im new. .any advice?

[stefanie]

hey everyone , im new to this whole forum thing, ive never actually been a member of one of these but i figured id give it a shot. its somewhat comforting to know that im not alone with my anxiety/panic disorder. i just need to learn some techniques or certain medications anyone takes that actually helps them get through thier days. im on zoloft now and it doesnt seem to be helping that much & im @ a point in my life where i need to be in school and with my anxiety i always end up leaving or not going at all. i also have a HUGE fear of being alone, even if im in my own house and everyones out or working i start to freak out real bad, like to the point where im tempted to call myself an ambulance. can anyone help me or give me any advice??! :? thank you

[RabidBadger]

Hi Stefanie

I have been through exactly the same thing as you and I'm pleased to say that I'm quite a bit better now.

If you feel tempted to call an ambulance, your anxiety obviously revolves around the state of your health. One trick that I found quite useful was to draw up a checklist and refer to it when I was convinced there was something wrong with me. This helps you to be more objective about your health because you are looking for proof rather than going on hunches. The checklist contained stuff that a doctor at hospital would probably look for...

Am I bleeding?
Am I in pain (enough to take pain control)?
Have I lost consciousness?
Am I unable to breathe (really unable, not just feeling unable)?
Is my heart-rate consistently too high/low (over 100bpm or under 30bpm)?
Am I incoherent (if you can still answer the questions then you are not)?
Am I unable to walk?

If you can answer no to all of these questions then a hospital would probably send you home anyway so there's very little point in ringing for an ambulance.

Hope this helps

Chris