Reality is that mom will worry, no matter what, that is mom's way.

You have a medical condition. It is not going to go away, not without a lot of healing, and so, you've reached the point where your brain is picking up physical sensations, and adding its own view to the picture.

Learning what works for you is important. Having to quit a job due to medical condition, look at what you can do now. Write out what you get done every day, and look for patterns to help you find your balance.

Excellent move, going outside for a walk!

Best wishes. You are not alone.

Thanks mideyebrow. I think I'm still in shock with all this happening. It'll take time, but i'll get used to it. I'm very aware of the new meds in my purse and it bothers me a bit. But I keep telling myself, "in case of emergency".
I'll keep trying to focus on the positive and tell myself "its going to be ok". it actually helps when I do that. My therapist tells me to keep thinking positive. And find something good to look forward to. That usually helps keep anxiety at bay. Hopefully it'll go away again one day.

If you don't have to work, then you can just have your panic attack on the couch or something - you don't need to take pills unless you have to fake your state for some reason, like a job.

You just have to get through the attacks. Which is fine. At home, you can go lay down, or whatever. You might enjoy being alone; I know that since I got anxiety I really enjoy it. it's a relief.

you don't need a 'supporter' to have anxiety attacks. you can do this entirely on your own, and you might prefer to. In many way's it's less complicated and therefore easier to cope with.

:)

In fact reading between the lines I wonder if mum isn't part of the problem?

I'm actually back to working full time now, so having panic attacks at home, while ideal, doesn't always happen.
My mom has always been amazing, its recently that I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by what she wants and what I want. We have open communication though and are working through it.
I've found that having someone to "talk me down" helps when I'm having a panic attack. Almost distracts me. Otherwise I start to hyperventilate and can't concentrate. My brain/body goes into "run away" mode. Still trying to figure out a coping mechanism where I can handle it when alone... which is where the meds come in I guess. Wish there was another way though.

Try holding your breath. Preferably not for longer than a minute at a time though. At worst you will pass out (unlikely after only 1 min. more likely around 2 1/2 mins). At best you get a sense of relaxation.

Being talked down does not resolve or get you anywhere. It's a holding pattern, and a parasitic one. They throw away energy enabling you, and you don't learn how to cope with the next attack. You need to learn how to self-soothe.

think of the things you like doing. Some people would like to go to the swimming pool and do a few laps. Some people get on the internet and watch people pop zits. Whatever your happy place is: Identify it, feed it, and learn how to make it work for you.

Having mum not being around to catch you when you fall will be perfect. You can practice catching yourself.

1. see if you can head it off at the pass (ie start to think the thoughts and then say NO, NOT DOING THIS and go watch a movie that distracts you)
2. see if you can speed it up. If you can't stop it, embrace it. Let it take place. If you hyperventilate, go to the toilet with a paper bag and hyperventilate into the bag.

I learned some stuff as a little girl. It was my mother's theory that children only get into real difficulty if mum is watching. There is something the child does to abdicate responsibility, that they do not abdicate when they are alone.

So be alone for this. And watch how it changes how you handle it.

I don't think anybody should take any kind of anxiety meds without a clear understanding of why they are taking them.

Is the doctor telling you that something is wrong with your brain like a chemical issue or something and the meds will correct it?

Or is he telling you that you are too worked up and overwrought and you need to sedate yourself to calm yourself down?

I don't know what kind of pill that is that you mentioned so I'm not sure what it is he is suggesting is your problem, but whatever it is, ask yourself if you agree with him?

Do you think you have a chemical problem? Do you think you need to be sedated? If the answer is no, then don't take the pills. I wouldn't.

But if you think you can't calm yourself down and you need pills to do it for you, or if you think you have a chemical problem or some other issue he may have mentioned to you, then I would suggest considering taking the meds.

It just really depends on what your beliefs about the cause of your anxiety are, and what your beliefs in your ability to handle that cause on your own without help are.

I hope you are feeling better soon. :)

Thanks everyone. I'm going to take some time and think about this and talk to my doctors again. I've thought for a while that I need to stand on my own two feet, but its scary to actually do it. I appreciate the input. Thanks again.