Oh I'm so sorry you're feeling like that! It sounds like you're kind of having a panic attack. That's exacltly what happens to me when I have one. I can't catch my breath, and I start to hypervenalate to the point where my hands go numb. What's made me feel better about this is I made a trip to the ER last week b/c of doing this, and they said they weren't concerned about my heart rate being so high b/c everything else with me was fine. And they said it was normal to hyperventalate during panic attacks and that's why my hands were numb. So all they did was monitor me, and I kept having a bunch more panic attacks, but an hour or so later, they all subsided and I came home feeling fine. So just know you are going to be okay, and it's all just part of having anxiety. And I'm in the same boat you are--had anxiety my whole life, but nothing major until the last couple of weeks. It's like I'm a different person and I can't seem to get back to normal. Hang in there, you'll get through this.

Also, someone on here posted a website for me the other day that has helped me a lot, in facing panic attacks. It sort of describes what's really going on during an attack, and that there's nothing harmful about it. It's just your body trying to help you with the fight or flight response, but for an unnecessary reason. It made me understand it a little better...maybe it would bring you a little relief. It's www.paniccure.com

I've came so close to going to the er. I get so scared when I have an attack and feel like I'm gonna pass out. Can you tell me a little more about what heppened when you went in?

Yes I sure can. Going to the ER is something I always want to do too. It' slike I feel safe there, like they'll be able to help me if something happens. But really, they were pretty much there just to monitor me and talk me through the panic attacks. Kind of what we get on this site. I went in, literally hyperventalating thinking I was on the verge of a heart attack. My hands were numb, I could barely see or breathe, and they didn't rush out to get me or anything. They finally called my name and calmly brought me back to a room. I had to wear a gown and started to explain why I was there. They were very friendly and kept saying they weren't concerned about me at all (in a nice way) b/c they see this all the time.

So they hooked me up to monitor my heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen output. I have high bloodk pressure anyway so I told them not to tell me what it was b/c it gets me even more worked up when I know it's high. So even at my worst and right after hyperventalating, they said my numbers were high, but not high enough to cause them concern. They said they weren't worried at all and I'd be fine.

i still didn't believe them and I kept having panic attacks, but all they could do was talk me through them until they passed, which they finally did. They were going to give me a lorazepam (ativan) while I was there to calm me down a bit, but they weren't going to let me drive after that if I took one. So I just waited until after I left and took one when I got home.

So really they didn't do much for me, but the fact that they weren't worried kind of made me feel better. They said they get people like me in all the time, and it's no big deal. So now I try to get through my panic attacks at home in other ways, but trust me, I know how hard it is. The ER is so tempting. But really, they end up just being there for support.

Do you have a hard time eating when you have panic attacks? Whenever I have a bad one I can't eat for a few days. That's one thing that has me worried. So does all this stomach acid. Sometimes it feels like talking to someone at the er would help. But I know it's really expensive and my parents wouldn't be too happy about that.

Whenever I'm anxious in general I have like no appetite and actually lose weight until I start feeling better again. It's like I feel nauses b/c I'm worrying so much. So yah, that's normal.

Instead of going to the ER for your stomach acid, I'd schedule a doc appointment so they can get to the bottom of it and prescribe something better to help you. You can tell them how much anxiety it's causing you and how it causes panic attacks from worrying about it. They should be able to help decide what to do from there. It's hard not to worry about it but just remember that worry is probably your anxiety coming through, and it's normal to feel this way.

I have an appointment set up for a doctor next week and a therapist for this Thursday. Now I just have to wait which is gonna be the hard part.

You're on the right track. Waiting is what I have to do too. And I suffer throughout the day as well as night, so it's not easy. I just wish there was an easier way to deal with anxiety. Why does it have to be so scary? I hope you and I both get relief soon.

I hope we do too. I really miss life. I miss going out with my friends and being 19. I feel like such an old man.

I miss being my old self. I'm a mother of two, and i'm tired of being focused on myself and getting myself better. I want to focus on my kids again and live a happy life with them. Well, going to head up to bed and give it a shot. Thanks for talking to me tonight. I'll say a prayer for the both of us tonight.

Well I hope you can get some sleep and thank you for all your kind words and helping me get through this. You're kids are lucky to have a mom like you.

Now you're gonna make me cry, lol. Thanks for the kind words as well. You and I will get through this and hopefully it will make us stronger. Your parents are lucky to have a son like you! You get some rest too. Take care. :)