i have panic attacks and i can’t control them, please help

[Lexie Joy]

i have really bad anxiety attacks all the time as well as GAD, Panic Disorder, and social anxiety. i shut down. i shake violently and i cry uncontrollably, i won’t talk for and hour after it. it’s like i have a million voices in my head saying all my biggest fears outloud and laughing at me and pushing me. i had one during a lecture yesterday and someone thought i was having a seizure. please help me, what do i do.

 

[alwaysworried]

Hey! So sorry you're going through that, panic attacks are so terrifying. There's a great app I like to use called DARE that has a panic attack audio that will guide you through a panic attack - that's really helped for me. I also read some books and learned more about exactly what is happening in the body when you have a panic attack, which helped me feel safer because I knew that I wasn't in any real danger, even though it feels like it. For me, it also helped to keep repeating to myself "this will pass". Often it's the fear of not being able to control your symptoms/not seeing your symptoms go away that actually prolong the attack, so reminding yourself that it will pass and be over soon can help calm you down. Easier said than done, but I find it helpful.
If you are able, it sounds like seeing a therapist (not sure if there's a counseling center available through your school, that might be a good place to start) or your GP for your anxiety would be really helpful. It seems like this is really disrupting your life, and you shouldn't have to suffer through that. Hope this helped a little. I know it's frustrating to just hear someone say "go see a doctor/therapist" when you want an immediate solution, but when your anxiety is this severe, seeking professional help is often one of the best things you can do. In the meantime, though, there are other things you can do for yourself like that app I mentioned, there are some great youtube videos out there for overcoming panic attacks, self-help books, etc. Hope you start to feel better soon

 

[Aries]

Are these actual voices you hear or are they just thoughts? Because if they are voices it often responds to anti-psychotics. Unfortunately those often has bad side effects, but if you are in really bad shape it's something to consider.

 

[Lexie Joy]

Are these actual voices you hear or are they just thoughts? Because if they are voices it often responds to anti-psychotics. Unfortunately those often has bad side effects, but if you are in really bad shape it's something to consider.

I am currently on anxiety meds, do they count as a anti- psychotic? also i don’t think they are “real“ voices, i believe they are just thoughts

 

[Cuchculan]

And these thoughts, are they you telling yourself to pull yourself together or are they saying something else? If we are having it rough we can more or less tell ourselves off by way of thoughts. Speaking without saying it out loud. Maybe even have a two way conversation about something. Again all in our own heads. Not actual words out loud. Like we are playing out a situation.

 

[Aries]

I am currently on anxiety meds, do they count as a anti- psychotic? also i don’t think they are “real“ voices, i believe they are just thoughts

Sometimes shrinks use anti-psychotics like risperdal as anti-anxiety, but not usually. Have you had cognitive behavioral therapy? Everyone with anxiety should try that first before trying meds.

 

[Lexie Joy]

Sometimes shrinks use anti-psychotics like risperdal as anti-anxiety, but not usually. Have you had cognitive behavioral therapy? Everyone with anxiety should try that first before trying meds.

i have tried it, it works for a while but after a few months it doesn’t work anymore

What medicine did your doctor prescribed for you?

serotonin

 

[Aries]

i have tried it, it works for a while but after a few months it doesn’t work anymore

serotonin

You mean an SSRI? Those are awful.

 

[imsotired]

ohhh bro i have been there. i was uncontrollable crying at my doctors appointments and screaming like there was a demon inside of me. im so sorry you had one during a lecture- thats so awful!!!. i heard this from someone, people are not going to call you out on your flaws and even if they do they are so immature and idiots- try not to let them get to you. most people in this world are nice and want to help. what has worked for me, i take a squichy ball or something i was feel to distract me but that always doesnt work as in my experience the feeling will get tooo strong i cant control rather than trying to hide things, it is best to let it run through you and it will eventually pass. always know in your heart but that you are trying you best regardless of what others say

hope that helped

 

[Lexie Joy]

You mean an SSRI? Those are awful.

very

And these thoughts, are they you telling yourself to pull yourself together or are they saying something else? If we are having it rough we can more or less tell ourselves off by way of thoughts. Speaking without saying it out loud. Maybe even have a two way conversation about something. Again all in our own heads. Not actual words out loud. Like we are playing out a situation.

the thoughts judge me kinda, they just say whats wrong with my appearance and personality and grades and empathy, so essentially everything about me they judge

 

[imsotired]

very

the thoughts judge me kinda, they just say whats wrong with my appearance and personality and grades and empathy, so essentially everything about me they judge

ohh im so sorry to hear i was struggling with this for quite awhile i thought that i was ugly but since i had anxiety and was crying like every 5 mins haha i began to accept myself as hating yourself is in my opinion one of the wost thing you could do. i know it is easier said thn dont but try not to get cought up in the negative as it will make your life harder. wht works for me is i do meditation right bfore i go to bed about positive affirmations they really help. try not to wrry so much about your grades as it doent rlly mean anything well in my opinion but ifyour parents are strict that is a whole other story. remember that we cant contrl the thoughts we get but we can contol how we filter them.

good luck hoope that helped
rachael xox