New to the forum but not to anxiety/panic attacks

[julian7725]

I am so thankful to find this forum. My first attack was at age 18. I did not see another one until age 28. I have had it on and off since 2009 (age 28). I am now 32. I have educated myself on the topic and have taken psychology classes and read books on the topic. I experienced one yesterday night, which lead me to look for a forum. I would like to hear other's experiences and what has helped, and I will also like to share what has helped me as well. At one point I thought I was alone on this. I already feel like I am part of a family in this forum.

[SleeplessInPA]

Welcome! Like you, my anxiety has been on and off for many years. I posted a more detailed message a week two ago. My anxiety started in my early 20s and I am now 40. It's so nice to connect with people who understand how I am feeling :) I think you will like it here!

[julian7725]

Welcome! Like you, my anxiety has been on and off for many years. I posted a more detailed message a week two ago. My anxiety started in my early 20s and I am now 40. It's so nice to connect with people who understand how I am feeling :) I think you will like it here!

Yes it is good to know we are not alone. What do you feel has helped you overcome it? In my case, doing the things that trigger it has helped me. I remember in 2009, I stop wearing a watch because I was afraid it would trigger an attack. Until one day, I woke up an decided to wear one. Thank God I was able to wear one again. I have been doing things like that ever since then.

[SleeplessInPA]

Good for you!! If you don't mind me asking, what types if things trigger your anxiety? Well, my mom had severe anxiety and learned to manage it, so she has been a big help! I agree with trying to do the things that trigger it, but some days I am not sure what is triggering it. I try reading, breathing, self talk, meditation, and I do take meds. I didn't want to take meds but at one point I had no choice. I really need to start exercising, but I am having a hard time getting into a routine. Some days I am really run down!!

[julian7725]

In my case it starts with a negative thought. I have learned that my anxiety/panic problems are emotional. I have been to the Doctor numerous times and all tests came back great! So, I knew it was not health issues. I began to trace my thoughts. What caused my anxiety/panic to begin with. I like to keep a journal too. For example, yesterday night I had a panic attack after playing soccer for three hours. It all started with a slight discomfort in my esophagus. I began to think it was a heart attack. From there, it lead to a full blown panic attack. While driving home, I felt shaky, my hands became cold, I felt like my body was numb, I felt I could not breath, etc. I knew it was a panic attack. When I got home, I threw my self on the floor and began to breath slowly. It took a few minutes for my body to feel better. I have been able to enjoy life and the attacks as well. I know the enjoy the attacks sounds crazy, but I have no choice. It is a part of me. So, I have leaned to embrace it.

Tracing thoughts has helped. Because, in my case it is negative thoughts. Panic/anxiety is a domino effect. It starts with something. Try to trace what you were doing the second it began. Remember, meds can only do so little. It has to start with you first. You have to look at as a task. How are you going to tackle it. Exercising is also good. What I recommend people when it comes to exercising is: start little. Do 15 minutes your first day. Then do 30 minutes and so on. Do not begin to do 1 hour works immediately. If you do, you are setting your self up to fail. Start slow so you can succeed.

[Lin]

Panic and anxiety are horrible and can so completely mess up your life. I get depression through hormone imbalance and usually in the past up until 1996 my bouts would only last 5-6 months after having a baby, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. It is not too bad putting up with it all for 5-6 months, and usually an anti depressant helps. This time it is my age so is lasting a lot longer through the menopause. It started slightly in 2008 -2011 when I went into hospital for 7 weeks and has continued ever since. I have been unlucky this time because they have not found an anti depressant which gives me a lift to help me get through it. I am now being referred to a mood specialist because my psychiatrist is stuck on what to try next. I think that although my gynaecologist is now giving me meds to get rid of my hormones, that my depression has taken on a life of its own and is no longer just because of hormones.
The panic attacks and anxiety mean that most days I do not want to leave the house, and have to force myself to go to work or outside, even in the garden. This time I have also acted on my suicidal thoughts for the first time ever, so my husband is struggling even more to understand and handle me than before.
I hope that you get some help and support from this Forum like I have, and make some good friends like I have.