I have severe PANIC ATTACKS, help plz

[Chanda]

Hi, I am 30 yrs old. and I've had panic attacks since I was 11 yrs old on and off all my life. Right now there are back on and Im having a really hard time dealing with them. Im trying to get off my meds. (Lexapro and Klonopin) for my panic attacks, because soon my husband and I want to have babies, we just got married June 21st, 2008! There is a lot of changes going on, like not being with my parents anymore cuz Im married, getting off my meds., and just life issues. I dont want to be on any meds. anymore, I want to totally rely on God. Sometimes, I feel like I dont feel Him or trust Him enough, how can I do this and overcome my panic attacks and fears. Right now I feel totally anxious, I feel like I am dizzy, head feels weird, I feel like I dont know anyone, just all kinds of weird feelings and thoughts. I feel like Im going crazy and dying. What is wrong with me, why cant I just give it all to go. And I am having this fear of ppl close to me dying. Please help me and please pray for me, I feel lost and scared. Chanda

[HisLeast]

Hey Chanda,

First, I want you to know, I can relate. Growing up I was pretty claustrophobic. Into my teen years it got severe enough my parents actually got me some therapy. In my mid 20's it changed into the same panic whenever I couldn't change something (something being any number of random stimuli... losing keys, itch that won't go away, name I can't remember, etc). I know how bad it feels... the rational part of your head screaming that everything is ok and there's no need to panic... but the emotional part setting your insides on fire.

Though unrelated to panic attacks... I also know the feeling of wanting to rely on God, or give it to God. Lately what I've been thinking though, is that God gives us each some challenges, and trusting in him, or obeying him, means doing everything we can to find the answer without his miraculous intervention.

You're on meds, which shows you've sought medical attention for these attacks. Thats a good thing! But have you done any theraputic kind of stuff? Has anyone helped you explore the emotional elements of you that predispose you to panic?

[Richard H]

Hi Chanda,
I’ve had panic attacks too. I’ve even gone to the emergency room several times thinking I was having a heart attack.
I’ve been out in public and thought I would faint, so I know what you're going through.

I used to take Alprazolam (Xanax), but found it made me sleepy and did a number on my short term memory.
I began taking it only when I felt the need and began breaking it into smaller pieces. (1/3 .25mg perhaps 2-3 times/mo)
20 tablets would last me about 8 months.

It helped, but I soon found I could go longer and longer without needing it and no longer take it.
Pharmaceuticals can offer some relief, but they are not the answer.

Ask to speak with a Christian counselor at your church – or even another church. You can ask over the phone and you don’t have to tell them what it is about.
Just talking about stuff with someone who listens is always a help.
Especially, if that person has a godly perspective.


In the mean-time: switch to decafe’.
Turn off the TV. I can’t begin to tell you how much negativity comes through that stupid box in images AND sound.
Also search Google for: panic nutrition.
There are foods which can balance your body’s chemicals and help prevent that fight or flight reflex.
Remember: you are NOT going to die (at least not right now)
Even if you did, you have the promise of eternal life.
Concentrating and focus may be difficult, but get away from everyone and everything.
Read the Psalms and talk to the Lord. He DOES care for you!
Pray that He give you peace.
Rebuke the Devil in the holy name of Jesus/Yeshua.
Get out of the house when you feel well and walk around the block.
Even when you do not feel well. I used to force myself to do that – and it was a real effort.

Thankfully, I don’t suffer from panic attack anymore although I do have rare bouts of anxiety.
Since being almost 2 years off medication – I’ve come to realize that much of my anxiety and perfectionism stems from a forced separation at 18 months for a needed operation.
Waaaay back in the olden days, they did not let a mother stay overnight at the hospital. At 18 months, I just did not understand.

Life is stressful, and it is easy to internalize everything so that it builds up.
When it builds up enough, everyday mundane events can trigger adrenalin to be released – giving you that panic fight or flight impulse.

Be aware of this and dismiss it as something that will soon pass.
Take the “steps” above to help prevent it from building up in the first place.

Don’t let it get the best of you. Remember to get out of the house and take a walk once a day - even if you feel like you can barely stand it.

You CAN stand it and God is with you ALWAYS. He will not leave you or forsake you, because He loves you.

Richard

[Richard H]

Oh, Yeah...
Remember to breathe... Slowly and Deeply.

[Chanda]

I have had counseling and talked about these panic attacks, along with the OCD it gives me and etc. For a while it helped, but counselor after counselor, it gets tiring, like yay it works for a lil while and I am ok, then its like the counselor doesnt know what else to do with me, it is depressing. So, ive been thru it all, at first no one even really knew what was wrong with me or what panic attacks where. Ive had Cognitive therapy, everything. I just need God more.

Thanks so much for responding to me, its like I need positive ppl around me right now more than ever. Thanks so muc for all the tips, they are very helpful. Im still trying to figure out this site, so plz stick around to talk to me for awhile.

Im trying to exercise, but it is so hard to get to the gym because how I feel and the pain. I guess I need to take baby steps. I just dont understand WHY?? any of this is happening again, I go for a LONG time with no panic attacks, then all of a sudden, bam, here they are again and I feel lost, scared, and alone.

Today I am going to my Christian counselor, she has been very good. I havent seen her since I got married, but with all the changes going on, I just think it is good Im getting back to seeing her.

Please pray for me! Thanks and God Bless, Chanda:pray:

[Chanda]

right now im panicking and nothing is helping me, i dont know if i can do this, im scared, i dunno if im dying or going crazy or what? I feel sick, scared, feelings ive never felt. Please pray for me, i cant handle this. My thoughts are making me feel crazy. My body is aching.

[Richard H]

Hi Chanda,
You've been going through a great deal of change, with all change, anxiety is sure to build up.
It will take the form of panic from time to time, but it will pass.

I know, it’s difficult right now. Call out to God for His peace, and try to rest and trust in Him.

You are not alone – in that millions of people go through the same thing. However, you are not alone – in that God’s Holy Spirit is there with you also.
You are not dying – despite what your body and mind might seem to be trying to convince you of with pains and “crazy thoughts”.

It is mostly adrenalin flowing through you for no immediate reason. It creates a panic/fight-or-flight reaction.
‘A feeling of wanting to turn and run – but not knowing which way. Adrenalin gives us that BURST of impulse reaction energy so we can react to sudden emergency situations.

It will subside although it will take a bit more than just a few minutes. Don’t let it get the best of you – ride it out and call upon the name of Jesus.

Remember to breathe… deeply and slowly.

I’m praying for you. :pray:

Richard

[Angelkw]

We have a lot in common. I have had sever panic attacks since I was about 18 (I am now 35). I also take medication (Lexapro, Xanax, Ativan, and many others) to control my symptoms. I can get so bad that I become agorophobic. I spent the good part of 2 years at one point, rarely leaving my home.

If you want to get off medication, one thing that has helped me a great deal is biofeedback training. Your doctor or psychiatrist can probably set up this training for you. They hook you up to monitors, and you learn, over many sessions, how your body reacts to things, how to assess your heart-rate, etc. and how to control your heart rate and blood pressure through breathing, yoga, meditation etc. It has helped me greatly. You may also research some of the herbal treatments, or eastern medicine as there are some natural remedies to your conditions. Just please be careful as a lot of these have not been fully tested and can spawn other issues. Read all you can!

I am a person that has also discovered underlying physical problems that affect my panic attacks. For me, it is not all emotional or mental. I have mitral valve prolapse, which can, in some people, cause panic attacks. I also have a pretty severe chemcial imbalance in my brain which requires medication to control. To me these are physical problems, just like diabetes, which need medical intervention. If I believed that it was all in my head, I may try not to take medication, but for me that is just not an option. In my belief, God has provided us with many advancements in medicine for our benefit. He doesn't want us to suffer needlessly.

Hugs and prayers
Angelkw
:hug:

[Richard H]

We have a lot in common. I have had sever panic attacks since I was about 18 (I am now 35). I also take medication (Lexapro, Xanax, Ativan, and many others) to control my symptoms. I can get so bad that I become agorophobic. I spent the good part of 2 years at one point, rarely leaving my home.

If you want to get off medication, one thing that has helped me a great deal is biofeedback training. Your doctor or psychiatrist can probably set up this training for you. They hook you up to monitors, and you learn, over many sessions, how your body reacts to things, how to assess your heart-rate, etc. and how to control your heart rate and blood pressure through breathing, yoga, meditation etc. It has helped me greatly. You may also research some of the herbal treatments, or eastern medicine as there are some natural remedies to your conditions. Just please be careful as a lot of these have not been fully tested and can spawn other issues. Read all you can!

I am a person that has also discovered underlying physical problems that affect my panic attacks. For me, it is not all emotional or mental. I have mitral valve prolapse, which can, in some people, cause panic attacks. I also have a pretty severe chemcial imbalance in my brain which requires medication to control. To me these are physical problems, just like diabetes, which need medical intervention. If I believed that it was all in my head, I may try not to take medication, but for me that is just not an option. In my belief, God has provided us with many advancements in medicine for our benefit. He doesn't want us to suffer needlessly.

Hugs and prayers
Angelkw
:hug:

Hi Angel,
I agree about medication. Going off medication is not for everyone. It was for me but it was a process that took years and just sort of happened. Some medication can cause a reaction if it is stopped suddenly. If one is on medication and it is working then continue. If it is not working - speak to your doctor.

In my own case, Xanax was prescribed every 4 hours. It just totally knocked me out. I can't function in life when I am always sleeping. LOL

It wasn't long that I decided to break it in half - and then began take it when I needed it. I knew it was not timed release to correct a general imbalance.

I'm going to start a group here for panic sufferers - where we who understand what it is like - can encourage others.
Where sufferers can find empathy - which the general forum members may not be able to offer.

I'll let you (collective) know when it's ready.

Richard

[Sold Out]

Please help me and please pray for me, I feel lost and scared. Chanda

Chanda - Are you reading your bible & praying daily? Do you belong to and attend a local church?

[Richard H]

Hi All,

Panic Relief group is now open. Please join in.

Nav Links menu | Networking | Social Groups

Richard

[Chanda]

Thanks for the advice and encouraging and psotive words. Im more calm now, at least for now. I was doing so good with my meds., but now it has been a stuggle, but I know I can do it with God's help. My dr. is helping me get off of them, so Im not doing it myself. Richard, please let me know when you start that group, you are very positive and you seem to hit everything right and the head. And everyone has helped me. Yes, I do attend a Church, havent been there in a little while, I havent been doing that good reading my Bible, but I did just finish reading The Shack. I pray all the time! Thanks again and please keep me in your prayers. Chanda

[Soulangel]

Hi Chanda, I'm sorry to hear about your panic attacks, but i can relate, when mine get sever they cause epileptic seizures. The one common thread through all your postings was the word CHANGE, and I know from my study of myself it is the common denominator that triggers my panic attacks.

For example until a week ago everything was fine and balanced, no anxiety or seizures and I was sleeping all night, next thing you know I was awake twice in the night, up and roaming and having attacks, needing medication, xanax, just to calm down and go back to sleep. After four/five days of this I began to question why this was happening and realised the school holidays were coming up and the kids would be home everyday all day, which is one, change and two, no quiet time for me. Therefore I had already without even knowing begun to prepare for the change and begun the fight/flight mechanism in my brain.

So my suggestion to you is - apart from all the valuable ones already given is this. Take some quality time out and sit down and organise your schedule in a diary/calendar in front of you as you have been pretty emphatic that you have a lot of change going on around you and the chances are you're being a perfectionist and holding it all too much in your head and not getting it all out and down on paper, step by step. This unclogs the confusion on a daily basis, gives the enemy less to work with. It also gives you a sense of achievement each day and gives you self esteem as you can see yourself achieving rather than beating up on yourself.

One of the most important things can be to isolate when the panic attacks began what was changing in your life at that time that scared the heck out of you to begin them. Only God can tell you the full story. So ask Him to pinpoint it, and let Him tell you when He knows you are ready. This also lifts a burden off your shoulders by helping you to really hook into how none of this is your fault.

You are doing a wonderful job by reaching out for support and encouragement. I will keep you in my prayers as I know what it's like to feel crippled by these attacks.

God's blessings and strength to you~ Soulangel:pray:

[Richard H]

<snip>

So my suggestion to you is - apart from all the valuable ones already given is this. Take some quality time out and sit down and organise your schedule in a diary/calendar in front of you as you have been pretty emphatic that you have a lot of change going on around you and the chances are you're being a perfectionist and holding it all too much in your head and not getting it all out and down on paper, step by step. This unclogs the confusion on a daily basis, gives the enemy less to work with. It also gives you a sense of achievement each day and gives you self esteem as you can see yourself achieving rather than beating up on yourself.



Great advice, SoulAngel.
'A bit hard to read the light blue text, though. :cool:

I'm glad yer feeling better, Chanda.

[Soulangel]

Thanks for letting me know the colour was too hard to read, I won't use it again, and thank you for the compliment.:D Linda

[Richard H]

'Much easier to read now, SoulAngel. :pp

Thanks for joining the group. I hope it will serve those who wouldn't otherwise be bold enough to post their own thread.


That means YOU, Chanda! :D Thank you for posting.

http://bibleforums.org/forum/group.php?groupid=38 (http://bibleforums.org/forum/group.php?groupid=38)

[Chanda]

And it is helping me, when I can calm down to think about it and slow my thought. Thanks so much for all the help and prayers. Richard, I am having a hard time finding your group? I will try to search it. Thanks again.

[Chanda]

I didnt see that link til now, but it say it wont let me access it?

[Richard H]

And it is helping me, when I can calm down to think about it and slow my thought. Thanks so much for all the help and prayers. Richard, I am having a hard time finding your group? I will try to search it. Thanks again.

I'm so glad it's helping, Chanda.

Here's the link to the group.
http://bibleforums.org/forum/group.php?groupid=38

Richard

[Chanda]

Chanda, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:

Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.

[Richard H]

Chanda, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:
Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.


Try this link.
http://bibleforums.org/forum/group.php?groupid=38

[Esperanza32]

Chanda, just want you to know I'm praying for you. I'm 30, too, and I just got off Lexapro last month so I can try to get pregnant. (I took it for depression, not panic.) I'm glad you're still working with a counselor; that can help a lot.

Major life changes (like marriage, moving, changing jobs) trigger my depression. Sounds like you've had a lot of change lately; try to be easy on yourself!

Anyway, you're in my prayers.

[Richard H]

Hi Chanda,
Were you ever able to get the link to the Panic group to work?

http://bibleforums.org/forum/group.php?groupid=38

It's a public group and is open. 'Should work.

Richard

[CoffeeCat]

Richard and Chanda, there might be a certain wait time and number of posts needed for new members. Try giving it a bit? :) Nobody's doing anything wrong..... just forum defaults and whatnot.

[Richard H]

Richard and Chanda, there might be a certain wait time and number of posts needed for new members. Try giving it a bit? :) Nobody's doing anything wrong..... just forum defaults and whatnot.

OK Thanks, Cat.

[FaithfulSheep]

Chanda, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:

Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.




You haven't been here long enough to be able to access this yet. :hug: You must have at least 10 posts and be here 7 full days first. :)

[Chanda]

Thanks Esperanza32, many prayers for you also. Also thanks everyone else for helping with me trying to get into that group, I will be more patient. :D