I’m 46 years old and I’ve been experiencing anxiety/panic attacks for the past year and a half. Except that they usually happen while I’m driving my 5 year old son, they are unpredictable. In other words, one day I’ll be stuck in traffic at a spot I’ve had an “episode” at previously and I’ll think, “Well what was my problem with this situation the other day?” The next day I’ll have a full-out attack at the same spot. Because of the unpredictable nature of these episodes I’m becoming increasing nervous about performing even every day tasks.
During this time my period also changed—I went from being a regular 28 day cycle to varying greatly. One month I’ll get it on 35 days, the next month it’ll be 15 days.
In the past few months I’ve increasingly woken up feeling nervous and anxious for no reason. I also do not fell well-rested most of the time and try to take a catnap when I can. My husband and son are suffering from my constant state of agitation and irritability. I am pretty much miserable much of the time.
I’ve spoken to my GP (woman) and OB/GYN (man) about this. They both seemed puzzled and expressed doubt that menopause had much to do with it. My GP gave me a limited supply of Xanax and my OB/GYN put me on low-dose BC. I’ve also seen a Cognitive Behavior therapist, who spent a significant amount of time driving with me. None of these efforts had much effect on my anxiety. As I said I’ll have some time without them and then they’ll be back and they seem to be getting worse.
I’ve always exercised regularly and I’m in good shape physically. I also hate the idea of taking drugs on a regular basis but I’ll try anything at this point for relief—I’m seriously afraid of becoming agoraphobic. I even thought of anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication but I have no idea how to approach my doctor about prescribing them for me.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I’m feeling very, very frustrated and alone.
Full Version: Any advice...please?
Power Surge Forums > Board Discussions > Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder, Fears, Phobias, Apprehension
QUOTE (Twister @ Jul 21 2007, 03:07 PM) 
I’m 46 years old and I’ve been experiencing anxiety/panic attacks for the past year and a half. Except that they usually happen while I’m driving my 5 year old son, they are unpredictable. In other words, one day I’ll be stuck in traffic at a spot I’ve had an “episode” at previously and I’ll think, “Well what was my problem with this situation the other day?” The next day I’ll have a full-out attack at the same spot. Because of the unpredictable nature of these episodes I’m becoming increasing nervous about performing even every day tasks.
During this time my period also changed—I went from being a regular 28 day cycle to varying greatly. One month I’ll get it on 35 days, the next month it’ll be 15 days.
In the past few months I’ve increasingly woken up feeling nervous and anxious for no reason. I also do not fell well-rested most of the time and try to take a catnap when I can. My husband and son are suffering from my constant state of agitation and irritability. I am pretty much miserable much of the time.
I’ve spoken to my GP (woman) and OB/GYN (man) about this. They both seemed puzzled and expressed doubt that menopause had much to do with it. My GP gave me a limited supply of Xanax and my OB/GYN put me on low-dose BC. I’ve also seen a Cognitive Behavior therapist, who spent a significant amount of time driving with me. None of these efforts had much effect on my anxiety. As I said I’ll have some time without them and then they’ll be back and they seem to be getting worse.
I’ve always exercised regularly and I’m in good shape physically. I also hate the idea of taking drugs on a regular basis but I’ll try anything at this point for relief—I’m seriously afraid of becoming agoraphobic. I even thought of anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication but I have no idea how to approach my doctor about prescribing them for me.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I’m feeling very, very frustrated and alone.
During this time my period also changed—I went from being a regular 28 day cycle to varying greatly. One month I’ll get it on 35 days, the next month it’ll be 15 days.
In the past few months I’ve increasingly woken up feeling nervous and anxious for no reason. I also do not fell well-rested most of the time and try to take a catnap when I can. My husband and son are suffering from my constant state of agitation and irritability. I am pretty much miserable much of the time.
I’ve spoken to my GP (woman) and OB/GYN (man) about this. They both seemed puzzled and expressed doubt that menopause had much to do with it. My GP gave me a limited supply of Xanax and my OB/GYN put me on low-dose BC. I’ve also seen a Cognitive Behavior therapist, who spent a significant amount of time driving with me. None of these efforts had much effect on my anxiety. As I said I’ll have some time without them and then they’ll be back and they seem to be getting worse.
I’ve always exercised regularly and I’m in good shape physically. I also hate the idea of taking drugs on a regular basis but I’ll try anything at this point for relief—I’m seriously afraid of becoming agoraphobic. I even thought of anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication but I have no idea how to approach my doctor about prescribing them for me.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I’m feeling very, very frustrated and alone.
Hi, Twister,
As one who suffers from panic attacks (amongst other things), I truly empathize with your situation.
Since you have not experienced these for longer than a year, I'm wondering if peri-menopause isn't playing a role in these attacks?
Some people believe that when a panic attack hits, you should try to resist the urge to flee, but if you must, it's okay. Here's the important part....you have to return as soon as possible (next day for example) to the place where the attack occurred. That way, you won't fall victim to agoraphobia. This is the situation where (as you probably know) by avoiding places your world becomes so small that you can literally be afraid go to anywhere b/c of the fear of having an attack.
My mother (has had panic disorder most of her life) told me many years ago that when it occurs, you should just go with it (wait it out), and it will pass (have to admit, I never mastered this but thought I'd pass it along!)
I believe in doing whatever works at the time. If I can calm myself down and wait for it to pass..great. If not, I take a small amount of a benzodiazepine (xanax, clonazepam, etc.).
I've also read that it's important with spontaneous panic attacks (as opposed to attacks brought on by phobias) to examine other areas in your life to check for excessive amounts of stress.
An excellent book on all types of anxiety disorders including panic attacks is "The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne, M.D.
Take care and remember that you are not alone.
Colleen
Twister:
You sound just like what I was experiencing. Notice I said WAS. That is because I finally got myself together, admitted I had a problem and decided that it takes a really strong woman to ask for help. So, I am now on .5 mg of Klonopin and 20 mg of Prozac. Both are low doses but I have to tell you it has given me back my life. I just started the Prozac about 2 1/2 weeks ago and it seems to have had the biggest effect. For the first time in 10 years I went to the grocery store (twice yesterday) and did not feel even a twinge of anxiety. I have avoided grocery stores like the plague for the past 10 years preferring to have food delivered. I also went out and about all day today again not a twinge of anxiety.
A lot of women on here do not believe in drugs and I respect them for that, but I have to tell you and I have said it before, I would rather be on these drugs and be LIVING my life rather than just EXISTING and dragging through each day.
I am leaving on a cruise next weekend and I could not be more excited because for the first time in years I am not dreading going out and doing things.
Please get help. The best place to start if you are considering an anti-anxiety or AD is to go to a psychiastrist. Keep an open mind, be strong and realize again that it takes a strong person to admit they have a problem. Anxiety and depression both are illnesses and just like with any other illness drugs should at least be considered.
Again, I can only speak for myself and I do respect the women who choose to go this without the use of drugs, but it appears there is a whole lot of suffering going on here. Good luck to you.
You sound just like what I was experiencing. Notice I said WAS. That is because I finally got myself together, admitted I had a problem and decided that it takes a really strong woman to ask for help. So, I am now on .5 mg of Klonopin and 20 mg of Prozac. Both are low doses but I have to tell you it has given me back my life. I just started the Prozac about 2 1/2 weeks ago and it seems to have had the biggest effect. For the first time in 10 years I went to the grocery store (twice yesterday) and did not feel even a twinge of anxiety. I have avoided grocery stores like the plague for the past 10 years preferring to have food delivered. I also went out and about all day today again not a twinge of anxiety.
A lot of women on here do not believe in drugs and I respect them for that, but I have to tell you and I have said it before, I would rather be on these drugs and be LIVING my life rather than just EXISTING and dragging through each day.
I am leaving on a cruise next weekend and I could not be more excited because for the first time in years I am not dreading going out and doing things.
Please get help. The best place to start if you are considering an anti-anxiety or AD is to go to a psychiastrist. Keep an open mind, be strong and realize again that it takes a strong person to admit they have a problem. Anxiety and depression both are illnesses and just like with any other illness drugs should at least be considered.
Again, I can only speak for myself and I do respect the women who choose to go this without the use of drugs, but it appears there is a whole lot of suffering going on here. Good luck to you.
Twister,
I am 45 and I have been in peri-menopause for a long time. I was diagnosed over a year ago. Your irregular cycles and panic suggest that you are in peri. One of my worst symptoms before I got my hormones back in line was panic especially on the freeway. I had horrible anxiety and depression that has been completely relieved by my hormone treatment.
You say that you had your symptoms for no reason. There defiantly was a reason why things changed. Something in your system changed. For me it was that I was loosing my hormones. I was able to feel normal again by supplementing with low dose estradiol and testosterone.
Are your birth control pills helping you? There are some brands that tend to help peri women more than others. What you want is a moderate amount of estrogen and a low amount of progestin. If the progestin component is too high and the estrogen component is too low you may feel bad. One problem that peri women have is that when they take BC pills and take the week of inactive pills their estrogen may drop too low and they wind up feeling horrible. There are ways around this (use an estradiol patch on your off days).
Another problem that some peri women have with birth control pills is that the oral estrogen in the pill causes the body to produce sex binding hormone which tends to bind up our testosterone. If our testosterone is naturally high this may be a good thing but if it is too low the decrease in available testosterone can cause problems. We need the right ratio of estrogen to testosterone to feel good. My testosterone is low so I take supplemental testosterone. My testosterone helps me so that I do not have anxiety and panic wile driving.
I would suggest reading one of Dr. Elizabeth Vliet’s hormone books. A good one to start with is the revised edition of “It’s My Ovaries, Stupid!”. She talks about birth control pills for peri in that book along with other really good information. You can find the revised edition in paperback on Amazon. My local book store only had the old edition.
The two hormone options that I know of for peri are birth control pills or supplementing with estrogen and progesterone plus testosterone if you need it. I opted for the later. The book will help you figure out which option you are more interested in. It may be that just switching birth control pill brands will help you a great deal. Two brands that Vliet recommends are Ovacon 35 or Orthocyclen. What brand are you taking now? Also, I would ask for a testosterone blood level and if my result was low I would ask for a RX for testosterone.
Another thing to ask for is thyroid blood work. Have you had your thyroid tested? Women in peri sometime start having thyroid issues. The tests to ask for are TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies. Signs and symptoms of menopause and thyroid problems can overlap.
Kathy
I am 45 and I have been in peri-menopause for a long time. I was diagnosed over a year ago. Your irregular cycles and panic suggest that you are in peri. One of my worst symptoms before I got my hormones back in line was panic especially on the freeway. I had horrible anxiety and depression that has been completely relieved by my hormone treatment.
You say that you had your symptoms for no reason. There defiantly was a reason why things changed. Something in your system changed. For me it was that I was loosing my hormones. I was able to feel normal again by supplementing with low dose estradiol and testosterone.
Are your birth control pills helping you? There are some brands that tend to help peri women more than others. What you want is a moderate amount of estrogen and a low amount of progestin. If the progestin component is too high and the estrogen component is too low you may feel bad. One problem that peri women have is that when they take BC pills and take the week of inactive pills their estrogen may drop too low and they wind up feeling horrible. There are ways around this (use an estradiol patch on your off days).
Another problem that some peri women have with birth control pills is that the oral estrogen in the pill causes the body to produce sex binding hormone which tends to bind up our testosterone. If our testosterone is naturally high this may be a good thing but if it is too low the decrease in available testosterone can cause problems. We need the right ratio of estrogen to testosterone to feel good. My testosterone is low so I take supplemental testosterone. My testosterone helps me so that I do not have anxiety and panic wile driving.
I would suggest reading one of Dr. Elizabeth Vliet’s hormone books. A good one to start with is the revised edition of “It’s My Ovaries, Stupid!”. She talks about birth control pills for peri in that book along with other really good information. You can find the revised edition in paperback on Amazon. My local book store only had the old edition.
The two hormone options that I know of for peri are birth control pills or supplementing with estrogen and progesterone plus testosterone if you need it. I opted for the later. The book will help you figure out which option you are more interested in. It may be that just switching birth control pill brands will help you a great deal. Two brands that Vliet recommends are Ovacon 35 or Orthocyclen. What brand are you taking now? Also, I would ask for a testosterone blood level and if my result was low I would ask for a RX for testosterone.
Another thing to ask for is thyroid blood work. Have you had your thyroid tested? Women in peri sometime start having thyroid issues. The tests to ask for are TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies. Signs and symptoms of menopause and thyroid problems can overlap.
Kathy
Never ending panic attacks and roiling anxiety was one of worst symptoms at the onset of perimenopause. It was so bad, that I became a bona fide alcoholic. I no longer drink now and my anxiety/panic symptoms have calmed down A LOT. I've maybe have taken 3 .50 xanax this year for anxiety. I totally understand what you're going through. Here are some things to look into: fish oil supplements, Claire Weeks books, The Anxiety Workbook by Edmond Bourne (?), magnesium, exercise, exercise, execise, very little caffeine, and meditation.
QUOTE (Twister @ Jul 21 2007, 06:07 PM)
I’m 46 years old and I’ve been experiencing anxiety/panic attacks for the past year and a half. Except that they usually happen while I’m driving my 5 year old son, they are unpredictable. In other words, one day I’ll be stuck in traffic at a spot I’ve had an “episode” at previously and I’ll think, “Well what was my problem with this situation the other day?” The next day I’ll have a full-out attack at the same spot. Because of the unpredictable nature of these episodes I’m becoming increasing nervous about performing even every day tasks.
During this time my period also changed—I went from being a regular 28 day cycle to varying greatly. One month I’ll get it on 35 days, the next month it’ll be 15 days.
In the past few months I’ve increasingly woken up feeling nervous and anxious for no reason. I also do not fell well-rested most of the time and try to take a catnap when I can. My husband and son are suffering from my constant state of agitation and irritability. I am pretty much miserable much of the time.
I’ve spoken to my GP (woman) and OB/GYN (man) about this. They both seemed puzzled and expressed doubt that menopause had much to do with it. My GP gave me a limited supply of Xanax and my OB/GYN put me on low-dose BC. I’ve also seen a Cognitive Behavior therapist, who spent a significant amount of time driving with me. None of these efforts had much effect on my anxiety. As I said I’ll have some time without them and then they’ll be back and they seem to be getting worse.
I’ve always exercised regularly and I’m in good shape physically. I also hate the idea of taking drugs on a regular basis but I’ll try anything at this point for relief—I’m seriously afraid of becoming agoraphobic. I even thought of anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication but I have no idea how to approach my doctor about prescribing them for me.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I’m feeling very, very frustrated and alone.
During this time my period also changed—I went from being a regular 28 day cycle to varying greatly. One month I’ll get it on 35 days, the next month it’ll be 15 days.
In the past few months I’ve increasingly woken up feeling nervous and anxious for no reason. I also do not fell well-rested most of the time and try to take a catnap when I can. My husband and son are suffering from my constant state of agitation and irritability. I am pretty much miserable much of the time.
I’ve spoken to my GP (woman) and OB/GYN (man) about this. They both seemed puzzled and expressed doubt that menopause had much to do with it. My GP gave me a limited supply of Xanax and my OB/GYN put me on low-dose BC. I’ve also seen a Cognitive Behavior therapist, who spent a significant amount of time driving with me. None of these efforts had much effect on my anxiety. As I said I’ll have some time without them and then they’ll be back and they seem to be getting worse.
I’ve always exercised regularly and I’m in good shape physically. I also hate the idea of taking drugs on a regular basis but I’ll try anything at this point for relief—I’m seriously afraid of becoming agoraphobic. I even thought of anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication but I have no idea how to approach my doctor about prescribing them for me.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I’m feeling very, very frustrated and alone.
I don't have a suggestion that I can offer you but I can at least give you some moral support. Neither my sister or I have been able to drive on the highway, or anywhere unfamiliar, since we began perimenopause. It just happened one day for the both of us. What's interesting is that we think the same thing happened to our mother because all of sudden in her late 40's or early 50's she just stopped driving. We just never thought to ask why she had our father or one of us drive her everywhere. Interestingly or sadly enough, both my G/P (man) and GYN (woman) told me that meno or peri had nothing to do with it and told me to seek psycotherapy. I did, and the therapist told me to get new doctors. By the way, I also sought treatment from a phobia specialist for the driving and it didn't get me back on the highway, but it did keep me on the normal roads. I too was afraid of getting agoraphobia but because of my job I was forced to stay out there and it never really came to that. But there were many days that I found excuses to just not go anywhere. There are also mornings, like this morning for example, that I wake up frightened to death. Getting to work is hell. I can bearly walk in a straight line. I do notice that it worsens when I am expecting a period.
Anything I can suggest you've probably already heard before. But at least you know you're not alone.
Colleen 1952
Hi Twister,
First of all God Bless you. 46 and a 5 year old? That alone would be enough to send me over the edge.
My very first symptom of impending meno was a panic/anxiety attack. I was in church and feeling totally fine when all of a sudden I got lightheaded, felt like I couldn't breathe and just had to GET OUT of there pronto. As soon as I got to the back of the church I was fine. The same thing happened a few weeks after---again at church.
....And that's when I made a BIG mistake-one I regret to this day. I started to fear going to church. For awhile I didn't go at all, which is completely against my nature. Feeling bad about that, I started going again, but just standing in the back where I didn't feel trapped. To this day, six years later, I still will not sit in the pews. I go but remain in back where I am just fine.
What I'm saying is, I didn't fight it. I fled. Now I don't know when, if ever I can attend church like a normal person. So I let it alter my life and I wish I hadn't. Don't stop driving. Don't let this ugly symptom of peri compromise your every day activities. And don't let the Drs. tell you it isn't a sign of peri. If you read here you will see how many other women suffer with anxiety and panic during this time of their lives and realize that you are definitely not alone. You will learn alot here. Trust me---the ladies here have helped me through some very frightening times.
Take care. I hope you can force yourself to battle through this. It stinks I know, but it won't kill you. Just remember that.
Hugs, Donna
First of all God Bless you. 46 and a 5 year old? That alone would be enough to send me over the edge.
My very first symptom of impending meno was a panic/anxiety attack. I was in church and feeling totally fine when all of a sudden I got lightheaded, felt like I couldn't breathe and just had to GET OUT of there pronto. As soon as I got to the back of the church I was fine. The same thing happened a few weeks after---again at church.
....And that's when I made a BIG mistake-one I regret to this day. I started to fear going to church. For awhile I didn't go at all, which is completely against my nature. Feeling bad about that, I started going again, but just standing in the back where I didn't feel trapped. To this day, six years later, I still will not sit in the pews. I go but remain in back where I am just fine.
What I'm saying is, I didn't fight it. I fled. Now I don't know when, if ever I can attend church like a normal person. So I let it alter my life and I wish I hadn't. Don't stop driving. Don't let this ugly symptom of peri compromise your every day activities. And don't let the Drs. tell you it isn't a sign of peri. If you read here you will see how many other women suffer with anxiety and panic during this time of their lives and realize that you are definitely not alone. You will learn alot here. Trust me---the ladies here have helped me through some very frightening times.
Take care. I hope you can force yourself to battle through this. It stinks I know, but it won't kill you. Just remember that.
Hugs, Donna
Wow! Thank you all for your responses. They made me feel so much better and less alone.
As I said, I worked with a Cognitive Behavior therapist for about 6 months on my driving anxiety. So I did try to confront it and conquer it. The confusing part was that one day something will bother me and the next day (or week or month) I'll have no problem with it. For example right now my son is in a part-time camp for the summer. When the parents pick the kids up at noon they have us line up in our cars in two rows in this very large parking lot and bring the kids to our car. If I have to put my car in the middle of the line I sometimes feel trapped and start panicking. I've actually gotten out of the car and paced around it to subdue my racing heart. (In fact right now I'm getting anxious just thinking about it). Other days I wonder why this bothered me the day before. It just doesn't make sense--even if I ride it out it may or may not show up the next time around. And it seems to be getting more intense.
I do have a fair amount of stress about my son. My husband travels a lot for his job and my family lives far away. Our neighbors are elderly with problems of their own. Most of my friends are working moms with full-time jobs. So I don't have very much support with my son and it has run through my mind many times "If I can't get there to pick him up in time there's no one I can call to get him." It's nerve-racking.
My OB/GYN put me on Yasmin for Birth Control back in April but I'd be willing to try something else. I'm also at the point where I'd be VERY HAPPY to try medication to control it (for a while at least). But Xanax really didn't do anything for me. I've also tried Kava and St. John's Wort on my own. I take daily supplements of a multivitimin, calcium, Flax seed oil and Fish oil. I usually exercise 5 times a week for 45 minutes. I've also been drinking more than usual lately, but will stop that. Today is also my first caffeine-free day in a while so I'll try that too.
I've decided to have a complete physical this week and a good talk with my GP. I don't want to live with this. I feel like I've tried to confront it but if anything it's worse than it was a year ago. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Thanks again so much.
PS I'll look into all the reading recommendations too.
As I said, I worked with a Cognitive Behavior therapist for about 6 months on my driving anxiety. So I did try to confront it and conquer it. The confusing part was that one day something will bother me and the next day (or week or month) I'll have no problem with it. For example right now my son is in a part-time camp for the summer. When the parents pick the kids up at noon they have us line up in our cars in two rows in this very large parking lot and bring the kids to our car. If I have to put my car in the middle of the line I sometimes feel trapped and start panicking. I've actually gotten out of the car and paced around it to subdue my racing heart. (In fact right now I'm getting anxious just thinking about it). Other days I wonder why this bothered me the day before. It just doesn't make sense--even if I ride it out it may or may not show up the next time around. And it seems to be getting more intense.
I do have a fair amount of stress about my son. My husband travels a lot for his job and my family lives far away. Our neighbors are elderly with problems of their own. Most of my friends are working moms with full-time jobs. So I don't have very much support with my son and it has run through my mind many times "If I can't get there to pick him up in time there's no one I can call to get him." It's nerve-racking.
My OB/GYN put me on Yasmin for Birth Control back in April but I'd be willing to try something else. I'm also at the point where I'd be VERY HAPPY to try medication to control it (for a while at least). But Xanax really didn't do anything for me. I've also tried Kava and St. John's Wort on my own. I take daily supplements of a multivitimin, calcium, Flax seed oil and Fish oil. I usually exercise 5 times a week for 45 minutes. I've also been drinking more than usual lately, but will stop that. Today is also my first caffeine-free day in a while so I'll try that too.
I've decided to have a complete physical this week and a good talk with my GP. I don't want to live with this. I feel like I've tried to confront it but if anything it's worse than it was a year ago. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Thanks again so much.
PS I'll look into all the reading recommendations too.
"If I have to put my car in the middle of the line I sometimes feel trapped and start panicking".
actually gotten out of the car and paced around it to subdue my racing heart.
You sound so much like me. I have all sorts of tricks to overcome my feeling of being "trapped". I remember one day driving home from work when, for no reason at all I had a panic attack. I couldn't very well stop in traffic and start pacing, which often works to calm me down. So I turned up the radio full blast (like those annoying teenagers do) rolled down all my windows and started singing and "drumming" my hands on the dashboard all the way home. I looked like a complete idiot and prayed that no one I knew could see me. But it got me home. As soon as I got into my driveway and got out of the car I was absolutely normal. As normal as a perimenopausal women can get HA! So go figure. These things are just so freaky.
I give you lots of credit. Being a mom of a little one takes a lot of energy. Being an older mom and going through peri compounds the issues ten fold. You sound like you have a very level head and are persuing all avenues in an attempt to educate yourself and overcome this monster. I wish you all the best.
Take care. Donna
actually gotten out of the car and paced around it to subdue my racing heart.
You sound so much like me. I have all sorts of tricks to overcome my feeling of being "trapped". I remember one day driving home from work when, for no reason at all I had a panic attack. I couldn't very well stop in traffic and start pacing, which often works to calm me down. So I turned up the radio full blast (like those annoying teenagers do) rolled down all my windows and started singing and "drumming" my hands on the dashboard all the way home. I looked like a complete idiot and prayed that no one I knew could see me. But it got me home. As soon as I got into my driveway and got out of the car I was absolutely normal. As normal as a perimenopausal women can get HA! So go figure. These things are just so freaky.
I give you lots of credit. Being a mom of a little one takes a lot of energy. Being an older mom and going through peri compounds the issues ten fold. You sound like you have a very level head and are persuing all avenues in an attempt to educate yourself and overcome this monster. I wish you all the best.
Take care. Donna
Hi Twister,
My panic attacks started when I was driving too! I've learned through all of this the power of fear! As another person said the had one at church and was afraid to go ....well the same thing happened to me and I said enough is enough.....I made a promise to myself to never let the attacks take control of my life and I made myself face the places or situations I would have a panic attack. There were times I was so afraid but I survived.
It has been a long road for me but I'm finally starting to feel some what normal (whatever that is) I'm 44 and this all started about 5 years ago. For me it was my of course a hormonal imbalance and working on my adrenals and going to a compound pharmacy where they really understood what was going on. I highly recommend to keep looking for someone who really understands whats going on. I called some compound pharmacies and ask which doctors in the area were working with them and then went from there. I take Dr. Wilsons adrenal supplements, progest, testos, St. Johns Wort, mag, omega oils and gaba. It takes awhile to find out what works for you and to find someone who is willing to take the time with you.
Will your son start school in the fall? Try to take this year to relax and heal as much as you can. I home schooled for 10 years and had to make the decision to stop so I could have some time for myself and de-stress.
I hope you find what works for you....this is a journey....be patient.
Robbi
My panic attacks started when I was driving too! I've learned through all of this the power of fear! As another person said the had one at church and was afraid to go ....well the same thing happened to me and I said enough is enough.....I made a promise to myself to never let the attacks take control of my life and I made myself face the places or situations I would have a panic attack. There were times I was so afraid but I survived.
It has been a long road for me but I'm finally starting to feel some what normal (whatever that is) I'm 44 and this all started about 5 years ago. For me it was my of course a hormonal imbalance and working on my adrenals and going to a compound pharmacy where they really understood what was going on. I highly recommend to keep looking for someone who really understands whats going on. I called some compound pharmacies and ask which doctors in the area were working with them and then went from there. I take Dr. Wilsons adrenal supplements, progest, testos, St. Johns Wort, mag, omega oils and gaba. It takes awhile to find out what works for you and to find someone who is willing to take the time with you.
Will your son start school in the fall? Try to take this year to relax and heal as much as you can. I home schooled for 10 years and had to make the decision to stop so I could have some time for myself and de-stress.
I hope you find what works for you....this is a journey....be patient.
Robbi
Hi Ladies,
THIS is one subject regarding peri that I think I can hopefully help someone with. Bearing in mind that it was only in retrospect that I realized that my peri symptoms started with panic attacks. My periods were changing, along with other symptoms, much like everyone else has said on this board, but I didn't "connect the dots" UNTIL I found this site. That being said....
HISTORY
As I said the panic attacks were the beginning of peri for me. Since at the time I didn't know this or that they were even panic attacks, I like many others thought the worst. I thought I was losing my mind or dying of some terminal disease or maybe it was heart problems etc. I made several trips to the emergency room, had ekgs, echocardiograms (for the chest tightness/pain and shortness of breath, dizziness etc.) I was given prescriptions for Paxil and Ativan, which are an antidepressant and tranquilizer, respectively. However, I was never given a diagnosis of "Panic Attacks"! I actually left the ER feeling even more scared and confused and thinking I WAS losing my mind. I searched the internet trying to get information about the side effects of Paxil and diagnosed myself with Panic Attack Disorder. I never filled the prescriptions. As time went on things got progessively worse. I lost over 20 lbs (I was only 103 lbs to start out), had horrible insomnia, cried at the drop of a hat and eventually became agoraphobic. I had told my husband at one point that I would rather die than continue life like this. Incidentally, my first panic attack was while driving. I got very dizzy (which I now know was from hyperventilation) and had to pull over on the side of the road until I felt I could drive again. After that I didn't drive again for over a week. I am sure you can all guess what happened when I did drive again. Yep, PANIC!
SOLUTION
Since at this point I was unable to leave my house (not even to go to the mailbox at the end of my driveway) I used the internet as a way to stay in touch with the outside world. I frantically searched for any information I could find and ordered at least 2 dozen books about Panic Attacks including Claire Weeks, the Panic Attack Workbook, etc etc. I had even watched an infommercial and ordered "Attacking Anxiety and Depression" from Lucinda Bassett. All of these things helped a little, but I was still unable to leave my house and I was still suffereing from Panic Attacks. One thing I did notice was that when I was on the computer reading about panic or deeply engrossed in reading about panic, my panic SUBSIDED. That was my first clue that PANIC wasn't entirely physical (well not in the figurative sense - but more on that in a minute.)
One day while on the internet (searching for a CURE) for this Panic, I found a website that was created by a young guy who suffered from Panic. On this site he wasn't selling anything and offered his story and what he did to conquer panic. After reading his site, I printed the entire site and read and re-read the printed pages. It was so simple that it didn't seem possible that his "CURE" could work. Yet, on his site MANY testimonials were posted about how his advice had helped them overcome PANIC.
The advice as I said was very simple. CONFRONT PANIC! That is all you have to do. When you feel the panic start simply talk back to "it". For example say to "it" IS THIS ALL YOU HAVE, Can't you do any better than this. Say things like "okay, bring it on. You want to see dizzy, I'll show you dizzy. Etc.
I got so good at doing this that one day I was starting to panic and while standing in the middle of my living room (talking to this unseen entity -lol) I started to laugh. I realized that I had not heard myself laugh in months. It was working!!! I realized too, that I had to take this outside. I started with baby steps ... the mailbox, then driving around the block then to the local store, etc. Eventually, (this took awhile) I was able to go farther and farther from home. Now, I can and DO go ANYWHERE I choose. And, I don't worry about PANIC.
Now, keep in mind that I didn't say I don't occassionally (usually a day or two before my TOM) have Panic attacks. But, I can't really call them panic attacks anymore, because, what I realized is that Panic attacks are just anxiety MAGNIFIED. If YOU let it escalate, it will and THAT is when it becomes panic.
Now, back to the physical side of this...my theory and anyone please feel free to correct me or educate me on this, 'cause this is just as I said, this is a theory...I think that peri causes the normal anxiety that we have all experienced from time to time, to become much more pronounced. Add the additional heart palps and other cardi symptoms that accompany peri - and the FIGHT or FLIGHT reaction kicks in. Only it kicks in BIG TIME cause we don't know WHY this is happening. Normally, when we feel anxious and experience fight or flight sensations there is an EXTERNAL reason...for example a near car accident or some other frightening experience that has occurred. When the situation is over, our bodies adjust the chemicals so that we are no longer feeling the need to fight or flee. BUT, with peri (and I don't know why as of yet) our bodies feel as though we are under some kind of threat constantly and we have PANIC and all the accompanying symptoms. However, we can still overcome this by taking the physical symptoms on (the "it") and calming whatever chemical reactions that are going on inside and overcome the panic.
Now, I feel that it is necessary to say that the "Cure" doesn't happen over night. It took some time for me to get to the point that Panic was no longer a major issue of peri. I still have "twinges" from time to time, but they are usually very short-lived. I will add that when I have cycles that include a lot of breast tenderness and melancholy that the panic rears it's ugly head a day or two before. The difference between then and now is that I don't let it scare me anymore. I tell myself that I have the tools to beat "it" down again, that I have been here before and that this too will pass. Sure enough with the first sign of "flow" the panic eases. In the meanwhile, I can't "control" the scary sensations by talking to "it".
I hope this will work as well for others as it has for me.
Hugs,
Susan
THIS is one subject regarding peri that I think I can hopefully help someone with. Bearing in mind that it was only in retrospect that I realized that my peri symptoms started with panic attacks. My periods were changing, along with other symptoms, much like everyone else has said on this board, but I didn't "connect the dots" UNTIL I found this site. That being said....
HISTORY
As I said the panic attacks were the beginning of peri for me. Since at the time I didn't know this or that they were even panic attacks, I like many others thought the worst. I thought I was losing my mind or dying of some terminal disease or maybe it was heart problems etc. I made several trips to the emergency room, had ekgs, echocardiograms (for the chest tightness/pain and shortness of breath, dizziness etc.) I was given prescriptions for Paxil and Ativan, which are an antidepressant and tranquilizer, respectively. However, I was never given a diagnosis of "Panic Attacks"! I actually left the ER feeling even more scared and confused and thinking I WAS losing my mind. I searched the internet trying to get information about the side effects of Paxil and diagnosed myself with Panic Attack Disorder. I never filled the prescriptions. As time went on things got progessively worse. I lost over 20 lbs (I was only 103 lbs to start out), had horrible insomnia, cried at the drop of a hat and eventually became agoraphobic. I had told my husband at one point that I would rather die than continue life like this. Incidentally, my first panic attack was while driving. I got very dizzy (which I now know was from hyperventilation) and had to pull over on the side of the road until I felt I could drive again. After that I didn't drive again for over a week. I am sure you can all guess what happened when I did drive again. Yep, PANIC!
SOLUTION
Since at this point I was unable to leave my house (not even to go to the mailbox at the end of my driveway) I used the internet as a way to stay in touch with the outside world. I frantically searched for any information I could find and ordered at least 2 dozen books about Panic Attacks including Claire Weeks, the Panic Attack Workbook, etc etc. I had even watched an infommercial and ordered "Attacking Anxiety and Depression" from Lucinda Bassett. All of these things helped a little, but I was still unable to leave my house and I was still suffereing from Panic Attacks. One thing I did notice was that when I was on the computer reading about panic or deeply engrossed in reading about panic, my panic SUBSIDED. That was my first clue that PANIC wasn't entirely physical (well not in the figurative sense - but more on that in a minute.)
One day while on the internet (searching for a CURE) for this Panic, I found a website that was created by a young guy who suffered from Panic. On this site he wasn't selling anything and offered his story and what he did to conquer panic. After reading his site, I printed the entire site and read and re-read the printed pages. It was so simple that it didn't seem possible that his "CURE" could work. Yet, on his site MANY testimonials were posted about how his advice had helped them overcome PANIC.
The advice as I said was very simple. CONFRONT PANIC! That is all you have to do. When you feel the panic start simply talk back to "it". For example say to "it" IS THIS ALL YOU HAVE, Can't you do any better than this. Say things like "okay, bring it on. You want to see dizzy, I'll show you dizzy. Etc.
I got so good at doing this that one day I was starting to panic and while standing in the middle of my living room (talking to this unseen entity -lol) I started to laugh. I realized that I had not heard myself laugh in months. It was working!!! I realized too, that I had to take this outside. I started with baby steps ... the mailbox, then driving around the block then to the local store, etc. Eventually, (this took awhile) I was able to go farther and farther from home. Now, I can and DO go ANYWHERE I choose. And, I don't worry about PANIC.
Now, keep in mind that I didn't say I don't occassionally (usually a day or two before my TOM) have Panic attacks. But, I can't really call them panic attacks anymore, because, what I realized is that Panic attacks are just anxiety MAGNIFIED. If YOU let it escalate, it will and THAT is when it becomes panic.
Now, back to the physical side of this...my theory and anyone please feel free to correct me or educate me on this, 'cause this is just as I said, this is a theory...I think that peri causes the normal anxiety that we have all experienced from time to time, to become much more pronounced. Add the additional heart palps and other cardi symptoms that accompany peri - and the FIGHT or FLIGHT reaction kicks in. Only it kicks in BIG TIME cause we don't know WHY this is happening. Normally, when we feel anxious and experience fight or flight sensations there is an EXTERNAL reason...for example a near car accident or some other frightening experience that has occurred. When the situation is over, our bodies adjust the chemicals so that we are no longer feeling the need to fight or flee. BUT, with peri (and I don't know why as of yet) our bodies feel as though we are under some kind of threat constantly and we have PANIC and all the accompanying symptoms. However, we can still overcome this by taking the physical symptoms on (the "it") and calming whatever chemical reactions that are going on inside and overcome the panic.
Now, I feel that it is necessary to say that the "Cure" doesn't happen over night. It took some time for me to get to the point that Panic was no longer a major issue of peri. I still have "twinges" from time to time, but they are usually very short-lived. I will add that when I have cycles that include a lot of breast tenderness and melancholy that the panic rears it's ugly head a day or two before. The difference between then and now is that I don't let it scare me anymore. I tell myself that I have the tools to beat "it" down again, that I have been here before and that this too will pass. Sure enough with the first sign of "flow" the panic eases. In the meanwhile, I can't "control" the scary sensations by talking to "it".
I hope this will work as well for others as it has for me.
Hugs,
Susan
***ooops*** I meant I CAN control it!!!
Awesome Susan!!!
Love your post and explanation. I had come to pretty much the same conclusion not too long ago and have made progressive baby-steps towards the return of my independent soul...........
The main thing I say to myself now it that I've felt this feeling before, lived through it and know it will pass if I pay less attention to it.
Panic IS anxiety amplified and as you said, due to the weird and varied physical symptoms that accompany menopause........we all think we're dying of some rare or not-so-rare disease......or that the doctor missed something and our heart really is as bad as we imagined.............
Confronting panic has been one of the single most difficult things I've had to do throughout this meno ride. Some days I just wanted to give in and stay in my safe shell............but I missed my world out dair!!! Also I was forced to go out, as I have a full-time job and couldn't take time off. This helped most days to keep me in touch with life in the real world.
So thanks for the great post Susan............I know it will help lots of women here on Surge...............
booboolena
Love your post and explanation. I had come to pretty much the same conclusion not too long ago and have made progressive baby-steps towards the return of my independent soul...........
The main thing I say to myself now it that I've felt this feeling before, lived through it and know it will pass if I pay less attention to it. Panic IS anxiety amplified and as you said, due to the weird and varied physical symptoms that accompany menopause........we all think we're dying of some rare or not-so-rare disease......or that the doctor missed something and our heart really is as bad as we imagined.............
Confronting panic has been one of the single most difficult things I've had to do throughout this meno ride. Some days I just wanted to give in and stay in my safe shell............but I missed my world out dair!!! Also I was forced to go out, as I have a full-time job and couldn't take time off. This helped most days to keep me in touch with life in the real world.
So thanks for the great post Susan............I know it will help lots of women here on Surge...............
booboolena
[quote name='MamaMia' date='Jul 22 2007, 10:55 PM' post='179050']
Now, back to the physical side of this...my theory and anyone please feel free to correct me or educate me on this, 'cause this is just as I said, this is a theory...I think that peri causes the normal anxiety that we have all experienced from time to time, to become much more pronounced. Add the additional heart palps and other cardi symptoms that accompany peri - and the FIGHT or FLIGHT reaction kicks in. Only it kicks in BIG TIME cause we don't know WHY this is happening. Normally, when we feel anxious and experience fight or flight sensations there is an EXTERNAL reason...for example a near car accident or some other frightening experience that has occurred. When the situation is over, our bodies adjust the chemicals so that we are no longer feeling the need to fight or flee. BUT, with peri (and I don't know why as of yet) our bodies feel as though we are under some kind of threat constantly and we have PANIC and all the accompanying symptoms. However, we can still overcome this by taking the physical symptoms on (the "it") and calming whatever chemical reactions that are going on inside and overcome the panic.
Hi Twister & Susan,
just wanted to say how much I agree with everything that's been said on this thread, especially your take on this Susan.
I have had panic attacks & anxiety since my late 20's but it was never a big deal & whenever ir arose I was always able to manage it & it would go away again. However, when I hit peri 2 years ago it took off big time & since then it has been uncontrollable & I have had the same things you describe, the runs of panic attacks & ongoing anxiety which then caused me to feel exhausted as it had gone on for such a long time. It is just a vicious cycle that keeps feeding off itself.
Twister, I can relate so much to what you're going through at the moment. I am 44, have a 6 year old son & trying to cope with all this has become so difficult that I am now having to consider medication as I've tried a lot of the natural stuff but it just doesn't seem strong enough. I need to take something that will calm everything down abit & break the cycle of fear-adrenalin-symptoms etc. The trouble is I keep reading so much stuff that I'm getting confused about my options as there is so much conflicting advice out there & everyone has different experiences.
Lots of useful advice & information on this thread though, I will be interested to see how you get on with this & what you decide to do.
Just know that there are many of us who feel like you do.
Hope you're feeling a bit better today!
love Sarah xx
Now, back to the physical side of this...my theory and anyone please feel free to correct me or educate me on this, 'cause this is just as I said, this is a theory...I think that peri causes the normal anxiety that we have all experienced from time to time, to become much more pronounced. Add the additional heart palps and other cardi symptoms that accompany peri - and the FIGHT or FLIGHT reaction kicks in. Only it kicks in BIG TIME cause we don't know WHY this is happening. Normally, when we feel anxious and experience fight or flight sensations there is an EXTERNAL reason...for example a near car accident or some other frightening experience that has occurred. When the situation is over, our bodies adjust the chemicals so that we are no longer feeling the need to fight or flee. BUT, with peri (and I don't know why as of yet) our bodies feel as though we are under some kind of threat constantly and we have PANIC and all the accompanying symptoms. However, we can still overcome this by taking the physical symptoms on (the "it") and calming whatever chemical reactions that are going on inside and overcome the panic.
Hi Twister & Susan,
just wanted to say how much I agree with everything that's been said on this thread, especially your take on this Susan.
I have had panic attacks & anxiety since my late 20's but it was never a big deal & whenever ir arose I was always able to manage it & it would go away again. However, when I hit peri 2 years ago it took off big time & since then it has been uncontrollable & I have had the same things you describe, the runs of panic attacks & ongoing anxiety which then caused me to feel exhausted as it had gone on for such a long time. It is just a vicious cycle that keeps feeding off itself.
Twister, I can relate so much to what you're going through at the moment. I am 44, have a 6 year old son & trying to cope with all this has become so difficult that I am now having to consider medication as I've tried a lot of the natural stuff but it just doesn't seem strong enough. I need to take something that will calm everything down abit & break the cycle of fear-adrenalin-symptoms etc. The trouble is I keep reading so much stuff that I'm getting confused about my options as there is so much conflicting advice out there & everyone has different experiences.
Lots of useful advice & information on this thread though, I will be interested to see how you get on with this & what you decide to do.
Just know that there are many of us who feel like you do.
Hope you're feeling a bit better today!
love Sarah xx
It's like "what came first the chicken or the egg".......that's why I get so frustrated with doctors because they don't look at the whole person.
I so agree with the facing the panic attacks.....but I can so see the physical side of it. I think the two work well together treating the body and mind!
Great post ladies!
I so agree with the facing the panic attacks.....but I can so see the physical side of it. I think the two work well together treating the body and mind!
Great post ladies!
I have to agree with facing the panic, or as I've also heard it called, "immersion therapy--" immersing yourself in the situation and feeling the panic and DEALING with it. I think you are right that peri causes the tendency to feel greater panic than we did before. I had terrible driving panic that I'd never had when I was younger. I was in peri, and all of a sudden it became nearly impossible for me to drive to work. I pictured myself having a bad accident and being in a wheelchair, or losing control and slamming into one of those big overpasses.
For a while, driving to and from work became absolute misery. I anticipated the morning drive and became so ill I couldn't eat breakfast (and I've always been a big breakfast eater). I'd get to work, and be okay until mid to late afternoon, when I'd again anticipate the drive home and become ill. My hands were like ice and I would be shaking and upset and totally obsessed with getting home. Next day, instant replay. I actually lost five pounds from it, and I've NEVER lost weight without really trying, except for when I had the driving panic.
I couldn't call in sick and I needed to keep the job, as we had just built a brand new home. So the only thing I could do was distract myself. You can't think of two things at once. You either focus on the panic, and it gets worse and worse, or you do something, anything, to keep your mind off of it while you're driving. I rolled down all the car windows; I turned on the heat or air conditioning to blasting level; I turned on the radio and tried to focus on a talk show. My best solution was turning on my favorite oldies station and listening to all the songs I hadn't heard in years, that were hits when I was young and free. It takes some mental concentration, but you CAN distract yourself and drive safely. I'd look at the broken line in the middle of the road and it would be flashing by in time to the music. Or I did "road therapy." I'd talk out loud about things that bothered me, as if I had my own counselor with me in the car. I knew no one was there, of course, and I was alone, but it was kind of a relief to talk out loud about problems and try to think of solutions. All of this was just distracting me from thinking about driving panic.
For a while, I also drove in the far right lane and told myself I'd pull over if I became overwhelmed. I wanted to pull over, but told myself, "just one more mile." Then another mile. I tried not to get locked into traffic, although this is not always possible. Try leaving yourself an "escape route," but try NOT to use it.
I was driving on the tollway, with cars whizzing by. I wanted to take side roads, and did for a while, but would be late to work. So I had to face the tollway and keep up with the other cars.
I got rid of the driving panic with mental self-talk and control in about two months. The most important thing was HAVING to drive and HAVING to deal with it. If I had avoided driving or stayed home, I'd likely still have it. It's been almost TEN YEARS since I had panic when driving. It CAN and WILL go away if you deal with it by facing it.
For a while, driving to and from work became absolute misery. I anticipated the morning drive and became so ill I couldn't eat breakfast (and I've always been a big breakfast eater). I'd get to work, and be okay until mid to late afternoon, when I'd again anticipate the drive home and become ill. My hands were like ice and I would be shaking and upset and totally obsessed with getting home. Next day, instant replay. I actually lost five pounds from it, and I've NEVER lost weight without really trying, except for when I had the driving panic.
I couldn't call in sick and I needed to keep the job, as we had just built a brand new home. So the only thing I could do was distract myself. You can't think of two things at once. You either focus on the panic, and it gets worse and worse, or you do something, anything, to keep your mind off of it while you're driving. I rolled down all the car windows; I turned on the heat or air conditioning to blasting level; I turned on the radio and tried to focus on a talk show. My best solution was turning on my favorite oldies station and listening to all the songs I hadn't heard in years, that were hits when I was young and free. It takes some mental concentration, but you CAN distract yourself and drive safely. I'd look at the broken line in the middle of the road and it would be flashing by in time to the music. Or I did "road therapy." I'd talk out loud about things that bothered me, as if I had my own counselor with me in the car. I knew no one was there, of course, and I was alone, but it was kind of a relief to talk out loud about problems and try to think of solutions. All of this was just distracting me from thinking about driving panic.
For a while, I also drove in the far right lane and told myself I'd pull over if I became overwhelmed. I wanted to pull over, but told myself, "just one more mile." Then another mile. I tried not to get locked into traffic, although this is not always possible. Try leaving yourself an "escape route," but try NOT to use it.
I was driving on the tollway, with cars whizzing by. I wanted to take side roads, and did for a while, but would be late to work. So I had to face the tollway and keep up with the other cars.
I got rid of the driving panic with mental self-talk and control in about two months. The most important thing was HAVING to drive and HAVING to deal with it. If I had avoided driving or stayed home, I'd likely still have it. It's been almost TEN YEARS since I had panic when driving. It CAN and WILL go away if you deal with it by facing it.
QUOTE (CSugarGrove @ Jul 26 2007, 09:05 AM)
I have to agree with facing the panic, or as I've also heard it called, "immersion therapy--" immersing yourself in the situation and feeling the panic and DEALING with it. I think you are right that peri causes the tendency to feel greater panic than we did before. I had terrible driving panic that I'd never had when I was younger. I was in peri, and all of a sudden it became nearly impossible for me to drive to work. I pictured myself having a bad accident and being in a wheelchair, or losing control and slamming into one of those big overpasses.
For a while, driving to and from work became absolute misery. I anticipated the morning drive and became so ill I couldn't eat breakfast (and I've always been a big breakfast eater). I'd get to work, and be okay until mid to late afternoon, when I'd again anticipate the drive home and become ill. My hands were like ice and I would be shaking and upset and totally obsessed with getting home. Next day, instant replay. I actually lost five pounds from it, and I've NEVER lost weight without really trying, except for when I had the driving panic.
I couldn't call in sick and I needed to keep the job, as we had just built a brand new home. So the only thing I could do was distract myself. You can't think of two things at once. You either focus on the panic, and it gets worse and worse, or you do something, anything, to keep your mind off of it while you're driving. I rolled down all the car windows; I turned on the heat or air conditioning to blasting level; I turned on the radio and tried to focus on a talk show. My best solution was turning on my favorite oldies station and listening to all the songs I hadn't heard in years, that were hits when I was young and free. It takes some mental concentration, but you CAN distract yourself and drive safely. I'd look at the broken line in the middle of the road and it would be flashing by in time to the music. Or I did "road therapy." I'd talk out loud about things that bothered me, as if I had my own counselor with me in the car. I knew no one was there, of course, and I was alone, but it was kind of a relief to talk out loud about problems and try to think of solutions. All of this was just distracting me from thinking about driving panic.
For a while, I also drove in the far right lane and told myself I'd pull over if I became overwhelmed. I wanted to pull over, but told myself, "just one more mile." Then another mile. I tried not to get locked into traffic, although this is not always possible. Try leaving yourself an "escape route," but try NOT to use it.
I was driving on the tollway, with cars whizzing by. I wanted to take side roads, and did for a while, but would be late to work. So I had to face the tollway and keep up with the other cars.
I got rid of the driving panic with mental self-talk and control in about two months. The most important thing was HAVING to drive and HAVING to deal with it. If I had avoided driving or stayed home, I'd likely still have it. It's been almost TEN YEARS since I had panic when driving. It CAN and WILL go away if you deal with it by facing it.
For a while, driving to and from work became absolute misery. I anticipated the morning drive and became so ill I couldn't eat breakfast (and I've always been a big breakfast eater). I'd get to work, and be okay until mid to late afternoon, when I'd again anticipate the drive home and become ill. My hands were like ice and I would be shaking and upset and totally obsessed with getting home. Next day, instant replay. I actually lost five pounds from it, and I've NEVER lost weight without really trying, except for when I had the driving panic.
I couldn't call in sick and I needed to keep the job, as we had just built a brand new home. So the only thing I could do was distract myself. You can't think of two things at once. You either focus on the panic, and it gets worse and worse, or you do something, anything, to keep your mind off of it while you're driving. I rolled down all the car windows; I turned on the heat or air conditioning to blasting level; I turned on the radio and tried to focus on a talk show. My best solution was turning on my favorite oldies station and listening to all the songs I hadn't heard in years, that were hits when I was young and free. It takes some mental concentration, but you CAN distract yourself and drive safely. I'd look at the broken line in the middle of the road and it would be flashing by in time to the music. Or I did "road therapy." I'd talk out loud about things that bothered me, as if I had my own counselor with me in the car. I knew no one was there, of course, and I was alone, but it was kind of a relief to talk out loud about problems and try to think of solutions. All of this was just distracting me from thinking about driving panic.
For a while, I also drove in the far right lane and told myself I'd pull over if I became overwhelmed. I wanted to pull over, but told myself, "just one more mile." Then another mile. I tried not to get locked into traffic, although this is not always possible. Try leaving yourself an "escape route," but try NOT to use it.
I was driving on the tollway, with cars whizzing by. I wanted to take side roads, and did for a while, but would be late to work. So I had to face the tollway and keep up with the other cars.
I got rid of the driving panic with mental self-talk and control in about two months. The most important thing was HAVING to drive and HAVING to deal with it. If I had avoided driving or stayed home, I'd likely still have it. It's been almost TEN YEARS since I had panic when driving. It CAN and WILL go away if you deal with it by facing it.
Great reply, CSugarGrove! I remember some of your posts from a while back regarding your anxiety and panic. If I recall, you were going through this bad period the same time I did.
You are so correct about allowing the anxiety or panic pass through. That is truly the only way you're going to get over the hump. The more you fight, the longer it stays with you.
I will have to say, I felt my anxiety was far worse than panic attacks. My anxiety was constant, protracted and unrelenting. At least with a panic attack, it was over in a 1/2 hour.
Thank you, Gia! I appreciate the kind words. When did your anxiety begin--the time of day, I mean? That must have been really awful. Did anything cause it, do you know? So do you think you are done with the anxiety, or do you still have it?
CSugarGrove, I also remember your posts from way back then, SOOOOOOOOO glad your doing much better!
Twister, Have you read the book Hope & Help for your Nerves by Dr. Claire Weekes
Twister, Have you read the book Hope & Help for your Nerves by Dr. Claire Weekes
I love reading all the posts in here on the anxiety issues. I absolutely agree with the theory that any anxiety issues we normally have are magnified in peri. I would usually get a little anxious about driving the highways around Atlanta, getting to an appointment on time, getting to the airport on time, etc. I'm turing 55 next month, and for the past couple of years my periods had gotten pretty eratic, but otherwise I was feeling ok. Then wham, in Nvvember I had a panic attack (didn't know it then), and ended up in the ER with very high blood pressure.
No one mentioned peri. I went through cardio tests (all normal). The cardiologist put me on beta blockers and told me my thyroid med was too high and was causing this. I'd been taking the same dose for 3 months with no problem and the TSH test read normal, so I questionsed that. I went instead to my regular doctor who took me off the beta blocker (I think it caused more anxiety - it was Toprol, which I read had some real nasty side effects). I am on a diuretic type BP medicine.
Only by coming to this web site did I find some answers. I found the exercise and no caffeine (it actually makes me nauseous now) and getting on BC pills has made me feel so much better. But I've gained a few pounds I can't shake. I don't eat sweets hardly at all - I used to be the person with a bag of candy in the drawer. I've lost my sweettooth - which is probably good.
I did just have a checkup, and since I'm turning 55 next month, my Gyno wants to take me off the BP pills. She is concerned with my BP and my age. I'm afraid the anxiety and some hot flashes will return. I'm wondering what my periods will be like because it was so nice to have regular, lighter periods on the pill. My gyno says I will probably need HRT once I go off the pill, but I would kind of like to wait and see.
Has anyone else had experiences leaving the pill? I am on a low dose of Microgestin.
I have no time for hot flashes or anxiety. I work full time (I'm even training software to firemen next month and will participate in a 'ride along' while using the software to track a fire - it makes me a little anxious just thinking about it), and my daughter is getting married in the spring. So far we are having fun with all the planning. I don't want my peri to cause any ruckus when it should be a joyous time. Mostly it has been so far.
Any suggestions for the post-BC pill experience?
WriterMom
No one mentioned peri. I went through cardio tests (all normal). The cardiologist put me on beta blockers and told me my thyroid med was too high and was causing this. I'd been taking the same dose for 3 months with no problem and the TSH test read normal, so I questionsed that. I went instead to my regular doctor who took me off the beta blocker (I think it caused more anxiety - it was Toprol, which I read had some real nasty side effects). I am on a diuretic type BP medicine.
Only by coming to this web site did I find some answers. I found the exercise and no caffeine (it actually makes me nauseous now) and getting on BC pills has made me feel so much better. But I've gained a few pounds I can't shake. I don't eat sweets hardly at all - I used to be the person with a bag of candy in the drawer. I've lost my sweettooth - which is probably good.
I did just have a checkup, and since I'm turning 55 next month, my Gyno wants to take me off the BP pills. She is concerned with my BP and my age. I'm afraid the anxiety and some hot flashes will return. I'm wondering what my periods will be like because it was so nice to have regular, lighter periods on the pill. My gyno says I will probably need HRT once I go off the pill, but I would kind of like to wait and see.
Has anyone else had experiences leaving the pill? I am on a low dose of Microgestin.
I have no time for hot flashes or anxiety. I work full time (I'm even training software to firemen next month and will participate in a 'ride along' while using the software to track a fire - it makes me a little anxious just thinking about it), and my daughter is getting married in the spring. So far we are having fun with all the planning. I don't want my peri to cause any ruckus when it should be a joyous time. Mostly it has been so far.
Any suggestions for the post-BC pill experience?
WriterMom
I really appreciate everybody's input to this. All the replies and suggestions make me feel so much better--just knowing I'm not in any way alone in this helps sooooo much. I'm not going crazy!
I've had some ups and downs recently. The first great thing I did was read more about Yasmin the BCP my OB/GYN prescribed for me. After searching for Yasmin and Anxiety on the Internet and reading the results I stopped it immediately. I think it really did intensify my anxiety and cause the onset of depression. While the depression has lifted since I've been off it, the anxiety still comes and goes.
For instance, yesterday was a really good day. I had no problems driving even in spots that made me anxious before. I even considered driving my son to an amusement park about 30 minutes away and going on some rides with him (but it rained). Today, however, I woke up nervous about driving him to his camp less than 2 miles away. I took a back street when it looked like there was a a bit of a delay on the main road. I think the fact that some days it's there and some days it isn't does indicate, as many of you have said, that the perimenopause increases the natural anxiety. I've been trying to be nice to myself and saying, "Well this is just my version of a hot flash or a dizzy spell." Not to minimize the problems involved with dizzy spells or hot flashes, but both seem slightly more socially acceptable as a part of life than anxiety and panic. But maybe it's just me...
I got both the "It's My Ovaries, Stupid" and Panic Workbook and have started on both. They both seem very helpful and have already led to other resources I might want to check out. I also started taking 5htp and St. John's Wort. I think they've helped me recover some from the Yasmin fiasco. I also have a physical and consultation set up with my GP. I didn't want to talk to my OB/GYN until I researched some more BC options.
I do think facing the panic is the right way to go to overcome it. Facing my panic with a five year old in the back seat poses a bit of a challenge to me, but I am very determined not to waste his childhood being afraid.
I really thank you all for your support. You've all been wonderful.
I've had some ups and downs recently. The first great thing I did was read more about Yasmin the BCP my OB/GYN prescribed for me. After searching for Yasmin and Anxiety on the Internet and reading the results I stopped it immediately. I think it really did intensify my anxiety and cause the onset of depression. While the depression has lifted since I've been off it, the anxiety still comes and goes.
For instance, yesterday was a really good day. I had no problems driving even in spots that made me anxious before. I even considered driving my son to an amusement park about 30 minutes away and going on some rides with him (but it rained). Today, however, I woke up nervous about driving him to his camp less than 2 miles away. I took a back street when it looked like there was a a bit of a delay on the main road. I think the fact that some days it's there and some days it isn't does indicate, as many of you have said, that the perimenopause increases the natural anxiety. I've been trying to be nice to myself and saying, "Well this is just my version of a hot flash or a dizzy spell." Not to minimize the problems involved with dizzy spells or hot flashes, but both seem slightly more socially acceptable as a part of life than anxiety and panic. But maybe it's just me...
I got both the "It's My Ovaries, Stupid" and Panic Workbook and have started on both. They both seem very helpful and have already led to other resources I might want to check out. I also started taking 5htp and St. John's Wort. I think they've helped me recover some from the Yasmin fiasco. I also have a physical and consultation set up with my GP. I didn't want to talk to my OB/GYN until I researched some more BC options.
I do think facing the panic is the right way to go to overcome it. Facing my panic with a five year old in the back seat poses a bit of a challenge to me, but I am very determined not to waste his childhood being afraid.
I really thank you all for your support. You've all been wonderful.
Hi ladies,
This is my first time posting here and I too have issues regarding panic attacks and peri. They only started two months ago and are always right when I start to wake up. Until this my life had never been better! NO external reasons for depression. But I have always had problems with really bad PMS, endometriosis, etc. so I strongly suspect a drastic hormonal imbalance is at the heart of this. (I'm 47 by the way.) There is a lot of GI trouble for me associated with these, and in the afternoons I am feeling dulled and exhausted. I had lot's of thyroid tests done and finally have been put on Zoloft and Xanax. (The latter which I try not to take...) I'm bummed I was in such bad shape that I agreed to do the Zoloft because I was stuck on Effexor for years after getting post partum and worked SO hard to wean myself off finally.
I'm going to begin Panic Disorder classes through my HMO (Those are all about confronting the panic and de-sensitization - as others have mentioned) because I'm sure these can't hurt. But my real hope is that a naturapathic gynacologist will get me on some bio-identical hormones and that will prove to be the answer.
Anyone else had success with these HRT methods and overcoming non-cued panic attacks?
Thank God for all of you speaking up and letting us all realize we are not alone/crazy.
Tia
This is my first time posting here and I too have issues regarding panic attacks and peri. They only started two months ago and are always right when I start to wake up. Until this my life had never been better! NO external reasons for depression. But I have always had problems with really bad PMS, endometriosis, etc. so I strongly suspect a drastic hormonal imbalance is at the heart of this. (I'm 47 by the way.) There is a lot of GI trouble for me associated with these, and in the afternoons I am feeling dulled and exhausted. I had lot's of thyroid tests done and finally have been put on Zoloft and Xanax. (The latter which I try not to take...) I'm bummed I was in such bad shape that I agreed to do the Zoloft because I was stuck on Effexor for years after getting post partum and worked SO hard to wean myself off finally.
I'm going to begin Panic Disorder classes through my HMO (Those are all about confronting the panic and de-sensitization - as others have mentioned) because I'm sure these can't hurt. But my real hope is that a naturapathic gynacologist will get me on some bio-identical hormones and that will prove to be the answer.
Anyone else had success with these HRT methods and overcoming non-cued panic attacks?
Thank God for all of you speaking up and letting us all realize we are not alone/crazy.
Tia
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.