ANYONE have anxiety problems here?

I have hypochondria coupled with mild agoraphobia which gives me anxiety constantly and panic attacks almost daily. fast heart beat, cold sweats, shaking, all the symptoms down to the T for a panic attack. at night sometimes, in a half conscious haze of sleep, I get paralyzing feeling of terror and then wake up. Ive been to the doc and was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and panic disorder. I was put buspar but does nothing. the only thing that works is xanax or alcohol..but I dont't wasnt to have to rely on those since they leads to problems. Anyone have any personal experience tips on what works???

ANYONE have anxiety problems here?
You have a number of options.


1. The most popular (but damaging) option is to get drugs like Prozac. I suggest you read http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/ first before taking this option. Many times drugs don’t work and people get trapped in the cycle of trying different mind-bending drugs for years, without relief. As you've found with buspar.


2. If you have an issue or problem with a certain event or situation or person, see a therapist and work through it, learning new coping skills. If seeing a therapist isn't an option, self-help books can help you to learn ways to cope with problems. Plus, there are many books on panic/anxiety and also a free online course that you take over a period of weeks at http://www.paniccenter.net


3. If you have irrational phobias in an otherwise balanced life, and can’t understand why you get anxiety/panic in a certain situation, try self-hypnosis-type programs like http://www.panic-anxiety.com


4. Calming herbs like valerian, kava-kava, chamomile or special formulas might help to take the edge off, but don't seem to eliminate the problem completely. Be wary of expensive on-line herbal formulas that promise to eliminate anxiety/panic: you can easily get the same herbs at most drug stores for a fraction of the cost.


5. Exercises like tai chi or yoga (many libraries have DVDs you can rent) are helpful to calm the breathing and mind. You can do these, and other things like walking no matter what treatment you decide on.


6. If you feel you have a more or less balanced life without any major issues, yet you're having both mental and physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations, anxiety, feeling weak, bad mood swings with anxiety-anger-depression-fear, confusion, etc. you probably have a hormone imbalance, which would take blood or saliva tests to determine. If you have a hormone imbalance (which is not the same as what they call a “chemical imbalance”) no breathing exercises or hypnosis or self-talk is going to help- the physical imbalance is in the adrenals, thyroid, and cortisol levels. This is easily corrected with bio-identical hormones. Many doctors/insurance don’t deal with this, so you’ll need a specialist. http://www.womentowomen.com/depressionan...
Reply:Sometimes I have the same problem. I know how you feel. It sounds like yours is much more severe than mine, and I don't know if I have any great advice, but here are some things I do.





I don't know if you have a religious background, but oftentimes I will say a prayer to help calm myself.





I also usually keep my phone handy so I can get a hold of someone close to me that I can trust. Talking to someone sometimes helps me calm down.





While it may sound strange, splashing my face with some cold water really helps too, just for mild attacks. I think maybe it's the shock of the cold.





Other than that...I'm afraid I don't have any answers. I hope maybe these will help you.
Reply:By what you've explained you have it baddddd.


I have anxiety problems, my therapist has told me to use a breathing method. Tense your body up then relax, from your toes to your head, or head to toes. (whichever you prefer) Counting deep breaths could work also. And playing with something can distract you when you are having an attack. ( I play with my ID badge during pep rallys)


I hope I helped, take care!
Reply:try not to worry about the people around you, pretend like you own the world i know its hard to get over anxiety disorders


I keep tellin myself to not care what others think and do whatver i wish but its not that simple, get a cd on overcoming anxiety or get some medicine.
Reply:Some universities have mood or anxiety clinics. Ask your doctor if your local university has one. Then they will help you get through all the things you are scared off. Eg. Some people are scared to exercise for fear of getting a heart attack, so the university will set up a treadmill with heart monitors and help you get over this fear. I think its called cognitive behavior therapy.
Reply:Buspar is worthless....





I take Klonopin (like xanax) and I have been on it for years. I take as needed during the day and 2-3 at bed. I am allowed to take up to 4 a day.. I never gone over that and I rarely need it during the day anymore since being on anti-depressants.





Yes these can be addictive, but it is fine as long as you take them as prescribed only.





I do not drink at all.. My mom was an alcoholic, my husband is one too so I want nothing to do with alcohol! It all boils down to choice...
Reply:It won't cost anything, but if you tried yoga of posture and yoga of breath, it would help you quite a bit.





It would very likely lead to learning how to recognize your own inner mind andbecome aware of the processes leading to anxiety.





With this knowledge will come a sort of mental peace.





Try it twice a day for 15 minutes at a time ... for two weeks.





you might be pleasantly surprised.

queen of the night