Anxiety/Panic Attacks

I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for about 17 years. I had been on somewhat of a schedule in that I would be on meds for a year or so and then fine off for a couple years. I had my last child 9 months ago and really didn't want to be on meds during the pregnancy so after discussing it with my Dr. I went off and have stayed off. I have since found a nutritional supplement that I love. I have only been on it for about 6 weeks but feel really good. I also met another lady who suffered from anxiety since her late 20's. After 3 months on this supplement she has been medication free. The idea is, is that if we put the best possible nutrition into our bodies, our bodies can do miraculous things to heal themselves. I was very skeptical at first but feel like I am now walking proof. If you would like to hear more let me know.
Anxiety is hard to deal with and especially hard to explain to people who have never expereinced it. Trust your gut and stay true to yourself. My thoughts are with you!
~M.

Hi, I can only speak of the anxiety I had with post partum depression. It was awful and very hard to be yourself, work, parent and function. You will feel much better if you start taking steps whether its medication, counseling or alternative treatments. Best of luck, recognizing it is the first part.

Shelley

I lived with pannic attacks for 5 years. I tried seeing every kind of doctor to find out the cause. It seemed they wanted to instantly put me on medication. Unfortunately, when I took the meds. it had a adverse affect. I felt it wasn't me in control. (I am a control freak), so therefore, it was worse for me. I read an article on body react. It woke me up. When I thought OMG, my body reacted OMG. When I though OH Well, my body began to react to oh well instead. It took some time to retrain my cognative skills, but it worked. I have been pannic free for 25 years. I put myself on stress tabs, rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid. I believe truly both things were a miracle. I was at a point where it was turning to agoraphobic, and within one month, I was free forever!

It's good that you're reaching for help and recognizing your struggles. I have a friend who also lived with Anxiety for years without any medication, until he started having breathing problems and passing out. Eventually, he was able to find help and is now in a very mild medication to control his feeling of being overwhelmed. The only side effect he's had is when he drinks while on it. He ends up with a hard day of anxioty the day after a night of drinking. But, feels MUCH better with the meds overall.

Good luck. :)

I too suffer from anxiety and have for most of my life. I have tried medications, Paxil and Zoloft with too many side effects. I have been good til the birth of my last son 3 years ago. It had gradually got worse again. I am trying Lexapro and will see how it goes. I know getting plenty of sun and exercise helps, and staying away from caffeine and alcohol. (both of which I do have occasionally) I've talked to a physchologist too about 6 years ago. I found some help with that too. I guess I have learned to accept it and sometimes let it ride, knowing that it will pass and I will be alright. Hope this helps! Know that you are not alone!!!

Hi S.:
I have suffered from terrible anxiety for most of my adult life. For the past seven or so years I have been on medication and I can't tell you how much it has changed my life for the good! I know exactly what you are saying when you talk about it being hard to cope on your own. You are very smart to reach out for help again. For me, that was the hardest part - having to ask someone for help. But, remember by doing this you can have your life back. I just went through an extremely stressful period in my life this past fall. My doctor wanted to add to my meds. My health instructor advised taking Yoga classes. We compromised and I take yoga 2-3 times a week and only use the new meds when I really, really feel like I need them. I was reluctant to try the yoga - didn't see how it was going to help - but was I surprised! I feel so calm and refreshed afterward and it lasts quite a while. You might give it a try. I also feel SO much better and in control when I exercise regularly. It truly makes a huge difference. My husband swears he can tell when I've skipped exercise because my general outlook is different. Also, I have come to recognize sugar and caffine as "triggers" for my anxiety. You might try eliminating those from your diet. Easier said than done but SO worth it to feel better. I also know that I tend to come undone during the week or so before my period. I've started marking that week on my calendar to remind myself (and my family) that I might be more sensitive or emotional than usual and that it's just hormones - NOT me being crazy. This helps a lot because I can see the pattern from month to month. When I am in the midst of a "funky week" it can be hard to believe that it's just a monthly thing and that my entire life doesn't stink. But I can look at the calendar and see that I felt good a few days later (last month or whatever) and it calms me down and reminds me that the feelings pass. Anyway, sorry to go on and on. These are just a few things that make a big difference in my life. Hope they help. If you need to talk to someone, feel free to contact me. Good luck and take care!