Panic attacks and not being able to function with everyday life

Question by jamiemc Reward: Log in to view Status: Pending a resolution
I have always had panic attacks but never to this point. I know plan my entire day out in my head before I even get out of bed. I have to follow the same routine each time I drive going the same route and if I get off this route I panic...I have to be aware of my surroundings each place I go I have a plan already into play as to how I will exit or what I will do in case I have to get out I can't even stand to go to walmart for there is so many people. I am 31 years old and am now a full time college student I have to sit in the same place for each class and it has to be at the front of the class for easy exit if I have to sit with people around me I panic and can't breathe. Driving is becoming harder with each day sometimes I panic for no reason and feel as if I am losing my mind I can't drive through long tunnels or on the highway for fear of panic. I feel like I am causing my family to miss out on a lot in life for my fears. I can't stand to be alone at home by myself I panic and home used to be my safe haven.I stay paranoid and freaked out at all times. What if anything can I do I really can't afford to see a doctor for lack of insurance. Is there a name for this? I am fine and life goes ok until something interferes with my layout each situation. I really don't know how much more I can take please help!!



Reply from grover_ap User Rating:  680 Knowledge Tokens
It sounds like a severe anxiety disorder. There are many medications that are very effective for treating this, such as SSRIs. Only a doctor can provide with this and will be able to give a better diagnosis. Don't suffer any longer, go seek some help!
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Reply from nicomarm User Rating:  1380 Knowledge Tokens
Dear Jamiemc,
My heart goes out to you when I read about your struggles every day.
It seems that you have panic attacks with agoraphobia . This may be mental or physiological (if due to hormones unbalance) and I understand that not going to see a doctor is part of the problem. You need support and I wish you had a friend who could go places with you and confort you. There are support groups on line and it may help to see that you are not alone and what can be done /or works for others. Some more info and support groups :
http://www.panicsurvivor.com/
http://www.phobics-awareness.org/panicattacks_agoraphobia.htm
htmtp://panicdisorder.about.com/od/emaillists/p/aapsupport.htm
http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/supportgroups/Support_Groups_for_Anxiety_Disorders.htm
http://www.anxietysupport.org/cc33menu.htm
http://www.agoraphobia.ws/agoraphobiastorypart3.htm

I hope it helps. I wish you the best.
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Comment from Kidd05 User Rating:  0 Knowledge Tokens
I have always had severe panic attacks also. It got to the point that I could not leave my home. I was diagnosed with agoraphbia. It sounds like you may have some OCD issues, as I did, but we will do anything to survive won't we? I started reading books on meditation, and they helped tremendously. At first, I could not even sit down to meditate for 60 seconds, but I persisted. That's why they call it "practicing" meditation! One book I read is a short small book written by Thich Nhat Hanh called "be free where you are." It is not "religious." He just speaks about staying "mindful-" meaning staying in the moment-each and every second. This way, you only concentrate on what you are doing RIGHT NOW so your mind cannot wander thus it can slow down, hopefully. He has written many books, but I have only read the one. This book will only take a small amount of time to read. But a wonderful book to start with is "Wherever You Go There You Are" by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Meditation may seem impossible or something only Richard Gere or "those people" do. But for us people with no insurance, it might help. There are lots of books. You may find one that suits you. Don't give up. Keep practicing, and don't beat yourself up if you don't "get it right" for a while!!! Good Luck!

Comment from nasfarato User Rating:  50 Knowledge Tokens
This is to the people who answered....I am very moved by all of you incredible people. You have given me hope and a desire to get my life back. Its nice to know that I was wrong to think that there were no human beings left on earth. At least none with a soul. OMG ...I wish you all health and happiness. My fellow humans, where have you been hiding??? I have never in my life cried this hard. The sweetest tears I ever tasted.


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