Hi,
I'm a 51 yr old woman that has had Panic Disorder for over 30 years. I'd been struggling with a lot of anxiety after a bad Panic Attack in May.
Because of so much anxiety - I stopped being able to go places without my husband. I started having panic attacks all the time and even during the night.
In October, after requesting a CT Scan for my heart (due to Type 2 Diabetes & Family History) I ended up with an Angioplasty and 3 Stents in my heart for some blockages.
Now, I'm still dealing with the fears of how to tell the difference between heart issues and panic and I'm still only going places with my husband.
I'm currently taking Zoloft and Ativan + seeing 2 Psychologists and a Psychiatrist (for meds). Has anyone else been in this situation? If so, please respond.
Thank you so much ~ Cindy
Hi cindy,
I suffer from anxiety and PTSD. I am taking beta-blockers to lower my heart rate when I feel any panic. Panic is our brain's way of trying to protect us from stress. I don't know anything about the medication you are taking, but I'm assuming it is to treat your heart issues and panic. Remember that prolonged panic can lead to further heart issues. Avoid negative thinking, over-analysing... this will only lead to more panic. Be present and in the moment.
Be thankful for the support you have. Do not see it as a step back that you are only going places with your husband, see this as a positive thing because you get to spend more time with him. Likewise, do not think that you are in a bad place because you are seeing 2 psychologists and a psychiatrist. You have extra support, this is something to feel happy about. Reframe your thinking and you will see a positive change in your life. I'm sure the psychiatrist will agree that a lot of heart issues and especially panic disorders all began with one thought in your. These thoughts can create physical and mental illnesses over time.
Thank you for your reply. I'm trying to find a way to be braver about all of this. I do count my blessings every day - just afraid of what the future holds.
Best,
Cindy
Heart Disease & Panic Attacks are frightening similar. You need to channel your thinking in a different direction. Think positive & your panic symptoms will go away. Eat healthy. Meditate/pray. Excersise. Drink plenty fuilds. I thought I had a heart problem at 16 because of my anxiety. It's okay. It'll get better.
Hi Cindy.....I too have suffered for over 40yrs so I understand how you feel. I also take the same meds as you. But I do go through periods where no meds work and I just suffer. My symptoms are fatiigue feeling shakey inside, off balance when I walk, achey all over. I do get some relief but it always comes back!!!! Thats why it frustrates me when my meds dont work. So sick of everything. Hope to hear from you.
Cindy
Have you tried Relaxation Technique Mindfulness that may help to relax your Anxiety. You could also try Breathing Techniques. That may also help. You can approach your Specialists and see what they recommend
BOB
Hi Bob
you have advised before.
psych says he thinks i have anxiety disorder, severe. I have also had depressive times too. Its been four years of trying different drugs, many cbt sessions and i am no better. He is now taking me off mirtazapine as I couldnt get dose up. I feel more anxious each day and i have no motivation to cook, clean etc. I cant even face putting up xmas tree. Diazepam at nifht but waking early feeling im going mad. What is happening to me?
you are able to get out and about and go to courses etc. Which is great. Can you attribute it to any particular drug regime, maybe you didnt have anxiety, maybe it was depression?
anyway, just need some help. I am under local MH team but only see psych irregularly due to cutbacks.