Anxiety (Panic Disorder) Medication

Chloe2 · ‎17-05-2016

Hi all,

After having my daughter 7 years ago, I went untreated for a couple of years with severe post natal depression.

I then suffered from intermittent mild anxiety for the next 3 years or so, which then became more often after witnessing a fatal accident in 2013. (worse when I'm in the car)

I was a witness in court for this accident about 3 months ago, and since then it has made my anxiety not only worse, but more often. About 3 weeks ago at work i felt a hot flush go through my head, my heart rate went through the roof, i got tunnel vision and felt sick and almost passed out. I felt off for 3 days afterwards. I've now had 3 more episodes of this, along with a feeling of extreme panic while it's happening, but also feeling anxious when it's not that it's going to happen again, and also a regular feeling of the world not being real, and feeling detached from it and just quick bursts here and there of feelings of dread and panic.

After looking on Google, i do feel I may have panic disorder. My doctor is aware of my two almost fainting episodes, and wanted me to monitor my pulse if it happened again but he's not aware of the other feelings I'm getting. I need to make an appointment to see him (which alone sends me into a panic) but I'm sure he's going to recommend medication. After researching, I've seen mixed reviews of people taking medication for anxiety and panic disorders and I wanted to know first hand from someone on here what path they went on, and how it helped them? Having a mentally ill mother, the thought of any medication scares me (and addictive ones are a definite no no for me) But I'm so exhausted, and so sad of feeling like I'm going to feel like this forever that I just want to fix it.

Kathryne · ‎18-05-2016

Hi chloe

Welcome to Beyond Blue.

Google is a wonderful source of information , however it needs to be supported by medical advice relevant to the person' s own medical needs.

Don't look at medication and mental health as a problem. The medication is generally required to replace something your body is not making enough of.

Witnessing a traumatic event such as the fatal car accident may require counseling to resolve the emotions surrounding the event! Recently having to relive the experience in court has obviously brought to the surface unresolved issues. ?

Beyond blue have someone at the end of the phone 24/7 on 1300224636 if you need to discuss

Good luck

Kathryne

blondguy · ‎18-05-2016

Hello Chloe2

Welcome and thankyou for posting!

Kathryne has made some excellent points above. I have had anxiety (acute in its early stages) since 1983 and I do understand what you are going through. Including all of your symptoms which I clearly remember.

Anxiety is no different than a physical illness like diabetes or a severe ongoing infection. We take meds for those to help us heal. Severe anxiety is no different. You have also been under severe stress which would have taken its toll on someone that doesnt have any anxiety.

With regular counseling with your doc/therapist the anxiety will lose its severity. Meds arent a total fix either..they provide us with a platform on which we can heal and use the coping mechanisms more effectively.

Like Kathryne mentioned Google can be a great tool, but can be detrimental to an anxiety sufferer and can leave us more confused and even scared of which path we should take. GP's have better training nowadays re anxiety. It is natural to be anxious/hesitant about seeing one. It is a huge step forward to recovery though Chloe which will provide you with some relief and return of some quality of life.

Since 1983 I have never known a person that has collapsed during an anxiety attack. I know the feelings are saying otherwise but with all that adrenaline flowing and increased heart rate you would be feeling this way.

I wasted 4 years of my life by being very anti-meds...It nearly cost me my house and my career and actually made my anxiety compound itself. My relationship also ended as I thought I could 'fight and battle' my way through it. That is just my experience though, everyone is different of course.

You have been through some chronically stressful events here Chloe2. Please be 'gentle to yourself' and see a doc. You deserve to feel better and have some peace in your life.

It would be great if you could let me know how you go!

My kind thoughts for You and your daughter

Paul

Chloe2 · ‎20-05-2016

Thanks very much Paul,

I did see my doctor today. He has done a blood test to make sure there is no underlying illness causing my problems. He's also given me a prescription for an anti depressant which I start on tomorrow morning. Feeling pretty nervous about it.

Tweet-Heart · ‎08-11-2018

Today was a really bad day, I had a panic attack I locked myself in a room, drew the curtains and called my clinical psychologist and left a message. He called me back and assured me that I am not crazy it is just my anxiety that's causing this. Honestly, I just feel like I am drowning, no-one can save me, something very bad is going to happen to me, I am always fearful looking out for exits. I also occasionally hear my own voice telling me bad things and my clinical psychologist told me that's a typical depressive symptom. Lack of sleep is a problem too. I don't want to take medication but he told me it would be ok to take something as a prn as I am due to see my doctor tomorrow. It just feels like the whole world is caving in.

Nurse_Jenn · ‎09-11-2018

Hi Tweet-Heart,

This sounds really difficult. Panic attacks are a tough experience even for someone who has had them previously and knows what to expect when they occur. It is awesome that you are reaching out and have insight to what you are experiencing despite how much distress it is causing. This is half the battle.

You clinical psychologist is right in saying that you may need support to get through this tough time. Not having sleep can make every little worry feel much bigger. Taking medication as a PRN is only a decision you can make but it is not a sign of weakness or being crazy. Imagine if you were a person who had a physical condition such as a broken hip and were experiencing pain because you were having a bad day or had a physio appointment and were sore afterwards - you wouldn't think twice about taking some medication for the pain. Stigma about anxiety and depression still exists but having depression and/or anxiety is common.

"On average, one in four people – one in three women and one in ﬁve men – will experience anxiety at some stage in their life."

I don't need to advise you on how to manage it as you are already managing this. You are reaching out for support on the beyondblue forum, you have acknowledged you are having a tough day and haven't been able to sleep, you have reached out to you clinical psychologist and have a doctors appointment booked. You are doing it. Make sure you acknowledge yourself for doing so much in managing your health.

If the internal voice you describe ever gets too loud and you don't have anyone to call, it might be an idea to reach out the beyondblue support line 1300 22 4636. These voices can be really overwhelming and having a backup support plan may help you get through these intense periods. I wonder if you and your psychologist have worked on a crisis plan for when things get difficult? This might be an idea for one of your appointments that way you can have this on hand when tough times arise.

You would have gone to your doctors appointment by now and I am hoping you have gained some support. It might be that you find a way to get some sleep whether it is through a PRN medication, listening to white noise or practicing mindfulness. There are several sleep apps and strategies for insomnia that you can try to use noting it is never one quick fix, but a matter of trying things until you find something that works.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

Tweet-Heart · ‎10-11-2018

Hi Nurse Jenn

Thanks for posting I went to my doctor she was very understanding and supportive. I didn't end up taking the prn I just stuck to my usual medications.

The voices are still concerning me it is something I'll raise with my clinical psychologist next time I see him but he told me over the phone it's my depression causing it.

Tweet-Heart · ‎26-11-2018

Please help just over a week ago police were called to my house. Someone was arrested and since then I have been kicked out of home and being used as a scapegoat. I am being treated unfairly and being emotionally abused by a family member who is saying my mental illness has caused my mother to become unwell. He is saying that I am not welcome to return to the family home and that is what my mother wants. It is very distressing for me and I am temporarily living with relatives in unsafe and unsuitable accommodation. Please help me make a fresh start so I can disengage with toxic, abusive family members. I am on Newstart and looking for somewhere to stay long term, I can only afford $160 per week inclusive of all bills. Thanks

Sophie_M · ‎26-11-2018

Hi Tweet-Heart,

We are sorry to hear that you are going through a difficult time with your family. We take reports of abuse seriously. Please know that we are concerned about you and are here to support you as much as you need.

Our Support Services are trying to reach you via email as we are worried about you.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.

If you are not in immediate danger 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a great resource that offers counselling and support services for people experiencing family violence and abuse.

Keep checking back in and let us know how you are going when you feel up to it.

Tweet-Heart · ‎27-11-2018

Hi Sophie

Thanks the family member lives interstate and he is being verbally abusive and threatening towards me. He says I am not welcome at the family home and it is causing me distress. I do not pay rent and not sure what my rights are. I have offered to pay rent and sign a tenancy agreement. My brother said he will run it past my mum (who is mentally unwell).

I feel I am being tricked being told to stay away for a few days now it's a few weeks.

I want to return to a safe environment.

I have called the police who have confirmed I can return home and if my brother calls them they will deal with it but I am feeling scared due to his threats of legal action (he is a lawyer), put downs, gas lighting and name calling.

I feel the best thing to do maybe to call the police and have them escort me back home.

I want my brother to stop phoning me and being verbally abusive and threatening.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks