Panic attacks becoming more frequent - what to do

[Listinggracefully]

This afternoon I had a massive panic attack in a massive regional shopping centre. I managed to get home eventually, but it took 2 hours instead of 1 as I had to keep stopping and my sister had to come and rescue us half way. I also threw up in a lay-by. I feel awful for DD2 who is 11, as it was supposed to be our special day out and she was so worried.

I’m on 100mg of sertraline and have beta blockers (which I stupidly forgot to take with me). I have a therapist and I’m also on HRT. Is there anything else I can do? I spoke to the GP a couple of months ago, but he wouldn’t increase the sertraline and prescribed the beta blockers. Is it worth trying to get my HRT increased? I’m only on 25mg estrogen and have a mirena.

This is the second massive episode in the last 2 months. I used to suffer as a late teen/early 20s which led to a total breakdown at the age of 25. I got better with intensive therapy over a number of years, but I can’t afford to do that now.

Go back to what worked about the therapy. Having years of it you probably picked up some good advice and tips for self therapy. Read books, listen to specific professional advice/podcasts on your issues. There's bad advice out there but lots of free and his resources. Only your doctor should advise you on the medication specifics.

Bless you OP I've suffered with panic disorder since I was 10 years old. My panic attacks have ruined my life.
Mine have also got worse with perimenopause and I have ended up in hospital twice in the last 4 months.
The HRT you are on is a very low dose. I think you could ask to have it taken up a bit.
I'm on Everol sequi 50 and it's helped a little bit.
I'm on propranolol and have just been prescribed sertraline (which I'm too nervous to start taking)
Panic attacks are debilitating.
I think you should speak to your Doctor about more therapy and upping your HRT.
You're not alone

There are also good podcasts that can help. Also I'm on two apps called Balance and one called Perry. There are a lot of ladies going through the same thing and they are also brilliant at giving advice and guidance x

Thanks everyone. I’ll look into podcasts and try and do some meditation too. I’ll also attempt to get an appt to review my HRT. I am just hoping that I am feeling better in the morning, as at the moment I can’t bear the thought of having to function tomorrow

I suffered panic attacks on a huge scale years ago. Get yourself a book called SELF HELP FOR YOUR NERVES By Claire weekes. It was a game changer for me.

How are you @Listinggracefully? I could've written your post! I'm peri menopausal, on citalopram for anxiety and feel like it isn't working as well for me now.

It’s awful isn’t it?! I come out of it and think how ridiculous I was being and why couldn’t I just drive home, but I can’t explain the state I get into. I’m still a little panicky over the last couple of days, but as soon as I feel it coming on I take a beta blocker and try and rest, so I haven’t gone over the cliff edge like Monday. I’ve made an appt next week to review my HRT. I just hope it works as I dread going anywhere in case an attack descends on me. I hope you feel better soon