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Latest Overcoming Anxiety And Panic Attacks News

Melissa Murphy - Journalism.co.uk

My first book 'Overcoming Agoraphobia' was published by Sheldon Press in August 2008. I'm available for expert quotes on anxiety, panic attacks and stress as well as features on this subject.

Open Question: overcoming postpartum depression ?

before i had my daughter i was prone to depression, but after i found out i was pregnant that seemed to lift- i was more motivated then ever to save up a little nest egg to be able to take care of my daughter. i worked two jobs up until the day i gave birth! (ive never had two jobs in my life!) she is almost 5 months and i have been able to stay at home with her up until now.. im a single mom, her dad bailed out as soon as he found out i was pregnant but i figured i didnt need him and am glad to not have him and his drinking issues around now!.. except it sucks big time that hes not working and isnt paying child support.. grrr. i started taking zoloft as a sort of preventative medicine (worried my depression might creep back up on me) recently because its one of the only anti depressants you can take while breast feeding... that seemed to sort of trigger all sorts of bad things in me, i became VERY tired and didnt even want to get up when my daughter woke up in the morning :( i started feeling MORE anxious and even had a really bad panic attack soon after starting it... ive stopped taking it but am still feeling its ill effects- im waiting to see my psychiatrist next week but in the meantime i feel like im going crazy- im so unmotivated, i have to talk myself to get out of bed in the morning and all day long- i feel like every thing is such a chore lately... i love my daughter but it seems i cant set her down for a minute without her starting to fuss, which results in me running myself ragged throughout the day, unable to get anything done but taking care of her... im very lonely- i live with my dad who is very uninvolved and couldnt care less about me or my daughter (my mom passed away 2 years ago) and my sister lives her too, but shes 18 and pretty self-serving... she sleeps til 1 or 2 in the afternoon and all she wants to do is go on the internet all day and watch movies, she doesnt help out with my daughter really unless i ask and doesnt help out much with housework without me having to ask her 15 times... but i know that my daughter isnt her responsibility, ive made sure to realize that! im so frusterated with myself because i want to be happy right now, i am in love with my daughter and want to be healthy mentally to be in the best position to care for her. so im not sure if its my depression, the seasons changing, my loneliness or my hormones causing these feelings... like ill finally get motivated to do something and start it but quickly become discouraged when my daughter gets fussy... so im irritated i cant get anything done and then im mad at myself for being irritated, how do other moms get things done?? id do things while she naps but she usually only sleeps for 15 minutes at a time! im ashamed to admit i was even contemplating giving her up for adoption because i dont want her to have to have a mother with all these issues but at the same time i feel like my anxiety and depression have robbed me of so much in my life already im NOT going to allow it to take my daughter too! i am such a loving mother.. i adore my daughter, i love her more then anything in my life- she is such a silly goose, full of goos and ahhs, big smiles and an incredible facination with the world... i take baths with her, talk to her all day, she sleeps with me and i hardly go anywhere without her (except for work once a week) ! and i know giving her up isnt the right solution... because i WANT her! but im SO tired and feel so unsupported... i guess id just like a little advice or reassurance- im doing everything i can but having to talk myself through every thing i do all day is getting so old... i go to a therapist once a week too and am involved with a single mom support group and take baby yoga classes with my daughter too... i try to get out and take her on a walk in the stroller every day even if i dont really feel like it and/or its really cold out! is there anything else i can be doing? does anyone have some "words of wisdom" or helpful advice? please dont comment if you are going to be critical, i really cant handle any criticism right now! (the only reason i was able to write all of this is because shes been nursing the whole time!) thanks for your time and if applicable- your support! i appreciate it! more

Voting Question: Help,I have big anxiety problems?

Well lately I have been suffering from major panic attacks,I am a surfer and I was walking down to the beach and I started wondering if I was really alive and in this spot at that time,I got really dizzy and could barely breath,this was a scary situation for me because I was a fair way from home with no one to help,I also hoped on a train two days later and luckily had my aunt with me but I still completely spun out and couldn't breathe and didn't know where I was,then we got of at the station and I was still out of it and got really sick in the stomach,now I am scared to go anywhere,once I have started walking a few blocks away from my house I still wonder if I am actually at the place I am and if I am really alive and experience difficulty breathing,It has also happened a few times while I've been surfing where I wonder am i actually alive and my body is in this place,but it seems to be a mental thing and once I stop thinking about it, it usually goes away. Is this a common anxiety problem,have you experienced it before?.I really hope to get over it soon as it is taking over my life and scaring me,what can you suggest I do to help overcome it?? Thank you Michael. more

Resolved Question: Anxiety to the point of self-induced panic attacks, please help?

I have suffered with anxiety for as long as I remember. When I was abou 14 I had a HUGE panic attacck in the car, then when I was 17 I had another huge one in the middle of Tesco. Of course the first one was induced on a journey to hospital, the second the fact that I was walking fast to catch up with my family and I suddenly became aware of my heartbeat. I had a small one since Dad took me through a car wash. The thing is, I am constantly aware of my heartbeat, if I stop doing anything in a quiet room the first thing I notice is my heartbeat, is it too fast, too slow, too hard? I'm aware I'm doing this but it's not a habit I can overcome. When I'm out walking I;m worse because my heart pumps faster. My fiance has noticed me putting my hand to my neck a few times to check my pulse and often tells me off for it. Of course, all the time I am aware of my pulse, it doesn't decrease. Well, today I have decided not to take anymore SSRIs- I jarred awake suddenly last night mid panic attack and I feel sick, dizzy and disocciated. My fiance is very good at combatting the heartbeat awareness problem which is what makes me such an anxious person. How would I be best to deal with this, though? I don't want to take pills because the side effects have been nasty! Thanks more

Resolved Question: Anxiety + Alcohol = Puke?

I am turning nineteen this weekend. I have a problem with my nerves. I get panic attacks from time to time. I've drank before (please no comments on how its bad), and I'm going to a club this weekend for my birthday. My problem is that when I drink and then get nervous I end up puking. Sometimes I only have to take one sip and I feel like throwing up. Yet some nights I can drink quite a lot and not feel like puking. Is there any tips for overcome this anxiety and have a good puke free birthday. Please any tips or advise. more

Voting Question: overcoming constant anxiety?

for almost a year now, i have dealt with constant anxiety. It is an everyday thing, because I have excess worry, and fear the worst with every pain. It started with a random panic attack one day, and since then I have been very aware of every pain, thinking every lump is cancer. I have had one day palpitations, and thought it was a heart attack. Next day I had a headache, and thought it was a brain tumor. The next day, i was urinating a lot, and thought it was diabetes. It was a constant cycle of bad thoughts. My question is, I am starting to realize that it is anxiety, but has anyone cured themselves of anxiety? any remedies to cure this awful fear, and is anyone currently going through what i am? more

Resolved Question: i hear my heart beating loud while trying to sleep, is this really anxiety?,happens everynight!!!?

a couple of months ago i was in and out of the drs with constant skipped heartbeats, he said its stress,, i ended up going to emergency one night as i didnt trust my dr,, my blood pressure was great, but the ecg showed i had LBBB, which is a block in the left branch [apparantly my dr said its nothing to worry about as im young and healthy] he said once i stop stressing the skipped beats will dissapear he was right, after 8 days my heart started beating regular again, even after an hour on the treadmill its been 2 months since that heart trouble,, but ever since i struggle to sleep, each night i lay in bed trying to relax and sleep, but i start with the thumping, and i just cant sleep, i start stressing that i imagine ive missed a heartbeat, so i start checking my pulse, then i get worked up, it can take 3 hrs for me to sleep,, some nights im lucky i sleep straight away ive had anxiety, and panic attacks for years, i think this is what brought on my LBBB, as that can be a cause, as i dont think i have any heart disease is anxiety really causing me to not sleep?,, how do i overcome this? how can i lye in bed and feel relaxed? help,,, by the way, should i demand to my dr that i want to see a heart specialist? i asked him a few months ago and he said im fine, and its stress thats causing my problems no scary answers please,,, as im also a hypochondriac and will stress 100 times more,,,lol more

Voting Question: Possible panic attack? Social anxiety? Help?

For a little over a year now, I think I've been dealing with panic attacks. My first "attack" occured when I was eating dinner with my fiance at Chili's. A weird feeling had overcome me earlier that day, in the mall, and when we finished our meal at Chili's, all I could think was that I needed to get home. I was scared, nervous, sick, and I kept thinking I was going to die; I was sure that I was going to die. I tried to remain calm but had to stop and go to a gas station bathroom to seek solitude. Once I got back in the car, I felt a bit better, but for two to three days after this attack, I felt extremely weird. I have a son, and I gained some weight with my son. I have yet to lose all the weight I gained with him, but I think this might be the cause of the attacks. I seem to have these attacks in public areas only, around large groups of people. We had a series of lectures today that I had to attend, and it lasted for eight hours. When people began coming in to sit down, I got very nervous, I felt like I could not breathe, I had a horrible time just trying to breathe... all I could think was, "home, home, home." I was going to leave but didn't. The feeling subsided after about an hour and a half, I felt relieved because we had a 30 min. break which made me feel better. When people began coming back and surrounding me, it flared up again. When I got into my car to go home, I was so happy... and I have yet to feel this way again. I do the same thing at night sometimes, before lying down to go to sleep, sometimes I will think I might die in my sleep and I toss and turn and the tightness returns to my chest... my airway feels constricted... someone, please.. help. I know that some people on my mom's side of the family had to take Xanax and other nerve pills, I do not know why, but I am beginning to wonder if I am suffering from panic attacks and/or social anxiety. more

Resolved Question: Do girls like guys who are shy/have social disorders?

I heard its treatable but not sure if girls like going through that anti-socialism unless he's only open to his lover. I'm not sure if its shyness or social anxiety, here's what I have: "A person with social anxiety disorder is afraid that he or she will make mistakes and be embarrassed or humiliated in front of others. The fear may be made worse by a lack of social skills or experience in social situations. The anxiety can build into a panic attack. As a result of the fear, the person endures certain social situations in extreme distress or may avoid them altogether. In addition, people with social anxiety disorder often suffer "anticipatory" anxiety -- the fear of a situation before it even happens -- for days or weeks before the event. In many cases, the person is aware that the fear is unreasonable, yet is unable to overcome it. People with social anxiety disorder suffer from distorted thinking, including false beliefs about social situations and the negative opinions of others. Without treatment, social anxiety disorder can negatively interfere with the person's normal daily routine, including school, work, social activities, and relationships." http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder Do girls find it creepy, scary, pitiful and unattractive? more

Voting Question: What are good ways to stop, cure, and overcome anxiety and panic attacks for good?

I know many have been having these problems. I read somewhere that "Anxiety and Panic will always be there at some level, but it will be so faint that a previous sufferer will have no trouble handling it" I'd like for anxiety and panic attacks to be at such a low level that I have only minor trouble handling them and might even be able to use humor.I think my source was http://www.stopanxietyandpanic.co.cc/ "Anxiety and Panic will always be there at some level, but it will be so faint that a previous sufferer will have no trouble handling it" more

Resolved Question: Is there a step by step action plan to overcome anxiety and panic attacks?

Hello everybody, I'm new here and I want to make clear that I don't suffer from anxiety, but my girlfriend is...and I just want to do my best to help her out and do whatever I can do. I've been reading a couple of books I found on amazon, but none of them mentioned if there's any step by step process and since I'm analytical guy I was thinking if there's any at all. Let me explain what I mean... If for example our end-goal here is to get our life back and enjoy life we did before anxiety struck (I'm just paraphrasing what I learned from my girlfriend) what would be Step 1 in this whole process? Should we change our diet? Start changing our mindset? Start journaling and recording our thoughts? In other words if your goal is to lose 30 pounds you should do it step by step. You can't do that overnight, you must break this process into small actionable steps. For me, step one was to find time for exercise. Step 2: Start jogging Step 3: Minimize carbs intake etc. etc. Step 21: Enjoy your new lean body and radiant health You see what I mean? When you do that, it's so much easier to achieve your goals. So is there any actionable steps to eliminate anxiety and panic attacks? Sorry for rambling on for so long, but this is something that I really want to find out so I can do whatever I can to help my girlfriend... more

Resolved Question: ways to overcome anxiety?

i have been diagnosed with GAD, and panic attacks. I have recently thought that I have overcome the disorder because I started exercising and eating a lot better and avoiding things that might cause me anxiety. Recently, I went to the movie theater and saw a horrifying movie, and had a panic attack during it. Since then, my anxiety has returned. Does anyone have tips for overcoming this anxiety. I have a prescription of xanax, but try not to take it that often because of the fear of getting addicted. This is taking over my life, causing me to do poorly at college, ruin friendships, and just have all of this unnessasary worrying. Please any advice would help! more

Resolved Question: sports helping you overcome panic attacks and anxiety ?

has anyone here ever done a sport which helped you to overcome panic attacks and anxiety ? and if so which sport did you do ? more

Voting Question: I suffer from panic attacks and I have anxiety problems. How can I overcome this? Why am I like that?

I envy people who are healthy and happy and have a family of their own etc. I am 35. more

Resolved Question: how to deal with impotence caused by anti-anxiety medication?

my boyfriend and i are in our mid-20s and have been dating for over a year. when we first got together we had good sex pretty regularly, but a few months ago he started getting bad anxiety and panic attacks and had to be put on an anti-anxiety medication that makes it very hard to have sex. at first he had trouble reaching orgasm, then trouble keeping an erection, but now he has trouble getting one at all. it frustrates us both, and at one point he stopped taking the meds and the sex improved, but his anxiety symptoms came back in full force so he had to take them again. i love him and want to stay with him through the problem, but it's been very hard for me lately and don't know how to deal with it. should we stop trying all together until he doesn't need the meds? are there things that can help without causing anxiety? or is there a way i can mentally overcome this in the meantime? more

Resolved Question: Is she telling the truth? (Girls only, please)?

My girlfriend switched to the Nuva Ring around six months ago, and since the switch from the pill, we haven't really "gotten it on" for a while, partially because I'm paranoid. Three months ago was the last time we had intercourse. Last month, she let me know that her period was a little delayed. She took two pregnancy tests, both about a week apart, both were negative. Today, which would mean that she's not had her period in almost 3 months, she gave me a call while I was at my friend's house telling me that she took a third pregnancy test and turned out positive. Is she telling the truth? Some things to consider: The entire time we've dated, she's complained about a pain in her stomach she gets occasionally. She's been diagnosed many different things, however doctors thought she was allergic to gluten (which she ended up not being) so cut it out of her diet for a while. She's changed medication many times for her anxiety and depression. Doctors also told her she had a chance that she had an ovarian cyst (even though I think they took blood tests that she turned out negative on). She's also undergone a lot of stress since starting college (after a 3 year pause after high school). In addition to the medical background, her and I haven't been getting along the greatest. With the holidays that came and went, I spent a lot of time with my family (partially because last year I was helping her overcome a drug addiction). My grandpa is near his deathbed, so I've been spending a lot of time with him. She's very needy, and usually has some sort of anxiety/panic attack if it's been more than 48 hours without seeing me. Regardless of whether she's a keeper or not, do you think she's lying? Are pregnancy tests more likely to be less accurate under certain circumstances? How long is too long to not have a period? more

Resolved Question: i don't have any friends. help :(?

this is pathetic. but i just want to get some opinions. i grew up with a brother and two sisters. my brother has moved away and now its juz me and my two sisters. my older sister is very outspoken, outgoing and has many friends. my younger sister is blossoming to just be like my older sister, leaving me as the black sheep. coz of our small age gap (me n my older sister), ppl tend to juz see me as her younger sister and nothing else. plus im juz so shy and quiet and i don't have many friends and sometimes i get panic attacks bcos of this. ppl tell me to speak up but its not as easy. i think i might be diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder. im fairly attractive but i think people juz don't like me cos of my reserved personality... its so natural to be attracted to outgoing people.. itz like when i go out to meet new people its always so frustrating bcuz everyone knows everyone and i juz know one or two of people in the group.. they dont ask me to go out with them.. ppl here are not very accepting. i hate the weekends coz no one asks me out. i dont have a group of close friends i can rely on to.. i dont even know where to start cos everyone is already settled in their own social circles...itz hard to break into. if i do start, i will just look desperate. ppl think i have friends (cos im attractive.. im not trying to be conceited..) but i dont.. i juz dnt know what to do now i feel so depressed i get anxieties all the time. and my sisters seem to have it all without even trying.. sometimes i feel like just giving up.. ppl ard me expect me to be like my sisters but that just cant happen.. it doesnt help tht ppl tell me im quiet. i mean i KNOW im quiet u dont have to rub it in my face. i juz need some opinions to slowly overcome this. it felt so much better after writing this... more

Voting Question: What is a fast acting panic attack drug for occasional use?

I'm on Xanax and I am definitely planning on going off (slowly) this damn drug cuz it's no good long term. Plus, I find it to be an emotional roller coaster drug... I am determined to overcome my anxiety with therapy. All I really want is a super fast acting drug I can take when (god forbids) I feel a panic attack coming on. Otherwise, I want nothing to do with drugs. What's out there that I could get a small prescription of for those (hopefully) occasional moments of sheer panic? (ie: In the subway!!) Note: I don't drink, use street drugs or have an addictive personality. I am resistant to sedatives...the proof being that this Xanax is having little effect on me (It never makes me sleepy or "drugged up")...so don't recommend herbal remedies please. I just wanna use therapy and very rarely, "emergency" drugs.Read carefully...I am NOT looking for long term drugs. NO DRUGS. That's why I am slowly going off Xanax...to free myself of drugs and all the problems they create. Don't worry about what I'm on right now ok. I'm asking for future reference: I know for a fact there are fast acting sedatives for moments of extreme panic. Just need to know what they are. thanx more

Voting Question: Sleep anxiety about my 2 yo. Help!?

I am in a very close knit family and my 2 yo daughter and I spend most of our time together (im a SAHM) My husband used to work long hours at night so my daughter has co-slept with me her whole two years of life. She just recently cut back on nursing and is almost completely over it, and we broke apart her crib (which she never slept in once) and turned it into a bed for her now that my husbands work hours have changed, we have no room in my bed for all of us. She fell asleep in my arms tonight and i placed her in her 'big girl bed' and shes been asleep ever since. BUT I AM A NERVOUS WRECK. All I can think about is when she once had a seizure, or the time our house got broken into. I know I need to let go, but at this point I dont know how. I feel so secure when shes right there and now Im just in panic. This is especially hard for be because I have been battling ocd and anxiety attacks my whole life. I have already checked on her a billion times since 8 pm. Have any of you ever experienced this? How can I overcome this fear? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you all.PS I know our sleeping arrangements are unusual, but I dont need to be insulted. Im just trying to reach out and see if anyone has gone through this and what are the first steps to coping more

Voting Question: Help with depression?

I don't know how much you need to know, so I am just going to write what I'm feeling. I am fed up of these feelings I'm getting, and just need a starting point to get me out of this bad stage in my life. Please bare with me, I know this is long but I could really do with some advice, Thanks. I'm a 15 year old girl, and suffering from pretty bad depression. I hate being in my own body, I have no self confidence. I hate talking about my feelings, I'm constantly feeling guilty for really silly things (for example, changing my mind about buying something, or getting something else instead. It has made me cry a few times, but it makes me feel worse because I know I am being ridiculous, but can't control my emotions) I feel as if my friends don't actually want me, like I'm just an annoyance. Also, when it gets dark, these feelings get more extreme. I end up wishing myself dead, but then before I sleep, I have panic attacks because I think I am going to die. This means I have to sleep with the light and TV on, so I am just falling asleep from exhaustion. I have suffered from bad anxiety in the past. I feel guilty for my feelings, because I know there are so many people that have it worse than me. People with no homes, no family's, nothing. And I have more than enough, but I'm not happy. If people have overcome depression, how did you do it, what helped you? Thanks for reading. :) more

Voting Question: How can I move forward when my thoughts are pulling me backwards?

I was mistakingly put on an antiphychotic medication a little year ago for bipolar disorder. This medication made me loose my mind and I convinced myself that I had developed schizophrenia. The doctor worked with me to get off this medication about 3 months ago and I have been able to again function. This is where the new problems have started. I was doing good up until November 28 when I was overcome by the thought that I was going schizophrenic. I felt like I was going to going to "loose it" and wake up in a vegetative state. I was rushed to the hospital. There they reashured me that there was nothing wrong with me. I have since realized that I had a horrible panic attack over the thought of going schizophrenic. I then began to obsess that the year of being on this antiphychotic had left me beyond repair. I believed at any moment I would go phychotic, end up in an institution, forcibly injected and catatonic. I was running around, desperate to take my own life. I was hopeless and in contant panic for about a week. I was able to grasp that this may all be a dilusion. The real problem (I think) is that I have this overwhelming anxiety. When I began to see my fears as anxiety, rather than reality, this has helped tremendously. I can live with anxiety. However, the problem I am having now in difficult to understand, much less explain. It is like my mind is in knots from unresolved mental confusion. I will have a moment of peace, but then my mind with turn on itself and become very analytical of the past. I will think to myself. Why did you feel that way a week ago, but you don't feel that way now? There must still be something wrong with you! I worry that these thoughts are going to spiral out of control and that I will again convince myself that there is something wrong with me and again fall into a state of dispair! Any suggestions, resources or books would be appreciated.I am on an anti-anxiety medication. This has helped a little. I really need to let go of what happened to me in the past, but I am worried about loosing control so I tend to cling on to what happened to me. more

Resolved Question: Afraid of driving or being the passanger of a car (anxiety)?

Hey guys, I have gallstones, so, from times to time I become dyspeptic (it's indigestion, my stomach starts to inflate like a balloon and it becomes as hard as a rock, I get nauseated, pressure on the right side, also I feel like belching but nothing comes out and it becomes a little hard to breathe due to the gas, some episodes lasts up to 3 hours with gas and about 3 to 6 hours with a 'full stomach'). And what happens is that the other day I was out with my friends at the mall watching a movie, so I ate a lot of popcorn and drank coke. On the way back the dyspepsia started to hit, and it hit really hard, any voices near me was annoying due to the state I was in, I didn't know what to do to relieve that dreading sensation. After that day I became very anxious around cars, sometimes I can drive if it's really quick. But if the trip is longer I start to feel on the verge of a panic attack and breathing suddenly becomes a very difficult chore. I try to breathe in deeply and slowly, but it's still difficult. I keep thinking what if I feel sick again, who's going to help me, where's the closest hospital and if I trust the person I'm with, and the more I think the more I get to the verge of a panic attack. I'm having trouble to go to places now. How can I overcome this fear/anxiety ?Oh yeah, and to be honest after those episodes of dyspepsia I get a little traumatized of eating for a while, that is, until I get hungry enough to eat again. more

Resolved Question: I'm depressed, No appetite, Afraid to leave the house, Feel like I'm going crazy.?

I hope atleast one person who can help me will read all this for the sake to really help a person. Main Reason: I've been flunking in school. I already failed this semester and she said if I don't do good next semester she has to go. I've been a drop out for 2 years now.. It's not new.. I understand where shes coming from. It scares me.. I'm going through this depression not only because of that but other personal issues. Many stressful things building up on me. I'm having anxiety attacks and I have had panic attacks during this depression. I hate panic attacks.. There just a really hardcore anxiety attack but my heart just messes up. I don't think I've had a conscious panic attack.. I just wake up with my heart pounding and I'm guessing I had one while I slept. The anxiety attacks are common at the moment.. So I barely feel them. I have no appetite at the moment.. I randomly do when I watch like 3 hours of sitcoms and I forget everything. But even with forcing myself to eat and having that random appetite.. I still am not eating properly. I am not feeling strong.. I feel weak.. I'm afraid to leave my house to even go to the doctor.. Or go for a walk. Many people tell me just to get out.. Walk.. Just get out.. But I don't have the strength. Thinking about it gets me tired. But look every little thought of negativity. I blow way out of proportion.. Let me just put all the main questions here.. What can I eat to feel energized and actually have my body stay healthy.. But I wouldn't have to eat much of it? It's difficult for me to force myself to eat, I'm not use to it. Many people have told me.. Sleep, its fine.. Just sleep and you'll get over it. Because I am extremely fatigued often. But others tell me to just get out and walk when I feel like that, get up and work out, or clean... I need to know which is the proper answer. I have constant negative thoughts.. I want to overcome them.. I can't leave my house. I have my girlfriend and she's here with me but I just cant leave even with her.. I don't feel up for it.. Bottom line. I'm afraid my girlfriend will leave me if I don't change my ways... Oh and one of the biggest things is.. My girlfriend doesn't have anxiety attacks, hasn't been through depression before.. So I believe in her eyes all she sees is some guy who is making constany excuses to get out of things.. Cause thats the way I was before.. And she still stuck with me but now I want to get out of this bum life... We have free counsilling and such where I live in Canada, but its about an hour bus ride and I really cant even think about sitting in the bus for that long.. I guess an mp3 player would help but I cant afford one.. I'm in debt.. Huge debt.. Just so many problems that build up. more

Resolved Question: How can I overcome OCD and social anxiety completely?

I'd like to become a normal person. I'm a 20 year old girl and every time I do everything right, as it was supposed to be if I was normal I feel depression. Until my 7 years old I was a really active child but didn't had friends because other girls were teasing me. Since my 8 to 12 I was a mirror. Not talking not reacting. Like I had a depression. I was watching tv and playing all the time. Not good grades, not friends not going outside much. I was avoiding people. 12-15 it became a bit worse I think. Because I was getting angry when someone was trying ti fix me and I wanted to do all the things on my own.(I started having OCD then) Sometimes I was eating in the wc. I was pretending all the high school that it was fun. Sometimes it really was but I can only count 4-5 times that I still remember it was nice. But I was having panic attacks in exams and other tests so i had even worse grades. The teachers were 100% sure I didn't care. My mother was extra-protective since I was born and didn't leave me to do anything without criticize me.(she is homemaker) She was trying to convince me I was sick(asthma, allergies etc) and had to take pills to get better(she's acting like a doctor) and even she thought I could have dyslexia,which she was wrong. My dad always had social phobia and depression(he was a merchant) None of them never cared much about my personality or future goals and didn't pay much attention to me. Even when I didn't have friends at all or I had F in tests or when I was doing crazy diets. After I finished school I decided to study teaching. Since then I moved and live alone. I can say I have make a huge progress and I still talk with my parents. I have friends (not sure if it is stable), boyfriends (not always stable) and my grades are B or C. I still feel though that I'm not normal like all others..I feel a 40% alone and I might have depression periods, social anxiety. I have Ocd nearly all the time.That's the thing that keeps me alive and energetic. Sometimes I can't relax or sleep, other I try to change my personality to fit in others preferences. My biggest fear is that I'll end-up alone and that no one will need me. (not for job, not for friend or love companion) So what can I do to overcome those fears and have -at last- a mature thinking and personal opinion? p.s. when I have something to do that needs responsibility I think of my progress of life until now. Or I believe that everything is going to be fine no matter what. Or that all people are different and have different points of views and I cannot be perfect.. more

Resolved Question: Has anyone cured anxiety/panic disorder with the Linden Method or Panic Away?

i've suffered panic attacks and anxiety since the age of 6, when it does not escalate into a full panic attack, i just have general anxiety about my life and life in general..i feel extreme fear of life/death, pain, losing loved ones, i fear anxiety itself and having a panic attack. at the worst (around the age of 12) i had panic attacks every day couldnt go to school or leave the house. alot of my anxiety is medical..when i was little id almost induce anxiety so that id have the comfort of staying home as if i was sick. this also created strong attachment to my mother and fear of losing her, even now (im 18). i know what its like to feel normal, for a few years i was panic free or it was very rare..ive seen a therapist which didnt really solve everything so i was directed toward medication which i still refuse in fear of dependency and side effects. ive always wanted to overcome this myself, but sometimes it gets so bad that im willing to try anything to get out of this hell, including many thoughts of death.. ive stumbled upon the linden method and panic away, and at first being skeptical ive looked into them and am on the verge on buying one..if anyone reads this and can relate to my anxiety and has tried either of these, did they cure you? ive read testimonials and reviews but fear that my specific anxiety is different than agoraphobia or like im having a heart attack (mine is mostly mental fear with physical stomach problems/shaking/vomiting)..please help more

Resolved Question: Will weed bring back my past anxiety problems?

I used to have severe anxiety. I have overcome my issues and now I want to know if I smoke weed will it bring back that anxiety and panic attacks if I currently do not have them? Please don't tell me not to smoke. more

Voting Question: What's a good book that helps overcome panic attacks?

I really want to find a book that helps me overcome panic attacks...ive been searching through the web and i found these courses that cost 67 dollars (Panic Away, and The Anxiety Lie) and there are also books in amazon.com that say they will guide you through recovery. I really need an honest opinion ive been more convinced about Panic Away but am not sure if it really helps or is it someone trying just to make money..has anyone read it, please I need honest and true advice THANK YOU:)Do you think one of these books will work or should i just go see a psychologist? I am truly desperate on finding something that will help me overcome this horrible feeling. more

Voting Question: How to get over agoraphobia within a month?

I suffer from panic attacks and agoraphobia. I am supposed to go to my mother in laws house on Christmas Eve and stay there for Christmas morning. I know I have over a month until then but I feel like I should start preparing myself now for the 15 minute drive there. I'm really nervous about it because I can barely drive a mile away from my home without having some anxiety. How can I prepare myself for the drive there? Anyone have any advice? Possibly someone who has dealt with agoraphobia and overcome it with any advice would be GREAT! Any advice is appreciated. Also I do not take medicine so please no advice to take something. Thanks! more

Resolved Question: How flexible are doctors when it comes to anxiety medication?

Ive tried therapy and self help for awhile now and I cant seem to overcome my panic attacks,social anxiety,worry, and paranoia. Ive looked up ways to help my anxiety, and it helped but its still very bad. Im already prescribed adderall for ADHD. Would my doctor be OK with prescribing me a anti-anxiety medication? Would she think im just trying to be recreational?Also when you get anti-anxiety medicines, do you take them every morning? I understand there not a good option, but I dont have an option because my anxiety is really really bad. more

Resolved Question: Panic/anxiety disorder, please help, I'm going crazy!?

Recently within the last month I have been getting progressively worse anxiety and panic attacks. I use to take adderall for about 4 months but soon quit after my 3rd horrible panic attack since starting adderall. According to my doctors, adderall doesn't stay in your system longer than a week and it couldn't possibly be causing my anxiety. I have also developed a fear or taking ANY kind of medication (including Tylenol and antibiotics). I tried Xanax 3 times and it gave me worse anxiety. I would like to take something for this but I'm afraid of the side effects (ie: sexual disfunction). So as you can see, my life is a living hell right now. My question is: has anyone experienced this and overcome it? If so, how?!? I'm genuinely in need of some feedback to help me through. Your answers are very much appreciated. more

Resolved Question: My friend has anxiety... how can i help her?

Me and my friend think my other friend has anxiety and she agrees too. All the symptoms point to it and shes going through a rough patch at the moment. She starting to see a counsellor soon. She also has asthma. She keeps having panic attacks and then asthma attacks and shes always sad. All i want to do is see her happy again. She has declined so much lately and i really need her back to her old self. What can we do to help her overcome this or at least something to help her cheer up? thanks :) p.s we are both 15Her parents are divorced and her step-mum is really rude and has 2 children of her own which she favors over my friend and her brother. Her mum is a recovering alcoholic and one of her friends is constantly begging her to fix her problems, and my friend being so kind hearted believes its her duty to help her :( I dont know what to do :S more

Resolved Question: How to overcome Dissociative identity disorder?

Please help me, going through this disease and all of these other symptoms. multiple mannerisms, attitudes and beliefs that are not similar to each other headaches and other body pains distortion or loss of subjective time depersonalization derealization amnesia depression flashbacks of abuse/trauma unexplainable phobias sudden anger without a justified cause lack of intimacy and personal connections frequent panic/anxiety attacks auditory hallucinations of the personalities inside their mind Please help me! Thanks. more

Voting Question: Help with anxiety,panic attacks and depression?

I am a 27 year old female who just got married and should be very happy with my life. But I suffer from depression, anxiety and panic attacks everyday! I have been on social security disability, for about 5 years now because of this. I am trying to work I really want too. But when I find a job, the morning i have to get up to go i get really sick to my stomach cry and just cant seem to make myself go! But when I don't have a job I get sick to my stomach, cry and want one! Its like this never ending cycle! I really want to work but I don't know how to overcome all of this. Does anyone know if this could be hormone related or just simply depression. I do take zoloft and xanax but neither really seem to help. I feel so guilty that my husband works, and I don't. And I feel like if I don't get my life together soon hes not going to stick around for much longer. Although he is very supportive I know people can only take things for so long, more

Resolved Question: I'm terrified of flying. Is it possible to panic so much that I could actually die?

Yes, this sounds like the stupidest question in the whole world and it is, but I have Anxiety Disorder and I need some reassurance. So here's the deal. I am terrified of flying, the thought of it makes me get nauseous. I have a flight to catch in 3 weeks and I am really scared. I'm not scared of the plane crashing or anything, I'm more scared of myself, of how I will react in the plane. It's the whole being trapped thing and not having the freedom to walk off the plane when I want. Argh. I'm really worried I will freak out and start being one of those really annoying passengers! What I want to reassure myself on is that no amount of panic or anxiety can result in me dying... Please reassure me! I am scared that I will pass out then throw up and die, or freak out so much that my blood pressure will rise and I'll have a heart attack or something... Help me please... I will be taking Xanax for the flight (never had it before) and I'm told that would help? Please anyone else scared of flying and taken the flight? How'd it go? How do I overcome this? And most importantly, can I die from panic? Cheers. more

Voting Question: How to control or get over anxiety and panic attacks?

For some reason when my son was 3 months old i started having panic attacks. It been over a years and they have gotten a little better. Im not sure how or why they started they just did and im going to school and living a semi normal life again. The only major problem i still have is i cant drive on freeways(i live in Houston, Tx). I start freaking out and think im going to pass out so i don't even try anymore just out of fear i might pass out wreck and die. I know sounds crazy i know its all in my head i just cant control it when i feel like i cant breath and sometimes my nerves get so bad my eye starts like twitching, i really don't want to take any medication so if there's any advice from people who have experienced and overcome this i would greatly appreciate it. Oh and i have not seen anyone for my anxiety yet. more

Resolved Question: 2 questions... 1) how can i overcome my social anxiety?

i have always had it but in the last couple years its gotten wayy worse.i try to put myself in social situations to just push my self through it but i end up having panic attacks and walking out and seeming like an idiot... :) i will not take medicine though i dont want to artificially alter my mind ... id like to be able to alter it my self. also talking to therapists havent worked. looking for more of a self help way please. question 2 i noticed when my anxiety got worse, and it was right after i had my son, and its just increased since then and now hes two. is this normal?? if so why, and if not... why might it of happened to me? sorry this was so long but its becoming a big problem i have things to do but cant do anything....thanks in advance! more

Resolved Question: How Can I Overcome My Phobia of Eyes?

Hi well basically I have quite a bad phobia of eyes and struggle to look at them and know things about them. I just really can't stand the idea of them and I often have quite bad panic attacks normally lasting about 10 minutes. Anyway, I've been deciding on what A Levels I want to do and I'm really keen to do biology but I've found out one of the things we have to do is eyes. I don't want my phobia to stop me from doing biology but I really don't want to have a panic attack or anything when I go to college so I think the best thing to do is try and overcome my fear :) Thing is I'm not sure what's the best way. I have a book called The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook' which I have read and followed the advice but it hasn't seemed to have helped. What are my other options? Sorry if I wrote a lot and thank you :) more

Resolved Question: How to cope with anxiety attack?

I have GAD, OCD, and Panic Disorder, and yesterday I started having an anxiety attack. I haven't been able to calm myself down, which is strange for me because usually I can overcome them in less than 20 minutes. I also cant figure out the cause of my problem. I thought it was lack of sleep (which was probably part of it), but (after trying to fall asleep for 4 hours last night) I ended up sleeping for 12 hours and I still woke up with the symptoms (though not as strong). All of my normal coping skills havent worked, and I cant seem to get down to the root of the problem (though sometimes I get anxiety attacks when I'm the least stressed). So my question is, how do you cope with anxiety attacks? I already have two types of medicines (one for daily use and one for when I'm having an attack), I tried meditation, I tried taking a shower, I tried a massage, I tried convincing myself that I had nothing to worry about and I was fine, I tried isolating the problem, and I tried sleeping. So please, dont suggest those. more

Voting Question: I suffer from long bouts of depression, and I also have OCD. Should I go to a doctor/ take medication?

I suffer from extreme cases of depression and mood swings. It makes me feel like crying at times and makes me really angry and highly irritable at other times. I am socially anxious and get panic attacks frequently even at the slightest thought of having to meet with someone. I also have OCD, particularly a debilitating habit of counting. I have been living with these for all these years (I'm in my early 20s) but I am unable to take them anymore. I need help, but I am not sure if it's something I can overcome just by sheer will power, or if I have to go meet a doctor. To make matters worse, whenever I feel like crying my heart out, I feel like talking with someone and telling them how I feel. But my social anxiety comes in the way and I stop short of sharing personal things with others, even with my parents. I feel that'll be too embarrassing for me to handle. I strongly feel that I need to tell this to someone close, but I can almost never get around to doing that. Is that a good reason to go meet a doctor and tell them how I feel? I am not too sure of medications, if they'll be addictive or cause any side-effects. more

Resolved Question: Death Anxiety. Natrual ways to overcome fear of Death?

I've been afraid of death every since my grandmother died back in September of '05. I'm currently 14 years old and I just can't shake this thought. I've comes to terms with my fear of death about a year ago, but last night while getting ready for bed, it came back. I noticed that, as long as I'm in a crowd I'm fine but when I'm by myself the fears come back. It's not so much of me fearing death; for I know it's inevitable. But it's the fact of not knowing what's on the other side that scares me. (Hoping that I will end up in Heaven rather than Hell because I believe both exsist.) I don't have panic attacks or anything, but I just prefer NOT to live my life worrying about the inevitable. I don't plan on taking any medications or seeing a therapist, for my fear isn't that serious. But please share with me some advice that will help ease my fears. more

Resolved Question: How do I overcome Social Anxiety, and Low Self Confidence?

Okay, I'm going to tell you about my problems. I am 14, my birthday was Friday. I am new at my school and I stress out and get panic attacks over Social Situations at school. Specifically lunch time. I also feel panic attacks and stress out when the teacher has us pick our partners for an assignment. I am afraid of being put down, made fun of, laughed at, not fitting in, being a poser, being punched, and going on the bus. Being in class is the only part of school were i can feel safe or relaxed (it's almost like a high feeling). Especially after lunch time, I have one class after that. And in that class I am more sociable. At my old school I don't remember feeling like this. I had a little group of people i sat with and stuck with at lunch. I moved here at the end of last year. I met a good friend over the Summer, and he introduced me to his "group". They gave me a nickname and i felt accepted and happy. The first couple days I was new to the school so everyone wanted to be my friend and I looked forward to school almost. My friend moved away a week or 2 after beginning of school. And since then I've been basically following the people he introduced me to. My nickname wore out, and people don't want to be my friend or want to be around me anymore because im not new anymore. Im worrying about tomarrow. On the bus there is a 7th grader who I thought was cool, but it turns out he doesn't have much friends. And he is friends with this other 8th grader. They are both friends. I was friends with both of them last summer because they live in my Neighborhood. They both don't have any friends besides each other. And what they do to look cool, or to make more friends is to punch me and make fun of me on the bus. No one listens to them or likes them, but I dread taking the bus because one of them (the 8th grader) always punches me and stuff. And I find it annoying. When the 7th grader doesn't ride, he sits by me. (WHICH I FLIPPIN HATE BECAUSE HE STILL PUNCHES ME) I think he that is his way of making new friends. I'll be sittin there listening to music, (keep in mind there is plenty of seats in the morning to sit in and have it all to your self.) and he come over and makes me scoot over and sits by me. Says something like "hey faggot" or starts talking bad about other people. When I move to sit with someone else he sits a seat across from it. He is annoying.. On the weekends i always go to my old town, its like 15 min away. I have a million friends there. That's were I belong. What can I do to make more friends? I don't have any guy friends at my school. And when I'm being talked to by someone, I get afraid they don't like me. And I make up excuses not to go to parties. If i can overcome this disorder I can live my life with happiness and friends. I also don't play sports anymore because I am afraid of not being as good as my brother was. Or other people on the team. My brother was very talented at sports and was amazing at them. He is in his 20's now. And im afraid my Dad will feel like that was him and my brothers thing. Me and my Dad both like to play video games. I don't have a good relationship with my brother. He trys to reach out to me and invite me to go to football games, baseball games, concerts, fishing, and out to eat or something. But I always say I have plans. I don't have anyone to talk to because when i try to talk about my problems my Mom or Dad tell my brother what I say, or make it awkward. My mom always tells my dad about my problems if i talk to her and then he talks to me about them or something and it is very awkward. Me, my dad, and brother use to have a good relationship when he still had his job. Ever since i got older we started to get further apart. When i was young, (age 1-11) he was able to buy me awesome stuff, and we had so much fun together. But now he can't afford to do anything. I keep getting off track. Here is what I need answered! - I need someone i can talk to without them telling anyone and them helping me themselves. - How do I find a group of friends to hang out with. - How do I overcome Social Anxiety, and Low Self Confidence, and Low Self Esteem - And can these disorders be natural for an adolecent? will it go away? more

Resolved Question: I keep having panic/anxiety attacks. Please help!?

A few yrs. back I had panic attacks quite often. Somehow, I found a way to overcome it. Now, they're back. I couldn't tell you why either. Out of nowhere I started having about one a week now I'm having them everyday. I realize panic causes symptoms and it's a vicious cycle. However, recently I've had symptoms before I've even started to panic. This makes me believe, logically, that something is wrong. Basically, I've been having a strange feeling as if there's a big weight on top of my head and then the back of my neck, front of my neck and jaw seem to have lost sensation. I find it hard to swallow and it feels as if my entire body goes limp almost and I feel very, very sleepy. That alone scares me so much that I obviously panic. Have you ever heard of these symptoms? I am going to the Dr. soon to ask him about it too. I went to the ER last month b/c I felt so strange and the Dr. made me feel very stupid for coming - as if it was nothing at all. I believe I know the difference in panic attacks and something very strange that causes a panic attack b/c of the strangeness of symptoms. Can anyone please help? Thank you! more

Voting Question: Which are the safest stress treatments available?

Greetings people! I'm 26, male, slightly overweight (about +12kg/26 pounds) and I have a small history of panic attacks. I do not consider myself to be overstressed, but then again, who does? About 10 months ago I had my first panic attack, which I believe was caffeine-induced (since I was drinking 3 to 4 cups of coffee per day). I immediately quit caffeine alltogether and started having an occational coffee or soda a couple of months ago. I also smoke a lot which further worsens any type of panic attack or even disorder I may have. Needless to say I have already started efforts to quit smoking, if I'm not mistaken, nicotine as well as caffeine can trigger panic symptoms and attacks by themselves. Since then, I have had only four to five panic attacks, almost all of them while drinking coffee! I also noticed some anxiety-related symptoms, like rapid heartbeat, unnecessary need to take deep breaths now and then, stomach problems (like when being afraid or nervous), pins-and-needles on my lip and sometimes hands, feeling of being out of place and so on. My heart rate is also slighty elevated, around 80bpm when I'm standing. I understand that nicotine (and lack of excersize!) does elevate your heart rate, but could panic symptoms also do this? My heart rate just when waking up is normal around 60-65bpm. Those symptoms do not persist, they just come and go. For example, I can hardly remember anything happening during my vacation, but during the exam period of september they were there. Due to this fact I do not know wether to call all this just panic symptoms/attacks or panic disorder. Most of the times those symptoms look like they are at their peak during afternoon to late hours, up until before bed. I have sleeping problems, a disorder called DSPS, which screws up my sleeping pattern and stresses me a lot so I suppose my anxiety is also at it's peak at that time. In addition, I usually get them when I'm forced to do something I don't want to, like attending a meeting I don't like or do overtime work. The most important thing is that each and every one of those symptoms -completely- disappear when I'm doing something that does not stress me and takes my mind away, like driving, watching a movie, having sex (no pun intended) etc. After all this time I have overcome the "OMGWTF" phase. I now know what it is. I can't really say I'm used to it, but I've learned to cope with it most of the times. The problem is, it's unbareable. I -really- do not want to start on medication, especially the too-dangerous-to-get-addicted kind. I had a rough talk with my my pharmacist who suggested taking Bach drops. On the other hand I've heard of no proven effects and people stating that bach is, in fact, a placebo treatment. Anyone knows any remedies, either home accesible like herbs (i.e. camomile or tilo) or over the counter (but safe) meds or supplements which help battle anxiety and panic in general? Thank you in advance! more

Resolved Question: How do I get rid of the panic feeling or anxiousness I feel leading up to and when standing in front of people?

I am in the US Army. I have no issues standing in front of a large group of people and talking and moving around. I have stood before people of all ranks and briefed them on important issues. However, I have this really odd thing that I get nervous, anxious, almost panic over standing in formation or a ceremony in front of a group of people. Particularly I get worried about passing out in front of them, and then while standing in formation, it kicks in and everything almost goes black, I feel as if I haven't been breathing and that I locked my knees (which I haven't) and everything starts to get grey/black around the edges and I almost pass out. My heart is beating ridiculously fast and my legs start to shake, noticeably to those around me in formation, and a little to those watching the formation. It's almost as if I am worried about passing out before I even get in formation and then the second I am standing still I feel like everyone is waiting to see if I am going to pass out, to include myself. I want to overcome this issue... in fact a couple weeks back, I nearly fell over in a pretty large ceremony in front of some people due to my anxiety, panic attack, whatever you want to call it and ever since then I can hardly stand 2-3 minutes in formation without feeling the onset of another attack. Any help is majorly appreciated. more

Resolved Question: Extreme fear of flying on an airplane to get home to Wisc please help@@!!!Can you give me advice?

Extreme fear of flying on an airplane to get home to Wisc please help@@!!!Can you give me advice? Extreme fear of flying and stuck in NEW YORK advice needed desperately can you please help what should I do? So I am in a really bad situation,Im stuck in NYC,out of money,sick and loosing my apartment my landlord wants me out by next week.My mom said I could stay with her in my home state of Wisconsin for a few months until I could find an apartment and stand on my feet.I have some health issues that is preventing me from working for now,and I am in a very bad mess because I don't have health insurance,and the standard of care for medicaid is really bad quality.My big problem is I suffer from extreme panic attacks on airplanes,and I mean extreme,I start crying and shaking at the slightest bit of air turbulance.My heart pounds my palms sweat,i start crying uncontrollably,and start hysterically asking nearby passengers to reassure me we were not all about to be doomed.Everyone gets really disturbed and mad at me.I have tried flying several times in the last 2 years even buying a ticket and backing down at the last min,because I was frozen with fear to the point I couldnt function,felt nausiated and dizzy.I have thought about seeing a doctor for some sedatives,but I do not have enough time to wait for an appointment,and I am totally broke as well.I have just enough for a plane ticket.I am so overcome with anxiety I am unable to sleep just thinking about the sound,sites and sensations of the airport and airplane itself,I have tried reading overcoming fear of flight courses online,prayer,talking myself out of it,positive self-motivation etc etc.Nothing seems to be working.I have begged and pleaded with every family member i have to come and drive me back,but none of them have the time or ability to get off work for that.Also due to my health issues,and back problems its impossible for me to take a greyhound or train.So I'm stuck with only two options being homeless on the streets of NY or having a major panic attack in flight if I even make it on board that is,because I am so overcom with anxiety I cannoot imagine even getting to the airport let alone on the plane and in the flight itself.My anxiety seems to be amplified from my depression and anger about loosing all the money I invested in my apartment and NEW YORK,and my recent health diagnosis of serious illness,and injury.I am in chronic pain and have a bad back,which makes it hard to sit,or walk around airports,so i WILL have to request a wheelchair.My question is,what should I DO??I do not want to make the other passengers uncomfortable,because I cannot predict how severe my panic attack will get on board the plane,and if there is any turbulance,I may start screaming,vomiting and even begging to be let off mid-air,without possibility of calming myself down and even crying.I have tried everything I can think of to stop my panic attacks but it seems I have lost control of myself.I have tried all the deep breathing,I truly wish they would offer the option of being put under anesthesia during flight and woken up at landing.PLEASE TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD DO??? more

Resolved Question: Extreme fear of flying and stuck in NEW YORK advice needed desperately can you please help what should I do?

So I am in a really bad situation,Im stuck in NYC,out of money,sick and loosing my apartment my landlord wants me out by next week.My mom said I could stay with her in my home state of Wisconsin for a few months until I could find an apartment and stand on my feet.I have some health issues that is preventing me from working for now,and I am in a very bad mess because I don't have health insurance,and the standard of care for medicaid is really bad quality.My big problem is I suffer from extreme panic attacks on airplanes,and I mean extreme,I start crying and shaking at the slightest bit of air turbulance.My heart pounds my palms sweat,i start crying uncontrollably,and start hysterically asking nearby passengers to reassure me we were not all about to be doomed.Everyone gets really disturbed and mad at me.I have tried flying several times in the last 2 years even buying a ticket and backing down at the last min,because I was frozen with fear to the point I couldnt function,felt nausiated and dizzy.I have thought about seeing a doctor for some sedatives,but I do not have enough time to wait for an appointment,and I am totally broke as well.I have just enough for a plane ticket.I am so overcome with anxiety I am unable to sleep just thinking about the sound,sites and sensations of the airport and airplane itself,I have tried reading overcoming fear of flight courses online,prayer,talking myself out of it,positive self-motivation etc etc.Nothing seems to be working.I have begged and pleaded with every family member i have to come and drive me back,but none of them have the time or ability to get off work for that.Also due to my health issues,and back problems its impossible for me to take a greyhound or train.So I'm stuck with only two options being homeless on the streets of NY or having a major panic attack in flight if I even make it on board that is,because I am so overcom with anxiety I cannoot imagine even getting to the airport let alone on the plane and in the flight itself.My anxiety seems to be amplified from my depression and anger about loosing all the money I invested in my apartment and NEW YORK,and my recent health diagnosis of serious illness,and injury.I am in chronic pain and have a bad back,which makes it hard to sit,or walk around airports,so i WILL have to request a wheelchair.My question is,what should I DO??I do not want to make the other passengers uncomfortable,because I cannot predict how severe my panic attack will get on board the plane,and if there is any turbulance,I may start screaming,vomiting and even begging to be let off mid-air,without possibility of calming myself down and even crying.I have tried everything I can think of to stop my panic attacks but it seems I have lost control of myself.I have tried all the deep breathing,I truly wish they would offer the option of being put under anesthesia during flight and woken up at landing.PLEASE TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD DO??? more

Voting Question: Why do I feel like i'm on drugs? What's wrong with my nervous system?

I had either a anxiety induced or a adrenal-disruption induced attack on friday evening. My description of the attack: a sudden wave of an absolute rushing feeling overcomes me, can happen while i'm resting, and my whole body feels like its exploding or every cell is vibrating in my body and I get really dissociated from reality like i'm really high and super paranoid. my body is "whooshing" as if I were dizzy but my head is uneffected--its like a roller coaster. My hearing, speech, thinking, vision are not impaired, nor is my motor functioning. the only thing that changes is that things get slightly dimmer or hazier and dream-like. I do get really emotional. Its terrifying. My heart rate is very strong and fast and loud (more than 100 beats per minute when my normal is 60 at rest). I have NO touble breathing or any pain. I get nauseous only if I think about it too much For several days after i've had trouble sleeping and feeling onset of an another attack --panic or whatnot. But what is most strange is that the only residual effect i have now is my impaired nervous system. I can move fine--in fact i can play volleyball perfectly. But I still feel really detached from my surroundings and any stimuli such as cold or hot or touching anything (particularly changing clothes)...feels like I'm sensing it in slow-motion or a second too late, very snapshot-like and it wells up fear inside of me. Any sudden senses, like someone touching me, sends a wave of adrenaline though me. more

Resolved Question: Calming Fear of Death/Death Anxiety?

Lately I have had a strong fear of death. It's kept me awake every night. At times I've even had panic attacks. My fear of death is really a fear of non-existence. The thought that this could happen terrifies me. I don't want to live my life fearing the inevitable, but I also don't want to live my life thinking that the inevitable has to be something terrifying. Has anyone overcome their fear of death, or does anyone have any advice on how to calm/overcome mine? I know it's probably impossible to get rid of it altogether, but I'd like to make it at least a small part of my thoughts, instead of it consuming them. And don't say "the only way to get rid of it is to die". It's not funny. more

Resolved Question: Nursery Nurse/Teacher Needing help with Anxiety/Panic attacks at Circle/Group Times?

I really need help :( Although I dont really know what Im looking for :( Im a nursery nurse and have been working with children for 6years now. I love everything about it and have no problems working with the children and chatting with the parents etc...but I have a major problem when it comes to circle/Group times. At my previous nursery circle time was very basic and whatever song or book the children wanted to read was sang/read. At my new nursery though the circle times are done by following the childrens interests also but are very different and exciting each time, using props etc. We are just starting to induct new children into the nursery school, so far i have managed to avoid leading a circle time but today the teacher asked me if I wanted to do circle in a minute, I agreed but panic welled up inside me as I worried about what I would do and whether the children would be interested. I could feel my stumach tighten and I began to get a headache. Just before we went to sit for circle my mind went blank and I just didnt have a clue what to do. One of the children ran across the room so I had to go and talk to him and encourage him to come back to join the circle...I partly took this role on so the teacher would have to start the circle without me. At the end of the circle (Which the teacher lead) I began having all these thoughts about having to quit my job as I dont feel il ever overcome this anxiety. It was horrible. It was like fight or flight, I just need to find excuses to get out of it :( Ive spoken to the teacher and said I dont have a huge experience of good circle times from my previous nurserys, but i dont think she realises how anxious I am about them. The thing is I have 2 big folders with about 50+ circle time ideas I have put together but this still doesnt make me feel any less anxious as it tends to be when im put on the spot about doing one...say even an hour before...or even longer than that...I just cant help it...I get so worked up about it I just want to cry there and then but obv I dont...I have just wormed my way out of it. I know I cant carry on like this and I want to beable to face them head on and feel confident with it. Are there any teachers/nursery nurses that have felt as bad as me with circle time and how have you overcome this? I really need help, I cant keep avoiding or running from it :( more

Resolved Question: Help! Am I having panic attacks?

Ok, so I'm a first year university student and everything was going great on frosh week up until yesterday. I have social anxiety problems but I've been making a real effort to overcome this, and it's been working OK. However yesterday I was about to enter a social situation and I had to bail. My heart started pounding, my breathing became heavy and shallow and I had a sense of overwhelming, I don't know it's hard to describe, like fear, sadness, axiety, bad things. It happened again today twice, once where I avoided going to a social situation because it started and again, extremely embarrassingly, in front of people and I left very quickly. The problem is I think I'm just being a drama whore because after looking up panic attacks, my symptoms are not nearly as severe as listed. I don't feel like I'm going to die, my chest feels tight but it doesn't really hurt, and my heart rate only goes up to about 100, which is higher than normal but not really abnormal. I have had a full blown panic attack that felt like a heart attack before, but that was when I was high so it's never happened to me in a normal state of mind. So am I having some sort of mild panic attack, or is it all in my head? more

Resolved Question: Whats the best way to overcome anxiety?

I'm a 19yr old male, and i leave for Army boot camp in 6 days. I'm starting to get really nervous and having minor panic attacks. so my question is, is it normal for me to have panic attacks at my age? and what are little ways to overcome it. nothing like breathe in a paper bag. or lean over and deep breathe or woosa stuff. nothing that will make me look weird or get in trouble at OSUT. more