Anxiety Attacks

I recommend exercise regularly which I have found really helps me. I know it is hard to fit in but even every other day. It manages my anxiety which tends to make me crazy right before my period. When I don't make it a priority, I find I am less tolerant of things. The doctor should help. I also recommend a counselor to see if you can identify what is making you anxious so you can try to manage that. Good Luck!

Anxiety attacks are very scary. I never had them until a couple years ago. I find when I get really stressed or overwhelmed I tend to have them. Sometimes however, they just happen. The worst one was when I was walking thru Walmart one day. I ended up going into the bathroom and trying to calm myself down. My heart pounds really fast and I have palpitations. My breathing is also very fast. My doctor gave me an antidepressant. She also prescribed a medication called Buspar. It is a very mild anti anxiety med. I take half of one and if it doesn't help I take the other half of it when I feel very anxious. It helps tremendously. I am not a huge fan of the anti depressants. To me they make me feel flat, I don't get sad but I also don't feel joy either. It is hard to explain. But I would highly recommend the Buspar. Hope this helps.

You've done the best thing you can do by making a dr. appointment. I have an anxiety disorder and take meds for it. I also practice breathing techniques that I've learned and that helps the most. Most importantly, listen to your body and don't be afraid to share with your doc....they can help!

~L.

Start by ruling out the physical.Anxiety can contribute to "skipped beats" but the place to start is by cutting caffeine either out of your diet, or at least way down. Caffeine is in energy drinks, colas, Mountain dew, tea, coffee, & chocolate can make the heart race and skip beats, and can make the feeling of anxiety worse.
The second thing to do is have your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure can make you feel that way. It isn't that being "wired" gives you high blood pressure..... high blood pressure can make you feel that way. If that is the culprit, there are a ton of good medications that can control it, without unpleasant side effects. Also, look at what medications or herbals you may be taking.... weight loss drugs, ma huang, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, yerba mate, all sorts of things can make you feel that way.

After you have eliminated the possible physical causes, then is the time to consider the possible emotional factors that may contribute. You could spend a long time looking for the right anti-anxiety pill, or stressing out about what you are doing wrong, when a simple physical problem can be the culprit.For me, it was high blood pressure, for my best friend, caffeine sensitivity.
best of luck, L.

Hi K.,
I know what your going through and I know it's very frightening. I too had this problem. Panic attacks can be brought on by many things. Are you eating properly? Are you keeping physically fit? Are you doing things for yourself to make you happy(Meditation, Deep breathing, journaling and daily affirmations)? Are you getting your central nervous system regularly checked by a chiropractor? These things that I mentioned are the pillars of wellness and when these pillars are balanced you won't fall.
When you see your Dr. they will ask you to look into your personal life and try to identify what stress may be causing your panics. then they will more than likely try to put you on some kind of anti-anxiety or anti-depressant drug. Don't let them! these drugs have more severe side effects than what you are going through now. i know. i was on them for many years. and to tell you the truth, they really didn't help much. they did however make me fat, lose my sexual desire and made me unemotional.
Another thing you really need to look at is your caffeine consumption. I have done some research on this and found staggering evidence that caffeine contributes to states of psychosis. Caffeine intoxication(2 cups of coffee is considered a toxic level)can manifest itself as Manic-Depression, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, depression and all sorts of other mental illness. in fact 40% of people that are hospitalized in mental institutions need no further treatment than to be taken off caffeine.Please visit www.caffeineweb.com
Well K., i could go on and on. like the fact that financial times are tough and we are in the holiday season. of course you are stressed, and that can bring on the panic. Just don't let the fear bring on more panic. a lot of times the fear of having an attack can be enough to bring one on. i would like to talk to you further about some relaxation exercises I have that could really help you. Please call me at my office. ###-###-#### I'll be back from 2:30pm-5pm today.
Yours in health,
V. Jason
EAT RIGHT, BE FIT, THINK WELL!
WWW.KHALILCENTERS.COM

I have sufferred with anxiety attacks off and on for about a year and a half now, with palpitations and occassional skipping of beats. I have undergone several tests including stress tests, holter monitor, ekg, balance test and thank God past them all. The anxiety attacks just started and I dont know why. They come during times of stress or if I feel my heart skip a beat because I worry about it so. They come and go. The epsiode was after the birth of my last child in June and they have returned this month. I dont understand it either. I too read that heart palpitations come with anxiety attacks. I recently went to the Doctor again and she prescribed a beta blocker to see if it will level out the heart beat. I have been using it now for about a week now and its okay. I have noticed that when I start thinking about my heart or the palpitations, they occur. The Doctor also prescribed a anxiety pill as well. I haven't taken it yet, I'm a little scared.
I understand your concerns and your fears because its a very scary thing. Try not to worry but do go to the Doctor and get all the tests you need. Peace of mind is truly a blessing. I wish you well and will keep you in my prays.

Oh when the palpitations happen, try prayer or a positive affirmation. It will help avert some of the anxiety behind it. Don't worry your are not alone.

Hi K.,
I'm glad you are seeing your doctor- that is definitely the best first step. I actually started on a medication called Lexapro about a year ago for problems with anxiety. Not anxiety attacks so much, just a general anxiety that made me worry about everything and made it hard to sleep. The medication has helped, but there are other things to try before medication. First of all, cut WAY down on caffeine (I won't say stop altogether, because I can't start my day without!). Also, make sure you are getting regular exercise. You don't have to run a marathon, but even a brisk walk can help burn off stress.
Have the doctor check you thoroughly- sometimes other things (like thyroid problems)can cause the symptoms you describe.
You are going to be okay. Make sure you are taking some time just for yourself. Best wishes!
M.

You may want to have your thyroid checked. I had the same thing and mine was overactive.

My 22 year old daughter used to suffer from acute anxiety attacks (heart palpitations, difficulty breathing). Sometimes such reactions are associated with gluten and dairy intolerance. Since eliminating both gluten and dairy from her diet a year ago, she has not had any anxiety attacks. It's amazing how the food we eat affects our bodies in more ways than just our weight. Have you been eating more wheat lately (cookies, breads, pasta) that could have triggered the attacks? You might ask your doctor to test you for gluten and dairy allergies.

Hi K.,

Seeing your doctor is a great first step. Just remember, don't do anything or take anything you aren't comfortable with. If your anxiety isn't severe, then often times it can be managed through stress reduction techniques or natural supplements as some of the other women here have mentioned.

That being said, I too am a stay at home mom. Even though my daughter is only a year old, I have been at home for the last 2.5 years. We moved to Germany for a time for my husbands work and I did not work while we were there. It was also there I became pregnant with our daughter and we decided that even when we came home, I would still stay home.

I too love it...but there is a certain amount of stress I felt not working. Silly, I know, but true. Since the age of 18 I had ALWAYS worked, and/or worked and went to school. I could always provide for myself. My job was sort of my safety net. When I was no longer working I didn't know what to do with myself! I had to work for a long time to realize that I am not any less of a person if I don't work. I had to realize that I didn't need a safety net of 'working'. My husband didn't look down on me, and even if something were to happen to him, we would still be ok.

That transition can be a difficult one. I don't know what else might be going on in your life, but often times anxiety is a symptom of feeling out of control.

In my opinion, I think you need to find ways to manage your anxiety, whether it is through relaxation techniques, self talk, supplements, of if you feel the need medication. But you also need to get the root cause of your anxiety. Medications and supplments and all that will only help alivieate the symptoms. If you do not address the REASON you are having anxiety, then you are only putting a bandaid on a much bigger problem.

It could be the transition to not working, or it could be something else. My sister is a psychologist and often times when I am trying to get to the root of some off the wall thoughts or feelings she will have me free associate. Find a quiet place and time, have your husband or someone else attend to your daughter, sit with a blank sheet of paper and pen and just start writing things down that pop into your head. Don't monitor or edit it, don't try to control what you're thinking... just write. Often times once you start all these other thoughts come rushing in that you didn't even know where there.

Seeking out a good counselor would be an excellent idea.

I hope you can find the problem. Anxiety is not fun.
Merry Christmas!

Been there, done that. It is so frustrating, isn't it? My doctor gave me a super-strength prescription to settle me down. That was too much. Now I take a natural dietary supplement to help and have gotten under control without side effects. If you want to know more, ask me.

Take care,

S.
____@____.com

My husband suffers from these attacks also. We have actually taken him to the hospital for them, one time because he thought he was having a heart attack it hurt so bad. He has multiple triggers and a couple different issues to go along with the attacks, so aside from his medicine, he has found that yoga really helps him calm down and focus at the end of a long day. He also sees a therapist every 2 weeks and while it may not be something you want to do, he really enjoys it and has gotten a lot better since he started going.

Dear K., I think I can relate to your pain. I struggled with anxiety attacks for 4-5 years.

Even though you've done a great job in getting ready for Christmas ahead of time...what else is going on? in the last 6 months?

I would be happy to share what I have found works for me if you'd like...some of it surprisingly simple. Let me know.

May you have much peace this Christmas!
M.

Hi K.,
I read your responses and they are full of good advice... And sometimes it's just nice to know that you are not alone. I felt compelled to respond though because of the comments that you should get to the "root of the issue". This is something somebody who has mild anxiety says. If you have an anxiety disorder (your doctor will tell you) and often it's chemical, not psychological. I've suffered panic attacks since the age of 24 and was diagnosed with panic disorder at 25 years of age. I'm now 38 and for about 5 years now I've learned how to effectively handle/manage the attacks and anxiety. Prior to that I took the benzos but became addicted (which I wouldn't recommend) and although I'm no Dr. I can assure you that anxiety disorders are often not the result of an issue left untreated. Without going into what would take me too long to explain I would like to recommend that you focus on the now. Things like physical exercise, breathing exercises, mild non-narcotic anti-anxiety meds like buspar or St. John's wort are great because they are non-habit forming and don't make you feel sluggish.
I know in the midst of a panic attack it's the most miserable feeling. I would usually get them at large stores or banks and I'd feel like I'm losing my mind... Even just talking to people around you helps. Also, knowing that they are quite common in women with the median onset being 25 years of age. I am quite passionate and empathetic regarding anxiety attacks having gotten to the other side of what was a long, difficult struggle with them.
Hope some of this has helped you in some way... Just know, you are not alone.

I've suffered from anxiety attacks most of my life especially when a crisis arises. My mind races, my adrenalin pumps up, and I can't sit still. Although I have refused to take meds due to side effects, I've tried to take the "natural" route to ease myself. So, far, I've found that limiting my caffeine intake and exercising like a walk or a treadmill for 20 minutes, sure does help. Take some time out for you--maybe a bath or just get out of the house and do something you enjoy--this also takes the edge off. It's also great to vent to someone who will lend an ear when you need it. Going to the doctor is good way to go, so see what he says. Don't fret or worry--you are not alone in this anxious world.

MC

K.,

I feel your pain. I did exact same thing before I got pregnant with my first daughter. I wore a heart monitor for 2 week. When it was read to me at the doctors, basically they told me it was just anxiety (which you obviously know this already bout yourself). Anyway, don't feel like you are crazy, sometimes we as mom's just put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Whether it is to have all of Christmas set up for, or the fact that we fear not being here for our children (often the source of my anxiety). The fact is, anxiety is very normal, and you are not nuts for having it. There are a few over the counter remedies that are said to help: Rescue Relief (found at Whole Foods) and Valerian (found at CVS, Rite Aid, etc.).

Hope this helps! And best of luck with you. Go to the doctor so they can rule out everything...because that is what they will do and it will help with the anxiety.

I had that happen to me once. My son was about 6 months old. It started about this time of year, when it's dark more.
I would start getting edgy about 4:30 when it was almost time to leave work. Then i would pick up my son, get home, turn every single light on in the 3 story house, and then sit in a corner with no windows until my husband got home. My heart was racing, and i was almost terrified...
no idea why...it went on for about a month...i never went to the doctor or anything...
it just stopped...
I haven't experienced it since.

So...sorry I don't have advice...just thought I'd tell you so you didn't think you were alone, or crazy or anything...

K.,

Somtimes I think things bother us that we don't really realize. The big thing for me is to try and relax and take deep breaths. It just seems like everything is getting ahead of you.

I had all kinds of reasons for my anxiety. I had moved into a new home and my step-daugther was 13 and coming to live with us also. Then being new contruction we had e-coli in our water. I had about enough as you can see. I ended up having tremers at night. I never had any heart palpitations or anything of that sort.

If you can learn a relaxing way it will help alot. I just try to walk away and calm myself. I know how you feel as it is not fun. There are many others out there with that same thing. Fortunatly, I have been really good no tremers since 2000!!! You are right, it makes you feel like you are going crazy! Find some comfort in knowing other experience the same thing! Good luck!

M. H.

It is normal to have a panic attack over stuff that happened a while ago when you're feeling fine - my guess is that you body knows you can handle dealing with the issue now when you couldn't then.

It sounds like you're on the right path getting some medical advise, if they don't recommend it during your visit, it probably would be a good idea to see a counselor and try to get to the bottom of this (unless its a totally medical issue). Best wishes!

Anxiety attacks are hard because they freak ya out so bad and the medicine they give you makes you groggy. This is bad for those of us with kids because it takes time for it to get into our systems. In the meantime when they give you meds, they make you groggy or make your moods irritable. Usually they prescribe an antidepressant but sometimes they prescribe a medication called a benzodiazepam such as ativan, xanax, klonopin, Valium, or Librium which all have the tendency to make you very tired or grumpy....If I were you, Id talk to them about an antidepressant because it has less side effects, the only problem is it can take like 2 weeks to get into your system and work at stopping the attacks.....I hope this information helps. I have suffered from these attacks for years and its good when you finally get some relief.

You're doing the right thing by going to the doctor, especially with the heart palpitations. In the mean time, remember that the holidays don't have to be perfect and just because you are a stay at home mom, doesn't mean that you have to do everything perfectly. Take time for yourself, try to get some exercise to destress. Your daughter wants mommy to be healthy and happy, not perfect. Be kind to yourself.

I have had them for a few years now - they seem worse in the winter and around the holidays and of course once you have one you focus on them and they can trigger more. I have seen a counselor and take medication but still have them at times. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress - I wish I was more regular at it. Don't worry - they can't trigger a heart attack. Although if you don't get them under control the systems can get worse. Definitly talk to you doctor.

Hi K., I think a lot of people have this issue! I know for me, I am a stay at home mom and this is new to me also. My daughter is just about one years old and I love being with her every day and would not trade it for the world. With that said it is hard to be at home everyday. It can feel lonely, isolating and like ground hog day everyday..lol..:) Also most moms put a lot of pressure on themselves to make sure everything is done and done to a level they feel is expected. Most of these expectations are too much for most people. Like the other moms have said, see a doctor or therapist or both. Try to do some things away from the house and with out your daughter. And make sure you are taking care of yourself. Sometimes anxiety comes after a stressful time because you were too busy dealing with the stressor when it was happening and now your body could be reacting to it...just a guess:) Good luck and Merry Christmas!

Hello, K. F! Good Morning..Just a few questions for you-were you working full time before being stay at home mom? If so, I know..I've always worked until just a few months ago, even when my kids were young. They are 12 and 8 now. I'm a stay at home mom now (no work here), and I felt somehow anxious about it. However, I'm starting a home-based business and my anxiety levels have gone down. I needed something for my mind to do! That, and prayer also helps. I will pray for you! L. D. in Michigan (My E-Mail is ____@____.com)

K.,

I've had anxiety & panic attacks for most of my life. As you know, it's not fun! Anxiety can manifest itself in so many ways. Ive had everything from heart palpitations to numb arms to dimmed vision when I'm feeling anxious or panicy.

I'm currently pregnant and having terrible panic attacks everytime I go to the store. I was having heart palpitations every night (like you) for the 2 weeks before my big ultrasound.

Anyways, in the past I took medication for this condition. I have a feeling this is what your doctor might suggest (but it's a good idea to get checked out anyways). I would try to stay away from a daily medication if you can. I always carried Ativan (similar to Xanax) with me in case of a major panic attack. I managed to get off of the meds and handle my anxiety on my own.

I was given a self-help kit from The Mid-West Center for Anxiety and Depression. The relaxation tape really helped me, I would highly suggest getting one. I also learned some other breathing techniques that have helped.

If this anxiety continues after the holidays and you're looking for an alternative to drugs, try talking to a therapist. The most important thing is to get to the root of your anxiety so you can move on with your life.

Hi there K.,

I have suffered from anxiety attacks from time to time. Mine were caused by over-exposure to anesthetic.
After my Hysterctomy, I started having these attacks very unexpectedly. There is no rhyme or reason to them. They just sort of swoop down on you. You feel like a dark cloud is coming down on you.. you become extremely HOT, you need to stand up.. pace.. your heart is racing and you actually feel your blood pressure going up, in my case I lose feeling in both arms.You feel terrified for no apparent reason... It is a terrible experience. I did some research and found that some people have a brain chemical change after being under anesthtic. It can cause severe depression too. Have you had any surgery lately? Obviously, these attacks can be caused by anything. Your doctor will probably give a script fo Xanax. I know if I am having one of these attacks, I take a Xanax and within 10 minutes I feel alomost normal ( as normal as I can get.. If you knew me, you'd laugh at that). Some times these episodes can be brought on by fatigue too.. usually though, there is nothing significant happening around you. It just happens! Don't worry, they won't last. I will pray for your symptoms to stop, so you can get back to caring for that beautiful little girl. Take care and let me know how you are doing if you want.. ( if you want to discuss this further, you can e mail me too.. ____@____.com Yours truely, A.

you can have all kinds of symptoms from anxiety attacks. stomach aches, head aches, high blood pressures... you name it..

go to the medical dr to rule out any thing physical.. the dr can give you medicine to help you relax.. but the tranquilizers are addictive. They also use antidepressents for anxiety.

You should also make an appt with a couselor.