through this rough spot. Your therpaist will take care of you! best wishes, z

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Frizzie wrote…….

::I just restarted driving after 40 years of being terrified that I ::would have more panic attacks behind the wheel. I stopped driving ::after my first and the anticipatory anxiety (I think worse than an ::actual attack) was so great, that I refused to drive until the past 8 ::months when mom flunked her driving test and asked me to please take :: over the driving. You are awesome, Frizzie!!! And an inspiration Jackie ~*~Life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it is. The way you deal with it is what makes the difference~*~ ~~ Virginia Satir — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Frizz-

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR POST. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ME AND I APPRECIATE YOU HELPING ME SO MUCH! I HAVE BEEN FEELING A LITTLE BETTER THE PAST FEW DAYS. I do feel as though the panic is ruining my marriage as well. He CHOOSES not to deal with it and therefore I can’t depend on him for support! That’s not helping things event though he was fully aware of my problems before we got married. Thanks Again- Kellie The charter is available at:http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Soooooooooo, I sit. But, you may have inspired me to pick up the phone ::tomorrow and ask around. Thanks for that, Chip. Dear Kili, Call a local social services health clinic and inquire how much it would cost for a psych appt. More than likely it will be free or super cheap. The only drawback is you may have to wait for awhile for a psych appt. If you explain your health issues they may get you in sooner. Good luck! (((((Kili))))) Jackie ~*~Life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it is. The way you deal with it is what makes the difference~*~ ~~ Virginia Satir — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Here’s another possibility, Kili. http://www.mayoclinic.org/psychiatry-jax/ Psychiatry & Psychology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. Psychopharmacology consultations Evaluation and treatment of affective disorders Evaluation and treatment of anxiety disorders Psychotherapy Maybe you could get an initial psych evaluation there, with recommendations for treatment including psychopharmacotherapy (I may have just made up that word . They might have a better idea who to refer you to in your area. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I can totally relate to everything you have said. I have had the driving phobia (and it hit me right after I was finally able to afford the car I had wanted for so long), and still suffer from it sometimes. Alprazolam does the trick every time. The only problem is, some doctors simply will not prescribe it! They act like you a junkie just wanting drugs when you ask for it and try to tell you that the high- priced anti-depressants are what you need, and those never worked for me at all. Alprazolam is cheap and IT WORKS!!!! And the thing is, if you are having true anxiety/panic-you dont get a buzz from it at all. I also have the store thing going on, I have never been able to figure that one out. Just today I was in the grocery store with my mom (and as usual, she was taking FOREVER to pick out what she wanted) and it started. I was so relieved when my cell phone rang and I had an excuse to go outside to return a phone call. Hang in there, you are not the only one, and things do get better. Now when my symptoms start up, I know what it is and I have learned to handle it a little better. I found comfort in a chat room that used to be availible through yahoo when I first learned that there were other people out there living with this and they were doing fine. This group also helps a lot.

I’ve never gotten a buzz from Alprazolam either and that’s why I can’t understand why people abuse it. Within twenty minutes of taking it, my shaking stops, my racing brain calms down, my jaw relaxes (does anyone else clench their teeth in an attack?) and I can function. My husband has even commented on how different I am during the attack and after I take a pill. Alprazolam is like a little miracle for me and gives me the freedom to enjoy life with my husband instead of being afraid of life. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Kellie: Man oh man can I relate with everything you typed. I’ve had this monkey on my back (panic disorder/GAD/SAD/levels of depression) since I was 16 and I’m now 65. Danged condition ruined two marriages, my career and kept me in what seemed like prison for more years than I can to remember. I can tell you that with the help of medication (alprazolam stopped the panic attacks) and the group therapy I attended for years, I am no longer having to think about EVERY danged thing before I do it. I just restarted driving after 40 years of being terrified that I would have more panic attacks behind the wheel. I stopped driving after my first and the anticipatory anxiety (I think worse than an actual attack) was so great, that I refused to drive until the past 8 months when mom flunked her driving test and asked me to please take over the driving. So I girded up my loins and said a few cuss words, took 1/2 alprazolam and got back behind the wheel. I told myself that if I started to panic, I would just pull over and wait for it to pass. I had to overcome this fear no matter what. Now I can drive anywhere – even on the freeway and I feel empowered by being able to at least for now deal with one of my boogies. The monkey almost took hold yesterday when I took mom’s car in for servicing. Gal told me it would take hours and mom was with me and there was no way we could have sat there all day (mom is 84). Gal offered me a loaner car (the monkey whispered in my mind’s ear — you won’t be able to drive another car cause I’ll make you panic) and I had one of those fear freeze up moments. Then my mind whispered back "soooooooooo what — I can just pull over and wait it out — I ignored the monkey." I took the loaner and drove off without another thot. I’m sorry you’re feeling bad now but with the proper meds, therapist, possibly group therapy and work on your part by reassuring yourself that a panic attack will not kill you, you will get to the point where you won’t have as much stinkin thinkin as you are now experiencing. Hang in there and tell that monkey you are not afraid of it. Put up signs (I did and it helped) and feel better real soon. -frizz — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can you go to a local mental health clinic and get treatment for your anxiety……panic disorder and/or acute stress disorder? Maybe Mayo Clinic would be willing to refer you for treatment of anxiety. They could serve as the referring doctor and write a letter of referral. Chip I’ve asked Mayo, but they have no idea of anyone in my area (they’re half the state away) and I wouldn’t know who to turn to around here. I should start checking p-docs in the phone book to see if they take my medicaid HMO. One of the problems I have is getting to an appointment, though. I don’t drive, nor do I have a vehicle if I did drive. When we go up to the Mayo, we already KNOW when we’re going and my husband can request time off of work, because it’s automatically an overnight journey. (5 hours to the clinic and 5 hours back, plus actual clinic time.) Soooooooooo, I sit. But, you may have inspired me to pick up the phone tomorrow and ask around. Thanks for that, Chip. Here’s another possibility, Kili. http://www.mayoclinic.org/psychiatry-jax/ Psychiatry & Psychology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. Psychopharmacology consultations Evaluation and treatment of affective disorders Evaluation and treatment of anxiety disorders Psychotherapy Maybe you could get an initial psych evaluation there, with recommendations for treatment including psychopharmacotherapy (I may have just made up that word . They might have a better idea who to refer you to in your area. Chip —

I can totally relate to everything you have said. I have had the driving phobia (and it hit me right after I was finally able to afford the car I had wanted for so long), and still suffer from it sometimes. Alprazolam does the trick every time. The only problem is, some doctors simply will not prescribe it! They act like you a junkie just wanting drugs when you ask for it and try to tell you that the high- priced anti-depressants are what you need, and those never worked for me at all. Alprazolam is cheap and IT WORKS!!!! And the thing is, if you are having true anxiety/panic-you dont get a buzz from it at all. I also have the store thing going on, I have never been able to figure that one out. Just today I was in the grocery store with my mom (and as usual, she was taking FOREVER to pick out what she wanted) and it started. I was so relieved when my cell phone rang and I had an excuse to go outside to return a phone call. Hang in there, you are not the only one, and things do get better. Now when my symptoms start up, I know what it is and I have learned to handle it a little better. I found comfort in a chat room that used to be availible through yahoo when I first learned that there were other people out there living with this and they were doing fine. This group also helps a lot. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It sounds like your anxiety level is way up there, Kili. And it’s probably related in part to your medical problems. Are you on any psych meds? What’s the dose? A high enough dose of a benzo taken on a regular daily basis would make you feel *calm*, or calmer. Chip I was on alprazolam, but I can’t get any more of it; my Mayo Clinic doctors won’t prescribe it anymore. I have to see my local doctor. That would be great, if I *had* one. I can’t get one because of my medical problems. Oh, the irony! :-/

Can you go to a local mental health clinic and get treatment for your anxiety……panic disorder and/or acute stress disorder? Maybe Mayo Clinic would be willing to refer you for treatment of anxiety. They could serve as the referring doctor and write a letter of referral. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Frizz, Big pat on the back to you for driving the loaner and for driving again after 40 years…TERRIFIC! I guess there’s still hope for me. I haven’t driven on the highway or interstate alone in about 6 years…ugh! Does take away a lot of freedom. smiles, Elise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just restarted driving after 40 years of being terrified that I would have more panic attacks behind the wheel. I stopped driving after my first and the anticipatory anxiety (I think worse than an actual attack) was so great, that I refused to drive until the past 8 months when mom flunked her driving test and asked me to please take over the driving. So I girded up my loins and said a few cuss words, took 1/2 alprazolam and got back behind the wheel. I told myself that if I started to panic, I would just pull over and wait for it to pass. I had to overcome this fear no matter what. Now I can drive anywhere – even on the freeway and I feel empowered by being able to at least for now deal with one of my boogies. The monkey almost took hold yesterday when I took mom’s car in for servicing. Gal told me it would take hours and mom was with me and there was no way we could have sat there all day (mom is 84). Gal offered me a loaner car (the monkey whispered in my mind’s ear — you won’t be able to drive another car cause I’ll make you panic) and I had one of those fear freeze up moments. Then my mind whispered back "soooooooooo what — I can just pull over and wait it out — I ignored the monkey." I took the loaner and drove off without another thot. I’m sorry you’re feeling bad now but with the proper meds, therapist, possibly group therapy and work on your part by reassuring yourself that a panic attack will not kill you, you will get to the point where you won’t have as much stinkin thinkin as you are now experiencing. Hang in there and tell that monkey you are not afraid of it. Put up signs (I did and it helped) and feel better real soon. -frizz — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

snip: "I hate this thing, too, but I’m not quite sure as to how to stop it, yet." kili

Hi Kili — I hear ya loud and clear espcially about the what do I wear. I use to agonize over that so much that I’d be in tears with half my clothes thrown on the bed 10 minutes before I was suppose to be somehwere. I think one of the greatest tools I took away from group therapy was the permisson of the group for me to say SO WHAT to all those nagging questions. My biggie was what if I have a panic attack and faint. I was afraid to go anywhere until my therapist led me down the so-what path. So what if I faint? Someone will come to my aid. So what if someone doesn’t like how I look? So what if I choke on my words in front on a group? So what if you panic in the car? And on and on until I was able to begin using the so-what thinking and then able to apply the sword to stop it. The "I don’t give a fig (won’t use the cuss word I actually use) technique works when its learned and applied. Sorry for the rambling but I do feel your pain. -frizz — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel for you, Kellie and I completely understand where you’re coming from. The anxiety/panic *is* always in the back (or front?) of your mind. I have to stop and question it for minor things, like, when my husband asks me to go to the store with him. It’s a simple thing. He wants me to go to the store because I remember what we need. If he goes by himself, he picks up meat – no veggies. So he asks me to go and my mind starts racing – ack, the store? Oh no! Which store? Are we only going to just *that* store? Do I look okay to be seen in public? Do my clothes match? What do we need at the store? What are we out of? What if my stomach goes off? What if I have to use the bathroom and someone is in there? Am I dressed warmly enough – the store is cold. Ack, the store? Which store? Are we only going to go to just *that* store? (repeat phrases incessantly and start shaking, insuring hot flashes, heart palpitations and stomach flutters.) Thank God I quit driving! I used to second-guess directions all the time and get lost. I hate this thing, too, but I’m not quite sure as to how to stop it, yet. It sounds like your anxiety level is way up there, Kili. And it’s probably related in part to your medical problems. Are you on any psych meds? What’s the dose? A high enough dose of a benzo taken on a regular daily basis would make you feel *calm*, or calmer. Chip

I was on alprazolam, but I can’t get any more of it; my Mayo Clinic doctors won’t prescribe it anymore. I have to see my local doctor. That would be great, if I *had* one. I can’t get one because of my medical problems. Oh, the irony! :-/ kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Kellie, I understand your driving phobia. Please work with your therapist to help you stay driving. It’s something valuable you don’t want to lose. I feel you can get back to a place where anxiety isn’t the only thing on your mind. I’ve also been there back in 1983 when my disorder started. I know I’ve come a long way with the help of meds and talking with a therapist, in the past. I also read a lot of books and put my worries into the hands of a higher power. You can get there. It takes work. Do you take any meds? Do you have a benzo that you can take when you drive? This might help with the anxiety. Always feel free to vent. We all have our own stories and they mainly come back to anxiety and/or depression…ugh! Wishing you tons of success… ((((((Kellie))))))) smiles, Elise

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel for you, Kellie and I completely understand where you’re coming from. The anxiety/panic *is* always in the back (or front?) of your mind. I have to stop and question it for minor things, like, when my husband asks me to go to the store with him. It’s a simple thing. He wants me to go to the store because I remember what we need. If he goes by himself, he picks up meat – no veggies. So he asks me to go and my mind starts racing – ack, the store? Oh no! Which store? Are we only going to just *that* store? Do I look okay to be seen in public? Do my clothes match? What do we need at the store? What are we out of? What if my stomach goes off? What if I have to use the bathroom and someone is in there? Am I dressed warmly enough – the store is cold. Ack, the store? Which store? Are we only going to go to just *that* store? (repeat phrases incessantly and start shaking, insuring hot flashes, heart palpitations and stomach flutters.) Thank God I quit driving! I used to second-guess directions all the time and get lost. I hate this thing, too, but I’m not quite sure as to how to stop it, yet.

It sounds like your anxiety level is way up there, Kili. And it’s probably related in part to your medical problems. Are you on any psych meds? What’s the dose? A high enough dose of a benzo taken on a regular daily basis would make you feel *calm*, or calmer. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I just have to vent for a while. I have been going through such a rough time right now with my panic/anxiety. My driving phobia has been getting worse and I’m feeling more and more self conscious about it. I am being hard on myself.

Was someone hard on you (or critical) when you were a child? Tell them to get off your back. PLEASE Tell me that I can get back to a place where my anxiety/panic isn’t the only thing on my mind ALL THE TIME!!!!!

You will get to that place. I only live less than 5 miles from work and it’s gotten so bad that sometimes I have anxiety attacks on the way to work and has gotten so bad that sometimes I get anxious just by being in the vehicle.

I’ve been there several years ago. You’ll get better. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Group: I just have to vent for a while. I have been going through such a rough time right now with my panic/anxiety. My driving phobia has been getting worse and I’m feeling more and more self conscious about it. I am being hard on myself. I started seeing a new therapist and I’ve seen him twice. I really like him and am hopeful that he will help me get back on the right track. I HATE HATE HAATTE this! I am so tired of analyzing EVERY little thing that happens or doesn’t happen in my life and I want my FREEDOM PLEASE Tell me that I can get back to a place where my anxiety/panic isn’t the only thing on my mind ALL THE TIME!!!!! I appreciate this group so much because it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one going through this even though I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I only live less than 5 miles from work and it’s gotten so bad that sometimes I have anxiety attacks on the way to work and has gotten so bad that sometimes I get anxious just by being in the vehicle. Thanks Kellie

I feel for you, Kellie and I completely understand where you’re coming from. The anxiety/panic *is* always in the back (or front?) of your mind. I have to stop and question it for minor things, like, when my husband asks me to go to the store with him. It’s a simple thing. He wants me to go to the store because I remember what we need. If he goes by himself, he picks up meat – no veggies. So he asks me to go and my mind starts racing – ack, the store? Oh no! Which store? Are we only going to just *that* store? Do I look okay to be seen in public? Do my clothes match? What do we need at the store? What are we out of? What if my stomach goes off? What if I have to use the bathroom and someone is in there? Am I dressed warmly enough – the store is cold. Ack, the store? Which store? Are we only going to go to just *that* store? (repeat phrases incessantly and start shaking, insuring hot flashes, heart palpitations and stomach flutters.) Thank God I quit driving! I used to second-guess directions all the time and get lost. I hate this thing, too, but I’m not quite sure as to how to stop it, yet. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Group: I just have to vent for a while. I have been going through such a rough time right now with my panic/anxiety. My driving phobia has been getting worse and I’m feeling more and more self conscious about it. I am being hard on myself. I started seeing a new therapist and I’ve seen him twice. I really like him and am hopeful that he will help me get back on the right track. I HATE HATE HAATTE this! I am so tired of analyzing EVERY little thing that happens or doesn’t happen in my life and I want my FREEDOM PLEASE Tell me that I can get back to a place where my anxiety/panic isn’t the only thing on my mind ALL THE TIME!!!!! I appreciate this group so much because it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one going through this even though I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I only live less than 5 miles from work and it’s gotten so bad that sometimes I have anxiety attacks on the way to work and has gotten so bad that sometimes I get anxious just by being in the vehicle. Thanks Kellie — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

question for people who see therapists or doctors

admin — Wed, 23 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

My doctor does not generate any of the same feelings I’ve had about a past figure. After 10 years, she’s more like a friend who is a good listener and who I confide in. Mary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I haven’t seen my psychiatrist in several years, but I was aware of trying to please him or impress him. (I tried to please my parents). I think I saw my psychiatrist as a nurturing parental type figure who wanted to help me. (and make alot of money doing it :::::::AMBIVALENCE:::: And I had to please him (to a certain extent) in order to get the help. My father didn’t pay much attention to me. Or when he did give me attention it was usually negative, like kicking me in the shins for "being lazy". Also he yawned during a few sessions and I felt like I wasn’t keeping him interested enuff or entertained enuff. He may have yawned cause he was up all night. Or maybe my monologue wasn’t interesting enuff. Sometimes I get angrey that he didn’t do more psychotherpy with me. But then again I wasn’t there for psychotherapy, and originally went to him in 1985 to get on Xanax for panic disorder. Most of the early visits were used discussing Xanax and it’s effect of blocking panic attacks. Plus at that time I thought psychotherapy was a bunch of BS. And still do to a certain extent. It looks like I’m ambivalent about alot of things. Which may be more healthy than seeing someone as all good or all bad. I don’t know what all the above is supposed to mean, if anything. But I thought I’d write it down anyway, to see where it leads, if anywhere. (more ambivalence Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Also he yawned during a few sessions and I felt like I wasn’t keeping him interested enuff or entertained enuff. He may have yawned cause he was up all night. Or maybe my monologue wasn’t interesting enuff. Bit of a coincidence, the psychiatrist I’ve been seeing brought up yawning when we were discussing some of my symptoms: I’d said yawning without feeling anxious and he said it was more likely migraine activity since he often had yawning "attacks" before a migraine without feeling tired. I’ve had migraines since I was young so must have had thousands by now and thats a new one on me. It was on me too but after looking it up I’ve sen other references to it. My migraines changed from being classic to weird sometime around the period my panic got bad so all new symptoms were checked in together… now this Pdoc says other things like the extreme confusion, aphasia, balance problem etc could be migrainous in origin. I have read that some people with migraines can have certain symptoms that are not vision problems but maybe confusion (haven’t heard of balance problem though), but if you have the confusion and balance problem right before you have a migraine, it could be possible the symptoms are migrainous. Those symptoms are not very common, but I have read there are some people who have them.

These thigs can occur before a migraine, after a migraine or sometimes on their own after having been in bright light… maybe they *are* the migraine? I have had migraines since my 20’s but in my mid 40’s I developed a heart murmur which turned out to be a narrowing of the aortic heart valve, which led to open heart surgery and artificial valve replacement in my 50’s. After the operation, I started to have far more frequent migraines with more intense auras, that were never there before. I saw several neurologists in the next few years after. Nothing showed up becuase its something you can’t see. A neurosurgeon and cardiologist said they have heard of this happening with a few patients, but they have not identified the cause – maybe a change of blood flow, maybe something during the operation.

That really sucks! I hate that "no known cause" thing. My first migraine was when I was 10 or 11 but I didn’t dare to tell anyone about the visual aura, being afraid they’d say I was going crazy.

Snap! I’ve "always" (for as long as I can recall) had a slight list to the left but not enough to make me bump into walls until these attacks of falling to the left. I’ve never actually had my migraines properly assessed or treated (med-phobia rules :-/) so the Pdoc wants me to see another neurologist. Only trigger I’ve found is bright light, even after eliminating common triggers fro my diet. But then if the migraines have changed, maybe the triggers have too. (I want to keep my coffee and chocolate!) Mine is bright light and can even be sunlight, and can sometimes be the computer so I keep it a lot dimmer than other people.

Bright light of any kind… what kind of monitor do you have? Now I’ve got a TFT monitor it’s a lot easier on the eyes. Sometimes computer games which I love, can do it.

Or tv programmes with flash photography or thingummy- strobe like effect. I love chocolate. I don’t think it causes me to have migraines because even when I don’t have any for a couple of weeks without chocolate, I still get migraines.

Me too, so I’m hopeful that won’t be a problem food if any are. Having a psychiatrist yawn at me would make me wonder if I was wasting both our time though. If it was only one yawn maybe he was up late, so you could maybe overlook it, but if it was every time you saw him, then he’s too sleepy to see anybody and should go to bed

A sign saying: "Group session for all patients this morning, I’ll be monitoring your progress from my office and next session we’ll review the group session". One camera set up and the guy is ready for a nice long nap. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I have read that some people with migraines can have certain symptoms that are not vision problems but maybe confusion (haven’t heard of balance problem though), but if you have the confusion and balance problem right before you have a migraine, it could be possible the symptoms are migrainous. Those symptoms are not very common, but I have read there are some people who have them. I have had migraines since my 20’s but in my mid 40’s I developed a heart murmur which turned out to be a narrowing of the aortic heart valve, which led to open heart surgery and artificial valve replacement in my 50’s. After the operation, I started to have far more frequent migraines with more intense auras, that were never there before. I saw several neurologists in the next few years after. Nothing showed up becuase its something you can’t see. A neurosurgeon and cardiologist said they have heard of this happening with a few patients, but they have not identified the cause – maybe a change of blood flow, maybe something during the operation. I too have a balance problem but I know for sure, its nothing to do with a migraine. I had an inner ear problem 18 years ago or so,and had extensive tests done and it showed I have a lesion in the inner ear. Whether that caused my problem I don’t know, but I do know that the balance problem became a phobia. It seems to be partly physical and partly phobic. I have had a lot of weird things that are not common. I’ve never actually had my migraines properly assessed or treated (med-phobia rules :-/) so the Pdoc wants me to see another neurologist. Only trigger I’ve found is bright light, even after eliminating common triggers fro my diet. But then if the migraines have changed, maybe the triggers have too. (I want to keep my coffee and chocolate!)

Mine is bright light and can even be sunlight, and can sometimes be the computer so I keep it a lot dimmer than other people. Sometimes computer games which I love, can do it. I love chocolate. I don’t think it causes me to have migraines because even when I don’t have any for a couple of weeks without chocolate, I still get migraines. Having a psychiatrist yawn at me would make me wonder if I was wasting both our time though. If it was only one yawn maybe he was up late, so you could maybe overlook it, but if it was every time you saw him, then he’s too sleepy to see anybody and should go to bed

And cancel his appointments for the rest of the day (or week) depending on how much sleep he needs. He could put a sign outside his door saying "Too tired – come back another day". Mary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’m not in therapy, Russ. if your therapist keeps yawning, go find another one. also one that you dont feel you need to impress (that might be coming from you though).

That was coming from me, Russ. Not the psychiatrist. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i havent experienced that chip. i was lucky to have a therapist i really connected with, felt comfortable with, and trusted. i just stopped therapy a month ago because he moved….which is a really big bummer for me. its really hard to find great people like that. i hope you get positive results from your therapy chip. I’m not in therapy, Russ. if your therapist keeps yawning, go find another one. also one that you dont feel you need to impress (that might be coming from you though). That was coming from me, Russ. Not the psychiatrist. Chip — The charter is available at:http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

oh, now i see. i should read more carefully. slightly embarrassed am i — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Bit of a coincidence, the psychiatrist I’ve been seeing brought up yawning when we were discussing some of my symptoms: I’d said yawning without feeling anxious and he said it was more likely migraine activity since he often had yawning "attacks" before a migraine without feeling tired. Having a psychiatrist yawn at me would make me wonder if I was wasting both our time though. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Also he yawned during a few sessions and I felt like I wasn’t keeping him interested enuff or entertained enuff. He may have yawned cause he was up all night. Or maybe my monologue wasn’t interesting enuff. Bit of a coincidence, the psychiatrist I’ve been seeing brought up yawning when we were discussing some of my symptoms: I’d said yawning without feeling anxious and he said it was more likely migraine activity since he often had yawning "attacks" before a migraine without feeling tired.

I’ve had migraines since I was young so must have had thousands by now and thats a new one on me. Having a psychiatrist yawn at me would make me wonder if I was wasting both our time though.

If it was only one yawn maybe he was up late, so you could maybe overlook it, but if it was every time you saw him, then he’s too sleepy to see anybody and should go to bed Mary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

It was on me too but after looking it up I’ve sen other references to it. My migraines changed from being classic to weird sometime around the period my panic got bad so all new symptoms were checked in together… now this Pdoc says other things like the extreme confusion, aphasia, balance problem etc could be migrainous in origin. I’ve never actually had my migraines properly assessed or treated (med-phobia rules :-/) so the Pdoc wants me to see another neurologist. Only trigger I’ve found is bright light, even after eliminating common triggers fro my diet. But then if the migraines have changed, maybe the triggers have too. (I want to keep my coffee and chocolate!) Having a psychiatrist yawn at me would make me wonder if I was wasting both our time though. If it was only one yawn maybe he was up late, so you could maybe overlook it, but if it was every time you saw him, then he’s too sleepy to see anybody and should go to bed

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There are psychiatrists and there are psychiatrists same as any other professionals. Its very hard to find a good one. I gave up looking after a few years and did much better with my GP who is not a therapist but has some training in it and is a good listener and gives me her take on things and is better than the psychiatrists I went to. I’ve read the type of relationship one has with the therapist (or GP) is more important than the type of therapy. I tend to agree that this is the case many times, but I suppose you could say that if your problem was very serious, a professional who is experienced and compassionate may be needed. But for me, whoever it is, they have to be compassionate, supportive and good listeners – probably most important is that you "click" with them or you mightr as well not bother wasting your time and theirs. Anyway, these are the things I need in a doctor/psythiatrist and are what I find in my GP. She is female and has strong interests in female issues which I like. She takes time from her regular practice to counsel women half a day a week. I like though I have nothing against male GP’s. I went to one for 25 years. I liked him very much, though he was more the type – interested in your medical problems only. He retired. I’ve had my present GP for 15 years. She is a good doctor for medical issues as well. I am quite ambivalent about some things too Chip. Its not something I worry about.. I don’t worry about it either, Mary. But it occured to me that I was ambivalent about some things as I wrote my post yesterday. Sometimes when you write something, or think something, it can make you more aware of certain traits you have but never thought much about before. I have known I was ambivalent about various things for a long time. You could also say it was being "indecisive" but only about certain things where positive and negative thoughts collide and neither side wins, so ambivalence steps in to settle the issue Mary — The charter is available at:http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

i havent experienced that chip. i was lucky to have a therapist i really connected with, felt comfortable with, and trusted. i just stopped therapy a month ago because he moved….which is a really big bummer for me. its really hard to find great people like that. i hope you get positive results from your therapy chip. if your therapist keeps yawning, go find another one. also one that you dont feel you need to impress (that might be coming from you though). best wishes, russ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

There are psychiatrists and there are psychiatrists same as any other professionals. Its very hard to find a good one. I gave up looking after a few years and did much better with my GP who is not a therapist but has some training in it and is a good listener and gives me her take on things and is better than the psychiatrists I went to. I’ve read the type of relationship one has with the therapist (or GP) is more important than the type of therapy.

I tend to agree that this is the case many times, but I suppose you could say that if your problem was very serious, a professional who is experienced and compassionate may be needed. But for me, whoever it is, they have to be compassionate, supportive and good listeners – probably most important is that you "click" with them or you mightr as well not bother wasting your time and theirs. Anyway, these are the things I need in a doctor/psythiatrist and are what I find in my GP. She is female and has strong interests in female issues which I like. She takes time from her regular practice to counsel women half a day a week. I like though I have nothing against male GP’s. I went to one for 25 years. I liked him very much, though he was more the type – interested in your medical problems only. He retired. I’ve had my present GP for 15 years. She is a good doctor for medical issues as well. I am quite ambivalent about some things too Chip. Its not something I worry about.. I don’t worry about it either, Mary. But it occured to me that I was ambivalent about some things as I wrote my post yesterday.

Sometimes when you write something, or think something, it can make you more aware of certain traits you have but never thought much about before. I have known I was ambivalent about various things for a long time. You could also say it was being "indecisive" but only about certain things where positive and negative thoughts collide and neither side wins, so ambivalence steps in to settle the issue Mary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

When you see your psychotherapist, or your doctor, do you experience him/her in the same way as a significant figure from your past? And does he/she generate the same feelings you have/had about that past figure? If so, how do you explain it? Chip

No?? Not in any way I can even fathom. The thought never occurred to me, but since you asked.. no. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’ve read the type of relationship one has with the therapist (or GP) is more important than the type of therapy. I am quite ambivalent about some things too Chip. Its not something I worry about..

I don’t worry about it either, Mary. But it occured to me that I was ambivalent about some things as I wrote my post yesterday. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’ve seen several psychiatrists but not for at least 15 years and at that time it was mostly about depression which is still more predominant in my life to me than anxiety. I only started to have anxiety symptoms 4.5 years ago. I had years of severe anxiety when I was married and in a subsequent relationship, but didn’t have dizziness or lightheadness at those times, like I sometimes have now, but my nervousness and anxiety before was more inward. I think I saw my psychiatrist as a nurturing parental type figure who wanted to help me. (and make alot of money doing it :::::::AMBIVALENCE:::: And I had to please him (to a certain extent) in order to get the help. My father didn’t pay much attention to me. Or when he did give me attention it was usually negative, like kicking me in the shins for "being lazy".

You didn’t have a very good male model. Also he yawned during a few sessions and I felt like I wasn’t keeping him interested enuff or entertained enuff. He may have yawned cause he was up all night. Or maybe my monologue wasn’t interesting enuff.

I used to go to a pshychatrist who had a small clock which he would check once in a while, so I felt he was not paying attention to what I was saying. He might or might not have been up all night, but if he was like that every time you saw him, he was probably just bored, not just with you, but with everybody. Maybe bored with hearing similar problems over and over,but whatever the case, if he is not helping after a few visits, its time to move on. There are psychiatrists and there are psychiatrists same as any other professionals. Its very hard to find a good one. I gave up looking after a few years and did much better with my GP who is not a therapist but has some training in it and is a good listener and gives me her take on things and is better than the psychiatrists I went to. Sometimes I get angrey that he didn’t do more psychotherpy with me. But then again I wasn’t there for psychotherapy, and originally went to him in 1985 to get on Xanax for panic disorder. Most of the early visits were used discussing Xanax and it’s effect of blocking panic attacks. Plus at that time I thought psychotherapy was a bunch of BS. And still do to a certain extent.

I think it depends on finding a good psychotherapist who will listen to your needs, gives you feedback about your problems. Someone in tune with you. I am sure there are lots of good psychiatrists and therapists around, but finding them is the problem. With the public medicare system in Canada where I am, the best therapists are booked up for long periods of time, and the others move to the US to make more money Anyway, I have no interest in looking for one. I have my GP who gives me a lot of support and that is very important to me. It looks like I’m ambivalent about alot of things. Which may be more healthy than seeing someone as all good or all bad. I don’t know what all the above is supposed to mean, if anything. But I thought I’d write it down anyway, to see where it leads, if anywhere. (more ambivalence

I am quite ambivalent about some things too Chip. Its not something I worry about.. I don’t know what it means, but I understand what you mean Mary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

When you see your psychotherapist, or your doctor, do you experience him/her in the same way as a significant figure from your past?

Er, no. Should they? For the first few visits I wouldn’t even recognise their faces. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Not sure what you mean exactly Chip but I’ll answer the best way I can. When I first met with my psychiatrist the experience was overwhelming as it was the first time anyone could explain to me what I was going through. They didn’t represent anything other than a professional relationship I have with any other professional. As I stayed with this pdoc for 15 years I guess they did become more like a trusted friend. However I have not seen them for 3 years now. Vanessa — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

When you see your psychotherapist, or your doctor, do you experience him/her in the same way as a significant figure from your past?

No. More like someone that was missing from my past. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

tips

admin — Thu, 03 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

The addition of a benzodiazepine such as Xanax XR or Klonopin taken on a regular (daily) basis would lower your anticipatory anxiety, and lower your general level of anxiety. I’ve been on a combo of Zoloft and Klonopin for 14 years. 2- my second question regards others. for all of us who suffer from panic disorder, we know how real it is and how debilitating (sp.?) it can be. however, it doesnt seem like everyone else recognizes it since technically doesnt mean anything is physically wrong. The worst I’ve found is college professors. Especially before I started on Zoloft, i miss frequent classes because of anxiety. In many of these classes there is an attendance policy that allows students to only miss an alloted amount of class which i routinely go over. However, written into the syllabus of every course there is a clause for students with disabilities and health issues excusing absences for health or disability related issues. Although every semester I have taken the appropriate steps to try to get professors (and bosses at work) to recognize the fact that I have a real illness, i continue to have my grades reduced due to absences, which is just not fair.

Due to abscences? or due to poor grades on tests? When I went to college we weren’t graded on attendence. It seems like nobody recognizes my panic disorder as something serious enough to keep me from going to class (which anyone who has had it knows that it can be.) Has anyone experienced a similar problem or has anyone got any ideas how to solve this problem?

Can you get a letter from a psychiatrist saying you have a medical problem which is disabling and may interfer with your attendence in class? And do you think it would help? Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::hey, i am a college student with panic disorder. i take zoloft now ::and it really helps keep my panic attacks in control however i still ::do experience anxiety symptoms almost every day. i have a couple of ::questions and i was wondering if anyone could help me out. Welcome to ASAPM!! Talk to the prescribing doctor to let him know that you are still experiencing anxiety on a daily basis. Increasing the Zoloft and/or adding a benzo like xanax or klonopin could leave you feeling less anxious. How much Zoloft are you currently taking? How long have you been on it? ::1.- does anyone know how to lessen my anxiety about having another ::attack? like i said, the medication helps a lot but i guess it can ::only do so much and although i am not having full-fledged attacks, i ::still get the jitters and nervousness about having another attack a ::few times a day. has anyone found any good ways to cope with this? Ask for a benzo, get into cognitive behavioral therapy (meds can only do so much), decrease or eliminate caffeine from your diet and stay busy both physically and mentally. Staying busy is a diversion. Get your mind to focus on other things so you forget about your anxiety. Also, the more you fear and anticipate having a panic attack, the better the chance of you having one. Remind yourself that as uncomfortable as these attacks are, you always get through it. ::seems like nobody recognizes my panic disorder as something serious ::enough to keep me from going to class (which anyone who has had it ::knows that it can be.) Has anyone experienced a similar problem or ::has anyone got any ideas how to solve this problem? I would imagine that professors hear excuses all the time about why students are absent. It might help your case if you have a doctor’s note explaining your diagnosis and that your disorder can make it difficult to get to class. I also suggest you talk to the dean and look into student services and other available resources at your school. There has to be someone on campus that you can talk to about this. You need an advocate! ::PS- Its great to see a group like this, talking about PD and knowing ::that there are other who go through the same struggles that I do is ::very liberating and helpful. It’s a great group. I hope you stick around. Here’s lots of information for you. I hope you find some of it useful. Here are some informative links on cognitive behavioral therapy… http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/therapycbt/ http://www.cognitivetherapy.com/ http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/therapycbt/a/cbtintro.htm Here is a very informative site on anxiety and panic disorder. http://panicdisorder.about.com/ Here you will find all sorts of self-help techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises that can help decrease your anxiety and panic. http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/selfhelp/ http://msmonarchdancer.googlepages.com/ You might want to check out the following books from your library: "A Guide to Rational Living", by Albert Ellis, Ph.D "Feeling Good, The New Mood Therapy", by David D. Burns, M.D. "How to Control Your Anxiety, Before it Conrols You", by Albert Ellis, Ph.D "The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook", by Edmund J., Ph.D. Bourne Jackie ~*~"It’s the crazy ones that have all the good pills"~*~ ~~Kim Cattrall — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hey, i am a college student with panic disorder. i take zoloft now and it really helps keep my panic attacks in control however i still do experience anxiety symptoms almost every day. i have a couple of questions and i was wondering if anyone could help me out. 1.- does anyone know how to lessen my anxiety about having another attack? like i said, the medication helps a lot but i guess it can only do so much and although i am not having full-fledged attacks, i still get the jitters and nervousness about having another attack a few times a day. has anyone found any good ways to cope with this? 2- my second question regards others. for all of us who suffer from panic disorder, we know how real it is and how debilitating (sp.?) it can be. however, it doesnt seem like everyone else recognizes it since technically doesnt mean anything is physically wrong. The worst I’ve found is college professors. Especially before I started on Zoloft, i miss frequent classes because of anxiety. In many of these classes there is an attendance policy that allows students to only miss an alloted amount of class which i routinely go over. However, written into the syllabus of every course there is a clause for students with disabilities and health issues excusing absences for health or disability related issues. Although every semester I have taken the appropriate steps to try to get professors (and bosses at work) to recognize the fact that I have a real illness, i continue to have my grades reduced due to absences, which is just not fair. It seems like nobody recognizes my panic disorder as something serious enough to keep me from going to class (which anyone who has had it knows that it can be.) Has anyone experienced a similar problem or has anyone got any ideas how to solve this problem? Any help on these questions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! -D PS- Its great to see a group like this, talking about PD and knowing that there are other who go through the same struggles that I do is very liberating and helpful.

Hi Dwalz, Welcome to ASAPM! As to the anticipatory anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy can help lessen some of that. It helps me to know that I’ve had countless PA’s before and lived through them. They don’t really "scare" me all that much anymore. They are rather something I just kind of have learned to accept as a part of my life. I get mad, not scared that I’m going to have one, LOL. Accepting them has lessened the fear of having them, but I still do sometimes struggle with the fear of having another. Just depends on my general psychological state and where I am at. I think that’s just part of the disorder, and maybe knowing we all struggle with the same thing may help lessen some of your worries. You are not alone. A prescription for a benzo would definitely be helpful. I find CBT very effective for generalized anxiety, but personally, I need a benzo for panic, the ssri’s don’t touch mine. Whew.. good luck in college. I was attending Ohio State a few years ago, and there were one or two classes in which my panic would just go through the roof. One class, in particular, it seemed like the panic started when I walked in and it did not abate until the class was over. One right after another through the entire class and for the whole quarter. I might suggest a few things. If you are in big lecture halls, sit near the back, as near to the door as possible. If you feel it coming on, give yourself permission to go out, have a drink of water, or just breathe.. gather yourself and go back in when you are ready. Just the act of me sitting near the door and giving myself permission to leave actually kept me from panicking a good deal of the time. There is also the possibility of you applying for and getting disability. Get legally dubbed "disabled".. that way, you have a piece of paper that officially calls you disabled, and they would not be able to hold your attendance against you — maybe. I do not know. I am pretty sure that they are going to have some sort of minimum requirements about attendance, disability or not – perhaps on days you could not come to class you could get a note taker to be there for you. It’s worth a try, anyway. take care, and again, welcome. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

hey, i am a college student with panic disorder. i take zoloft now and it really helps keep my panic attacks in control however i still do experience anxiety symptoms almost every day. i have a couple of questions and i was wondering if anyone could help me out. 1.- does anyone know how to lessen my anxiety about having another attack? like i said, the medication helps a lot but i guess it can only do so much and although i am not having full-fledged attacks, i still get the jitters and nervousness about having another attack a few times a day. has anyone found any good ways to cope with this? 2- my second question regards others. for all of us who suffer from panic disorder, we know how real it is and how debilitating (sp.?) it can be. however, it doesnt seem like everyone else recognizes it since technically doesnt mean anything is physically wrong. The worst I’ve found is college professors. Especially before I started on Zoloft, i miss frequent classes because of anxiety. In many of these classes there is an attendance policy that allows students to only miss an alloted amount of class which i routinely go over. However, written into the syllabus of every course there is a clause for students with disabilities and health issues excusing absences for health or disability related issues. Although every semester I have taken the appropriate steps to try to get professors (and bosses at work) to recognize the fact that I have a real illness, i continue to have my grades reduced due to absences, which is just not fair. It seems like nobody recognizes my panic disorder as something serious enough to keep me from going to class (which anyone who has had it knows that it can be.) Has anyone experienced a similar problem or has anyone got any ideas how to solve this problem? Any help on these questions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! -D PS- Its great to see a group like this, talking about PD and knowing that there are other who go through the same struggles that I do is very liberating and helpful. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

OT….Bonus Question of the day 03/24/07

admin — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

driving – both the test and the driving after the gave me the license

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 03/24/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anon poster What was the most difficult test you’ve ever taken? Jackie ~*~I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me… I have gone ahead despite the pounding in my heart that says: turn back, turn back, you’ll die if you venture too far~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Marie, Big pat on the back to you!!! smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My GED. It was 4 hours long. And it suck balls. I hated it. I passed with flying colors. And started college that fall. And I only went to school to 8th grade. amazing huh…..lol 03/24/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anon poster What was the most difficult test you’ve ever taken? Jackie ~*~I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me… I have gone ahead despite the pounding in my heart that says: turn back, turn back, you’ll die if you venture too far~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My GED. It was 4 hours long. And it suck balls. I hated it. I passed with flying colors. And started college that fall. And I only went to school to 8th grade. amazing huh…..lol

My husband and his mom took their GED at the same time to study together. They both passed. I’m happy you did, too. :~) kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

03/24/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anon poster What was the most difficult test you’ve ever taken?

I think my most difficult text ever taken would be getting married at age 18 (less than a month shy of 19) and not listening to people’s advice about how it wouldn’t and couldn’t "work out!" I just knew that this was the right girl for me when we first met at age 16! But – was I right or foolish? Well, it has been over 40 years of wedded bliss (I have usually been the cause when it wasn’t). We have raised two children of our own (no – we did not "have" to get married – though we did tell people that to get permission to wed from parents) and we now have 7 grandchildren. We are still each other’s best friend. I have not been sorry that I married at such a young age. We passed that test and I believe that we have succeeded at life far better than any fame or wealth could show. We still smile and hold hands and want to do things together. It does get better and better! Tom — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

MsMonarchdancer wrote : What was the most difficult test you’ve ever taken?

Licensed professional engineer. Dennis — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My GED. It was 4 hours long. And it suck balls. I hated it. I passed with flying colors. And started college that fall. And I only went to school to 8th grade. amazing huh…..lol

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

03/24/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anon poster What was the most difficult test you’ve ever taken? Jackie ~*~I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me… I have gone ahead despite the pounding in my heart that says: turn back, turn back, you’ll die if you venture too far~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

03/24/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anon poster What was the most difficult test you’ve ever taken?

If you’re talking grades, I’d say biology in college, if you’re asking about life it’s going on currently. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

03/24/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anon poster What was the most difficult test you’ve ever taken?

A urine test when kidney stones were suspected<;-( — Ron P Member of the invisible generation — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

03/24/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anon poster What was the most difficult test you’ve ever taken?

It was called the pharmacology final exam in med school. I hadn’t studied for it, and therefore didn’t know any of the answers. That’s the year I came down with panic disorder. Often I had to leave the lecture room cause I was having a panic attack. It’s hard to study when you’re having out of the blue panic attacks. And when you think you’re going crazy, and will stay that way. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Anything involving science. smiles, Elise

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

frightened of needing Klonopin/ativan

admin — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

That’s a very good point. I’m not sure who I am. I’m constantly looking back at the last hour or so, or event, or exchange….and wondering how I handled it so well. I always worry it wont work the next time – but it is keeping working and I guess I’ll get used to being a functioning grownup sooner or later. Thanks for your help. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After many years of being treated primarily with anti-depressants, then hypomania, then off, then onto Lacmictal, I really was not much better at handling my panic and enormous overwhelming fears than I ever was. Therapy has helped a lot – but the only thing that really worked was illegal ativan that I purchased at various times. No pdoc was willing to prescribe steady doses of benzos because I am also depressed and that’s all they could see. Recently I found a new pdoc who prescribed klonopin – as much as 2 mg per day. I asked about the depression and he suggested we wait and see if the Klonopin helped my mood. After about 5 months, I am still depressed, but it is at a low level, a level I’ve lived with, more or less, for my whole life. you have not indictaed whether you are still on lamactil and an antidepressant-have you been diagnosed with bi polar disorder? The Klonopin plus occasional ativan in a crisis, has allowed me to use good judgement almost all the time. It has prevented me from dissolving into an infantile needy person who frightens others with her helplessness and terror. So, I have just gone through the death of someone very close to me and I have managed ok. I have functioned, I am managing to do most of my work and my friends are commenting upon how well I’m handling it. I know this all sounds great. BUT – I also know that when the drugs wear off, I fall apart – sometimes within an hour or two. how do you know klonopin is wearing off, it has an unusually long half life-some people do report doing better on a three time a day dosing and of course, your dose may still be too low for you-you can discuss this with your doctor I know that when there’s a particularly difficult crisis, I need to dissolve an ativan under my tongue and talk to someone about how terrified I am for 20 minutes – then I will get a grip and function well. So what does this mean? Does it mean I have a real chemical imbalance no different from thyroid or diabetes? disease is not a chemical imbalance regardless of the media or "new speak" hype-mental illness and emotional problems are often caused by many factors including higghly sensitized nervous systems and or decreased levels of brain amines and or receptors-but it feels comforting to allow for the possibility of"yes you may have a chemical imbalance" but certainly panic disorder is real and a true disability Should I just assume that I need these drugs in the same way that a diabetic needs them. most do Should I not worry that they are essential to my good emotional functioning? why would you worry about this-would this mean that one should also be worried that an aspirin relieves their headache? And if so, how should I "see" myself? What does this say about who I am? Am I really the person without the drugs or am I really the person with the drugs? ahhh, the crux if you will Who are you really? Are you the same person you were three minutes ago? Technically, no. You are a highly complex ever changing organism-you are not defined by any one single thing, but by many and this definition is arbitrary and ever changing as well. I think what you mean is -is the real you being corrupted by chemicals -the answer is no-since you already are a cluster of many chemicals and your emotions, caused by and influenced by chemicals, is in a state of equilibrium and disequilibrium on a continually changing flux. So it is virtually impossible to answer this-however it is important for you well being to know that there is a predominance of anxiety sufferers who need medication of some sort to function-this in no way compromises who they are, or the integrity of their emotions-their emotions are no more real or unreal as being unmedicated-just more controlled and rationally expressed I’m sorry for how long this is, but it’s very confusing and scary. I have watched myself go through a crisis better than ever before in my life. I know a lot of it is my therapy. But I also know I need the drugs to hold onto, and make use of, what I’ve learned in therapy. Your thoughts and experiences will be greatly appreciated. BTW, I am aware Klonopin is addictive or habit forming – I’m 63 years old and I’m not sure I care much about that aspect – it’s much more about who am I "really"? you are Louise-on meds a more comfortable and functional Louise btw there is a significant difference between addiction and dependency-those addicted can be seen as not being themselves as their fix becomes their primary reality-you are not using those types of drugs-regardless of what crap you may read on the web Louise Thanks for your detailed and thoughful replies To answer the specific questions: I have not been on lamictal for about 8 months. When I went off of it I felt a little more focused (in a nice way) and I stopped being dizzy – I had been dizzy for the entire 5 years I was on it. My feeling was that it had done little or no good. I have tried many anti-depressants: celexa twice, effexor once, luvox once, and zoloft once. All of them made me feel better for the first week or two. I then became increasingly agitated, irritable almost beyond my control and unable to control my temper. I was diagnosed as hypo-manic once and the other time, a "paradoxical reaction". On both occasions the pdocs involved told me never to use SSRIs again. I have not been diagnosed bipolar but I do have a history of it on my mother’s side (aunt was manic depressive on lithium and mother was just nuts – I think manic). My mother refused to see a psychiatrist although it was recommended by many medical doctorrs. I was told that given my history, I probably have bipolar tendencies and therefore, should stay away from the kindling effect (for me) of SSRIs. I feel the klonopin wear off because I become panicky and begin getting palpitations. I am going to begin dosing 3x day as I think that may work better. Sometimes I think I’m fine but when some small upsetting thing happens, I feel the panic rise up – that’s another way I know it’s wearing off. Louise

one more thing-valium works better for palps then klonopin, as well as using beta blockers or calcium channel blockers — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So, I have just gone through the death of someone very close to me and I have managed ok. I have functioned, I am managing to do most of my work and my friends are commenting upon how well I’m handling it. I know this all sounds great. BUT – I also know that when the drugs wear off, I fall apart – sometimes within an hour or two. I know that when there’s a particularly difficult crisis, I need to dissolve an ativan under my tongue and talk to someone about how terrified I am for 20 minutes – then I will get a grip and function well. So what does this mean? Does it mean I have a real chemical imbalance no different from thyroid or diabetes? Should I just assume that I need these drugs in the same way that a diabetic needs them.

That’s the way I look at the meds I take for panic disorder and recurrant major depression. And if so, how should I "see" myself? What does this say about who I am? Am I really the person without the drugs or am I really the person with the drugs?

I think I’m more myself when I’m not suffering or incapacited with anxiety and depression. BTW, I am aware Klonopin is addictive or habit forming –

I’ve been on Klonopin for 20 years. It hasn’t made me an addict (my life doesn’t revolve around taking higher and higher doses to get high). I tapered off Klonopin about 8 years ago and started getting panic attacks while driving. So I went back on the Klonopin. I think I"ll need it the rest of my life if I’m going to get my anxiety level down to a fairly comfortable level. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

that same kindling is why you begin to respond to things (stressors) with increased anxiety-If you can learn to use those stressors as inervators or activators to then take action to reduce that anxiety you may find that you manage things better. I use my own proclivity for anxiety to activate myself to sometimes incredible levels of energy and productivity-of course once the level of anxiety reaches panic stages problem solving skills and productivity goes out the window-I strongly recommend rebt-give it a try and practice it with as much effort as you would any skill you want to master — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After many years of being treated primarily with anti-depressants, then hypomania, then off, then onto Lacmictal, I really was not much better at handling my panic and enormous overwhelming fears than I ever was. Therapy has helped a lot – but the only thing that really worked was illegal ativan that I purchased at various times. No pdoc was willing to prescribe steady doses of benzos because I am also depressed and that’s all they could see. Recently I found a new pdoc who prescribed klonopin – as much as 2 mg per day. I asked about the depression and he suggested we wait and see if the Klonopin helped my mood. After about 5 months, I am still depressed, but it is at a low level, a level I’ve lived with, more or less, for my whole life. you have not indictaed whether you are still on lamactil and an antidepressant-have you been diagnosed with bi polar disorder? The Klonopin plus occasional ativan in a crisis, has allowed me to use good judgement almost all the time. It has prevented me from dissolving into an infantile needy person who frightens others with her helplessness and terror. So, I have just gone through the death of someone very close to me and I have managed ok. I have functioned, I am managing to do most of my work and my friends are commenting upon how well I’m handling it. I know this all sounds great. BUT – I also know that when the drugs wear off, I fall apart – sometimes within an hour or two. how do you know klonopin is wearing off, it has an unusually long half life-some people do report doing better on a three time a day dosing and of course, your dose may still be too low for you-you can discuss this with your doctor I know that when there’s a particularly difficult crisis, I need to dissolve an ativan under my tongue and talk to someone about how terrified I am for 20 minutes – then I will get a grip and function well. So what does this mean? Does it mean I have a real chemical imbalance no different from thyroid or diabetes? disease is not a chemical imbalance regardless of the media or "new speak" hype-mental illness and emotional problems are often caused by many factors including higghly sensitized nervous systems and or decreased levels of brain amines and or receptors-but it feels comforting to allow for the possibility of"yes you may have a chemical imbalance" but certainly panic disorder is real and a true disability Should I just assume that I need these drugs in the same way that a diabetic needs them. most do Should I not worry that they are essential to my good emotional functioning? why would you worry about this-would this mean that one should also be worried that an aspirin relieves their headache? And if so, how should I "see" myself? What does this say about who I am? Am I really the person without the drugs or am I really the person with the drugs? ahhh, the crux if you will Who are you really? Are you the same person you were three minutes ago? Technically, no. You are a highly complex ever changing organism-you are not defined by any one single thing, but by many and this definition is arbitrary and ever changing as well. I think what you mean is -is the real you being corrupted by chemicals -the answer is no-since you already are a cluster of many chemicals and your emotions, caused by and influenced by chemicals, is in a state of equilibrium and disequilibrium on a continually changing flux. So it is virtually impossible to answer this-however it is important for you well being to know that there is a predominance of anxiety sufferers who need medication of some sort to function-this in no way compromises who they are, or the integrity of their emotions-their emotions are no more real or unreal as being unmedicated-just more controlled and rationally expressed I’m sorry for how long this is, but it’s very confusing and scary. I have watched myself go through a crisis better than ever before in my life. I know a lot of it is my therapy. But I also know I need the drugs to hold onto, and make use of, what I’ve learned in therapy. Your thoughts and experiences will be greatly appreciated. BTW, I am aware Klonopin is addictive or habit forming – I’m 63 years old and I’m not sure I care much about that aspect – it’s much more about who am I "really"? you are Louise-on meds a more comfortable and functional Louise btw there is a significant difference between addiction and dependency-those addicted can be seen as not being themselves as their fix becomes their primary reality-you are not using those types of drugs-regardless of what crap you may read on the web Louise

Thanks for your detailed and thoughful replies To answer the specific questions: I have not been on lamictal for about 8 months. When I went off of it I felt a little more focused (in a nice way) and I stopped being dizzy – I had been dizzy for the entire 5 years I was on it. My feeling was that it had done little or no good. I have tried many anti-depressants: celexa twice, effexor once, luvox once, and zoloft once. All of them made me feel better for the first week or two. I then became increasingly agitated, irritable almost beyond my control and unable to control my temper. I was diagnosed as hypo-manic once and the other time, a "paradoxical reaction". On both occasions the pdocs involved told me never to use SSRIs again. I have not been diagnosed bipolar but I do have a history of it on my mother’s side (aunt was manic depressive on lithium and mother was just nuts – I think manic). My mother refused to see a psychiatrist although it was recommended by many medical doctorrs. I was told that given my history, I probably have bipolar tendencies and therefore, should stay away from the kindling effect (for me) of SSRIs. I feel the klonopin wear off because I become panicky and begin getting palpitations. I am going to begin dosing 3x day as I think that may work better. Sometimes I think I’m fine but when some small upsetting thing happens, I feel the panic rise up – that’s another way I know it’s wearing off. Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -After many years of being treated primarily with anti-depressants, then hypomania, then off, then onto Lacmictal, I really was not much better at handling my panic and enormous overwhelming fears than I ever was. Therapy has helped a lot – but the only thing that really worked was illegal ativan that I purchased at various times. No pdoc was willing to prescribe steady doses of benzos because I am also depressed and that’s all they could see. Recently I found a new pdoc who prescribed klonopin – as much as 2 mg per day. I asked about the depression and he suggested we wait and see if the Klonopin helped my mood. After about 5 months, I am still depressed, but it is at a low level, a level I’ve lived with, more or less, for my whole life.

you have not indictaed whether you are still on lamactil and an antidepressant-have you been diagnosed with bi polar disorder? The Klonopin plus occasional ativan in a crisis, has allowed me to use good judgement almost all the time. It has prevented me from dissolving into an infantile needy person who frightens others with her helplessness and terror. So, I have just gone through the death of someone very close to me and I have managed ok. I have functioned, I am managing to do most of my work and my friends are commenting upon how well I’m handling it. I know this all sounds great. BUT – I also know that when the drugs wear off, I fall apart – sometimes within an hour or two.

how do you know klonopin is wearing off, it has an unusually long half life-some people do report doing better on a three time a day dosing and of course, your dose may still be too low for you-you can discuss this with your doctor I know that when there’s a particularly difficult crisis, I need to dissolve an ativan under my tongue and talk to someone about how terrified I am for 20 minutes – then I will get a grip and function well. So what does this mean? Does it mean I have a real chemical imbalance no different from thyroid or diabetes?

disease is not a chemical imbalance regardless of the media or "new speak" hype-mental illness and emotional problems are often caused by many factors including higghly sensitized nervous systems and or decreased levels of brain amines and or receptors-but it feels comforting to allow for the possibility of"yes you may have a chemical imbalance" but certainly panic disorder is real and a true disability Should I just assume that I need these drugs in the same way that a diabetic needs them.

most do Should I not worry that they are essential to my good emotional functioning?

why would you worry about this-would this mean that one should also be worried that an aspirin relieves their headache? And if so, how should I "see" myself? What does this say about who I am? Am I really the person without the drugs or am I really the person with the drugs?

ahhh, the crux if you will Who are you really? Are you the same person you were three minutes ago? Technically, no. You are a highly complex ever changing organism-you are not defined by any one single thing, but by many and this definition is arbitrary and ever changing as well. I think what you mean is -is the real you being corrupted by chemicals -the answer is no-since you already are a cluster of many chemicals and your emotions, caused by and influenced by chemicals, is in a state of equilibrium and disequilibrium on a continually changing flux. So it is virtually impossible to answer this-however it is important for you well being to know that there is a predominance of anxiety sufferers who need medication of some sort to function-this in no way compromises who they are, or the integrity of their emotions-their emotions are no more real or unreal as being unmedicated-just more controlled and rationally expressed I’m sorry for how long this is, but it’s very confusing and scary. I have watched myself go through a crisis better than ever before in my life. I know a lot of it is my therapy. But I also know I need the drugs to hold onto, and make use of, what I’ve learned in therapy. Your thoughts and experiences will be greatly appreciated. BTW, I am aware Klonopin is addictive or habit forming – I’m 63 years old and I’m not sure I care much about that aspect – it’s much more about who am I "really"?

you are Louise-on meds a more comfortable and functional Louise btw there is a significant difference between addiction and dependency-those addicted can be seen as not being themselves as their fix becomes their primary reality-you are not using those types of drugs-regardless of what crap you may read on the web Louise

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

True Louise, at 63 years old, dependency would be the last thing on my mind. I hv been on benzodiazepines for the better part of 20 years and will take them the remainder of my life. I have always considered the quality of my life much more important than the quantity. These meds have helped me live a relatively normal productive life. I thank God that medicines like these exist. I am also on an AD too btw. Valium and Lexapro seem to be working well for me at the moment. As an adjunct to the pharmacotherapy, I also exercise moderately, drink plenty of water, try to eat well and limit my junk food intake (hardest thing to do of all), and I meditate twice per day. Klonopin is a very good med. It worked well for me for over 12 years. HTH Carl

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

After many years of being treated primarily with anti-depressants, then hypomania, then off, then onto Lacmictal, I really was not much better at handling my panic and enormous overwhelming fears than I ever was. Therapy has helped a lot – but the only thing that really worked was illegal ativan that I purchased at various times. No pdoc was willing to prescribe steady doses of benzos because I am also depressed and that’s all they could see. Recently I found a new pdoc who prescribed klonopin – as much as 2 mg per day. I asked about the depression and he suggested we wait and see if the Klonopin helped my mood. After about 5 months, I am still depressed, but it is at a low level, a level I’ve lived with, more or less, for my whole life. The Klonopin plus occasional ativan in a crisis, has allowed me to use good judgement almost all the time. It has prevented me from dissolving into an infantile needy person who frightens others with her helplessness and terror. So, I have just gone through the death of someone very close to me and I have managed ok. I have functioned, I am managing to do most of my work and my friends are commenting upon how well I’m handling it. I know this all sounds great. BUT – I also know that when the drugs wear off, I fall apart – sometimes within an hour or two. I know that when there’s a particularly difficult crisis, I need to dissolve an ativan under my tongue and talk to someone about how terrified I am for 20 minutes – then I will get a grip and function well. So what does this mean? Does it mean I have a real chemical imbalance no different from thyroid or diabetes? Should I just assume that I need these drugs in the same way that a diabetic needs them. Should I not worry that they are essential to my good emotional functioning? And if so, how should I "see" myself? What does this say about who I am? Am I really the person without the drugs or am I really the person with the drugs? I’m sorry for how long this is, but it’s very confusing and scary. I have watched myself go through a crisis better than ever before in my life. I know a lot of it is my therapy. But I also know I need the drugs to hold onto, and make use of, what I’ve learned in therapy. Your thoughts and experiences will be greatly appreciated. BTW, I am aware Klonopin is addictive or habit forming – I’m 63 years old and I’m not sure I care much about that aspect – it’s much more about who am I "really"? Louise — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

2006 Panic Conference, initial review

admin — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hi Folks, I’m somewhat exhausted at the moment, so this initial description of the 2006 Panic Conference will be very brief. I will elaborate on details later. And, in time, the proceedings will be made freely available to everyone, as we have always done. The conference was disappointingly small this year. However, this year’s presentations were among the best of this conference’s history. For a number of reasons, we had a lot of last minute cancellations and had to scale back the usually two-day conference to a one-day event. Further practical issues compelled us to abandon the usual coffee breaks and lunch break, so all of the presentations ran consecutively, without formal breaks. This amounted to a rather intense academic experience. J. Sakyiama presented "Panic Disorder: How Much Do We Know?" Using a survey, he had conducted a study of perceptions of panic attacks amongst university students. Specifically, he compared perceptions of students majoring in psychology, biochemistry and computer science. He further compared these perceptions against literature on panic attacks. Discipline differences were sometimes as expected, sometimes not. Overall, most had reasonable ideas of panic symptoms, yet panic was mostly viewed as "psychological" in nature, with little acknowledgement of medical or neurological aspects. Q. Wu presented "Panic Attacks in Children from Scary Advertisements On Television." Her study showed good evidence that frightening TV ads could traumatize unsupervised children. She then described practices that parents could employ to reduce such effects; parental supervision and comfort, distraction techniques, etc. D. Sinclair presented "Stopping a Panic Attack by Decreasing the Carbon Dioxide in Inhaled Air." His study wasn’t simply a rehash of CO2 based "suffocation alarm" theory. He described two different CO2 alarm systems (one involving receptors in the Aorta and another involving receptors in the Medulla, how they interacted and how they explained apparently paradoxical reactions to CO2 relating to panic attacks). R. Duda presented "Panic Attacks in Soldiers in Combat Situations." As a military psychiatrist treating soldiers in current war zones, his talk was an excellent description of modern military psychiatry; including case studies and personal anecdotes. Naturally, anxiety disorders are expected in combat situations and often suggest lessons for civilian anxiety disorders. Following our formal presentations, I was asked to speak some concluding remarks. Such remarks are supposed to be brief and I was only given a few days prior to prepare. For guidance, I asked the thoughts of my fellow patients in the groups ASAP and ASAP-M. My fellow patients asked me to express the severity of panic attacks, and comment on medications. My concluding remarks addressed that the most common beliefs of panic attacks were often based on mild to moderate cases. The popular beliefs that panic attacks were "frightening, but not dangerous" and that panic attacks were "highly treatable" I acknowledged as true for most cases, yet took serious issue with regarding severe or chronic cases. I did explain that severe panic attacks were much like long-lasting conscious seizures. I also noted that many recent studies indicated that prolonged job stress (blue-collar, white-collar or otherwise) have been associated with ill health, so why should the stress of prolonged and frequent panic attacks be any different? Well, that’s the short and simple version of what I said. The conference, proper, ended about mid-afternoon. Some people left. Those of us who stayed quickly gathered to embrace discussions that waxed and waned from technical to friendly. We were also hungry, so we ordered some pizzas and the like delivered to the conference suites (a new and amusing first for the conference’s four year history). We enjoyed each other’s company for a few hours more. Eventually, however, we had to end the day, knowing that most of us had to return to distant countries. Such good-byes are always bittersweet. Overall, the conference was strangely successful. Despite misfortune and low attendance, we had great presenters and great material to add to our proceedings. And, after all, our greatest audience is the readers of the proceedings. Somehow, our twisted altruistic notions had apparently panned out one more time. Best Wishes, Arthur — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Interesting stuff Arthur. The public speaking aspect of the conference didn’t cause you any anxiety? Where was the conference? — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Folks, I’m somewhat exhausted at the moment, so this initial description of the 2006 Panic Conference will be very brief. I will elaborate on details later. And, in time, the proceedings will be made freely available to everyone, as we have always done. The conference was disappointingly small this year. However, this year’s presentations were among the best of this conference’s history. For a number of reasons, we had a lot of last minute cancellations and had to scale back the usually two-day conference to a one-day event. Further practical issues compelled us to abandon the usual coffee breaks and lunch break, so all of the presentations ran consecutively, without formal breaks. This amounted to a rather intense academic experience. J. Sakyiama presented "Panic Disorder: How Much Do We Know?" Using a survey, he had conducted a study of perceptions of panic attacks amongst university students. Specifically, he compared perceptions of students majoring in psychology, biochemistry and computer science. He further compared these perceptions against literature on panic attacks. Discipline differences were sometimes as expected, sometimes not. Overall, most had reasonable ideas of panic symptoms, yet panic was mostly viewed as "psychological" in nature, with little acknowledgement of medical or neurological aspects. Q. Wu presented "Panic Attacks in Children from Scary Advertisements On Television." Her study showed good evidence that frightening TV ads could traumatize unsupervised children. She then described practices that parents could employ to reduce such effects; parental supervision and comfort, distraction techniques, etc. D. Sinclair presented "Stopping a Panic Attack by Decreasing the Carbon Dioxide in Inhaled Air." His study wasn’t simply a rehash of CO2 based "suffocation alarm" theory. He described two different CO2 alarm systems (one involving receptors in the Aorta and another involving receptors in the Medulla, how they interacted and how they explained apparently paradoxical reactions to CO2 relating to panic attacks). R. Duda presented "Panic Attacks in Soldiers in Combat Situations." As a military psychiatrist treating soldiers in current war zones, his talk was an excellent description of modern military psychiatry; including case studies and personal anecdotes. Naturally, anxiety disorders are expected in combat situations and often suggest lessons for civilian anxiety disorders. Following our formal presentations, I was asked to speak some concluding remarks. Such remarks are supposed to be brief and I was only given a few days prior to prepare. For guidance, I asked the thoughts of my fellow patients in the groups ASAP and ASAP-M. My fellow patients asked me to express the severity of panic attacks, and comment on medications. My concluding remarks addressed that the most common beliefs of panic attacks were often based on mild to moderate cases. The popular beliefs that panic attacks were "frightening, but not dangerous" and that panic attacks were "highly treatable" I acknowledged as true for most cases, yet took serious issue with regarding severe or chronic cases. I did explain that severe panic attacks were much like long-lasting conscious seizures. I also noted that many recent studies indicated that prolonged job stress (blue-collar, white-collar or otherwise) have been associated with ill health, so why should the stress of prolonged and frequent panic attacks be any different? Well, that’s the short and simple version of what I said. The conference, proper, ended about mid-afternoon. Some people left. Those of us who stayed quickly gathered to embrace discussions that waxed and waned from technical to friendly. We were also hungry, so we ordered some pizzas and the like delivered to the conference suites (a new and amusing first for the conference’s four year history). We enjoyed each other’s company for a few hours more. Eventually, however, we had to end the day, knowing that most of us had to return to distant countries. Such good-byes are always bittersweet. Overall, the conference was strangely successful. Despite misfortune and low attendance, we had great presenters and great material to add to our proceedings. And, after all, our greatest audience is the readers of the proceedings. Somehow, our twisted altruistic notions had apparently panned out one more time. Best Wishes, Arthur — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Interesting stuff Arthur. The public speaking aspect of the conference didn’t cause you any anxiety?

Of course it caused me anxiety, just not crippling anxiety. Where was the conference?

Philadelphia. Best Wishes, Arthur — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Arthur, I hope you have had a chance to get rested up a bit from the weekend.

I’m still unwinding. These events tend to drain me and I end up going through a recovery period. That’s a shame you had cancellations but we all know how easy it can be to initially sign up for an event such as this and as the time nears think, "What the h*ll have I gotten myself into."

Most of the cancellations seemed to be for various practical reasons. Travel complications, priority conflicts or the like. That was nice that you had time to kick back, relax and enjoy the company of others from different countries.

That’s always a plus. Wonderful people come from every culture. Best Wishes, Arthur — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Dear Arthur,

Hi Jackie, I look forward to reading your detailed account of the conference. Sorry to hear that the turnout was low.

In an ironic sense, and for many reasons, the low turnout was probably a good thing. I’ll try to explain this better in my later detailed account. Rest up and take it easy, you deserve it!

Thank you. Much follow-up work to do, namely regarding the conference proceedings, but I will rest for a short while. Yet, don’t be surprised if "Count Arthur ov Pennsylvania" appears from time to time this month. After all, "Vhat iz Halloveen vithout zome goot books?" Very Best Vishes, Arthur — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Arthur, I hope you have had a chance to get rested up a bit from the weekend. That’s a shame you had cancellations but we all know how easy it can be to initially sign up for an event such as this and as the time nears think, "What the h*ll have I gotten myself into." That was nice that you had time to kick back, relax and enjoy the company of others from different countries. smiles, Elise

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Controlling panic disorder with Cog Behavior alone

admin — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hi folks: I just watched a cable TV special on panic disorder and at least 2 of the 5-6 people who were interviewed claimed that their panic attacks are under control because of the CB they were/are receiving — no meds. Is anyone here able to control their panic attacks/anxiety with CB alone? Thanx -frizz — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Frizzie. I could well believe there are people like this. Some people’s PAs are certainly caused by their thoughts/phobias/fears etc. They are the lucky ones IMO. It is possible for most people to change their thinking patterns with CBT. Sadly for many (most?) people, their attacks have a genetic component and screwy brain-chemistry is involved. Not so easy to fix that with talk I guess. I am in the latter catagory. What I wouldn’t give to have a nice simple phobia!! — _TJ_

Response:

I agree with TJ here. If you’ve got a fear of bridges or spiders or bowling balls or something it seems like there are tried-and-true methods to eliminating these kind of PA’s. I wish it were that simple for me. I don’t think talking therapy is worth anything at all. Bourne’s book never did me any good either. All his ideas on how to defuse a PA just seemed like so much BS to me. — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks: I just watched a cable TV special on panic disorder and at least 2 of the 5-6 people who were interviewed claimed that their panic attacks are under control because of the CB they were/are receiving — no meds. Is anyone here able to control their panic attacks/anxiety with CB alone? Thanx -frizz Hi Frizzie. I could well believe there are people like this. Some people’s PAs are certainly caused by their thoughts/phobias/fears etc. They are the lucky ones IMO. It is possible for most people to change their thinking patterns with CBT. Sadly for many (most?) people, their attacks have a genetic component and screwy brain-chemistry is involved. Not so easy to fix that with talk I guess. I am in the latter catagory. What I wouldn’t give to have a nice simple phobia!! — _TJ_

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

im not sure how good CBT works. i definately think it has helped me with catastophizing, and some of my core beliefs about the ramifications of life with panic/anxiety. ive been going for about 2 years now. i was up and down the last couple of years, and i got to a point to where the CBT only could do the job so much. the therapist said it might be a good idea for me to try meds to get myself in a better mind space, so that the CBT could be better absorbed. i think the lexapro has helped a bit more then the therapy though. but its hard to say. its all so confusing to figure out when you feel better on your own, or if its the meds, or the therapy. russ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I agree with TJ here. If you’ve got a fear of bridges or spiders or bowling balls or something it seems like there are tried-and-true methods to eliminating these kind of PA’s. I wish it were that simple for me. I don’t think talking therapy is worth anything at all. Bourne’s book never did me any good either. All his ideas on how to defuse a PA just seemed like so much BS to me. — Doug Hi folks: I just watched a cable TV special on panic disorder and at least 2 of the 5-6 people who were interviewed claimed that their panic attacks are under control because of the CB they were/are receiving — no meds. Is anyone here able to control their panic attacks/anxiety with CB alone? Thanx -frizz Hi Frizzie. I could well believe there are people like this. Some people’s PAs are certainly caused by their thoughts/phobias/fears etc. They are the lucky ones IMO. It is possible for most people to change their thinking patterns with CBT. Sadly for many (most?) people, their attacks have a genetic component and screwy brain-chemistry is involved. Not so easy to fix that with talk I guess. I am in the latter catagory. What I wouldn’t give to have a nice simple phobia!! — _TJ_

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::I just watched a cable TV special on panic disorder and at least 2 of ::the 5-6 people who were interviewed claimed that their panic attacks ::are under control because of the CB they were/are receiving — no meds. :: :: ::Is anyone here able to control their panic attacks/anxiety with CB ::alone? Dear Frizzie, I was able to for a few years, but had a severe setback from 96-98 where CBT just didn`t cut it anymore. I am positive it was my thyroid disorder that triggered the setback. Now I need Paxil and CBT to keep the panic monster at bay Jackie ~*~I`m an angel! Honest The horns are just there to keep my halo up straight~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I do. In the past thirty years I have seen about 40% of those I work with be able to do so as well. Some may use meds sporadically, or for periods of time or forever. All "treatments" are basically tools-some tools work better then others for different people-I do know that the therapists’ skill and interpersonal ability allow for much better treatement outcomes. CBT and REBT have been shown over and over to be helpful for all types of patients with all kinds of conditions. I used medications for years with very little sucess Now in any given year I may use a benzo a few times to reduce some residual anxiety I cannot get a good handle on. I watch what I eat, excercise, try and get enough sleep and do rebt abc’s every day for about a half hour -I now control anxiety it does not control me. At one time I was housebound having panic twenty four hours a day and ready to kill myself-now I choose to kill myself with as much life as I can-it is crucial to find the right therapist who can work with you as an ally a teacher and a guide as well as a source of support and comfort-a good doc will get you to feel better when you leave the office, if you don’t then he (she) isn’t right for you-you will learn how to make yourself feel better in time by changing the core systems of irrational beliefs you desperately hold onto. This is a "can do" regardless of what anyone tells you-I have witnessed it over and over Thanx -frizz

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, I tried CBT but it did nor work for me. Maybe I did it sporadically or maybe my thoughts move too fast or maybe because I majored in Psychology I was abit over-analytical. CBT owes it origins to Mindful Meditation developed by the Buddha in India over 2,000 years ago. (It is tough but do-able.) I have realized that I have laughed at and ignored my own country’s 5,000 year culture much to my detriment. The thing is there are many frauds operating now in India and over the years they have distorted simple techniques and exercises to con people. I met a lady today in the park who went of Valium after being on it for 10 years just through Pranayama. She is giving me a copy of how breathing changes the bio-chemistry of the brain and how we can later it through simple Pranyama exercises. Of course once again I will put it again under my logical scanner! More later, Sunil – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks: I just watched a cable TV special on panic disorder and at least 2 of the 5-6 people who were interviewed claimed that their panic attacks are under control because of the CB they were/are receiving — no meds. Is anyone here able to control their panic attacks/anxiety with CB alone? I do. In the past thirty years I have seen about 40% of those I work with be able to do so as well. Some may use meds sporadically, or for periods of time or forever. All "treatments" are basically tools-some tools work better then others for different people-I do know that the therapists’ skill and interpersonal ability allow for much better treatement outcomes. CBT and REBT have been shown over and over to be helpful for all types of patients with all kinds of conditions. I used medications for years with very little sucess Now in any given year I may use a benzo a few times to reduce some residual anxiety I cannot get a good handle on. I watch what I eat, excercise, try and get enough sleep and do rebt abc’s every day for about a half hour -I now control anxiety it does not control me. At one time I was housebound having panic twenty four hours a day and ready to kill myself-now I choose to kill myself with as much life as I can-it is crucial to find the right therapist who can work with you as an ally a teacher and a guide as well as a source of support and comfort-a good doc will get you to feel better when you leave the office, if you don’t then he (she) isn’t right for you-you will learn how to make yourself feel better in time by changing the core systems of irrational beliefs you desperately hold onto. This is a "can do" regardless of what anyone tells you-I have witnessed it over and over Thanx -frizz

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Constant chronic anxiety

admin — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

::Hi Jackie, I am still taking Inderal. Before I was on that I had ::a racing heart and palpitations every day! At least I only get it ::on bad days now When I have bad anxiety it is hard to keep ::thinking straight and I get scared again. I know what you mean. When you`re having a bad day it`s hard to remember that you ever felt this way before….. and survived. Each bad day seems worse than the one before. I don`t recall what dose you are on regarding the Inderal. Talk to your doctor about possibly tweaking your dose a bit for those extra bad days. Anxiety fuels the physical symptoms, the physical symptoms aggravate the anxiety… thus creating a vicious cycle. If you can minimize your heart symptoms on those bad days, you may find your anxiety lessens sooner. ::Do you think these are working well for you? I think so. It also makes me feel like I am doing something good for my heart. Like I`m protecting it There`s also been studies that indicate Omega fish oils may be good for your mental health. Hope you are feeling better today! Jackie ~*~Be kind, remember everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle~*~ ~~ T.H. Thompson — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – TJ, Indeed, some days are worse than others. But, yes, I think I have chronic anxiety too. I have a little bit of chronic pain too, and when it hits me hard, I seem to be even more anxious. I try and get outside. I have a porch and I go out there and sit with the radio on. I see birds, butterflies, etc. For me, that’s a sign of God and then I get a little relief. If my dogs are out w/me, they usually do something that distracts me too. I think that’s what it’s really about… distraction. Getting your mind to focus on something other than what you’re thinking about that is causing the stress/anxiety. Heck, sometimes I get into the shower and just focus on the water hitting my skin. So mainly, it’s getting out of the situation you’re in. It doesn’t always work, but if you try different things… perhaps you’ll find some relief. I wish you well.

Laurie, I think you hit it; distraction. I’m finally learning that when I wake up in the middle of the night, I can’t lay there! If I lay there, trying to sleep, that’s when my mind starts churning, which preceeds the rest of the anxiety symptoms. If I get up, read my e-mail, read newsgroups, *much* better. Distraction. That’s the key. You said it perfectly. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel so bad for you right now, TJ. I know because I have constant anxiety every single day. I’ve been on Doxepin for it for a little over 3 weeks so it hasn’t really kicked in yet. I don’t know how to advise you. Just try to hang in there and maybe it’ll pass soon. {{{{{TJ}}}}} Di Hi Di, if you have constant anxiety then I feel bad for you too! {{{{{Di}}}}} I hope the Doxepin helps you – I thought it was a very good drug, but like most drugs, the side-effects were as bad as the illness for me. Do you think you could cope if you thought you had to be this anxious for the rest of your life? How would you deal with it? — _TJ_

No way could I cope with this if I had it the rest of my life. Couldn’t deal with it, nope. {{{{{TJ}}}}} Di — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, LM, I wish I had a way to overcome this fear. Practice makes all of the sense in the world to me and yet I’m too afraid of hurting myself or worse yet another… "Does driving really make the women? " – No. But I don’t like bothering other people to facilitate my needs. I’ve overcome so much of my anxiety issues and made many strides but yet this is one that is so important to me, but I guess not important enough…ugh! smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -***I have thought about this often lately. My kids are grown and more or less gone from the home. Now is when I wish I had more control over some issues in my life, driving being one. practice I feel robbed of my life when I let myself dwell on it too long. YOU feel? Or you "think" I have been robbed they are different concepts It would be very easy for me to let myself go to an "ugly" place over the limitations so I stop and remind myself that I have this condition for a reason that I don’t understand… But, all in all, yes, I do feel cheated and wish I were stronger to face some issues. again you believe you have been cheated or robbed or that you haven’t lived to some rateable concept of self-some self defined perspective you think you must be–but who said you must be anything? And are you able to really rate your life-against what do you rate it? Because you have a hard time driving? Does driving really make the women? I do know how you are feeling but some way you need to let go of those feelings and accept your disorder. I find by accepting my condition that, while it’s still there, it doesn’t weigh me down as much. Hope this makes some sense… Unconditional self acceptance–no rating, no mustabating or shoulding on yourself-you can drive more by driving more one can change their perception of being helpless by proving they are not and that the idea of helplessness is not the same as empowerment or control or management smiles, Elise — _TJ_

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi folks. I am feeling really bad right now! I hope everyone is doing better than I am. Does this illness never let up? How can a person’s body stay constantly anxious like this? Surely I can’t go through the next 40 years of my life feeling this way. I think I will go mad before the end! Is anyone else experiencing constant physical anxiety? How do you cope – can you even cope with this? I have such bad palpitations and irregular heartbeats when the anxiety gets bad – could this harm my heart do you think? Also, does anyone have any theories on why some days can be very bad and others not so bad? I just want some peace! Why would my body torture itself this way? I cannot understand it. Can anyone take a philosophical view and advise me please? — _TJ_ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks. I am feeling really bad right now! I hope everyone is doing better than I am. Does this illness never let up? How can a person’s body stay constantly anxious like this? Surely I can’t go through the next 40 years of my life feeling this way. I think I will go mad before the end! Is anyone else experiencing constant physical anxiety? How do you cope – can you even cope with this? I have such bad palpitations and irregular heartbeats when the anxiety gets bad – could this harm my heart do you think? Also, does anyone have any theories on why some days can be very bad and others not so bad? I just want some peace! Why would my body torture itself this way? I cannot understand it. Can anyone take a philosophical view and advise me please? — _TJ_

I know how you feel, TJ. I wonder if I’m going to have a heart attack or stroke when my heart palpitates like that too. Do you get the stomach flutters, diarrhea and sweating, too? In any case, I’d be interested in hearing the answers to TJ’s questions as well. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

_ — Hi TJ and Kili-

I am not a professionally trained expert on this subject but I have had panic disorder for the past 12 years. Here is what I KNOW!! First and foremost, yes, we are having increased anxiety and the heart palpitations are a part of that. But if you will remind yourself, if you have read any information regarding this illness, that IT WILL NOT HURT YOU OR CAUSE YOU TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK!!!!! That was hard for me to accept because that’s what it feels like. I’ve learned ALOT about this over the past 12 years and I still suffer from panic attacks because the physical symptoms are REAL !!!!! But it will not harm you. TJ- have you tried anything to help release some of your anxiety? If you go out and exercise or read a book or play with a pet, anything to give your mind a rest will help. You are getting more and more anxious because you are "THINKING" about how anxious you are and then this leads to your thoughts about it harming your heart. I guess I can’t stress enough to you that the PHYSICAL symptoms of anxiety are NOT HARMFUL!!! I hope this helps!!! Kellie — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Kili. It is horrible isn’t it? I get all those other symptoms too. I think I get all known anxiety symptoms except dizziness & derealization. It is the fact that it seems to happen for no reason that makes it so bad I htink – it just goes on and on and no reason is apparant! — _TJ_

Response:

Hi folks. I am feeling really bad right now! I hope everyone is doing better than I am.

I’m fine thanks first read Jackie’s response read it again and again Does this illness never let up?

it is chronic and recurrent, so it can let up, go away, come back or just be a background of buzzing bees or wild pissed off hornets How can a person’s body stay constantly anxious like this?

it is designed by mother nature to do so if energized and perceives things as being direct or indirect threats to its survival Surely I can’t go through the next 40 years of my life feeling this way.

why not? I think I will go mad before the end!

no, you will get mad I am sure, but that anger will be inner directed and you will just make yourself feel like shit or shittier Is anyone else experiencing constant physical anxiety?

I have How do you cope – can you even cope with this?

I find rebt to be the best program of intervention-for me. I think it is helpful for everyone–meds are helpful as well I read you are now unmedicated-my question would be why if meds worked-If they didn’t you may need to try some others I have such bad palpitations and irregular heartbeats when the anxiety gets bad – could this harm my heart do you think?

no, unless they are not caused by anxiety-somatic focus is normal when you feel scared and threatened, then you freak out over more symptoms and the spiral of secondary fears feeds the primary fear which in turn, just makes you feel like you are going mad-all of this is based on catastrophic ideations and beliefs. I know these conditions can be managed-you can find ways to do so if you want Also, does anyone have any theories on why some days can be very bad and others not so bad?

you feel differently from one minute to the next-what you also tend to do is generalize what you feel-if you feel badly you may actually believe you have felt badly all day. I just want some peace! Me too! Why would my body torture itself this way? I cannot understand it.

It is just a hypersensitive mechanism that has a hair sprng trigger- Can anyone take a philosophical view and advise me please?

sure got lots of em, but you may not want to really hear them-to start with just realize everyone has good days and bad days and everyone feels anxious sometimes- hope you feel better — _TJ_

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, TJ, I despise living with anxiety. Some days are bad but for the most part I’ve learned to deal with it through meds, deep breathing and self-positive talk. Doesn’t mean I would like to wake up one day and have it totally gone though… smiles, Elise

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I feel so bad for you right now, TJ. I know because I have constant anxiety every single day. I’ve been on Doxepin for it for a little over 3 weeks so it hasn’t really kicked in yet. I don’t know how to advise you. Just try to hang in there and maybe it’ll pass soon. {{{{{TJ}}}}} Di

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks. I am feeling really bad right now! I hope everyone is doing better than I am. I’m fine thanks first read Jackie’s response read it again and again Does this illness never let up? it is chronic and recurrent, so it can let up, go away, come back or just be a background of buzzing bees or wild pissed off hornets How can a person’s body stay constantly anxious like this? it is designed by mother nature to do so if energized and perceives things as being direct or indirect threats to its survival Surely I can’t go through the next 40 years of my life feeling this way. why not? I think I will go mad before the end! no, you will get mad I am sure, but that anger will be inner directed and you will just make yourself feel like shit or shittier Is anyone else experiencing constant physical anxiety? I have How do you cope – can you even cope with this? I find rebt to be the best program of intervention-for me. I think it is helpful for everyone–meds are helpful as well I read you are now unmedicated-my question would be why if meds worked-If they didn’t you may need to try some others I have such bad palpitations and irregular heartbeats when the anxiety gets bad – could this harm my heart do you think? no, unless they are not caused by anxiety-somatic focus is normal when you feel scared and threatened, then you freak out over more symptoms and the spiral of secondary fears feeds the primary fear which in turn, just makes you feel like you are going mad-all of this is based on catastrophic ideations and beliefs. I know these conditions can be managed-you can find ways to do so if you want Also, does anyone have any theories on why some days can be very bad and others not so bad? you feel differently from one minute to the next-what you also tend to do is generalize what you feel-if you feel badly you may actually believe you have felt badly all day. I just want some peace! Me too! Why would my body torture itself this way? I cannot understand it. It is just a hypersensitive mechanism that has a hair sprng trigger- Can anyone take a philosophical view and advise me please? sure got lots of em, but you may not want to really hear them-to start with just realize everyone has good days and bad days and everyone feels anxious sometimes- hope you feel better — _TJ_

Hey, I just want to add a "me too"..my anxiety has never reached levels like this. I just find it odd a few of this are having the same thing. Maybe we are contagious ..if I find out who it was that started this, you had better run. I’ve been on .5 Xanax TID since dirt showed up.. last month, I did well on it BID, and I thought I was going that direction. HA! I didn’t get to titrate down. I had to call my pdoc today. I have never, ever had to ask for an increase in Xanax – but I did today. I kind of hate this. a lot. I’m searching, I can find no irrational thoughts, this feels chemical, not psychological. Lots of chest tightness, anxiety escalating to panic, several times per day, breakthrough anxiety on the Xanax (I have never had this before, only read about it here, so I recognize what it is) and I constantly feel like a clock that has been wound too tightly. Maybe a primal scream would help, but I’ve got "concerned" neighbors who would knock on my door if I did that, and I would have to kill them then.. so I guess I won’t scream. I want to though. Badly. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – _ — Hi TJ and Kili- I am not a professionally trained expert on this subject but I have had panic disorder for the past 12 years. Here is what I KNOW!! First and foremost, yes, we are having increased anxiety and the heart palpitations are a part of that. But if you will remind yourself, if you have read any information regarding this illness, that IT WILL NOT HURT YOU OR CAUSE YOU TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK!!!!! That was hard for me to accept because that’s what it feels like. I’ve learned ALOT about this over the past 12 years and I still suffer from panic attacks because the physical symptoms are REAL !!!!! But it will not harm you. TJ- have you tried anything to help release some of your anxiety? If you go out and exercise or read a book or play with a pet, anything to give your mind a rest will help. You are getting more and more anxious because you are "THINKING" about how anxious you are and then this leads to your thoughts about it harming your heart. I guess I can’t stress enough to you that the PHYSICAL symptoms of anxiety are NOT HARMFUL!!! I hope this helps!!! Kellie

Hi Kellie. I do realise that the symptoms cannot damage me but it is good to be reassured all the same! My heart goes so loopy when I am anxious it is hard to believe that it is harmless. My head says one thing but my heart says another! — _TJ_

Response:

Hi Elise. Do you ever feel that you will never enjoy your life as much as you deserve to because of the endless anxiety? I feel like I have been cut off in my prime I cannot find a way to cope with having a chronic illness! — _TJ_

Response:

TJ; Go to the west side of Ireland, and you feel better when you see the oceaan. Believe me, i know. Go to Tralee, Clifden or Dingle. Let the wind blow in your hair, go to a pub in Dingle. I hope that i can go later this year, and i need it. Love Diana – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks. I am feeling really bad right now! I hope everyone is doing better than I am. Does this illness never let up? How can a person’s body stay constantly anxious like this? Surely I can’t go through the next 40 years of my life feeling this way. I think I will go mad before the end! Is anyone else experiencing constant physical anxiety? How do you cope – can you even cope with this? I have such bad palpitations and irregular heartbeats when the anxiety gets bad – could this harm my heart do you think? Also, does anyone have any theories on why some days can be very bad and others not so bad? I just want some peace! Why would my body torture itself this way? I cannot understand it. Can anyone take a philosophical view and advise me please? — _TJ_ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Di, if you have constant anxiety then I feel bad for you too! {{{{{Di}}}}} I hope the Doxepin helps you – I thought it was a very good drug, but like most drugs, the side-effects were as bad as the illness for me. Do you think you could cope if you thought you had to be this anxious for the rest of your life? How would you deal with it? — _TJ_

Response:

TJ, Indeed, some days are worse than others. But, yes, I think I have chronic anxiety too. I have a little bit of chronic pain too, and when it hits me hard, I seem to be even more anxious. I try and get outside. I have a porch and I go out there and sit with the radio on. I see birds, butterflies, etc. For me, that’s a sign of God and then I get a little relief. If my dogs are out w/me, they usually do something that distracts me too. I think that’s what it’s really about… distraction. Getting your mind to focus on something other than what you’re thinking about that is causing the stress/anxiety. Heck, sometimes I get into the shower and just focus on the water hitting my skin. So mainly, it’s getting out of the situation you’re in. It doesn’t always work, but if you try different things… perhaps you’ll find some relief. I wish you well. —

Trauma - PTSD » Panic Attacks Disorder

My testimony, and request for feedback or comments?

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Klonopin-What dosage?

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Bad Times

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question for people who see therapists or doctors

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tips

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OT….*Bonus* Question of the day 03/24/07

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OT….Bonus Question of the day 03/24/07