New to panic attacks won't go away

You're experiencing many of the common symptoms of anxiety, and panic attacks, there's a vast array of symptoms. Who knows where the anxiety came from or what triggered it, but the chest pains certainly made it worse. Now that you're in fear so much, every little thing that feels off, or causes any ache, will make you think something horrible is happening. The strange thing is, is that thinking that way actually creates more anxiety, and causes more symptoms to freak out over.

Since you've had tests, and they came out fine, and you've had a doctor tell you that you had a panic attack, at your weakest moments try to remind yourself that there's nothing physically wrong. I know it's really hard to do, especially when it's new. I tend to have a conversation with myself in a stern manner. It goes something like this ...

Have you felt like this before?

Yes

Did it hurt you?

No

Did it kill you?

No

Then it won't this time either.

That's the nice version, but it helps me put things in perspective. The anxiety or panic attack doesn't fully stop, but it lessens a bit.

I sure hope you can get in to see a doctor sooner. In the meantime, keep checking out this forum. There's a lot of really nice people here, with great information, and lots of help.

Thank you reading your article made me laugh and helped me through the current anxiety attack I am going through

After being diagnosed, I started therapy, but it didn't help. The first two were cold, not personable, hardly ever looked up from their paper, very "by the book" types. The third was the total opposite, and the best thing about her was that she experienced panic attacks, and could completely relate to what I was saying. Finally! A therapist that honestly understood! I enjoyed going to see her, and each time my trust grew more. For once I felt that I could actually open up to a therapist. Then came a letter stating that she was retiring. I never looked for another therapist again. I think having at least one panic attack or anxiety issue should be mandatory for all therapists, it makes them better at their jobs. lol

Wouldn't that be wonderful!!! By the way, did you ever contact your old therapist for a referral? Whenever I moved, I contacted all my current clients and referred them to someone. One that I missed couldn't reach me and called my mother to find out where to find me so she could be sure I agreed that she had picked the right person. What a gal.

Nope, never went to a therapist again.

And here you are sailing your own ship. Good on you, dear heart. You are an encouragement to us all. Sending you a big smoochie.

My doctor just out me on kolonopin should this help?

Yep, it's an anti-anxiety med that will calm you down.

Hi Jeff,

I am on a low dose of Klonopin/clonazepam (how much are you taking?)and it is the only thing that helps me to get through the day with a bit of quality to my life. Once you are a bit  "settled" you will be able to try to follow everyone's good advice but for now rest up for awhile.

take care

Sx

 

.5 twice day, I took my first pill about three hours ago and am feeling well I don't have any racing thoughts, when I feel a pain in not thinking about it so far today has been a good day. I found a therapist who helps treat this and hopefully can go next week. I also found out my wife's cousin suffers from this and we just had a really long good conversation about the whole thing. Just breathe

Jeff, you are very fortunate in being on a med that is working, and in finding a therapist who treats this, (many don't) and are particularly very, very fortunate in having someone is the same boat right in your own family circle. Most do not have that incredible gift. Congrats, honey.

Cia said it all....how lucky you are to be getting help and support so quickly.

Isn't it brilliant to talk to someone who has "been there, done that"

Most anti-anxiety meds work well but klonopin is gentler and lasts longer. Can be addictive but worry about that later. Enjoy the "peace" and get a few good nights sleep. Take supplements and drink lots of water.

take care, you too cia

Sxx

Thanks, Sxx. Very good advice on meds. Many of us don't have to be concerned about addictive drugs, as we may be on them forever.....and who cares if they do the job, so we can have a life. I have come off a couple of drugs in the past. It took awhile, but if done slowly enough, no bad effects at all. Glad to see you here, darlin'.

So I jus had my first little episode of the day I took my meds at 1 would it be ok to take another it says to take 2 a day how do you normally space these out ?

Jeff, good for you for asking this question rather than guessing. Not knowing the med, or what the doctor intended, I don't know. Can you call the pharmacy where you got the meds. They would be your best advisors here. I have contacted my pharmacist many times with questions about meds. Let me know right away if this works our, luv

Thanks for the great advice I didn't even think about that they said waiting at least 4 hours was sufficient

You are very welcome, Jeff. Good for you for such fast action.

It was my first time having a mini attack like under 15 min long usually they have been lasting what seems like hours. I tried breathing but that little voice in my mind told me something was wrong. How does one normally coupe with such a thing ? Or I should say how do all of you do it is there something you think about or count or something. I tried breathing and saying relax.

Jeff, this happens to most of us....all the time. Remember that little voice is not your friend. Everyone has their own way of dealing with these mini attacks.

I tell the voice, "Oh no you don't, you are not real, so shut up and get lost." I say that out loud..then I focus on something else I enjoy. (some days I do that many, many times.

Some people do something physical, some something artistic and some, like me. something mental...usually coming here. Whatever cranks your crank.

Thank you so much you have been so helpful if you where in Ohio I would give you a big hug

Smoochies right back atcha Jeff.

I wrote a post yesterday intended for you Jeff, sent it to cia and it got removed. I think because I cut and pasted some information about breathing exercises..

Not a good day today, don't like the weekends at all.

hope tomorrow is better.

How are you doing with the Klonopin/clonazepam? It is a slow/long working med. but give it time and it will help you.

take care

Sxx

So far it has really helped, I feel normal again I can play with my kids and enjoy time with my wife. I laughed for the first time in weeks I ate more than I have in weeks. But I still have had attacks but they have only lasted under ten minutes, and I kind of understand what's going on and breathe and try to go clean or pick up toys. I still kind of feel weird when I'm alone the racing thoughts sometimes creep in. But I feel like the eclipse has been lifted and I can see the light.

Also, thanks for asking if anyone needs to talk I'm here. I'm new but I will listen. I think this forum has helped me tremendously so far.

It can get so confusing here, that I am convinced that one day, one of us is going to post themselves.............and answer!

Hooray for you, Jeff. I, too have times I need to stop and breath or change my focus, or whatever it takes to get past the mental beast. Sounds like you have taken your life back from that beast.

Will we now see you here to help others? And of couse, like the rest of us ,to get a boost when needed.

Right now I'm just trying to say if my chest hurts for a second its not real your cardiologist told you so that's seems like it's going to be long process. Any pain that is

Also when does the dizziness eventually go away? Is anyone on a anti depressants or something that has helped instead of being on benzos

My med is not a benzo. However, if I do stop, I will still need to wean off if that is your concern. Drugs are not my field, but with all the anxiety meds abailable there has to be more.

I do not recommend mine unless the person also has high blood pressre, as i do. My med handles both. Jeff, I would ask your pharmacisr this question They are the drug experts! I ask mine about all my drug questions. As long as you are not asking tham to recommend one, they will answer you, Hope this helps, Jeff

My answer is below, Honey.

I was wrong, it is above.

Ok, I was wondering is people are prescribed like Zoloft or something that kicks in after awhile and then you can stop the kolnopins

Hopefully, someone has the answer to that. I know nothing of either, Jeff. Sorry. Perhaps the prescribing doctor is the one to ask?