Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

I'm a little embarrased but I need to let this out! So I have been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks for about 10 years now and throughout that time I was on meds, it would get better, then I'd come off of them, it would come back etc... I finally weaned myself to the lowest dosage of zoloft and I've been on that for like 5 years... throughout that time I have had my life turned upside down the past 3 years and it has come back... I am still getting panic attacks and worse yet I just dont feel like I am enjoying life because of this anxiety!! I cant just relax and enjoy without thinking "I hope I dont have anxiety"... it's terrible! I am so afraid of death, and I lost BOTH my parents six months apart about 3 years ago... since then I've become a total hypocondriac(sp?) and I am afraid either me, DH, or my family is gonna get sick and die. I can't keep living this way and I know that I need to change something... I am so afraid to change my meds, I hate medication of any type... I wont even take Tylenol because I'm afraid of how my body will react and honestly, I also dont want to depend of medication for the rest of my life.. My DH is so supportive, but he wants me to get off the Zoloft or at least talk to someone and change it... I am too young to live my life worrying about everything! I'm sorry to vent like this, its just sometimes I need to get it out and I feel bad always putting it on my DH or my family and friends. Does anyone know an EXCELLENT psychiatrist? Also maybe a cognitive therapist? Thanks for listening! Also... I should add that I'm not ALWAYS feeling this low... its just that sometimes I just get sick of dealing with it after a while. I just want to be able to not worry about EVERYTHING!! LOL

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

I am going to fm you later. I have a good psychiatrist that I used to use.

Let me look for his card.

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

Sounds to me like you need a good psychologist more than a psychiatrist.

And although taking medication can relieve you of the symptoms...You need to have someone help you deal with the daily and extraodinary stress that you deal with on a daily basis. If you don't, you will ALWAYS have these issues and you will never be able to be medication free (which i think is the ultimate goal).

Message edited 9/19/2005 6:52:42 AM.

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

This is my feeling. If there is a medicine that will help you suffer less, then why suffer....

Because that is what it sounds like. You are suffering. I agree though that medictaion is only part of this. You definately should look for a clinician that specializes in CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). Be it a social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

I have a couple places in mind. Where do you live? I will FM you what I can think of now.

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

Thank you all for your support! I am going to research CBT therapists, I went to one once and really loved her, she was just really expensive... if anyone knows of any please let me know

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

you should do a search on my name, I have been posting about this in the last 4 months on here and LIW. I have anxiety disorder and it *****, I am on meds, doing so much better, but I don't think that is because of the med. It could be, but I don't think so.
Please fm me when you get a chance, I would like to know your meds. I am on Lexapro and xanax. I went to a psychologist, because I didn't care for her way of therapy, it didn't help me, I am going to find a new one .

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

You have FM!!

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

Thanks for all of your support!!

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

it's good that you're seeking help.

hope all works out for you!

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

well also know you are not alone...it's a lot more common than you think!

Get it out and set some help...you'll feel better in no time!

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

I went to a both a psychiatrist and saw a social worker. My psychiatrist who put me on meds for anxiety is Dr, Adarsh Gupta at LOng island Jewish Hospital. If you want to try him, his number is 718 470 7632. I saw a social worker at Comprehensive Counseling in Bayside, Queens. Seeing both really helped me a lot. I was at a point where I became housebound.

Please get help!! Keep me posted and good luck!!

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

i just wanted to give you a hug.

Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks--- Need to vent and need a psychiatrist!

I had suffered in the past since I was 17 with horrible anxiety attacks...I was int he Er at least 20 times for them, thinking I was dying. I have a few chronis health issues and that led me to worry even more then is natural.

I started Paxil about 5 years ago and it was a life saver for me. I deal mainly with daily stress and it helps, I havent had a full blown panic attack in those 5 years.

I tried to get off the meds about 2-3 times, would come right back ...

Chemical imbalances, although it causes controversy sometimes have a LOT to do with it. I have an underactive thyroid and chronic epstein Barr virus overload, both of these lower your serotonin levels and therefore half my stress is created by my body NOT my mind..

I would suggest a FULL routine physical....some things can go un noticed and lead to anxiety....

I dont really suffer now, but when I did , it was excruciating so I understand how you feel. I was pretty much agorophobic after my daughter died, and I never want to get to that point again, so if I have to stay on meds forever, I will. To me with my health conditions, its almost the only way and its like a vitamin to me at this point....and like you I hate to even take a tylenol.

I dont see a therapist or a psychiatrist. I have a BA in psychology and can almost analyze myself...LOL....I learned on my own to deal with stress and the med's help with the rest ....

GOOD LUCK! I hope you find a good Dr, and start to be able to live your life to the fullest again SOON!