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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 8:59:50
I've been prescribed to take .5mg of xanax twice a day. My panic attacks are persistent and non-situational for the most part. I'm not happy having to rely on this benzo for peace.
I try to slow my breathing down.
I try drinking a glass of water.
I try going for a walk away from my desk.
I try sitting still and grounding myself.
I get extremely irritated by noise (voices, radio) but I'm not able to isolate myself at work for more than a few minutes.What would be a good coping exercise for a nervous nellie like me?
Posted by Dinah on October 6, 2004, at 9:22:08
In reply to Suggestions for panic attacks?, posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 8:59:50
Have you read "The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook" ? I found it had some very helpful suggestions. Using it with my therapist greatly reduced my panic attacks. (Mind you, I probably wouldn't be able to say that without Klonopin. There's something physical involved, and part of the solution needs, for me, to be physical.
Posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 9:32:46
In reply to Re: Suggestions for panic attacks? » partlycloudy, posted by Dinah on October 6, 2004, at 9:22:08
If I read any more books about how to deal with anxiety my head will pop off and roll around on the ground.
Thanks for the suggestion. I just hate giving in to xanax, even though it really helps. What a dope.
pc
Posted by Dinah on October 6, 2004, at 9:38:28
In reply to Yup. Tried it. » Dinah, posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 9:32:46
I try not to worry about medical dependence on the drugs I need to keep me functioning.
There are a lot of good things that come from being the type of people we are, but to function at our highest level, we sometimes need to recognize that we need medication as well. Just as I might try to eat well for my diabetes, but I don't stop taking my glucophage.
It's certainly not a new phenomenon. Our ancestors have been medicating anxiety since they discovered how to ferment things. Xanax is probably safer and more sensible.
Have you been able to stick with your current dose of Xanax, or do you find you need more and more. I've been at the same dose of Klonopin for forever, and I don't give it a second thought.
Posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 9:43:46
In reply to Re: Yup. Tried it., posted by Dinah on October 6, 2004, at 9:38:28
My pdoc had me go up from .5mg to a total of up to 1.5mg a day if needed when the hurricane season decided to arrive all at once, and I have not been able to go down again, which causes - ANXIETY!
And I get this look from my husband like - you're taking ANOTHER pill??
Posted by Dinah on October 6, 2004, at 9:59:16
In reply to Re: Yup. Tried it. » Dinah, posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 9:43:46
Ah, yes. I understand that. I've been taking Risperdal for anxiety/agitation almost daily now, and although I know it's temporary it does bother me.
The worst of hurricane season is over by now, right? Living in Florida the last month or two would be enough to have the entire state in a constant state of clinical anxiety.
Posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 10:03:30
In reply to Re: Yup. Tried it. » partlycloudy, posted by Dinah on October 6, 2004, at 9:59:16
The season doesn't officially end until November 30th, but the governor (Jeb "Mr. Impartial" Bush) is in a dither because the tourist industry has gone bottoms up. My job hasn't been affected, but it changes the affect of a population, most definitely.
And everyone who didn't buy stock in Home Depot is kicking themselves.
How is your mother recovering??
pc
Posted by saw on October 6, 2004, at 10:05:13
In reply to Re: Yup. Tried it. » Dinah, posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 9:43:46
I get that same look from husband and that's only when I take my once a day AD. I can't imagine what he would think if I ever had benzo's too. I don't take anything in front of him anymore and I have stopped talking about it as well. I find he is just more relaxed that way. I'm not but then I guess that's not the point.
Sabrina
Posted by octopusprime on October 6, 2004, at 10:33:16
In reply to Suggestions for panic attacks?, posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 8:59:50
partlycloudy:
can you wear headphones at work? have you tried noise cancelling headphones?
Posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 10:47:55
In reply to Re: Suggestions for panic attacks? » partlycloudy, posted by octopusprime on October 6, 2004, at 10:33:16
Unfortunately, my job is to answer the phones!! That's why it's hard to walk away and calm down, or even to go home sick. Considering it's an easy job, it is still demanding.
I have a white noise machine thingie on order. They use it in my T's office so you can't overhear the other offices and it works well.
Posted by boomarang on October 6, 2004, at 11:13:01
In reply to Suggestions for panic attacks?, posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 8:59:50
When i dealt with panic attacks years ago on a consistent basis, i had to come to terms with the fact that they weren't going to kill me. As terrifying as they were i gritted my teeth and 'rode it out'. I didn't try to fight it. After having them for so long i realized 'this will pass' and it always did. Easier said than done i know.
Interesting that you said you are irritated by noises. I get really irritated by that too. It needs to be quiet.
I'm also very sensitive to smells. If my husband has eaten garlic or onions I will wake up in the middle of the night and the bedroom will be permeated with the smell. I cannot go back to sleep and have to move to an other room. Is anyone else that way?
Posted by AuntieMel on October 6, 2004, at 11:30:23
In reply to Suggestions for panic attacks?, posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 8:59:50
Drugs aren't an option for my attacks (they usually come when I'm driving!). I do have a couple of things that help a lot.
1) Cold. I can put ice or cold damp cloths on the back of my neck or throat.
2) Smell. I have a 'medicinal' oil called 'White Flower) that I get at Chinese groceries. It's strong smelling of wintergreen, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, pepperming... I put some under my nose and breath deep.
No. 2 got me through a flight (I'm scared of flying anyway) on a non-drinking (Muslim) airline over the South China Sea in typhoon season. The stuff is also good for sinus headaches, muscle aches and toothaches. I'm not sure about PMS
Posted by octopusprime on October 6, 2004, at 11:30:59
In reply to Re: Suggestions for panic attacks? » octopusprime, posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 10:47:55
hmm:
i wonder if it would be possible to rig a flashing light to your phone. then you could use the noise cancelling headphones/white noise machine, and still do your job.
ringing phones are very stressful!
Posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 13:30:31
In reply to Re: Suggestions for panic attacks? » partlycloudy, posted by octopusprime on October 6, 2004, at 11:30:59
But I actually feel worse than before. Can't multi-task AT ALL. I'm having one up day followed by one yuck day. My head can't keep track of the simplest things. I want to crawl under a blankie and hold my cat tight, even if it is against her will.
If I could walk away from this job right now, I would. They just gave me a bonus this morning and the owner told me how much they appreciate having me work here. I feel like such a schmuck.
And my white noise machine is on back order. Of course.
Posted by AuntieMel on October 6, 2004, at 13:39:22
In reply to Don't how it's possible, posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 13:30:31
It's a strange thing about this disease. We are always much harder on ourselves than others are on us.
Heck - I'm racked with guilt if I burn the toast!
Posted by verne on October 6, 2004, at 15:55:17
In reply to Suggestions for panic attacks?, posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 8:59:50
In addition to medication, I find meditation to help. The simplest form of meditation is to simply be aware of one's breathing. Your breath becomes your entire focus and everything else melts away. You can do this while waiting in line or at odd moments throughout the day.
verne
Posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 18:11:30
In reply to Re: Suggestions for panic attacks?, posted by verne on October 6, 2004, at 15:55:17
Unfortunately I have tried to meditate while in my panicked state and am unable to slow my thoughts at all or limit them to my breathing. I can only successfully meditate when I'm feeling good, which is not exactly what's the use, but I end up panting like lap dog.
Posted by Catgirl on October 6, 2004, at 19:18:42
In reply to Suggestions for panic attacks?, posted by partlycloudy on October 6, 2004, at 8:59:50
pc,
Like AuntieMel, I have a lot of my panic attacks while driving or stuck in traffic. I take deep, counted inhales and exhales and tell myself that it will pass. I have one other suggestion-name the colors around you. I read that somewhere and it actually does help a bit. It takes my mind off of whatever is freaking me out.Noise bothers me as well. Especially semi-loud or loud noise. I have one friend who seems to have misplaced her "inside voice" and she almost gave me a panic attack one day just by talking too loud!
Panic sucks.
CG
Posted by saw on October 7, 2004, at 1:07:52
In reply to Re: Suggestions for panic attacks?, posted by Catgirl on October 6, 2004, at 19:18:42
I thought I was the only one who feels guilty for burning toast!
I want to know more about the white box thingie pc. What, how etc.
Sabrina
Posted by partlycloudy on October 7, 2004, at 4:43:36
In reply to Me too, posted by saw on October 7, 2004, at 1:07:52
A white noise generator is a machine that plays audio loops of various soothing sounds like waves, rainfall, babbling brook, and in doing so helps to mask the ambient noise that can be intrusive. For me, when I'm at work and I answer the phone, if someone walks past and says something to me, I immediately forget who I'm talking to. Not good for a receptionist. Also I am very aware, too much aware, of conversations around me. Very distracting. So I'm going to have this box at my desk and see if it helps my concentration and anxiety levels.
Posted by saw on October 7, 2004, at 4:54:58
In reply to Re: Me too » saw, posted by partlycloudy on October 7, 2004, at 4:43:36
Look forward to feedback. Wonder if they're available in SA?
I am highly irritated when 2 people speak to me at the same time or when there is lots of conversation around me. I hate the TV being too loud. I hate people shouting over the too loud TV. Music I don't like has the same effect. My irritation becomes visible. Lately, I am having a problem with croweded rooms or shopping centres. These bring on panic attacks very quickly. If someone gets near my bubble space I want to blow all my fuses. I am utterly panicked at being confined. One of the reasons I never learnt to drive. I become claustrophobic when larger vehicles enclose me on either side. I would have caused way too many accidents with my hypervigilence. I cope as a passenger though.
You know, writing this down makes me realise just how much anxiety I have. I didn't realise so much makes me panic. What a life!
Sabrina
Posted by Catgirl on October 7, 2004, at 19:51:26
In reply to Re: Me too » partlycloudy, posted by saw on October 7, 2004, at 4:54:58
> Look forward to feedback. Wonder if they're available in SA?
>
> I am highly irritated when 2 people speak to me at the same time or when there is lots of conversation around me. I hate the TV being too loud. I hate people shouting over the too loud TV. Music I don't like has the same effect. My irritation becomes visible. Lately, I am having a problem with croweded rooms or shopping centres. These bring on panic attacks very quickly. If someone gets near my bubble space I want to blow all my fuses. I am utterly panicked at being confined. One of the reasons I never learnt to drive. I become claustrophobic when larger vehicles enclose me on either side. I would have caused way too many accidents with my hypervigilence. I cope as a passenger though.
>
> You know, writing this down makes me realise just how much anxiety I have. I didn't realise so much makes me panic. What a life!
>
> Sabrina
>
>Sabrina,
I have almost all of the same panic triggers that you listed! Driving was the worst. The lexapro has helped quite a bit. Have you found something that helps you?
CG
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