Suggestions for Panic Disorder Treatment

[TJLM99]

Hi,

I have been struggling with panic disorder since I was 13 (I’m 26 now). Over the years I have had some times where I’m doing really well and then of course the times where this takes over completely. I recently had a panic attack and then had my heart rate between 120-140bpm for about 8 hours before I called an ambulance as I wasn’t sure whether it was panic anymore. Of course it was confirmed that it was panic and there was nothing else underlying. I’m getting to the point where even the medication I take as an emergency treatment isn’t helping (I took 2 that night along with 3 attempts to follow a guided meditation). I see a psychologist only monthly due to the high cost and I no longer take SSRIs or SNRIs as my psychiatrist and I have decided that there is no difference when I take this. I also have ADHD (untreated because stimulants make me more anxious) which doesn’t help with the racing of my mind. I’m at a point where I am really stuck in finding things to help, particularly when I get to the point of very prolonged high heart rate. I was hoping for some suggestions of other ways to treat this. Usually I keep up with the gym 4x per week to try keep everything at bay but when I have these crashes it through that routine out the window too.

[Sophie_M]

Hey TJLM99,

Welcome to the Forums. We’re really glad you’ve found us and had the courage to share what you’re going through. Panic attacks can be incredibly frightening, and it’s completely understandable to feel the need for extra support after experiencing one. It’s also frustrating when the strategies we’ve relied on in the past no longer seem to work as effectively. While this is not uncommon, it doesn’t make the distress any less real.

It sounds like you’ve put in a lot of effort over the years to manage your mental health, and that’s something to be proud of—it’s no small feat. It’s great to hear that you’re connected with both a psychologist and a psychiatrist. Have you had a chance to talk to them about the recent panic attack? You absolutely deserve to feel supported and to have a clear plan moving forward.

If you ever need someone to talk to in the moment, you’re always welcome to reach out to the Beyond Blue Support Service, available online or over the phone on 1300 22 4636.

Thank you again for sharing here. We hope this space can be a supportive and safe place for you. You’re always welcome to jump back into the thread and let us know how you’re going. Our community is here for you.💙

Kind regards,
Sophie M

[sbella02]

TJLM99,

Thank you so much for opening up to us here, welcome to the forums. Oh goodness, that sounds so tough, I'm so sorry to hear that you've been struggling with this for such a long time.

Are there certain situations or events more than others that seem to lead to panic for you? What do you notice happening in your body at these times, is it just your heart rate or are there other sensations you notice too? This insight may help us refine the advice we're able to give, as there are different methods for different triggers and feelings.

I also wonder what kinds of therapy you have tried before, and how much you feel that they've helped you in the past. I understand that you have been on medication, but has this also been alongside therapy?

I may have a few general suggestions, but they also could be things you've tried before:

• Various breathing techniques (eg: breathing in for four seconds, holding for four, out for four, holding for four)
• Meditation (in your leisure time, not necessarily when you're experiencing panic)
• Tensing your whole body when you feel those symptoms, holding it for several seconds, then releasing that tension - doing this a few times may at least help temporarily

I hope this helps, please feel free to keep chatting with us more if you'd like.

All the best, SB

[TJLM99]

Hi Sophie,

Thank you for your response. I haven’t been able to see my psychologist just yet as I still have a few weeks before my next appointment.

I will definitely keep the Beyond Blue phone service in mind.

Thankyou☺️

[TJLM99]

Hi there,

Thank you for your reply. I believe the last attack was triggered by seeing my dad in the hospital after surgery (my first attack when I was young was because of this as well) but also a build up over the last 6 weeks or so of general stress.

There isn’t always a trigger for the panic symptoms but when there is a trigger they are definitely more extreme if that’s makes sense? The heart sensation is always the biggest issue for me but I do also get tightness in my throat, shakiness, light headless, sometimes nausea and derealisation/depersonalisation.

Previously I have done CBT (as a teen I was told by a few psychologists that they don’t know what else to tell me), and recently EMDR. I still do CBT at the moment as well. I was on medication along side CBT from about 17 as I was too scared to try it until then. I have ceased medication as my psychiatrist and I found that I get more side effects than any real benefits unfortunately.

Thank you for the suggestions. Even though I have tried them a couple times (other than the body tensing) I will keep trying to master them so then when I really need it, I hope it will be more effective.

Thank you again for your response☺️

[LadyK-73]

Hi TJLM99,

Thanks for sharing your experience.  You are an inspiration, so many years coping with panic attacks 🌹

3 months ago my father got Alzheimer diagnosis and my emotional stress response built up to trigger severe anxiety and panic attacks.  It is hard work to control the worry I have for my parents now.  I am 51 and their only child so I feel the weight of responsibility to help them the best I can.  I am trying everything I can to feel serene and strong again….an integrative naturopath to support my health with supplements ….regular chiropractic….reflexology… mindfulness… mild exercise on recumbent bike and stretching. I am seeing psychologist also(only had 2 appointments so far), next one is next Monday and will be trying the EMDR then.  
My first panic attack was 17years ago and scared the heck out of me as I didn’t know what was happening. So many physical symptoms popped up and I thought I was dying. That experience did leave me wth a fear of illness which did abate over the years but now my father’s health is declining, it has resurfaced so I am really hoping the EMDR helps.

Yesterday I tried my very first dose of a common SSRI medication and omg side effects and my panic feelings intensified (hence why I am looking through these forums), so I don’t think that is an option for me same as you.  I have been off work for nearly 3 months and I can’t see when I will return as I am a shift worker and struggle to sleep well now.  One day at a time is all we can do 🫶

[TJLM99]

Hi LadyK-73,

So sorry to hear what you’re going through at the moment. I can only imagine how hard it must be😔

It sounds like you’re doing all the right things, you just need to keep as consistent as you can (from my experience) even when you hit little bumps along the way. I’ve heard EMDR is great so hopefully you have a really good outcome!

Keep on pushing, you’re stronger than you think!❤️❤️