I posted on here a while back that I had suffered from really bad panic attacks since 2005 but it had all gotten better last year.

In the last few weeks they've come back and worse than ever. The scary thing is that I used to get them in public, around large crowds (mall, concert) but could pop a pill and it would all be better. NOW they are hitting me at home, alone in the middle of the night and the meds dont seem to be doing the trick.

I'm afraid to up my dosage (I hate taking Attivan as it is..they can be addictive) and I thought I had the breathing techniques down to bring them under control. I didnt sleep all weekend only to come to work close my office door and have an emotional breakdown and trying not to let my co-workers here me.

I took the intiative of talking to my HR department and have set up some therpy sessions with a psychiatrist so maybe I can talk it out and figure what the hell is going on inside. I'm not usually stressed out but something is off.

Does anyone else get panic attacks? How do you handle them? Arent the ones in the middle of the night the absolute worst??!!

HELP...or HUG!!! whatever would help me out!

peace
[Edited 8/21/07 13:56pm]

Have you tried maybe meditating or something along those lines? It might help.

I get them too, short of suggesting you talk to your doctor about your medication, I really don't know what to say to help you. But still

Nikster said:

I really try but during the episode it's so hard to concentrate. I try some breathing techniques that I've read about, then I just talk to myself...I tell myself 'Hold on...breathe...it's ok' over and over again. It helps a bit...it brings the panic level lower but there is always this lingering worry and my leg figdets like crazy. I felt like that for about a good 10 hours. A panic attack should only last no more than few minutes, even an hour sometimes...but that lingering feeling just goes on and on....like being nervous before speaking in public, or performing...that kind of nerves...for no reason...

thanks for the hug! right back at ya!

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VANITYSprisonBYTCH said:

Maybe if you tried the meditation before you had an attack. Like maybe get in the habit of doing it before you went to bed. Maybe that would help?

I don't know if it's just me, cause breathing techniques mess me up. I tried to do them a few times a few years ago, and the next day I would totally be panicked and unable to breathe. I've been on paxil and celexa but slowly weaned off celexa late last year and have been okay for the most part since.

Nikster said:

I will do that...I'll try anything....thank you

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alphastreet said:

That's so great!

I may need a stronger pill like paxil. I'm going to have to check with my doc.

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VANITYSprisonBYTCH said:

I had generalized anxiety, and a little bit of OCD and mild depression. But I personally don't believe in taking those things anymore, because of long term effects. I think they're okay for people who are a threat to others around them though eg. if they're ADHD, bipolar or something.