Panic attacks

[bonitakitlee]

Can anyone relate who suffers with panic attacks, some days they are so severe, none of the coping strategies work and I end up struggling to breath all day. My worst symptoms are numbness and tingling in arms, nausea, unable to eat and breathing difficulties. I have just started sertraline and feel so alone with this.

I have constant anxiety, not individual panic attacks.
I've been on escitalopram for ten weeks and I feel worse now than when I started them.
When I did have individual attacks I just had to do the breathing properly and remind myself that I was safe and it would go away after 20 mins.
Sometimes I ran up and down the stairs.
I know it's horrible but see your doctor about beta blockers or short term tranquilizers until your sertraline kicks in.

Thank you, anxiety and panic are dreadful to live with, I worry about the side effects of these medications as well which doesn't help. Will your doctor switch your meds if they are not helping.

I suffered terribly. I still have anxiety but not had a full attack for about 3 years. I tell myself to "bring it on, do your worst, it can't hurt me" and instantly I'm in control and it dissipates.

@bonitakitlee
I'm seeing the doctor tomorrow. I'm scared of changing meds. It will be like starting again. I wish I'd never took them but the waiting list for other therapies is months!
I feel trapped. I still have side effects but the doctor says they don't last this long.
I think the doctor will want to switch them though.

I suffer from both anxiety and panic attacks. I had a complete meltdown a few years ago where I had to get signed off work for a month because I couldn't eat or sleep and was vomiting daily due to the panic attacks.

Beta blockers helped take the edge off it, and I focused all the time I had on self help techniques like meditation and yoga. I also spent a lot of time researching my conditions - knowledge is power and understanding what's happening in my body and brain makes a big difference.

None of these things will magically cure anything but they do help me to manage the symptoms. The anxiety will always be there, but for the most part I can handle it now and I'm much happier than I was before. I think the trick is to keep an open mind and try everything you can until you find the coping strategy that works for you.

I ca relate to all these comments, I am now getting the nausea badly so not wanting to eat. I don't know why mindfulness meditation can make me feel more panicked and enclosed in my body.

I do find massage helpful and aromatherapy oils. I use distraction like crochet or colouring books, walking and cleaning the house.

I have read dr Claire Weeks and am trying the acceptance method, very hard to just sit and let a panic attack wash over you. I just feel lonely and isolated with this. Thank you for your responses.