My anxiety 1st hit around 15 yrs, ago.Like alot of other people,it came from nowhere.I had been out shopping, had dinner at home & was watching a movie.Suddenly,I wasn't feeling right.I felt like I had to get up,move around.I took a shower,went outside & thought I was dying.I called my doctor & at this point I had "crashed." I was so worn out & felt horrible.I went to the emergency room (my Dr.had thought it was anxiety) & I don't remember much of that except I kept thinking,"Why aren't they helping me?" They eventually concluded it was anxiety & to " go home & sleep." I rec'd no meds,nothing.I had such a bad attack that I remember nothing about the week following the episode.I do remember that the acid in my stomach was so bad that I could hear it bubbling.I've had acid reflux ever since.

Because this happened on a Friday night,I didn't see my Dr. until Monday & she gave me a prescription. I suffered for many years trying to adjust meds, go to counseling, learn how to control future attacks.I wouldn't talk about it for fear of it returning.I didn't eat the same meal I had eaten that night nor would I watch the movie that I had been watchng for fear of triggering another attack.I was 32 yrs.old with a 5 yr.old & a 1 yr.old when this occurred.I am now 46 & am still on Paxil.I haven't had a full blown attack for about 9 yrs.Once in awhile,if I forget to take my meds & I'm stressed,I'll have symptons but I redirect my thoughts & I'm good.
The Drs. always say,"Just remember,an attack doesn't last forever" but we all know that when it's happening,that doesn't help the panic & helplessness we feel.Stay strong~