I'm sorry you are having a rough time. Sounds like the Ativan is probably working but your daily med might need to be looked at. I think I read this correctly. You're correct that so much is going on these days. Many of us are finding ourselves fighting increased anxiety. I would definitely let your doctor know how you're doing.

Have you found anything that helps, like reading or music? I can often get my breathing calmed down by practicing mindfulness. Thoughts of support, be well.

I'm sorry! This is so hard. I don't know whether this will be helpful. Try to ask your prescribing doc whether Ativan has side effects and/or reduces in effectiveness based on use history or interactions with other meds or foods. Second, if you have disability benefits through your employment or state, you may be able to take time off and look after yourself. Wishing you the best.

Sorry to hear the struggle. Hope my experience will help.

I was on clonazepam (can't spell) and I went off it, through a lot of exercise (not easy to do with 2 children), and I started with practice of breathing whereby I breathe in through my nose, and breathe out through my mouth making a loud OM sound to vibrate my chest (vibration is critical). There is some science behind it but I don't remember it enough to explain it. My shrink recommended it. I have been doing this practise I started at 1 minute and have worked my way up to 5 minutes in the morning and night. It seemed to tame the panic attacks and have been off meds. The meds for me created a dependency that made the panic attacks occur more frequently I had great success with this breathing technique. I didn't remove the meds until doing this technique for 2 weeks and to this day I still carry the meds with me, it has been 6 months that I haven't had a panic attack.

Thank you all for taking the time to reply....im definitely going to reach out to my dr after the holidays.
Exercise always use to help me. I definitely think I'm lacking in that area.i know it would benefit me. It is hard to make time with a 4 and 6 yrs old.
Thank you for the advice ill be looking into it.
I am trying to be more open about it so i do not feel so afraid and alone.
I also need to remind myself focus in the moment..not tomorrow or a few days from now.

Hi Blair, welcome to the site!

I have been living with anxiety and panic attacks for 25 years. Ativan is okay to take once in a while for long term, but not really to pop one for every single panic attack. Because that can get out of hand, and you will grow a dependency to the Ativan.

Are you seeing a psychiatrist? They are medical doctors who are well versed on anxiety, and which medications would be best for you. A "regular" family doctor normally does not have this kind of knowledge. Please see a psychiatrist when it comes to anxiety medications.

Talking to a therapist can be very helpful, too. They do video calls, too, as it sounds like you may be busy with two small kids to go to appointments.

I like the exercise idea. I know it's hard to find the time, but you could fit in some exercises in your living room (don't need to go to any gyms), or take walks with your children, play outside with them, etc. You can squeeze in some exercise here and there. Eating more healthy will also only help your anxiety. Try cutting out the sugars, caffeine.... and see after a couple weeks if you feel any better.

You are not alone and you are going to be okay! Sounds like you are already on the right path to getting a handle on your anxiety. See that psychiatrist, look into therapy, be healthier with eating and exercise.... and I wish you the best!

Welcome to the anxiety board at DS.

Find family friendly activities to do with the children - the more you get moving with them, the better for all of you!

Natural breathing is the best way to find the calm in the moment. Stop, pause, breathe, repeat until calm and clear headed will give you chance to catch your balance in the moment as needed.

Do things with the children. It will help you relax and enjoy the time as you find your better balance.

hello blair. welcome to ds.

i've struggled with abnormally high anxiety for my entire life and the covidic anxieties from this pandemic management feels like a horse of a different color. i'm still not properly afraid of germs, but the politics are scaring the unholies out of me and keep getting scarier by the covidic mandate. then we get to the contagion factors of the global anxiety these politics have created. ouchie mama! ! ! i will need a space ship to increase my social distance any further.

gentle empathy and support while we try to find our ways out.

I send you many hugs as I can relate.. especially if you have read my posts. I've found that CBD helps in high panic instances. Sometimes, nothing but time helps. The worst is when I'm driving. I swear, yesterday I wanted to escape from my body! Please know you're not alone and panic cannot harm you. And from your post it seems like everything at once is hitting you. Your job, kids, the holidays ..those are huge stressors!!

It does take a while to feel the effects when increasing meds. I was afraid of the lorazepam, too, so my doctor ordered propranolol, which isn't addictive. It is working for me and you can still take lorazepam a few hours later if it doesn't. I'm pretty happy with it. Hope you find relief soon!