Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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kacylynn78 02/23/2012

My panic attacks came on back in August 2011 when my dog tragically passed away. They are daily now, several times a day. I cant swallow pills, my dr didnt seem to understand that when she prescribed me celexa. I have xanax and I let those dissolve under my tongue. Ive lost 40 pounds since August, because of fear of choking, or my throat closing up on me. Basically, i rarely eat. I havent talked to anyone about this except message boards, no one else seems to understand. I havent ate in 3 days. Only water, but for some reason I feel dehydrated. I have a dr appt tomorrow, because I have an ulcer in my stomach. I keep having dry heaves and ive thrown up the water i drink probably because I have no other nutrition in me. I worry theres something more wrong with me and that I will never overcome this. I feel like im wasting away. I work in a hospital, and have numerous attacks when working, but manage not to embarrass myself. I dont know what to do anymore. I wish I had someone I could go to and beg for help, but they would all just think im crazy. I took a xanax about an hr ago, hoping when i made dinner for my kids that I would be relaxed enough to eat. But my gag reflex gets going and my throat feels like it closes up, and once again I dont even bother eating. All i do is cry, because I live in fear. I just wish I could feel normal again. :(

deleted_user 02/23/2012

Any doc worth their degree would listen to what you have to say and not think you're crazy. Anxiety is a very real, very treatable condition. Seeing as how it is clearly not only effecting your work but also your diet in an extremely negative manner I'd urge you to speak to a professional that can get you the help you need. They will understand and they can help. With medication and therapy you can get better. And you are not alone as long as you're on these boards :) we're all a little crazy though - but that's what we all have in common.

deleted_user 02/23/2012

Wow! I used to suffer from panic attacks daily as well. That is so hard.

I am glad that you found us. This group is very supportive.

I feel for you. What you are going through right now is rough.

deleted_user 02/23/2012

I'm sorry you're struggling. I understand how terrifying panic attacks are. I have been struggling with this for many years. You are not alone and you are not crazy.
Panic attacks are not going crazy. When we first experience a panic attack, we feel like weve been ambushed from within and are just terrified that it will happen againremember that old saying there is nothing to fear but fear itself? Our brain is putting together some environmental information with its secret stash of stored information, and jumping to a conclusion that makes it send out a Red Alert! The good news is that the secret stash of information can also be brought to ones conscious thought, where you can be more analytical and responsive, rather than instinctive and reactive. It is a mindfulness-based cognitive process that takes some getting used tolots of practice.
Hope you feel better soon.

deleted_user 02/23/2012

I feel for you, we have all been there, in various degrees....My suggestion would be keep writing here and get lots of encouragement. Get a doctor that listens to you and trys to get the best meds for. Saying that you be involved too. I find the more research you do you feel more involved and not alone. Also breath...... Get meditation CD's from the library for free and calm yourself down. And last exercise, even if this is walking anywhere, put some inspirational music on your headset and walk, walk walk....
All the best, it will get better.

deleted_user 02/23/2012

I relate to the not eating. I lost almost 8 lbs in a week in December & I am already small. I was very weak. You need to start drinking nutrition drinks/shakes until you can start eating solid foods. What are you doing to start recovering? You will be stuck in this anxiety panic cycle until you start taking action. I have been where you are and you CAN get better!!!! This is my advice: get the following books: Hope & help for your nerves by Dr Claire Weekes & When Panic attacks by David Burns. Read these books & read these message boards....you will feel like you are not alone. Can you exercise? I work out at LEAST 5 times a week. I walk/run on a treadmill for an hour a day. Do I have time? No, but I make time because I HAVE to for anxiety. Do you drink caffeine or alcohol? I cut caffeine out & completely cut wine out when I was REALLY suffering over Christmas. Now, I have a glass of red wine but I am careful with it. Kacy, you are NOT alone, NOT crazy and you will recover. I NEVER thought I would be in such a peaceful state as I am right now

deleted_user 02/23/2012

*Hug* from one animal lover to another. Believe me I know how hard it is when a beloved pet passes away. Panic will make you think you're losing your mind, I remember vividly thinking that I was absolutely going crazy during a massive panic. It plays tricks on you like that. I didn't like to eat much either and feeling weak didn't help the panic at all. Try to at least nibble on some crackers when you're feeling this way, I had to make myself. And please do talk to a doctor, help is out there :)

deleted_user 02/23/2012

Julia mentioned Hope & Help For Your Nerves by Dr Claire Weekes. There is another book by Claire Weeks called Pass Through Panic - Freeing Yourself From Anxiety & Fear. It is also available as an audio book which might be helpful as it can be difficult to focus on a book when one is feeling anxious.

deleted_user 02/23/2012

I know you don't see this but when you don't have any food or nutrition in your the body basically will go into hyperstate and create more anxiety. You are slowly starving yourself which I know you know. The fear of you choking must be worse than the fear of your body getting really sick with no food in you. The very thing you fear you are creating as your body can't be healthy unless you get the proper nutrition. You need to see professional help right away and learn that you will need to start small. Even soft foods or something to start you getting on a path to not fearing food. You need to do cognitive behavioral therapy to be exposed to the things you fear and the more you are exposed the less the fear will over take you. The more you fear the more your mind keeps you in that state. Talk with a professional soon. Best to you!

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