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Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Insomnia
[Deleted User]
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Over the last 3 -4 years I have been suffering from the above, it's becoming more severe as I get older (I'm now 33) I know the obvious advice would be go see your GP. But I was just wondering if there were any other users here with similar problems, I think I may also suffer from Agoraphobia as I start to panic when I'm in open spaces or even if I'm driving in an open expanse i.e. motorways etc...
1. Did you got see your GP?
2. What did they do/say?
3. Did they prescribe you with anything?
4. Did the medication help?
Thanks people
1. Did you got see your GP?
2. What did they do/say?
3. Did they prescribe you with anything?
4. Did the medication help?
Thanks people
0
Comments
First go and see you GP they will review your current health with a number of questions. A lack of sleep can cause a number of issues it maybe as simple case of improving your sleeping patterns. However your lack of sleep could be caused by under lying mental issues which need to be addressed. Panic attacks not wanting to be out in public are common for stress and depression related problems but it is different to Agoraphobia so it maybe not be that just a sign of under lying issues
They may prescribe some medication but it really depends on what they discover and how serious it is. Medication is just one option but their are other methods they may choose first or in combination with the medication.
Finding the right Medication is not always easy some people react differently to some pills than others it can take 4-6 weeks to notice the effects. you might have to try 2-3 different drugs to find the right one for yourself.
The drugs do work but they are not a long term fix. They don't address the problem just smooth of the edges making it easier to cope. No two cases are the same you find some people able to cope without meds at all, others when need them if things get bad and those that have to remain on them.
However at this stage you are thinking far to head and looking at worst cases. Until you have spoken to your GP it could be anything. The best advice i can give you be honest with the GP and do ask questions or raise any concerns you might have with him.
Excercise is great because it focuses your mind and weight loss goal is fantastic for that. I'm on citalopram 10mg a day. Although I do want to get an assessment soon and CBT. Medication I think is just a plaster.
Oh I disagree about medication just being a plaster. Panic and stress can be a spiral that gets worse and worse.
For one thing, if you are so stressed you can't eat or sleep, you just cannot function. You cry easier, you think slower and poorly. These are not just imagined problems, they are physical.
I understand your feelings, but I wouldn't dismiss the wonders of medication.
I have never taken medication, but I've seen how it helped someone I love regain their control and ease their suffering. They are fine now!
( their stress was hormonal and thyroid related).
Do you really think that is advisable ?
The problem is the more you stop dding the more you walk down the road of negative coping techniques...on the cognitive courses I attended it was all about setting yourself positive goals.
I gave up driving because of these symptoms. I felt I was a danger to other road users.
I have to admit though that it was the beginning of a slippery slope of giving up other things that made me anxious too. Then your world justs gets smaller and smaller.
It's definitely worth getting some help to overcome this problem as soon as you can.
I didn't and there are an awful lot of things I "can't" do now.
Its always worth visiting your doctor to discuss the issue, but please dont fall into the drug trap- beta blockers etc. Its never a good idea to become reliant on drugs. I've seen far too many people godown that rocky road.
Ask your doctor for a referal for councelling, and while you wait for that to go through, read up on CBT.
Secondly, get busy and dont allow yourself the time to dwell on the negative thoughts in your head. Look into volenteer work. It did me wonders, making me feel much better about myself.
Good luck. Your not alone!