[MinimedPumper07]

2 days ago I was getting my hair cut and I felt a horrible feeling. I could not breathe. I stood up and walked around for a bit and all was well again. I called the doctor and he told me it was a common panic attack, and not to worry about it. It happened again yesterday when I was eating dinner, and again today when I was driving to work. I am starting to get worried and have many many questions. Could this just be the symptoms of a common cold? Will this problem persist the rest of my life? What can I do to prevent it? Over the past few months I have been under a lot of stress in college. I seem to never be able to forget my worries. I pray that this problem I am having is only a phase. The symptoms of a panic attack are very similar to having low blood sugar. I am freaking out right now.

Rant over.

[Cyborg]

You could talk to your doc about an anti-anxiety medication...

[MinimedPumper07]

I'm afraid of that cyborg. I don't wanna be a nut. I don't want medications to mess with my brain.

[Cyborg]

You won't become a nut, but they could help with the panic attacks...

[duck]

There are a few of us who suffer from anxiety here, and when I say "suffer", that word doesn't do it justice. My issue is driving anxiety, and if you knew me, and heard me say "I have driving anxiety", you'd tell me to "shut the **** up". I don't say that to be lewd, I say that because "driving" and "duck" used to be synonymous.

In any case, if you feel you need it, get therapy. I am pretty much against medicating anxieties, especially if the anxiety has just started. I would recommend seeking treatment from a Psychologist as opposed to a Psychiatrist for that very reason. Anxiety can be defeated, but it depends on many things, including how committed to anxiety a person is...

[MinimedPumper07]

do you think its possible to beat this without meds or seeing a professional? Could this just be a phase?

[duck]

Originally Posted by MinimedPumper07

do you think its possible to beat this without meds or seeing a professional? Could this just be a phase?

Possibly. But you're asking a guy who felt the same way four years ago and wishes to God he had sought help sooner...These things can become self-feeding vicious cycles.

[Cyborg]

I take an anti-anxiety medication when I need it. I don't take it regularly, but it helps with anxiety, stress, sleep, etc., and I'm not addicted. Being a diabetic, you can probably get one prescribed by your endo or GP.

[duck]

And if there are other things you can do besides take a med, would you take the med? I'm not saying meds are bad or shouldn't be used at all, but if the med fails, then what?

[Funnygrl]

Why not at least get counseling? I've been in counseling for a few months now, and I'm playing with the idea of starting an anxiolytic now. I'm also not a fan of the drug idea, but as my shrink said, for most people that's the start of improving.

[KickStart101]

Hi MPumper:

I had my 1st panic attack when I was preparing
for cataract surgery 2 yrs. ago(needless to say,
I didn't go through with it). Eight mths. later, I
was looking out the window at the sink having
a glass of water when that I got hit by that
feeling again. I checked my sugar but that was
fine. I was Really scared so Hubby drove me to
the ER. The Dr. said I had a Panic/Anxiety
attack. I haven't had one since(Thank God) and
I've done nothing more with it.

You on the other hand have had several in a short
time period and that is worrisome. Maybe you should
have another talk with your Dr. and perhaps he could
suggest some type of therapy/councelling(sp) close
to you.

I don't know about those types of drugs. I didn't
realize as Cyborg mentioned, that they would
work if you just took them occasionally. That is
interesting and may be a help for you. That way it
definitely would not damage or cause your brain to
become dependant on a drug. And they don't make
you crazy or nothing. They are taken to calm and
prevent anxiety in People.

Stressing about it will not help matters. Try to do
things that need to be done to take your mind away
from thinking of it. Or lie down with a warm water
bottle and rest(even nap) if you need to. Go out
and enjoy an activity with a Friend. Or just take
a Kid if you have one or a pet and just run or bike
to enliven your mind. I do that sometimes when
I feel sluggish for no reason. I just hop on the bike
and drive it as fast as I can. Very invigorating and
gets the mind outta the slump and keeps it healthier..

I hope that it is just a phase for you. I don't think
it's a cold. Please seek help if you need it. Help IS
Good and it's Not hard! Have A Great Week-end!

[sherry]

I use L-Theanine

[Janet_M]

Hi Pumper,

I have anxiety disorder also. I am on meds for that as well as depression and have been for almost 3 years. I also go to a therapist regularly. I can relate to those symptoms, and it wouldn't hurt to discuss treatment with your doctor. I can tell you it has helped me tremendously. You mentioned you have a lot of stress and that you are in college, and stress is a huge trigger for anxiety. People have a tendency to avoid the situations that they feel cause the anx, but avoidance only makes things worse. If you don't want to go on any meds, that's ok, but you might want to get some books and read up on cognitive behavior therapy or some type of self help method. There is no shame in having anxiety at all as far as I'm concerned... it's an illness. Just know that you are not alone! (((Hugs))),

Janet

[BriOnH]

I take paxil, and am addicted to it. It's not like a narcotic (xanax, valium, klonipin [benzos]), but I can't stop taking it. It helps with anxiety for me.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by BriOnH

It's not like a narcotic (xanax, valium, klonipin [benzos])

I don't think those are classified as narcotics.