Anxiety Attacks? - Rochester,MN

I also have a history of anxiety attacks. It is so frustrating because it is so hard to explain to anyone. I had been on and off medications since my early 20's and was just getting frustrted with the medications so I started researching nutritional supplements. I started taking Reliv. I liked this product because it is totally safe for breastfeeding. I haven't been on medication since and I have spoken with others who had similar experiences. Reliv is not a cure and you should always talk to your doctor first, but I am a firm believer that if we put the best possible nutrition in our body then our body can do amazing things. If you have any questions I would be happy to talk with you. People who haven't experienced anxiety have a hard time understanding what you are dealing with and that can be so hard.
Good luck with everything!
~M.

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Hi J.,
This also happened to me, and yes, it is anxiety....I also have a history of depression. The anxiety didn't start to hit me until I reached my 40's. I tried everything natural and also had my hormone's checked. Tried therapy too. To no avail.....had to go on an anti-depressant. I fought it for a long, long time, but you know what??? Going on the anti-depressant was the best thing that worked! I feel sooooooo much better. It's not all bad. If it comes down to you doing that, there is no shame in it and it is good to be able to enjoy living again :) Best wishes and God Bless you, CK

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Hi J.,
I have a history of anxiety, so I am speaking from experience.
Stress will always make it worse for me..... so, stick with the deep breathing and relaxation and be sure you are taking some time for yourself.
You said you were interested in a natural approach, so here are a few things I use to help me relax:
~ Lavendar oil.... I use a pillow mist and a lotion
~ A sound machine.... mine has rainfall and several other sounds
~ Chamomile tea
I saw a suggestion that you should try a different birth control pill, and I would suggest that as well.
As far as supplements, Omega 3 can help. I've also used Melatonin when I've had difficulty sleeping.

If all else fails don't discount medication. I've used and currently am using a small dose of Zoloft which has done wonders for me.
A good counselor can also help get you back on track.

Good luck to you and hang in there!
D

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Sounds like PPD with symptoms of anxiety. I was the same way...I couldn't watch Animal Planet because I cried horribly everytime some animal died or was born. I couldn't read my daughter's sentimental books (like ABC I love you) without bawling. It wa snuts and finally I went to the doctor and started taking Wellbutrin XL. I've had to adjust the dosage two times, but it's been great. I also got Lorazapam for the anxiety to take whenever I felt like it and it's been a life saver. Your doc will have some good tips to help you cope before medication if that's the route you want to go, but I can tell you from personal experience that mine needed medication and it's done wonders. Good luck.

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I had some pretty bad anxiety attacks a few years ago - which usually got worse with PMS, I noticed - and I found that exercise really did the trick. I tried the deep breathing and even yoga, but could never turn my mind off. Getting out and running or going to the gym, getting on a treadmill (tv time on the treadmill was always a bonus - I relished in junkie tv) really worked for me. Might be hard with three kids to find the time, but maybe if hubby knows you are having such bad anxiety, you can work out a sched so you have time alone.

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Hi J.,
I know you said you were on the mini pill since April. That jumped out at me (and the fact that there were no major life changes) as I had almost all of the symptoms you are describing (not sleeplessness, but could just be because you are worrying about what's wrong). I have tried many of the different pills out there and they just freak my body and mind out!

My last ditch effort after talking with my doctor was the mini pill shortly after my last child was born and it seemed like the worst-- I figured because of the still fluctuating hormones after birth. After 2 or 3 months on it, I was a mess! Something just told me it was the pill, so I went off of it and was back to normal within my first cycle or so. My doctor didn't neccessarily think those types of symptoms would be from the pill, but we know our bodies best and there was definitely a direct correlation for me(my husband noticed immediately too). I just realized that eventhough alot of women CAN take the pill, I just can't. Maybe you are one that cannot as well? I would suggest the simplest thing you could do is to try going off of it for a month or two (I know other birth controls are not as easy or fun, but its worth your mental health!). You could just see how you feel and rule that out. If you still feel the same, then you know its something more, if not-- problem solved! I think people underestimate the power of hormones and how birth control methods that mess with them are going the opposite way of nature-- no wonder we can feel bad with them in our system! Hope it helps and everything works out!

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Your symptoms are a lot like mine. There must be something off in your life that you might not be connecting with that is causing the anxiety. I have had this for about ten years now and the only thing that has worked for me is a low dose of effexor. Since going on that my life is back in order and things are much better. I am on the lowest dose that works for me, I know there are people out there who take 100 plus milligrams to control their anxiety, but 75 seems to work for me. It does not take all of the symptoms away, I still do deep breathing and focus on good things when I start to experience anxiety which does happen and it is usually when I have a lot going on, like paying bills, running errands and kids to take here and there and dirty laundry piling up. Also when my husband and I take time for ourselves I feel better too, my connection with him is very important. I also need to take time for myself, which I did not realize but this makes a world of difference. Even when I do not want to take time away from the family by myself, when I do it does make a difference.
I hope some of this helps. I tried diet and exercise and also herbal supplements, but diet, exercise, and proper nutrients to the body helped only a little, the effexor really put me back where I started to feel like me again. Good luck and peace, Ang

Hello J.,

I see a doctor about a mood disorder. I am on a prescription drug but my doctor also has me taking a lot of vitamins. Try taking Omega 3 (fish oil) it is really good for your mind and entire body. Zinc is also good for your mood / mind. She also suggested Vitamin B and C. They all help balance certain chemicals in your brain.

Good Luck.

This is exactly the way I feel most of the time. My doc said I had very mild lingering post partum depression. I have been taking 200mg of vitamin B6 daily. He also said that I could take St. John's Wort if the B6 wasn't enough. The B6 really helps and I can tell the days I don't take it.

J.,
I know what your going through. I've been there a year ago. The answer for me was a little bit of counseling and to find out that I need to take time AWAY from my girls and doing something for me--whether to read a book, scrapbook, go out for lunch alone, spend an entire day by myself. Something to recharge myself and to give myself a break--some r&r. That's what helped me to not react and feel the way you descibed yourself feeling. I hope that is all you need to do too and hopefully not have to go on antidepressants. But if you do, that's okay too...glad to hear your already have an appt to go see the DR.
Good luck!
L.

Hi J. ---

I read your note and just felt compelled to respond. I have been feeling very similar for the past year or so. It is getting to the point where it is maddening. Besides the symptoms you are describing I also experience fear and anxiety of things that didn't used to create such stress for me. For example, I worry and stress out so much that my son could be hurt/killed when he's not with me or I hate going places at night because I become very suspicious of people who look a little "weird" and feel that they could just whip out a gun/knife and end it all. But what's really frustrating is that I KNOW it is almost irrational thinking. I mean, what possesses me to think this way?!? It's like I know it's uncalled for or "crazy", but it doesn't mean I can stop it. I've tried multiple relaxation techniques too, but nothing ever really makes a noticable or lasting difference.

I'm trying to find a therapist/counselor right now to go in and just spill it all out. I do think it could be related to some pretty heavy stressors I've endured in the past year and a half (death of loved one, new relationship, pregnancy, new home). Thinking back over time, have you had anything major as a stressful event happen? Changes? I'm just curious to see if there are any more commonalities.

Every one always says, "know that you aren't alone" but I don't find that statement terribly comforting. At the least, though, know that there is help...we just have to find it. I will update you if I hear of anything and would appreciate the same from you :)

Take care and have hope...K.

Hi J.,

Man you have gotten a ton of great responses here so that's great. The only thing I was going to say in addition is that you KNOW your body so listen to it. Try one thing and if that doesn't work try another. Sounds like you should try removing the mini pill first and see if that helps and if not try the next and the next. Isn't it nice to know though that there are so many women hear that can help and support you. I also recommend a good multi-vitamin, not just Centrum or something like that, but a really good multi-vitamin. Your body sounds like it needs to re-regulate itself and that will help tremendously!!!!

Good Luck and again just keep searching until you find the right answer!!

L.

I have had the exact same thing you describe....stress puts me over the edge also, when i went to my doctor, he had me on some anxiety pills, can't remember the name, but those did not help, actually made it worse, so he changed me to a low dose of Paxil....I had been on that before several years ago....and that has been so much better, I am now more calm and functioning much better. Now when I'm stressed, which is often....bad relationship issues...it doesn't effect me as much like it used to and my PMS is much better. I would strongly suggest you try some Paxil, just a low dose to see how you do, good luck and God Bless.

J., When you visit your doctor - you may want to ask him about testing your thyroid. I had the same type of feelings and it turned out I had a slightly overactive thyroid. It was due to the hormones from having a baby and from the mini pill. Good Luck!

Even though it has been several months, it could definitely be your mini pill. Before you try any anti-anxiety drugs or any others, I'd go off the pill for a few months and see what happens. I had similar symptoms while on the pill and when I stopped taking it, the symptoms stopped.

Hi J., first of all I pray that you find some answers here. I used to get actual anxiety attacks back when I was in high school, and I know they were hormone related. I also experienced anxiety, restlessness, depression, jitterness, confusion, etc. after having my second baby c-section. I would first pray and ask God to show you what is going on. Second, I would assume it is the hormone fluctuation with the pill, I am sure it took a few months to get it working in your system. The pill is completely un-natural in your body, so if you can find alternatives, that would be great. I have been married for 8 1/2 years and have never been on the pill. (I am only saying this to show that you can not get pregnant by other means than this form of birth control ). :)
I have to assume there are other woman out there that have experienced these symptoms from the pill, so talking to your doctor would be a good idea. I pray that you get the right direction. God bless

I've had anxiety issues for over 12 years now, and that sounds like exactly what I experience. I tend to believe that my anxiety is hormonally linked; for the first 8 years, I didn't realize this, but when I was pregnant with my first son, my anxiety got worse, and completely subsided with breastfeeding. When my period resumed, so did my anxiety. When I got pregnant with my second son, my anxiety was so awful I was almost hospitalized and was put on medical leave. Now that I'm breastfeeding, it's better again. Oh--and I knew my anxiety had returned because I had a panic attack 3 days before my period every month--so I'd definitely think that your mini pill might still be causing problems. My doctor is actually trying to put me ON birth control to help with anxiety, so I'd guess that perhaps changing your pill could help. I would tell your doctor about it and see what he/she says--changing the pill, taking addition meds, etc. Also, because you have a history of depression, you are a little more likely to experience feelings of anxiety. I know if I'm not feeling anxiety, it can quickly morph into depression, also.The deep breathing is good, esp if you are adamant about staying on the mini pill, but if not, that would be an easy first step--switch pills.

I have a friend who takes medication for reoccuring anxioty attacks. The way he describes it, is a feeling of loss of control and overwhelmed, jittery, and eventually, he would pass out because he realised he wasn't breathing regurarly. Before he knew it was anxioty, he would sort of drown his sorrow in beer...and then noticed that it would worsen after he had been drinking. I'm certain everyones symptoms are different but it sounds like you are experiencing something at least that is making you think and feel uncomfortable even in your own skin.

Try making lists of things to do...this might help you until you can speak to your Doc. I have a hard time sleeping, tossing and turning, etc...when I have alot going on. Making a list, even if it means getting up in the middle of the night for a 1/2 hour to make a to-do list, makes me feel more at ease, enough to sleep anyway.

Good luck to you.

I have problems with birth control. If I were you I would go off them for a month or two just to be sure that isn't the problem. There is a book called 'taking charge of your fertility'. You can go completely off the pill and not get pregnant and see how you feel. It took me a few months to have problems with the pill, so I think it could still be the pill.
If you have a good chiropractor near you they can suggest supplements (like fish oil) that can help you work this out on your own without other chemicals in your body. If that doesn't work please don't feel bad about taking a prescription. Nobody should feel 'icky' all the time.
Good Luck

A.

My mother suffers from severe anxiety attacks. She's against using meds as well, and has found that exercise has been the best natural remedy. For her, aerobic exercise was more benefical than meditative stuff like yoga.

She runs, and when the weather is bad, she does kick-boxing, power jump roping, or aerobic dance. She's convinced it's the endorphine release from the hard work that's the secret for her. She sleeps better, her blood pressure is incredible, and it's so strenuous she doesn't have time to let thoughts take over in her head. She says she's defintely better for it.

From my perspective as an observer, I can agree, she's definitely more focused and seems much calmer.

I know this is third party info...hope it helps.

J.,
I, too experienced symptoms of anxiety when I was taking the mini-pill. As soon as I switched birth control methods (to the Nuva-Ring), my anxiety subsided...good luck :)

the first and only thing that popped into my head was God and prayer. only He can helps us through times that seem tough and scary. only He can get rid of the constant nagging anxiety. i know this for a fact... for 6 years or more i struggled in the winter time with the lack of sunny weather, and warmth... i would get anxious about everything and i couldnt leave the house without feeling afraid of something. but the more i read the Bible, the more trust and faith i put in the Lord, the easier life gets to bear.

if you want more help, there is lots of information online, but i HIGHLY recommend www.amazingfacts.org - they have free online study guides... they are fantastic.
good luck and God be with you in your time of struggle.

J., are you on any oral contraceptives? I had similar symptoms as an o/c side effect. I switched and symptoms were better - dr. reccommended antidepressants, but I asked for a medication change trial instead.

J.,
I do hope you don't take any pills for anxiety. They will lead to more trouble. I am going to suggest Young Living Essential Oils. They work miracles for relaxing and anxiety, etc. And they work very quickly with only wonderful side effects like being happy and feeling lots better about everything.

i remember feeling of a hallmark ad!!! i talked to my obgyn and she put me on lexipro!!!and that was the greatest day!!! i haven't felt like that again. i also have an iud in that helps "the hallmark feeling". i think alot of woman go thru this too.

I took Paxel for several years for anxiety then was able to ween off a few years ago and haven't needed them since. I had tried St. John's Wort and other things to no avail. Sometimes I think we just have to take the medicine until we get to a point where our thoughts are more under control. I had finally started using a combination of a workbook which I read and answered questions with, relaxation tape and prayer. It all worked and I was able to go off the meds and stay off them. I also exercise regularly and try to make time for myself when I can.

Yes, I have been through this, and it's really not fun.
I find that antidepressants along with a combination of other more natural remedies works best for me.

I am currently on Prozac but it doesn't fix it 100% so I supplement by doing the following things:

If I start feeling sluggish, I cut down on the junk food. If I start feeling jittery, the first thing I do is cut back on the caffeine. My body seems to operate the best on more natural less processed foods, and no or very little caffeine.

15 minutes minimum daily of direct sunlight. I live in a very cloudy area so I also own 2 sunlamps which I use frequently in the winter.

Exercise every day, even just a little. I wear a pedometer and try to get 10,000 steps a day. It's amazing what difference there is between a 10,000 step day and a 2,000 step day.

Water, water, water. Staying hydrated (and not filling up on junky beverages) makes a big difference for me too.

Sleep! I know my optimum number of hours to sleep to feel my best. Doesn't mean I always get them, but I know what to shoot for. Try to get your optimum number of hours of sleep, difficult with kids, I know. But try. If you can possibly sneak in a cat nap sometimes that helps too.

I also take a multi-vitamin, but the fresh and less processed foods seem to do more for me than the multi-vit.

The type of birth control I am on does affect my overall moods and emotional stability. For instance the progesterone-based shot I am on now makes me a little grumpy and "not in the moods", but the estrogen-based patch made me feel happy and confident and on top of things emotionally. I never felt more confident and sure of what i wanted then while i was on that. If you think your birth-control might be affecting you, you can ask to change to one based on a different hormone to see what happens.

The single biggest thing that keeps me from feeling jittery and teary is managing my stress levels. I try to mostly avoid any situation that is likely to stress me unnecessarily. When something is sprung on me that is stressful, I tend to get dehabilitating migraine headaches, so I also use the deep breathing in conjunction with restful and restorative yoga poses. (Not all poses work to relax you- if you want, you can send me personal email and I can explain the ones that have worked for me.)

I also see a chiropractor, which has helped tremendously to reduce and even eliminate several areas of pain that have been caused by chronic tension and anxiety -related postures.

I know that is a long list, but it has taken me over 10 years to figure out what the right balance is for me- and I'm not 100% there yet, but the quality of my life has improved dramatically since I began incorporating those things one by one. I would suggest starting with one of those pieces of advice and using it for a few weeks before adding another solution.

And remember, not all antidepressants are the same- one may not work for you at all, one might work a little bit, or for a little while, and another may be "the answer". So be hopeful, but don't expect to get the cure-all right off the bat. I have also heard that some people have good luck with St John's Wort, but it wasn't strong enough for me.

I wish you the absolute best of luck finding your balance. I am always here via email if you want to talk more about your anxiety. I spent a good chunk of my life suffering from either high-level anxiety or low-level persistent anxiety with the occasional full-blown panic attack. Plus, near-constant depression, and horrible self-esteem. I enjoy a mostly happy and joyous life now, so feel free to vent to me, or ask questions or whatever. I am here.

[[HUGS]]

Jen

My sister used when she was young for several years. After she had a few kids she tried to get on it again & it messed her system up also. It has been a few years but it sounds like similar issues that you are having. Before getting on any medication it might be worth getting of the pill for a month or so & see if it helps. Also, St. Johns wort is known to help with imbalances. Good luck I hope you feel better soon.

Have you recently stopped breast feeding? (I didn't see how old your children were). This sounds like exactly what I went through about 4 months ago when I stopped (actually was forced to stop as the well ran dry) breast feeding when my daughter was 6 months old. Or maybe your body is reacting to the change in hormones with going on the pill? I was having anxiety attacks and had very similar "symptoms" that you described. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me and felt guilty for going through it as I was happier than I have ever been in my life. I went to the doctor after reading some blogs online of other woman going through this same thing after stopping breastfeeding. My doctor said it was perfectly normal. She put me on welbutrin and after about 4 weeks I felt completely normal again. I know you said you want to try something more natural but I was going nuts at work so I needed something that I knew had a history of working. Good luck...I know how frustrating it is but you will come out of it!

I had the same thing happen when I went back on the pill after my second child. The same thing happened to my sister too. Google Dr. John Lee. He has good information about hormones and birth control pills.
Hope this helps.

Hi J.
Even thou you started the mini pill in april it may be that it has thrown your hormones off and you need to try something else. T.

When I am not sleeping well....I can't remember things, I am more stressed, I hate loud noises, and I'm really jumpy.

You may just be off of a good sleep schedule.

I have IBS and many patients with IBS don't go into stage 4 sleep. ever. I have to take something every night. I'm such a different person.

I also think that Prozac was one of greatest things ever invented. I would rule extra stuff out before assuming that it is clinical anxiety or depression. Sounds like your not sleeping well.... how is your digestion. Seratonin affects sleep and digestion.