Feeling a Little Better
The first panic attack I remember having was about 12 years ago. I was about to make a big move into NYC from LI for a teaching job. One day I was in a Barnes and Noble bookstore and felt that awful feeling that I couldn't explain. Basically, I thought I was going to die. The second time it happened, I was with friends at a Chili's restaurant having a great time. I had to leave my freshly delivered meal and glass of wine sitting on the table and go to the restroom. Again, the feeling of death and escaping immediately. I eventually went to my doctor. He prescribed my Zoloft. I felt better. I remember at this time, I started talking to my mom about this. She opened up and told me she had similar feelings and had went to therapy years prior. She hadn't taken meds though. I don't remember why I changed meds, but for awhile I took Paxil. About 3 years later, I met my husband. He too was on anti-anxiety meds. In 2009, I we both stopped taking all medication. I feel like I haven't needed it. Both of us have been doing well.
Around Thanksgiving of this past year, the feelings came back. Slowly they became worse. A quick fix would be to visit my new doctor and get a prescription. But, I don't really want to return to meds. I remember that crappy feeling of coming off of them. Also, my husband and I are trying to conceive and meds really aren't an option.
Immediately, I started "Googling" alternative options. I located this website, which I love. I also have tried meditating. I'm a school teacher and my highest anxiety levels are at work, which is very difficult. I have decided to take at least 5-10 minutes of my plan time to meditate. I found an app that I listen to in my classroom with the door locked. I has helped. I also have another app, by Glenn Harold, called "Overcome Anxiety" that I listen before bed. I am constantly doing breathing exercises and telling myself that this "will pass." For NOW, it's helping. I'm not 100% better, but it's not as bad as it was. I haven't had a serious attack for 6 days.
I'll keep you updated. I wish the best for everyone. Anxiety sucks!!!
Around Thanksgiving of this past year, the feelings came back. Slowly they became worse. A quick fix would be to visit my new doctor and get a prescription. But, I don't really want to return to meds. I remember that crappy feeling of coming off of them. Also, my husband and I are trying to conceive and meds really aren't an option.
Immediately, I started "Googling" alternative options. I located this website, which I love. I also have tried meditating. I'm a school teacher and my highest anxiety levels are at work, which is very difficult. I have decided to take at least 5-10 minutes of my plan time to meditate. I found an app that I listen to in my classroom with the door locked. I has helped. I also have another app, by Glenn Harold, called "Overcome Anxiety" that I listen before bed. I am constantly doing breathing exercises and telling myself that this "will pass." For NOW, it's helping. I'm not 100% better, but it's not as bad as it was. I haven't had a serious attack for 6 days.
I'll keep you updated. I wish the best for everyone. Anxiety sucks!!!
Replies
You are doing absolutly the right things so far to overcome anxiety. There is however a few more steps to take to kick anxiety right out the door!
If you are doing the 12 weeks on my journal page keep working on the negative to positive. Of you need more encouragement get Lucinda Bassetts books and tapes...these are fantastic. Claire Weekes also has many books which explain what anxiety is and how to get it to stop.
Keep working it....you\'ve got anxiety on the run. The only way to completely overcome this condition is to figure out and change what you are doing to perpetuate it. I would have never believe that I was the captain to my anxiety but one I did the weeks and learned all of the negative thoughts I didn\'t even know I had....I was then able to acknowledge them and rewire my brain...so to speak.
Anxiety will never take me down again....I know what it is and it no longer scares me. You can get there too! Good luck!
I have just started to read your journal and I am excited to start making some changes. I\'m also looking into seeing a therapist that specializes in CBT. I will definitely look into those books and tapes. Did you see a therapist to help you?