I am new to this site, and have read wonderful postings from so many people on different topics that offer great advice. I have been suffering from severe anxiety attacks for the past couple of years, and I can't seem to find any help. I have another condition that seems to take center stage, but right now the anxiety is just taking over my life. From the moment i wake up in the morning and I become aware that I'm awake I feel my heart start to race, I began to sweat, and basically panic. My mind starts racing with all kinds of thoughts. It is just getting worse and worse. Now, I feel like I dont want to get out of bed because I feel physically and mentally panicked almost all of the time. It is becoming so I can't even participate in normal day to day activities. I have been to doctors that made me feel silly or crazy telling me to get a hobby or get a makeover. I cant even believe some of things ive been told by a "professional". Anyay, I just wanted some advice as to what I can do to get my life back? I remember the way I used to feel, and I know it is possible.

I would recommend learning yoga breathing. There's a number of good CDs for this that you can listen along too. But learning how to breathe through my diaphram has really lessened my anxiety. You can think of this as your new hobby. :)

tilly, Can you tell if the anxiety attacks are strictly thought related, or sometimes do the attacks seem to happen for no reason whatsoever?

They often happen for no reason at all. It just comes sometimes with the anticipation of having one if that makes any sense. It is guaranteed in the morning though. Lately, I am feeling the anxiety physically more than I used to. It just consumes me at times.

Tilly,

Find another doctor. I found a woman doctor who was much more understanding. Sounds like you need to be on some meds to help you through this. You will feel so much better. Meds don't have to be forever. Just don't give up. Alyce

By the way I wake up with this every morning. Sick stomach, racing heart. i hate the physical symtoms. i am still trying to get regulated on a new Ad. alyce

I have noticed that if I have a lot of sugar (cake, cookies, candy) late at night than the next morning I'll wake up nauseated, anxious, etc. So you may want to check your diet as well.

tilly, Many have what is known as "anticipatory anxiety and panic". Even when there isn't any noticeable thought that triggers the anxiety, merely the subtle anticipation of anxiety can trigger the unwanted symptoms, such as when you first wake up, in your case.

I started a thread a while back and the title starts with "My Suggestions For Anxiety...." that may help you. You may have to scroll back a few pages to find it. Others also have some suggestions there that may be of help to you.

I believe I mentioned this in that thread, but I'll mention it here also. A lack of magnesium in the system can create problems such as anxiety, as well as rapid and irregular heart rate. Our soils have shown to be depleted of this very important mineral. I would try this before going to a doctor for meds. I have nothing against meds, but would still make them a last resort. I know it is hard to be patient with anxiety. The magnesium is inexpensive. I would take approximately 400 - 500 mg a day, along with equal amounts of calcium. I could tell a difference and many others here have reported the same thing. The calcium helps with the uitilization of the magnesium. Take care, Steve

Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply. I really appreciate the support and advice I will look into the magnesium and the breathing techniques as well. I agree that I need to find another doctor, but the choices are limited with my kind of insurance. I am always open to suggestions, and thanks again.

Hi tilly and all......Just my 2 cents here. I suffered from what i called panic/anxiety attacks for 32 years. One day in a therapy session something I said made my counselor ask me if I thought I might be having anger attacks. She was right. I haven't had an attack since. Never thought I was angry, had attacks when nothing was going on so this was difficult to swallow. Not saying it is true for all anxiety sufferers but it was with me. I must have had so much bottled up anger which I stifled hence the feeling of panic. Once I knew what was causing it I delat with it accordingly and have bee panic free for months now.

The poster that mentioned sugary foods. Be checked for diabetes. Before I was dx I would get the shakes, sweating, etc. after eating a high carb or sugary meal.


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Tilly, the advice steve gave is good. Check out that note he mentioned lots of helpful info in it. Cbt is what has helped me get my life back and I would recommend you give it a try. I see you are in LA and UCLA has a great cbt program you may want to look into.