All- For the last month, I have been experiencing long lasting panic/anxiety attacks. They have been worst during the second half of my cycle. This is what typically happens: I wake up with a rapid heart beat at around 2 and again at 3 AM both times I generally can get back to sleep. By 5:00 AM I am usually awakened with the intense anxiety. If I get up and start moving around, the palpatations get worst so I have to try and relax till six. By then I can get into the shower although I am not feeling the greatest (anxious and tired) The anxiety can last anywhere from a couple of hours or till around 2:00 PM coming off and on. Then around two o'clock it will die down and I will feel fairly normal till the next day. This is making it very hard for me to work so I am hoping my doctor has a good solution. I was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this type of anxiety daily and what are they doing to cope with it/allieviate it. Thanks Sandy

Sandy, Yes, I've had this, Hon! The difference is that I found getting into the shower HELL.... The Ativan helped. Someone I know was helped by turning on the TV or the radio in the morning, and having it on in the background while they got ready for work. That didn't really help me (too noise-sensitive), but it might be worth a try for you. What did help: (this was a suggestion of Claire Weekes') - I moved the bed right by the window, so that in the morning, I could reach over, raise the shade, and look outside and see the trees and the sky. In the summer, I could hear the birds. This was VERY comforting. Also, trying to let the panic "wash" over me, sort of like waves hitting a sea wall. After awhile, this seemed to calm me down. And I made a list of affirmations, which I left right on the bedside table, where my eyes would fall on them first thing in the morning. Here's the list (mostly from Claire Weekes), which I still keep there for "down days:" - It's just anxiety and depression. It will go away. I can still go about my business while feeling this way. - I needn't fear the symptoms of anxiety. They are simply physical sensations. - Calmness will expedite the healing of oversensitized nerves. - Remain occupied, while "letting the boat float." Confusion will sort itself out. - Belly breathe. - Prayer. Rest. Relax. - Let time pass. Your emotions will be variable, so try not to be impressed by unhappy moods. You will feel better again. - Pass through these moments again and again if necessary, until they no longer matter. - FACE - ACCEPT - FLOAT - LET TIME PASS (Claire Weeke's mantra). Dear Sandy, I don't know if any of these ideas will help, but I hope they do. Having been where you are, I feel for you, and pray you'll soon have some relief. Jacquie

Thanks JJ- I really could use some relief by now this has been going on for a couple of weeks and I feel worn out. I will print out your suggestions and reread them tonight and tomorrow etc. I made an appointment with my counseler who helped me with CBT. I think she has a good head on her shoulders and if she thinks I should take ADs then I am ready to try. I can't get in until 12/17 but maybe if I call back she can work me in sooner. I need something to get me thru this bad patch. I am even considering taking a leave of absence from work. The job is extremely stressful and until things get straightened out, I do not think I can continue to work. This is a big change for me as I have always been a workaholic. I know JJ that you went thru a really hard time and you are feeling so much better. This gives me some hope. I do keep the TV on in the morning but I have trouble getting out of bed. Moving around makes me feel worse. I have only two more days until I see my Dr. but it feels like an eternity. These 24/7 panic attacks are really draining. Thanks for your support Sandy

Sandy, I read in another post that you felt some better today - that is wonderful! I'm praying you continue to lift and lift. It will no doubt be comforting to run this stuff past your doc tomorrow. Good luck - I'll be thinking of you.