I just woke up and boom-the snxiety has hit me again.
I am a mother with alot of respocibilities and also need to be at work tommorow.
Yesterday I took an ativan .25 and it helped but also put me to sleep.
I am really scared. When does this end??
Camden.......good morning! yes, i remember the anxiety well. But I am not sure how long it lasted. I know I felt like I was gonna jump out of my skin for a while. I quit drinking coffee it got so bad, and I am a coffee addict. Sorry, I can't help more. Just know it is normal, and it will end eventually. : )
I can't say for sure how long it lasts, but for me, it came and went. It lasted a few days like 2, then 3 would be fine, then 2 of anxiety and so on. I am sorry you are feeling this way..it really stinks especially when you have little ones! It does not last forever though, I know that doesn't help now..also what helped me was "sleepytime green tea", it didn't cure it, but helped to calm me down a bit. Good luck to you, Kim
If there is a way you can get a relaxation CD or tape and use with headphones, that might help for awhile. I was taught to close my eyes and on inhale, say the word "relax" and on exhale say "just relax" to yourself. I know it might sound crazy to some, but it does work for me. Just even for 5 mins laying on your bed or somewhere quiet. I know with kids it's hard, but they might understand, if you tell them you need "mommy time for 10 minutes"
Stay strong.
Stay strong.
im not sure what u are in wd from, so i don't know exactly how to answer. i know there is some otc health stuff that actually really does help with anxiety, like: valerian
there is also a lot more stuff, like some teas. they will be able to let u know in a helth food place. careful, some of this stuff actually works, so id try it at night. i think (dobule check this one) kaola was something in a tea that i took, but it might have been something else & im mixing it up. so check to make sure that is what kaola is supposed to do.
there are also some mind exercises that really work with worry. i dont know if this is relevant, but years ago, many, i was an obsessive worrier. it was unbearable. i came up with a technique (i think part i read & part i invented) for myself. I realized that i was going to worry. there are all kinds of reasons why, some even bizzare. (like u feel it is your job or responsiblility, etc, & if u dont worry u r not responsible & G-d or someone will hold it against u.)
Well it didn't do me or anyone else any any good for me to worry 7/24, so I adopted the following stratagy:
I set aside worrying time each day. I would use say 8 till 10 PM for my worrying time. If I started worrying (I should say when, not if) I told myself that I would worry about it during my 'worrying time.'
I then would worry that I might forget to worry about it, so I carried a "worry book." I jotted it down.
I was always able to promise myself that I did not have to worry then & there, I would do it during my official worrying time.
When my worrying time came, i went in my room, took out my list & did my worrying. You can not skip this step, even if you don't feel like worrying, or the next day, when worry occurs, you cant promise yourself you will worry about it later.
As time went on, I shortened my worrying time & eventually it turned more into a productive looking at problem time. This system really worked. In a short period of time I was no longer an obsessive worrier.
Throughout my life I have used a similar system for various things. Like if I had a job with undue stress & anger & unfairness, instead of thinking about it & dwelling on it all day at work (& being less productive) I used a similar sytem. It did work. I am sure by now someone his written a book on techniques like this. And you could probably spend $19.95 & get a free gift with it, but I'll bet amoung all of us here, we have all come up with little things, & maybe someone could start a post that adresses that, or I will later, begining with the specifics on the actual technique I used for anger. Cant do it now, cause I gotta get to work.
I'll bet Vinny has a pretty good technique for dealing with sex.
there is also a lot more stuff, like some teas. they will be able to let u know in a helth food place. careful, some of this stuff actually works, so id try it at night. i think (dobule check this one) kaola was something in a tea that i took, but it might have been something else & im mixing it up. so check to make sure that is what kaola is supposed to do.
there are also some mind exercises that really work with worry. i dont know if this is relevant, but years ago, many, i was an obsessive worrier. it was unbearable. i came up with a technique (i think part i read & part i invented) for myself. I realized that i was going to worry. there are all kinds of reasons why, some even bizzare. (like u feel it is your job or responsiblility, etc, & if u dont worry u r not responsible & G-d or someone will hold it against u.)
Well it didn't do me or anyone else any any good for me to worry 7/24, so I adopted the following stratagy:
I set aside worrying time each day. I would use say 8 till 10 PM for my worrying time. If I started worrying (I should say when, not if) I told myself that I would worry about it during my 'worrying time.'
I then would worry that I might forget to worry about it, so I carried a "worry book." I jotted it down.
I was always able to promise myself that I did not have to worry then & there, I would do it during my official worrying time.
When my worrying time came, i went in my room, took out my list & did my worrying. You can not skip this step, even if you don't feel like worrying, or the next day, when worry occurs, you cant promise yourself you will worry about it later.
As time went on, I shortened my worrying time & eventually it turned more into a productive looking at problem time. This system really worked. In a short period of time I was no longer an obsessive worrier.
Throughout my life I have used a similar system for various things. Like if I had a job with undue stress & anger & unfairness, instead of thinking about it & dwelling on it all day at work (& being less productive) I used a similar sytem. It did work. I am sure by now someone his written a book on techniques like this. And you could probably spend $19.95 & get a free gift with it, but I'll bet amoung all of us here, we have all come up with little things, & maybe someone could start a post that adresses that, or I will later, begining with the specifics on the actual technique I used for anger. Cant do it now, cause I gotta get to work.
I'll bet Vinny has a pretty good technique for dealing with sex.
I addition to the other suggestions that you have received, which are excellent, you may find this of benefit to you.
The Method of Centering Prayer
by Thomas Keating
Theological Background
The grace of Pentecost affirms that the risen Jesus is among us as the glorified Christ. Christ lives in each of us as the Enlightened One, present everywhere and at all times. He is the living Master who continuously sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and to bear witness to his resurrection by empowering us to experience and manifest the fruits of the Spirit and the Beatitudes both in prayer and action.
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is the most traditional way of cultivating friendship with Christ. It is a way of listening to the texts of scripture as if we were in conversation with Christ and he were suggesting the topics of conversation. The daily encounter with Christ and reflection on his word leads beyond mere acquaintanceship to an attitude of friendship, trust and love. Conversation simplifies and gives way to communing, or as Gregory the Great (6th century), summarizing the Christian contemplative tradition, put it, "resting in God." This was the classical meaning of contemplative prayer for the first sixteen centuries.
Contemplative Prayer
Contemplative Prayer is the normal development of the grace of baptism and the regular practice of Lectio Divina. We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words. But this is only one expression. Contemplative Prayer is the opening of mind and heart - our whole being - to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions. We open our awareness to God whom we know by faith is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing - closer than consciousness itself. Contemplative Prayer is a process of interior purification leading, if we consent, to divine union.
The Method of Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer by preparing our faculties to cooperate with this gift. It is an attempt to present the teaching of earlier time (e.g. The Cloud of Unknowing) in an updated form and to put a certain order and regularity into it. It is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; it simply puts other kinds of prayer into a new and fuller perspective. During the time of prayer we consent to God's presence and action within. At other times our attention moves outward to discover God's presence everywhere.
The Guidelines
Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God's presence and action within.
Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God's presence and action within.
When you become aware of thoughts, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.
At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
Explanation of the Guidelines
"Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God's presence and action within." (cf. Open Mind, Open Heart, chap. 5)
The sacred word expresses our intention to be in God's presence and to yield to the divine action.
The sacred word should be chosen during a brief period of prayer asking the Holy Spirit to inspire us with one that is especially suitable for us.
Examples: Lord, Jesus, Abba, Father, Mother
Other possibilities: Love, Peace, Shalom
Having chosen a sacred word, we do not change it during the prayer period, for that would be to start thinking again.
A simple inward gaze upon God may be more suitable for some persons than the sacred word. In this case, one consents to God's presence and action by turning inwardly toward God as if gazing upon him. The same guidelines apply to the sacred gaze as to the sacred word.
"Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God's presence and action within."
By "sitting comfortably" is meant relatively comfortably; not so comfortably that we encourage sleep, but sitting comfortably enough to avoid thinking about the discomfort of our bodies during this time of prayer.
Whatever sitting position we choose, we keep the back straight.
If we fall asleep, we continue the prayer for a few minutes upon awakening if we can spare the time.
Praying in this way after a main meal encourages drowsiness. Better to wait an hour at least before Centering Prayer. Praying in this way just before retiring may disturb one's sleep pattern.
We close our eyes to let go of what is going on around and within us.
We introduce the sacred word inwardly and as gently as laying a feather on a piece of absorbent cotton.
"When you become aware of thoughts, return ever-so-gently to the sacred word."
"Thoughts" is an umbrella term for every perception including sense perceptions, feelings, images, memories, reflections, and commentaries.
Thoughts are a normal part of Centering Prayer.
By "returning ever-so-gently to the sacred word", a minimum of effort is indicated. This is the only activity we initiate during the time of Centering Prayer.
During the course of our prayer, the sacred word may become vague or even disappear.
"At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes."
If this prayer is done in a group, the leader may slowly recite the Our Father during the additional 2 or 3 minutes, while the others listen.
The additional 2 or 3 minutes give the psyche time to readjust to the external senses and enable us to bring the atmosphere of silence into daily life.
Some Practical Points
The minimum time for this prayer is 20 minutes. Two periods are recommended each day, one first thing in the morning, and one in the afternoon or early evening.
The end of the prayer period can be indicated by a timer, providing it does not have an audible tick or loud sound when it goes off
The principal effects of Centering Prayer are experienced in daily life, not in the period of Centering Prayer itself.
Physical Symptoms:
We may notice slight pains, itches, or twitches in various parts of the body or a generalized restlessness. These are usually due to the untying of emotional knots in the body.
We may also notice heaviness or lightness in the extremities. This is usually due to a deep level of spiritual attentiveness.
In either case, we pay no attention, or we allow the mind to rest briefly in the sensation, and then return to the sacred word.
Lectio Divina provides the conceptual background for the development of Centering Prayer.
A support group praying and sharing together once a week helps maintain one's commitment to the prayer.
Extending the Effects of Centering Prayer into Daily Life
Practice 2 periods of Centering Prayer daily.
Read Scriptures regularly and study Open Mind, Open Heart.
Practice one or two of the specific methods for everyday, suggested in Open Mind, Open Heart, chapter 12.
Join a Centering Prayer Support Group or Follow-up Program (if available in your area.)
It encourages the members of the group to persevere in private.
It provides an opportunity for further input on a regular basis through tapes, readings, and discussion.
Points for Further Development
During the prayer period various kinds of thoughts may be distinguished. (cf. Open Mind, Open Heart, chapters 6 through 10):
Ordinary wanderings of the imagination or memory.
Thoughts that give rise to attractions or aversions.
Insights and psychological breakthroughs.
Self-reflections such as, "How am I doing?" or, "This peace is just great!"
Thoughts that arise from the unloading of the unconscious.
During this prayer, we avoid analyzing our experience, harboring expectations or aiming at some specific goal such as:
Repeating the sacred word continuously Having no thoughts.
Making the mind a blank. Feeling peaceful or consoled.
Achieving a spiritual experience.
What Centering Prayer is not:
It is not a technique. It is not a relaxation exercise.
It is not a form of self-hypnosis. It is not a charismatic gift.
It is not a para-psychological phenomenon. It is not limited to the "felt" presence of God.
It is not discursive meditation or affective prayer.
St. Benedict's Monastery, Snowmass, Colorado
Not to scare you but I still have it today months after I stopped using. I agree with what other said here--I feel it coming on--and I can almost control it somewhat--I just have to stop--breath, more or less calm myself down---it had gotten alot better. I also have found that certain things set it off with me-so I try to avoid them.
It gets better, just keep working at it..
Mike
It gets better, just keep working at it..
Mike
I also know how you feel!! I felt that way for a/b a week, someone here told me to take 800mg of Motrin or IB. I did and that helped alot! You will get over that feeling soon so don't turn around now! Everything else going okay for you, how old are your children. I know thats the hardest part is trying to be "normal" for them but they will be okay, especially after you become "okay". Stay Strong!
Struggler.
Struggler.
Camden;
How long have you been off pills?
I know for me the Serenity Prayer is a great way to short-circuit anxiety and get my mind back on track.
Jim
How long have you been off pills?
I know for me the Serenity Prayer is a great way to short-circuit anxiety and get my mind back on track.
Jim
For some reason..that serenity prayer worked wonders for me too, JR. That and saying, "let go, let God". Which was a funny thing for me to say. But it helped "short circiut" those awful feelings.
CG
CG
I have it on my key chain and say it often. I does help! Rae
browndog, it would be a tremendous service here if you would start a thread and post. anger, resentments, self pity, unforgiven guilt and shame, anxiety, self-loathing, feeling of inferiority, etc.
those who recover working the steps call them "shortcomings" which a Higher Power can remove.
these things -- when exposed to the light -- have a tendency to start evaporating and disipating. many times, we have to really bring them to consciousness and "feel" them first. acknowlegde them. release them. then deal with them one day at a time when new ones come up.
sort of like weeds in the garden. clean them out in the spring time before we plant. plant our vegetables. then again we clean them out one day at a time as they appear before they choke out the tomatoes and cucumbers and squash -- which are all healthy.
some just ignore the weeds -- and the whole garden is spoiled and produces less than anticipated.
peace.
For people with an anxiety disorder like me.... never. Have you been evaulated for anxiety or is it new while coming off the meds?
If you suffered from it before, I would have to say it will make it more intense as you withdraw. Do you have a Dr or going it alone? If you do, tell him about what you are feeling but DONT let that sucker put you on anything but MAO's, paxil wellbutrin, stuff such as that. NO BENZOS (Xanax Valium). HUGE NO NO!!!!
If you think you have problems now, get hooked on that and lord have mercy on your soul. This coming from someone that knows.
If you suffered from it before, I would have to say it will make it more intense as you withdraw. Do you have a Dr or going it alone? If you do, tell him about what you are feeling but DONT let that sucker put you on anything but MAO's, paxil wellbutrin, stuff such as that. NO BENZOS (Xanax Valium). HUGE NO NO!!!!
If you think you have problems now, get hooked on that and lord have mercy on your soul. This coming from someone that knows.
I agree w/ Mrs Understood - if you have anxiety disorder, it never truly goes away. I've been getting panic attacks since 1991/1992 and they come and go...
But, I can tell you this, the addiction made them A HUNDRED times worse...... and the withdrawal process does, too. When I went cold turkey from pain pills, I would have panic attacks so bad I literally wanted to jump out of my skin (didn't have them on the sub). I would be asleep and all of a sudden I'd wake up, my heart pounding, sweating like crazy, scared and trying to flee but not knowing what I was fleeing from....
Ativan is great for panic attacks if you've never had a problem w/ benzos..... For me, I would always carry around one xanax, just in case.... Most of the time, I wouldn't even have to take it, but it helped me to have it there if things got too bad.
If you're going to use ativan, try to take it ONLY when needed...... there are other things you can do to help (for me, it helped to talk to someone, in person or on the phone.... I would be freaking out, asking "Am I going to die?" and they would keep reassuring me "no" and we'd do this for about 30 minutes until I was feeling better).
The antidepressant Zoloft helps a lot with panic attacks also.... It CAN cause some anxiety in the beginning, so I'd get the script now, while you had the ativan..... plan on using the ativan for only a week or so and by that time you'll have enough zoloft in your system to help w/the anxiety.
Good luck.
Danielle
But, I can tell you this, the addiction made them A HUNDRED times worse...... and the withdrawal process does, too. When I went cold turkey from pain pills, I would have panic attacks so bad I literally wanted to jump out of my skin (didn't have them on the sub). I would be asleep and all of a sudden I'd wake up, my heart pounding, sweating like crazy, scared and trying to flee but not knowing what I was fleeing from....
Ativan is great for panic attacks if you've never had a problem w/ benzos..... For me, I would always carry around one xanax, just in case.... Most of the time, I wouldn't even have to take it, but it helped me to have it there if things got too bad.
If you're going to use ativan, try to take it ONLY when needed...... there are other things you can do to help (for me, it helped to talk to someone, in person or on the phone.... I would be freaking out, asking "Am I going to die?" and they would keep reassuring me "no" and we'd do this for about 30 minutes until I was feeling better).
The antidepressant Zoloft helps a lot with panic attacks also.... It CAN cause some anxiety in the beginning, so I'd get the script now, while you had the ativan..... plan on using the ativan for only a week or so and by that time you'll have enough zoloft in your system to help w/the anxiety.
Good luck.
Danielle
Camden, I have panic attacks, anxiety , and depression. I'm currently tapering off benzos. My doctor gave me a script for an antidepressant called Cymbalta its for people with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. It's fairly new on the market. I'm giving it a try to see if it helps me.
Try to keep away from the benzos--xanax, valium, ativan, ect. they're highly addictive and very difficult w/d's
Good Luck,
Try to keep away from the benzos--xanax, valium, ativan, ect. they're highly addictive and very difficult w/d's
Good Luck,
Danielle:
Your anxiety sounds just like mine and we handle it in the same ways. I literally call people and say "just talk to me for a minute, by now they know whats going on and I come down really fast. Especially if the panic isnt addressed.
My husband is really good. He catches me sometimes before I do and he is like "just chill and remember you make them come and you make them go". Remembering that gives me the control I need to stomp it. I am always exhausted afterwards though.
My taper is over and I still have that .5 in my purse, just in case. Most days lately I pass on it altgether. How I feel when it is time to settle down usually decides it for me. I get REAL anxious when everyone starts falling out and Im still red-lining.
Your anxiety sounds just like mine and we handle it in the same ways. I literally call people and say "just talk to me for a minute, by now they know whats going on and I come down really fast. Especially if the panic isnt addressed.
My husband is really good. He catches me sometimes before I do and he is like "just chill and remember you make them come and you make them go". Remembering that gives me the control I need to stomp it. I am always exhausted afterwards though.
My taper is over and I still have that .5 in my purse, just in case. Most days lately I pass on it altgether. How I feel when it is time to settle down usually decides it for me. I get REAL anxious when everyone starts falling out and Im still red-lining.
My husband, best friend, and sister are the only people who can recognize a panic attack before I even have one.... I start massaging my neck (because of tense muscles), looking around, and figiting in my seat.
I've had them so much that sometimes I will tell a complete stranger "I'm having a panic attack"..... this is because I start looking like a crazy person and I don't want anyone thinking I'm on drugs....
I've had them so much that sometimes I will tell a complete stranger "I'm having a panic attack"..... this is because I start looking like a crazy person and I don't want anyone thinking I'm on drugs....
Me too, I tell people straight out so I dont look crazy. Usually through, explaining what one is helps me talk myself down because I basicially explain it is like someone pours a bucket or terror over you while your sleeping PING its on. Then I explain to them it is all in my head, Im not crazy I have a disorder that makes this happen and I have to use techniques to regain mental control.
People are ALWAYS sympathetic, from my experience and even interested in what is going on. Total strangers have stood in Wal-Mart with me talking about which liquid potporri smells the nicest until I come down. Mine comes REAL fast and goes REAL fast. The time the attack comes and goes my be 5-20 minutes but they come on and off like a light swtich. Then the announcement... "Shew damn Im glad thats over" and back to reality... very tired afterwards but atleast Im not FREAKING OUT MAN! The extreme fatique that comes with panic makes me wonder what it does to us... out heart, our organs, our chemicals. Are yall tired after an attack... to the point of needing a nap?
Usually I get "I have heard of panic attacks but I didnt know people actually freaked out having them. Most people think it is more of a term used than an actual event.
People are ALWAYS sympathetic, from my experience and even interested in what is going on. Total strangers have stood in Wal-Mart with me talking about which liquid potporri smells the nicest until I come down. Mine comes REAL fast and goes REAL fast. The time the attack comes and goes my be 5-20 minutes but they come on and off like a light swtich. Then the announcement... "Shew damn Im glad thats over" and back to reality... very tired afterwards but atleast Im not FREAKING OUT MAN! The extreme fatique that comes with panic makes me wonder what it does to us... out heart, our organs, our chemicals. Are yall tired after an attack... to the point of needing a nap?
Usually I get "I have heard of panic attacks but I didnt know people actually freaked out having them. Most people think it is more of a term used than an actual event.
I've done the same thing - talk to complete strangers.... I had a woman at Walgreens that was so freaked out by the way I was acting that she drove me to her doctor herself.
And I feel the same way you do - when I start explaining to someone what's wrong with me, how it comes on, what it feels like, etc, it's almost like I'm retelling myself all of this.... and that helps because I start realizing "It's just a panic attack; I'm okay."
Yes, I'm exhausted after an attack..... To me, it's like running 5 miles full speed and, when it's over, I'm mentally and physically drained.
And I feel the same way you do - when I start explaining to someone what's wrong with me, how it comes on, what it feels like, etc, it's almost like I'm retelling myself all of this.... and that helps because I start realizing "It's just a panic attack; I'm okay."
Yes, I'm exhausted after an attack..... To me, it's like running 5 miles full speed and, when it's over, I'm mentally and physically drained.
Danielle... may I have your email address?
Sounds like we are two peas in a pod. Have you been formally diagnosed yet? I havent... they are leaning towards tramatic stress syndrome but I want them to leeeeean towards some other factors before I accept that diagnoses. I thought I was bi-polar or manic. But, im not a Dr soooo I have to accept what they say but will get a second run threw by another Dr once this one has 'figured me out' ha! Good luck daddy, noones ever figured me out before... he has his work cut out for him.
Sounds like we are two peas in a pod. Have you been formally diagnosed yet? I havent... they are leaning towards tramatic stress syndrome but I want them to leeeeean towards some other factors before I accept that diagnoses. I thought I was bi-polar or manic. But, im not a Dr soooo I have to accept what they say but will get a second run threw by another Dr once this one has 'figured me out' ha! Good luck daddy, noones ever figured me out before... he has his work cut out for him.
