Sk00zin

Close Anxiety

My panic attacks started when I was eleven. They were on the more severe end of the spectrum. I became agoraphobic, and very truant. I was hospitalized for a period of time, I lost friends and felt very alone. As I grew up and found the treatment that worked for me,I was better able to manage my disorder. I'm now earning my graduate degree in counseling to eventually be a mental health service provider. I still have panic attacks. I'd love to help anyone struggling, and I need support too!

Treatments

Ativan Working / Worked

I take half of the pill when the symptoms become too intense, or if I begin to hurt myself in order to distract to pain. It works somewhat quickly, but knocks me out and I'm even sleepy the next day.

Breathing Exercises Working / Worked

I've learned something called "4 X 4" breathing. Breathe slowly in through your nose for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and blow slowly out through your mouth (like you're gently blowing out a candle) for four seconds. This helps slow your phisiological responses to anxiety.

Positive Thinking Somewhat Helpful

Slowing the barrage of negative thoughts during a panic attack is very difficult! But reminding yourself that you can get through it, that it won't even feel the same in an hour, and that it's because of the panic attack can help you out a lot.

Xanax Working / Worked

Recently, I've been given Xanax, and with it, I take only half. This can be an addictive drug, so people with histories of drug abuse shouldn't use it. It alleviates symptoms enough, but doesn't knock me out.

Zoloft Working / Worked

When I first began having problems with anxiety, zoloft was just coming out on the market. It made a huge difference, and has helped to improve my quality of life. It doesn't work well with everyone, however, so like any medication, caution should be exercised.

Close Panic Attacks

Treatments

Ativan Working / Worked

Works quickly, but knocks me out. Usually I take half or a fourth.

EMDR Somewhat Helpful

This method was presented to me in therapy when I was processing a sexual assault that I had survived. It was kind of helpful, but not really. It didn't really do much, but it was good to have a dual focus.

Patience Somewhat Helpful

My panic has decreased over the years in terms of frequency and severity.

Positive Thinking Somewhat Helpful

Keeping a good frame of mind is essential, but very very difficult.

Psychotherapy Working / Worked

What would I do without counseling?! I can't say enough about it. It's also what I'm studying to do- I was tired of feeling like my counselors didn't quite understand what I was talking about. Now my clients will know that for sure--I'm with them!

Seroquel Working / Worked

I used to wake up with horrible panic- my muscles would be spazzing, my heart racing- it was awful. Seroquel allows me to sleep at night without doing that, but it also makes it very difficult to wake up early in the morning. Low doses are probably better.

Xanax Working / Worked

I take half. It works, but be cautious if you have a history of addiction.

Zoloft Working / Worked

I can tell a difference when I don't take this. It's been a very helpful drug in my recovery.