Looking for Coping Mechanisms

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hello. My name is Dustin. I'm 23 years old, and i have been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks since i was 15. At this point it almost feels as if my brain is conditioned to be prone to fear and anxiety. I avoid normal activities such as vacations, traveling outside of my comfort area, and basically any stiuation where i feel i may have a panic attack.

My panic has become self perpetuated to the point that now the idea of having a panic attack gives me more anxiety than the thought of putting myself in a situation that may make me anxious.

I have seen a few councelors off and on for some time. I recently started seeing a new one.

I was refered to see a doctor in the same building today. When i saw him he prescribed me Paxil (10 mg). After reading the reviews, there is no way i can do this to myself. I have never had a drug dependency and will not put myself through that.

Coudl anyone share some tips or stories of how you leared to cope with, manage, or overcome your anxiety/panic? I would like to find something long term and take my life back.

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    What makes you feel good?

    What activities make you feel less anxious?

  • Posted

    You would be in a better place if you scientifically understood what a panic attack is and does to the body. Learn cbt (cognitive behavrial therapy) you can learn it yourself with books and utube or with a therapist. Check your messages.
  • Posted

    What helped me is acting normal, like I'm play acting, pretending its not actually me that's going through daily activities, going out of my comfort zone, keeping busy, walking and having a little part time job and a bit of CBT too. Sounds alot but its really helped me. Some days I've had to push myself. The tea problem with anxiety is the fear of it, if you can keep yourself busy, even if you cant go out, like read, paint, play games e.t.c the more you do this the less you're feeding your anxiety. I was crippled with anxiety for a couple of months a few years back where I couldn't even get off the couch but even though it was difficult I forced myself to and it did eventually get easier and easier. Also having a non judgemental person to talk to helps too. Someone who will just hear you rant and will just be there for you. Have you any good friends or family you can talk to? Hope you're feeling better soon! X
    • Posted

      Thank you. This is kiind of the approach that I have adopted. You're right, it does work. I feel like you have to take small steps to build a solid foundation though. I know I couldn't just dive in to anything crazy, but over the last couple of days I've been trying to accomplish some things on my own. It feels very freeing to do so.
  • Posted

    taking appropriate medication to solve the problem for one thing.  If your brain needs help then take the required drug. Pls

    richard

    • Posted

      There was a point in my life that I didn't deal with this anxiety and panic. I know I can overcome it. I don't want to become dependent on a drug to be happy. Do you know of any that don't cause dependency?
    • Posted

      see a specialist and you will find your answer. thanks for getting back to me

      rich

    • Posted

      I did it without drugs. I'm very hypersensitive to anti depressants and they cause me severe side effects with hallucinations so they are no good for me. But that's not saying they don't work for everyone. I'm not 100%, and I don't think I will ever be cured from anxiety and depression. But it has got alot better from what I was and the main thing that's helped is acceptance, I've accepted that this is a part of me and who I am so that makes me less afraid. I hardly get anxiety now, bouts of depression happen every couple of weeks but only lasts a couple of days so I know it will pass! Good luck 😊
  • Posted

    feeling any better?
    • Posted

      Today was a pretty good day. I've been trying to do more and more on my own outside of my comfort zone. Thank you for asking!
    • Posted

      no worries, I'm here to help!

      What has been working so far?

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