[RavenSong]

I've been having anxiety attacks all evening. I feel like I'm going to come right out of my skin. I can't stop obsessing about the stupid kitchen faucet, which was dripping ever so slightly earlier today. I fixed it, and it's fine now...but I keep going over to it to make sure it's not dripping.

I hate this panicky feeling ~ it's not only mentally painful but also physically uncomfortable. My chest feels all tight, and it feels like I can't quite catch my breath.

Does anyone else here ever struggle with anxiety attacks or panic attacks? What works best for you when you get them? Are there any herbal remedies that are helpful? Do you have any certain exercise or mental activity that you do that helps?

[SchmennaLeigh]

I do. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I was on medication after Nick was born as PPD really screwed everything up. This time around, even with PPD, I haven't had to go on medication. I have found that a magnesium supplement (I take the powder form) goes a long way to keeping me calm for the day. I also am more active this time around, working out at least once a day. YOGA has been FABULOUS for helping me calm down.

However, they still come on occasion. I have learned some deep breathing techniques to get through anxiety and panic attacks. There are some videos and articles online describing how to do such things as well as books at most libraries. I really encourage you to research that for the actual attacks.

Hang in. Youa re not alone.

[austin0i]

Hi Raven

I struggled with anxiety for several years.

A book that helped me was called Hope and Help for your Nerves. It explained your body's reaction to anxiety, so you can truly understand what is happening.

Yoga "fixed" me. Practicing yoga really helped me to take control of my body and when the anxiety hit, I could practice basic breathing exercises that really helped.

Hang in there.

Kim

[Jackiejdajda]

Raven.. maybe some medication to help you get through this.. I remember my AA sponsor saying medications are okay if doctor prescribes..

Hard things are coming at you right now.. take care of you..

Bottom line I would ask for help.. I remember one therapist telling me that I was one of the ones that 'coped' and fell through the cracks.. when the hard times came..
Don't be one of those..

Jackie

[Stormster]

I agree with the previous posters. I have a kind of chronic PTSD. I don't take any meds (now) for it and even flew without Ativan for the first time in years on this last trip to the UK.

There seems to be evidence that understanding the physiological reaction can really help (I'm sure you know that). I would get tingling in my hands ...at one point thought I had MS!

but my best tool is Yoga and focusing on my breath. I've done Yoga for many years and while I'm not a real meditator I have become more skilled and controlling my thoughts through breathing techniques. It's also something that helps me recharge.

Let me know if you need any help with techniques!

[stinky_kitty]

Ugh, I'm sorry you're having panic attacks. I've suffered from an anxiety disorder since I was a kid. I used to have panic attacks frequently, haven't had them for a few years now, but I still remember how horrid they are.

Don't try to fight them when they come 'cause that will only make it worse. I don't really know about herbal treatments, but there are a few RX's that are really helpful. ((hugs))

[taramayrn]

I too suffered from anxiety for a few years (which was new for me, depression wasn't but anxiety was). I am not on meds anymore, but did find that Effexor XR helped alot. I didn't try any herbal remedies and did find that exercise helped to a certain extent.

[RavenSong]

Thank you so much for all the great advice! I knew I could count on you guys for some helpful recommendations.

Jenna, how much of the magnesium supplement do you take daily? Do you get the powdered form at health-food stores? I definitely want to try this. I think I'm also going to pick up some Vitamin B supplements. I've heard the the B's are real good for stress.

Kim, thanks for the tip about the book. I'm going to pick up a copy of Hope and Help for your Nerves from my local library tomorrow. I called the circulation desk today, and they put a copy on hold for me.

Jackie, I may very well ask a doctor for some type of medication on a short-term basis if the magnesium or Vitamin B supplements don't help. A medical clinic just started bringing a van up to my tiny rural hamlet once a week at our little market. They have a sliding scale, which is so cool.

Stormster, sometimes I wonder if I have a chronic form of PTSD, myself. Do your symptoms come and go...are they worse for a period of time, and then they level out for months? Funny you should mention thinking that you had had MS. That's exactly what I thought I had a couple months ago when my hands and feet started tingling.

Stinky Kitty, did your anxiety attacks just seem to go away on their own a few years ago? That must have been so hard on you as a child, to have anxiety attacks. Childhood's hard enough as it is...

Tara, like you, I've suffered on and off with depression for years. But the anxiety is relatively new, within the past year or so. My adrenalin starts pumping, and I cannot get it to stop. I start getting chest pains and PVCs. I have a friend who's taking Effexor ~ I'm going to call her and find out more.

Everyone, thank you so much for the great suggestions! It sounds like Yoga has been a godsend for all of you. There is a Yoga instructor who lives in my neighborhood...I'm going to contact her this week. I've always assumed I couldn't do Yoga because my spine is fused from the base of my neck down to my sacrum (I had scoliosis as a child). But it dawned on me today that maybe my neighbor could teach me some techniques that don't depend on a flexible spine.

[stinky_kitty]

Originally Posted by RavenSong

Stinky Kitty, did your anxiety attacks just seem to go away on their own a few years ago? That must have been so hard on you as a child, to have anxiety attacks. Childhood's hard enough as it is...

Most of my anxiety issues were actually caused by an undiagnosed illness, Celiac Disease. It went undiagnosed until it was way out of control and caused most of my anxiety issues. Once I got that under control my panic attacks disappeared.

I still have the tendency to be an anxious person, and take meds as needed. Mainly Lexapro and Vistaril.

[feelingreyt]

After I had my son, who is almost 4 yrs old now, I started having panic attacks. I still have them, but only rarely.
A couple of months ago I had to fly for the 1st time EVER. I had a few panic attacks that almost made me cancel my flight.
I have never taken any kind of meds for it. I just try to relax and pray. I'm very spiritual and that has helped me so much.
I also think I suffer from PTSD. I suffered silently from depression as a teen due to an event that left me shaken to the core. I sometimes wonder what effect that has had on me long term. I never really thought my panick attacks stemed from that though. Mainly because I didn't start having them until I was 30 and after the birth of my 2nd child.
I hope you are feeling better. It is very painful sometimes. I have even worried I was having a heart attack because the pain can be so intense. My thoughts are with you.

[taramayrn]

Please keep us updated Raven. (((HUGS)))

[Janeytwo]

Hey Raven,

I had been wondering if you were doing okay when I saw your post in the Artist's Way thread about not being able to join in right now because of having so much on your plate. Hugs to you with all that you're going through.

Ya know, back before I started posting here I was suffering from a frightening set of symptoms; paralysis of the hands and legs. It would come on and I would be completely incapable of walking or using my hands for anything. During bad attacks I would scoot around the house on my butt and pick up whatever clutter was lying around by using my teeth! Have to clean ya know!! LOL!! Yes, I am a junkie! :-)

Anyway, last week, my hubby made note of the fact that my hands and legs have been working pretty well so far. He and I both think it has to do with finally coming out from the silence.

Anyhoo...is it possible that with all the stress of your mom and the grief over your friend Julie and the stress of your job (I'm sure it's not easy doing what you do) and also with issues with your son; maybe your mind is saying "Okay! That's enough!!! Stop right there!!!" and is sending messages to your brain to fixate on this or that.

Not saying your attacks aren't real - honest. Anxiety Attacks are frightening from what I understand but it could be that your body is trying to tell you that you need to ease up on yourself.

As for home remedies, is it possible that you might need extra Melatonin? Also for relaxation - Bancha Twig tea is wonderful. Uhmmm....I will warn you though, it ain't the best tasting stuff!

You can PM me anytime ya know. I'm always hanging around.

One last thing which I find quite humorous. One day during one of my attacks, I drug myself into the ER by using a wheelchair as a tool to move myself along. The docs could find nothing wrong with me. One of them said, "You need a psych consult"

LOL! I said to him, "Been there, dude. Done that! almost wrote a book!" Big wide grin!

Keep posting Raven. We love ya lots!!!

One last thing. I have to give Stinky_Kitty a massive hug. (((((Stinky_Kitty))))). Because along with Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Pituatary Gland Tumor, and some other stuff that the docs thought I had during my paralysis attacks; one of the docs thought I had Celiac and put me on this frigging diet from hell.

Just in case anyone is wondering. THE CELIAC DIET IS THE WORST ON THE PLANET!! YUCK, YUCK AND DOUBLE YUCK!! My sympathies to Stinky_Kitty!

Hugs everybody!

Janey

[stinky_kitty]

LOL Even though its not the best diet I'd much rather deal with that then the side effects of untreated Celiac Disease!!!!