Anxiety and Panic Attacks

thanks have been looking for days willtry psy today.

i just want to say I have lived 74 years with depression. after all these years this should be unnecessary. Any one know a good dr in se michigan/

I live in Thailand so I cannot help directly - what I can say is that information gained from the Mayo Clinic website helped me understand my clinical
Depression symptoms and from there I got help to find A Mayo Clinic experienced local
Neurologist - it changed my life and got me off most
Medication only keeping low dose Ativan with me in case of anxiety attac. - best wishes from michael in Bangkok

@mattie

I'm a Volunteer Mentor with Mayo Connect. I'm sorry to hear that you've been suffering with depression most of your life and that you have such debilitating anxiety and panic attacks. I too had depression for most of my life, but was dead set against medication to help it. I went through years of talk therapy and counseling, which I don't regret, it just didn't stop my anxiety, panic attacks, and depression (at times). My panic attacks had gotten so bad that I was taking Lorazepam more often. I formerly only took it when I needed to take an airplane trip. Without the Lorazepam, I couldn't get on the plane, and even then, I was so anxious I was completely exhausted when I arrived at my destination.

Finally, at the age of 63, I asked my PCP if he could give me an antidepressant. He prescribed Celexa, and I titrated from 20 mg. to 40 mg. over 6 months. I felt so wonderful that I was amazed. I realized that I had needed an antidepressant for many years. I am still taking the generic version which is Citalopram. The most amazing thing to me is that my panic attacks have disappeared for the most part. While I was withdrawing from Tramadol, I did have a few panic attacks, but that's been it. I can fly in airplanes now with absolutely no anxiety or fear. I can't tell you how much freedom just knowing that has given me. My husband and I just had our second honeymoon in French Polynesia, an 8 hr plane trip that I couldn't have done before.

It's possible that my imbalanced brain chemistry has been corrected by the medication, and that may work for you as well. You should ask your doctor to test you for DNA compatability with any antidepressant he/she wants you to take. That way, you will find the one that will work for you right away. I will say that based on the difficulties people in the Mayo Connect community have posted, I wouldn't take Effexor. My recommendation is based only on the many, many complaints. I hope you find a good counselor/therapist and a much better psychiatrist.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

@mattie and @gailb, we are in such good company.  Hi! I am a volunteer  mentor here with Mayo Clinic Connect.   I remember having depression as far back as early childhood. I had panic attacks so bad there were many times I would stay in the car and not get out.  My mother would go get the groceries,  while I would sit there, terrified every time someone would walk up to the car.  I was afraid  and embarrassed  to tell anyone how I felt.  It wasn't until last year that I finally opened up  with my PCP about my level of anxiety.  He recommended  a low dose of an anti -anxiety  medication.  It has helped tremendously.   Same with antidepressants.   I take a low, almost "maintenance dose" which helps me with that dark condition which can bring you to your knees.  I don't  just depend on medication.  I practice mindfulness, stay busy, eliminate negative self-talk, and practice self care.  I am so glad you are here.  We are better together.Mamacita (Jane)

I have had anxiety,panic attacks, for years n i didnt know what they were until a feww yrs ago its good to keep busy i work as a cna n a medical asstiance i luv my work n i luv my children i wouldnt make it without them.

Hi, good morning to you! My name is Jane, and I am a new volunteer mentor here with Mayo Clinic Connect. Much has been written about the causes of panic attacts, and that is worthwhile. But working on managing those same attacks can start right away, whatever the cause. Stress can be reduced, and other things that are health inducing can take their place. Working in a field we love, being grateful, and taking the time for self care has helped me tremendously. I like writing positive affirmations, playing music that inspires me, and helping other people. One of my phrases is "I am enough, just the way I am." I also tell myself that it is not a race, it is a journey. I t is my story, and I can change the storyline anytime I want. It's up to me. I can do all this because I am not alone. I am in good company here. Peace, out. Mamacita

Trying again with a therapist. Terrified to try again. Got to do something. Appreciate support I read here.

@parus

I'm so happy that you are going to give therapy a try despite your fears. Is this person a new therapist for you? If so, how did you locate the new therapist? My last therapist was the one I had after a long time of fear about seeing a therapist due to my mistreatment by one I completely trusted. I saw her for several years and learned a great deal of good things from her. But at a point where my husband and I were getting divorced, she crossed the line. I was extremely vulnerable and she said I could live with her for awhile. That was a huge mistake for her and devastating for me. She ended up threatening me with a lawsuit for $$ she said I "owed" for her "help." The change in her and her viciousness shocked me and shook my world to the core. I had totally believed in her and had accepted her "kindness" during a very bad time in my life. I nearly succumbed to a breakdown, but was determined not to let her control my life. I moved to California shortly after theses incidents (9 months), and began living again. I still felt paranoid and questioned my own judgement constantly. I didn't trust anyone in the mental health community at that time. It was the most frightening thing I've ever experienced.

About 5 years later, I was at a wedding in Marin County, California, and friends of the couple stood up one at a time and talked about their love for different aspects of their relationships with the couple. The man who participated in the wedding along with the priest, sat with me at the reception and as we talked, he revealed that he was a therapist, and he gave me a signed copy of a book he had written. I read the book, and there began wonderful therapy work and eventually my becoming a Support Group Network Full Facilitator after 7 years of working and training. I am so thankful that I didn't give up completely on talk therapy and support groups!

By the way, I found out from a friend that the unscrupulous therapist in Tucson was sued for malpractice by three of her former patients and lost her license a few years after my experience with her. I was too intimidated and messed up by her to sue her at the time. Plus, I thought it was MY fault that she was angry (PTSD kicked in).

I hope you find an excellent therapist who can help you regain some equilibrium in your life and emotions. You deserve to be loved and happy Parus. I'm holding you in my mind and heart as being healthy, happy and at peace.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

@gailb Thanks again for the encouragement. I had a horrific experience with a therapist that I trusted at first. I won't go into the details. I can say it was terrifying causing the PTSD to be worse. I did not sue or file charges, but did testify as a resident of the state. I was the only one that took action. I still have nightmares. She did get a 99 year suspension. A very disturbed person that continued to harass and stalk me. It has been nearly 2 years since she last appeared at my door. Odd how the villain can cause the victim to feel guilty. Perverse. Hoping to get some help with this nightmare as well.
My flowers help me. Marigold portrait.