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12 years ago +1 373 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 1
Greetings and a lengthy introduction

Hi!
I want to first thank everyone for their posts on this site.  I have been visiting for 2 weeks now and have found your posts to be helpful and inspiring.  I first started having troubles with panic in July 2011, following a brief illness and a hospital visit for dehydration.  My doctor had given me a short-term medication to use "just in case" as she and I both felt that my anxiety was a result of the hospital visit and my 11-year-old being away at a 7-week camp..  I only took three of the short-term medications (I don't know if we can use names here).  Then I had a panic attack at work (the others were always at home).  This frightened me and I went to see the on-site nurse.  She questioned why I didn't take the anxiety medicine if I was having panic attacks.  She also advised that I call my doctor to let her know I was having troubles. I met with my doctor and she suggested a longer term medication and a therapist.  I tried the medication (Celexa) and it was very frightening to me.  So, the next day, I called to say how horrible my experience had been and she suggested I try another medication (Zoloft).  At this point, I was anxious about starting another medication.  The therapist called me that morning and was able to meet with me.  I felt so confident after meeting with him that I called my doctor and we agreed to try CBT for awhile to see how that went.  Things have been going fairly well until about an hour ago.  You may be able to tell that I am in the middle of an attack at the moment.  I had to take one of the "just in case" pills.  I know this is long winded.  I really wanted to say hi and thanks!
12 years ago +1 373 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 1
Very Depressed Today

Debora, I am new here and your post caught my attention.  We have lots in common.  I hope that you will find peace soon.  I find this site to be so helpful. I also know that everyone has good days and bad days and I wish you a good day - or even just a nice long good spell soon!
12 years ago 0 373 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
This sucks.

Hi!  I found this post because I was searching the messages for Ativan which is what I just had to take for a panic attack that had "blossomed".  I like the support that the two of you are giving each other, Davit and Heatlthy Self.  I also agree that this stinks.  In fact, that  is something that my therapist suggests I consider when I notice that I might be on the verge of an attack.  I am to say "This is a panic attack.  It is very annoying.  It will not kill me".  Most days this helps and I move on.  Today I got a panic attack in the car so I really had to concentrate on driving safely, instead of working on my inner thoughts and on relaxing.  So, today was a yucky set back but I am hopeful that I will read one of your successful day stories and I will be renewed in my resolve to get better.  Best wishes!
12 years ago 0 373 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Greetings and a lengthy introduction

Thanks Hugs4U!!  It's strange - I really wanted to be able to beat this without relying on medication, simply because I felt so lousy on the Celexa.  Tonight I allowed the panic to escalate to a point where I had lost control.  Things had been going so well with my CBT.  Here is something that I wonder if anyone else has heard: a friend recommended fish oil tablets.  She said that Omega III fatty acids are really helpful in helping the body to be calm and relaxed!  She added that whenever she feels anxious, she eats sardines!  I really can't imagine doing that but I will eat a can a day if it will improve things!  Thanks for your words, Hugs!
12 years ago 0 373 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Topic: Challenging Worry

I am so glad to read your post today, Josie!  Relaxation exercises have been helping me so much lately.   My therapist gave me a written set of instructions for PRT.  My 11-year-old recorded her voice reading the instructions and many times we listen to the recording as a family (The kids get the giggles over certain muscle groups that have to be tensed).  Your warning is what I was most grateful to read.  Today I had an attack as I was leaving work.  In the car, I tried to employ some relaxation techniques - and as you suggest, it made things much worse.  I should have waited in the car and reminded myself that, as you say, the panic attack is extremely annoying and uncomfortable, but I was not in danger.  This is spot on and timely!
12 years ago 0 373 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Change Your Eating Habits

I have used these diet modifications with good success.  A friend has suggested that I increase the amount of Omega III Fatty Acids in my diet as well.  Have you heard of this study?  I have tried taking fish oil tablets and am optimistic.  If nothing else, my cholesterol will benefit.
12 years ago 0 373 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Greetings and a lengthy introduction

Hi Davit - People call me Carmie (My husband's nickname is Sluggo and back when the internet was young, we had a joint email account - hence the carmieslug).  That is good to know about calcium.  I suspect that my diet is sometimes lacking in calcium - I should probably take a supplement. 
Good guess on the short term medication.  I carried it around with me so much that the name is faded on the bottle!  It's like a security blanket.  Since July I have taken 5 of the Ativan, the last one being last night.  I try to use the CBT that I've been learning, here and from my therapist.  Yesterday, things got a little out of control.  When I arrived home, I was covered in a rash from being so anxious.  I decided to try taking a shower to calm down and that didn't work so I took the Ativan.  Soon afterwards, I popped on the laptop to see all of you.  It is so nice to be calmer today!
I believe everything you've written about what worked for you and I am very hopeful - almost 100% certain that this is what is going to work for me.   I really like this group.  It's nice to be here!
PS - I have to confess that the cat in my picture is not mine - he looks just like ours but I didn't have a jpeg version handy that met the size requirements.  This photo was on my hard drive because someone said "Hey!  This cat looks just like yours!"  The kitten in your profile is adorable!
12 years ago 0 373 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Greetings and a lengthy introduction

Davit, I really like how you've explained things.  When I was talking to my therapist, I realized that I have a lot in common with one thing we don't like about our new car.  The warning lights come on too easily.  Hyper Vigilance is what I have in common with my minivan.  This summer's negative experience (having to go to the hospital due to dehydration) has caused me to feel anxious whenever I experience symptoms that are remotely similar to that episode.  Believe me, it is very unlikely that I will ever allow myself to get dehydrated again.  I carry a water bottle with me, always.
 
It is really helpful to understand what methods help in which situations.  I mention the supplements and such because I want to give myself every advantage possible. 
 
The bright side of my having this experience is that I now appreciate feeling peace and at ease so much more than I did before.  It is so great to breathe and to relax - I've become a big fan!
 
I'm really sorry to hear about your day but it is very impressive that know that you've been able to overcome what would have been obstacles for you in the past.  It is also inspiring.  Thank you for taking the time to share this story!

Have a great day - I'm off for a run (With my water bottle handy, of course!)
 
 
 
 
12 years ago 0 373 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Greetings and a lengthy introduction

Davit -
I find it so funny to see our two cat avatars having this conversation!  I have always considered myself to be a positive and happy person.  I do believe that this is a great opportunity to better myself by becoming more relaxed. Since the day of my first post, I have had two great days. 
I still catch myself feeling dizzy which is my #1 trigger for experiencing anxiety.  I just read the section on Challenging Anxious Thoughts and those techiniques are helping me when I notice I am feeling anxious. 
I am a bit tired this evening and wonder if I am confusing being tired with being dizzy. 
I wish you a very happy weekend, Davit!
12 years ago 0 373 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Change Your Exercise Habits

Hi Ashley - 
I love physical activity and being outside.  I especially love when my children (ages 11 and 8) are interested in jogging with me or hiking or just playing outside.  Of great concern to me is when my anxiety threatens to get in the way of these activities. 
Whenever I run, I have to make sure that I have my cell phone with me and a bottle of water.  I find that if I don't carry these things, I panic.  I've also had anxiety on a few occasions while going on bike rides with the kids and I hate having to reveal to the kids that I am having anxiety.
I am so optimistic that the CBT techiniques that I learned from seeing a therapist and the strategies I am learning here will help me to move past this unfortunate period.  There really is nothing quite so wonderful as being able to enjoy physical activities outdoors.  Especially during this beautiful time of year (Autumn)!