I have had anxiety attacks since I was 28 Iam now 45. I have two teenage kids and they have no idea that there is anything wrong with me. This is my choice. Have been on different antidepressants many times.I also take 3mg of Xanax a day. My father died last july, my friends son got killed two months later and my mother had heart surgery in betwwen the other two events. Prior to that I had breast cancer and came through it fine ( sometimes the monster starts to raise its ugly head) though. I try to cope the best I can just like the rest of you out there but lately I just keep fighting a loosing battle. Chest pains, dizziness, jelly legs, brain drag,internal trembling, nausea to name a few. Today was a bad day!! I had a panic while I went for a walk,another at the shop and yet another as i drove a friend home. I do feel better when i read the message boards but somehow today i just feel that I am either seriously ill or going to go crazy!!! I know its not true but it does not make me any less fearful. Its 10.00pm here and I just took my fourth Xanax hoping it will put me to sleep and out of this living hell. please help most of my friends and family just dont understand all you hear is try harder , you got too much time on your hands but I am totally exhausted.

Some of you may know me better under the name of robotnic. Thanks all for listening

HI

I am assuming you are in peri too - from your symptoms and age (I am 44 and in peri)

OK - you have been throgh such a lot - give yourslef a break!!! This is NOT about trying harder - no way - this is about - giving yourself permission to be human - man all that stuff is BOUND to affect you (and the hormones!!) - be nice to yourself - be kind to yourself

I went through the family thing too - my husband has come round to understanding - not an easy journey at times though

I am so sorry got you having anxiety attacks since you were in your 20s - they are so exhausting - you poor thing - and yu have had no help with this? One of the best ways to deal with panic is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - I see a CBTherapist every month - even though I feel much better now - she helped me a lot and I also got in touch with a self help group here in the Uk called No Panic - who have ben brill.

OK - the best advice I was given is this - the fear panic cycle is a vicious circle - you have to break the cycle - not all at once but at least take out a domino so the whole lot dont crash down everytime - this is FEAR we are dealing with - it is NOT real. You need to relax - eat well - and dont think - do

I need to go out now - but when I get back I will post some more specific advice for you

In the meantime - hang in - take some deep slow breaths and believe you can get past this - OK anxiety will always be there it is human emotion afterall - but you cant get the toolkit together to deal with it and nip it in the bud

Mele

Hi Mele ,Thank you for your wisdom and kindness. I have seen a counsellor in the past and it did help. It is the last year that I cant take control of the situation especially the HORMONES as you mentioned. But I will Follow your advice.

Thank you again for taking the time to help me I really appreciate it. Love renika ( Robotnic)

Hi renika...and Welcome to Power Surge! ...


I`m so sorry to hear about what you are going through. I know all to well about those horrible anxiety attacks..they can be so scary. I used to have them alot...but I really am not sure how I got over them..I think it was just a matter of learning how to handle it when I did have one and realizing I wasn`t dying either.

I still do get them every once in awhile,but when I can feel it coming on I just start keeping my mind occupied with something else...

Just remember that it will get better....and lean on us here at PS if you ever need to scream,cry or laugh...



Luv and {{{hugs}}} to you
Christina

Hi Renika

Been thinking of you!! I have posted some advice on another thread to Sportser who is also having a really bad time with symptoms and anxiety and depression - maybe you should have alook on that thread too - she is posting in At least I feel better knowing the shaking is normal? - you may be able to comfort each other and you can read what I wrote there - cos I got carried away!!! and now have a bit of RSI!!!!!

You know - I have found that sharing and offering help to others is a great way to help yourself - they say giving is gift is a gift to the giver - it will help reocover some of your self reliance and self esteem

OK - fear is bullying you - you are not going to die or collapse or anything - it is an illusion - but the boidy reaction IS REAL yes it is - and you can learn to get that under control - I felt exactly the same and I do tons of stuff now - I still have bad days but I am more able to get up and get going again.

Face it - this is just anxiety - you are going to keep getting these feelings on and off through life cos it is a NORMAL reaction if a lion jumps out in front of you on the road - and jolly good too or you woudlnt have the energy to runaway!!!!! But it is not normal when it is all the time - it is knackering. Everthing you feel is adrenaline pumping you up to fight or run away - and it is turning itself on inappropriately in this cycle of fear you are in

The first thing I did was deep breathing - now you need to stick at this - and it is slow slow deep tummy breaths not shoulder shrugs - this calms the body - dont hyperventilate - it gets the vagus nerve less excitable and SLOWS everything down - cos you need to slow everything down first - that is why they give you the Xanax - to give you a break - take advantage of the break and do stuff - walks are best - cos you get out and remind yourslef the wonderful world is out there!!!!

Also try Progressive Muscle Relaxation - if you cant find it anywhere let me know - there are tons of self help CDs you can get which do this - this teaches you to relax and how to recognise tension in the body - it really helps - but you have to stick at it everyday - they say it can take 90 days to get a habit going - and in us in our mid 40s so entrenched in your ways i am sure that is true!!!

Try this first and DONT be scared - you are not going to die - I got past all this and so can you - old habits die hard but die they do - believe in yourslef - care for yourself - love yourslef - your body is doing a stirling job - you aint ready to chuck in the towel yet - you have another 40 years in you at least I am sure!!!!!!

PM me anytime

Mele in UK

Hi Renika (robotnic) If you would like you can pm me, I have gone through the panic and anxiety that you are going through. Sometimes it still bubbles up now. I hope to be able to help you.



Ciao Cheryl

Hi.Cheryl, Mele ,Christina and everyone else out there!!!

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR KINDNESS AND ADVICE I WILL TAKE YOU UP ON YOUR OFFERS

LOVEYOU ALL LOTS xoxoxoxo

Hi.Cheryl, Mele ,Christina and everyone else out there!!!

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR KINDNESS AND ADVICE I WILL TAKE YOU UP ON YOUR OFFERS

LOVEYOU ALL LOTS xoxoxoxo

Hi Renika

Just checking in to see how you are? I know how exhausting and draining all this anxiety is

You have such a lot happening in your life - you must be so tired - you need some time to take stock - and time to give yourself some tlc

My thoughts are with you

I hope you get some sleep and rest - mind you - I hope I get some too!!!!!

Ill check in tomorrow see how you are doing

Dont forget - if you need to shout or yeel or vent or whatever - you can do it here and we will be here to listen and hold your hand

Dont try harder - accept yourself and love yourself - you are only human afterall and not superwoman.....

Love and virtual hugs to you

Mele

Hi Mele,
Thank you for checking i actually am feeling better. I did read your post to Sportser and it was very informative and supportive . I hope you do get some sleep too as you seem to be doing so much on this site. I am sure everyone appreciates all that you do for them ,I know I do!!! I read all your posts they are fantastic . Thank you once again you make the sun shine for me.

Love you heaps, Renika xoxoxo