Panic Attacks

Hello V.:

I went through almost the same thing as you and I have been on medication(Prozac) for about 4 years now and I am finally at a stage where I am able to skip a dosage every other day. What I noticed with me is that it tends to get worth when I have luck of sleep, as soon as I have a better night of sleep, I feel much better.
I have two children and my youngest just started Preschool and her sleeping through the night (almost every night) and I think that is the main key for this condition, good amount of hours of sleep.
I really would recommend to go back on to medication, as much as I hate the fact but I see the light now with me and with the help of Prozac I was able to live a "normal" life and take care of my children and myself and I know that one day I will not need it anymore! So, don't give up I am sure you can manage as well!

Take care for now,

A.

I understand how you are feeling and you are not alone. Many people suffer from anxiety. You may need to talk to your Dr. again, but you can also try to make sure you are taking care of yourself, nutrition being a big one, exercise helps and so does talking to other people who understand. Have you had your thyroid checked? that is what the problem seemed to come from for me. Also coffee /caffeine also seems to trigger it.Good luck

Hi V. - First, do you have any spiritual practice? If you don't, I would suggest you find one. Meditation, a church, a 12-step program if that is something that applies to you. Being a single mom takes a tremendous amount of strength and bravery, and you need to be filling back up what you are putting out to help your little girl have a happy, healthy life. Second, if you have ANY time to read at all, I would suggest getting Ann Lamott's book, Operating Instructions. I think you may see some of yourself in her, and it may alleviate any feelings of being alone in this struggle, and also help you see how someone else got through a tough time.

Hi.
Most people stop taking their meds because they feel better. That is what the medication is suppose to do. So, when you stop taking it you will go back to feeling lousy.
If the doc gave you meds to correct the chemical imbalance, this means, I think, that you have a bi-polar disorder. My daughter, soon to be 13, has this disorder and before she was on her medication it was bad. Now that she has been on it for a few months she is much happier and is able to focus.
Please don't stop taking your meds!
C..

Hi V.,

I just want to say make sure you maintain a strong support system. Raising a little one is a lot of work especially by yourself...and it's OK to admit we need help. There are lots of things you can get involved in...whether it be Church or a support group (I am sure your doctor can give you some suggestions for groups that are geared towards your specific issue).

Life is hard and sometimes we get depressed. But when you have people to lean on...it makes it not feel as lonely and not to mention we build great relationships in the process which helps provide more meaning.

I hope this helps...take care and great job on raising your little one!!!! That is a true accomplishment that you should be very proud of!

I totally understand you . I started feeling that last summer . Mine was pretty bad where my mouth started to turn a little bit . The doctor also put me on meds .But I decided
to solve the problem on my own . I kept my self busy and told myself that everything was going to be ok . I am a mom of to little girls . One is going to be 7 years and the other one is going to be 4 . I sometimes feel over whelmed just because life is so busy . I work full time and care for the children . My husband help out alot with the girls but still its alot . I know it hards but stay positive and god will get you through all these hard times .Just remember you beautiful little girl needs her mommy . Yoga is also a very good these to do for these kind of situations . Always have faith ....

Take care

Hi,
All the responses show how normal this issue is, thank you for bringing it up. I have had anxiety/panic all my life. It got really bad after highschool, i couldn't leave the house either, i followed my mom around like a puppy, etc. When i started Paxil, i became myself again. I took a job as a flight attendant, moved to boston, and had a normal life until i found out i was pregnant and stopped my meds. I was fine until i had my son and then... BOOM, it was back full blown. I waited it out because i wanted to breastfeed. it was horrible, but it eventually went away after a couple months. Now, it is managable but i am afraid to get pregnant again because it was so severe. One technique that has helped alittle is EFT. Here are my favorite websites about it:
www.emofree.com
and
http://www.celebrationhealing.com/custom/index.cfm?id=140319
good luck!

It sounds to me like you stopped the medication without guidance from your psychiatrist and this was probably not wise, though I see it was necessary since you became pregnant. However, if you have not done so please go see your psychiatrist and find out if there are any alternatives to your medication that are safe to take during pregnancy. You can also speak with your OBGYN about this. You need to manage your health and take care of yourself so that you can take care of your children. Good luck and take care.

Dear V.,

Try this website, it worked for me.
www.MidwestCenter.com
you may have seen her commercials. I was seeing psychologist for the same thing and she suggested the tapes and they worked for me, they might work for you to help get off the meds. You are in my prayers.

Dear V.,
I wish you well. I hope you will see a doctor to adjust your meds as soon as possible, then the doctor might take you off the meds when you are better.

Get baby sitting for your baby and have time for yourself at least 2 times a week. Make sure you get enough sleep and drink enough water at least 8 cups a day...

Perhaps going to church, talking to a pastor or priest. Asking for help at church.

Also, exercise is very helpful. For me exercise is a key to help me with my mood swings...

I suggest connecting with other Moms through Las Madres, so your child will have playmates and time at a park,playgroups etc. and you can connect with other moms. For me Las Madres was a life saver.

You can find the phone number in the phone book and then they will connect you in a local, neighborhood group.

Take your child to a libray for story times... Go to a mall often they have some free climbing areas for a child... take your child to gymboree...

visit your friends, ask your friends to babysit ...
call someone today.
Best wishes.

I am so sorry for what you are going through. Please contact your doctor right away. Even if you do start feeling better, you have to go off these types of meds slowly. Doing so quickly can make your situation more problematic.
I wish you the best of luck!
S.

The proper homeopathic medicine, determined for you by a professional homeopath, will absolutely address your symptoms. You might want to ask around among your friends or check the local telephone book to locate someone with whom you'd feel comfortable working. You can also call the National Center for Homeopathy to receive a local reference. Their number: 1-877-624-0613
The best to you,
C. Springer

It is very important to surround yourself with a circle of friends and family. They are a resource to your happiness. Everyone is willing to help in some small way. If you need to make more time for yourself, so you're not feeling overwhelmed, set up a babysitting circle. You watch a friend's child one day a week while she goes out for alone time and then the next time she'll watch your child so that you can get some alone time to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.