Anybody dealt with panic disorder?

[a27mom]

My mom has a sudden unexplained onset panic disorder. She has been struggling with it for over a month. She is normally very even keel, strong, non-emotional, active. Now she is just a wreck. She is getting some treatment. Sometimes it is helping, but the last few days have been bad.

 

I see her a few times a wk, or more. We live about 20 minutes apart I want to be helpful, talking to her can be exhausting, but I am willing to be there.

 

Anyway, wondered if anyone has any experience and knows how close family can help. (My mom and I have an excellent relationship, so there are no other issues there.). Sometimes I think she needs to talk, but sometimes I wonder if talking about it makes it worse.

[Catwoman]

I don't know how to help, but I'll bump your thread so more people will see it. I'm sure someone will be able to give you some advice.

 

I'm sorry about your mom. She must be miserable! :(

[momto5blessings]

I also had sudden onset panic disorder issues. Prior to that I had never had any mental issues. It is very important that she be seen by a good Psychiatrist, who can prescribe the appropriate medication to help. These sudden onset disorders can get out of control really quickly. I made the mistake of trying to just use a regular doctor, because it was cheaper, and ended up being taken off a medicine that I really needed, too quickly and had a nervous breakdown.

If not treated early, these panic disorders can escalate, to developing fear of going in public places, or fear of being outside. That is what has happened with me.

A good psychiatrist is trained to recognize specifically what type of panic disorder it is, and prescribe the appropriate medicine. Also, if the panic attacks can be treated early enough, it is easier to get off medicine when things get under control.

This is just my personal experience. I have now been dealing with this for 3 years......I wish I had taken it more seriously. I wish I had seen a psychiatrist from the beginning, and not just a regular doctor. Feel free to PM me if I can be of further help.

HTH

Pamela

[Dory]

I'm sorry, I don't have a lot of advice but I thought I'd say the little bit that I have seen help. I rehabbed a dog once for a young lady with a panic disorder. It worked wonders. Not a puppy mind you and we went through a lot of dogs before we settled on one that she clicked well with. I taught the dog to crawl up in her lap, or lean against her to help her calm down a little. It also was taught to bump her when it was time to take meds. It helped her a fair amount from what I've heard from her. I also always have a dog with me with my PTSD to help me stay a little more grounded and not panic as much.

 

A good psychiatrist is a must, and be patient as it takes time to find the right meds.

[bzymom]

If she is able to do some exercises, that can be helpful. Even walking at a good pace can be calming during an attack.

I hope she finds relief soon.

 

 

[theYoungerMrsWarde]

My anxiety issues are less sever than that, but I agree with momto5blessings. Sometimes talking helps me, sometimes it makes it worse. What you will need to keep in mind is that what she fears/is panicking about will not always sound logical to you, but it doesn't make it less real for the person experiencing it. There isn't much advice you can give that I can think of (other than to get professional help early like momto5blessings said.) Let her talk if it helps her. Sometimes just talking about what I'm feeling/fearing makes it worse.

[Cindy in FL.]

I agree with momto5blessings!

 

I have struggled with this for the past 5 years. I really wish that I had gotten help right away because I have lost so much of my ability to live and enjoy life. It is miserable sometimes. She needs to get help. I have found the CDs called Pass Through Panic by Claire Weeks to be very helpful.

[Cera]

You said it was sudden onset, has she had a full, extensive physical? There are physical conditions that can cause anxiety/panic disorders that should definitely be ruled out.

[itsheresomewhere]

Has she had a complete physical with bloodwork recently? If not, please tell her to do so. Sometimes sudden onset of panic disorders can actually be other things. Thyroid conditions, vitamin deficiencies, and certain other medical conditions come to mind.

 

Yoga can help some with panic/anxiety issues.

[a27mom]

My instinct has been to say she needs to go to a specialist. Thanks for confirming it. Her Dr. Sent her to a Christian counselor because there is a spiritual element to her "irrational" fears when she is panicking. I don't really think this counselor is helping a lot, and she says she doesn't discuss spiritual issues anyway. Her Dr. Said if she goes on meds she will have to stay on them forever. So mom is petrified of using meds. (She's the type who doesn't like the idea of meds in the first place). I think she needs some. I have a medical background (I'm a physical therapist so this is by no means my area) and I think she should really look at meds to get it under control. She is having several panic attacks a day and not sleeping, her stress chemical levels have to be way out of wack.

 

I agree with momto5blessings!

 

I have struggled with this for the past 5 years. I really wish that I had gotten help right away because I have lost so much of my ability to live and enjoy life. It is miserable sometimes. She needs to get help. I have found the CDs called Pass Through Panic by Claire Weeks to be very helpful.

 

She did order something called panic away. It is endorsed by Claire Weeks. It hasn't come yet.

 

Thanks so much for all your responses. I am going to encourage her to go see a psychiatrist, or the clinical psychologist her doc was considering referring her to.

[2boysmom]

I had panic disorder. I think it was like a very post ptsd.

Did she ever have a trauma in childhood? or earlier?

I discovered mine was due to underlying family issues/trauma that never surfaced naturally.

Also, I think low magnesium or even low potassium can sometimes cause these things as well.

Once I discovered the "root" of my fear, I was free.

I didn't see a Dr. for this. I just prayed (this took at least 8months) and it hit me like a ton of bricks, the source of my fear.

I do think meds can help through the crisis though. I took meds for a while (but a very low dose) I'm not sure if they really contributed to recovery or not.

[Plink]

Oh, the poor thing. I am so sorry.

 

Is there any way you can encourage her to at least try the meds? A true panic disorder is not something you can exercise, breathe, or pray away. It is a physical problem, with a physical solution.

[momto5blessings]

A27mom, I agree with the previous posters that she should see a medical doctor as well, and get bloodwork.

It is not true that once your mom is on meds she will always have to be on meds. It depends how quickly she gets help, and what the specific disorder is. Many people are on meds, and then are able to get off them. It depends on the person. I also see a Christian counselor as some of my panic is related to spiritual things as well. I am not sure why that is...it just seems to manifest in this way for me.

Hope your mom is better soon!

[a27mom]

Has she had a complete physical with bloodwork recently? If not, please tell her to do so. Sometimes sudden onset of panic disorders can actually be other things. Thyroid conditions, vitamin deficiencies, and certain other medical conditions come to mind.

 

Yoga can help some with panic/anxiety issues.

 

 

All her bloodwork etc.. was back as of yesterday, everything is clear. She won't do "real" yoga because of her religious beliefs. But I tried to get her to do some yoga style Pilates, she had a panic attack doing them because she couldn't coordinate it all perfectly. I may try again and do some one on one instruction, I have a little bit of training as a PT. she is also limited because she broke her wrist about a week into this whole thing, so she. Can't bear weight or lift with her right arm. She has been exercising, what she can do anyway. (She is very fit previously involved in cross training type classes which she can't really do right now due to her wrist)

 

I really appreciate the responses, thanks.

[Cindy in FL.]

I have a prescription for Ativan (very low dose) that I keep with me in case. I have only taken it a few times, but it helps to know that I have it in case. I think meds can be helpful and they don't have to be used long term. There are things she can take to help her get through the crisis period.

 

I really hope that your mom is able to find a doctor who can help and that she is comfortable with. One thing I really like about the Dr. Weeks CDs is how calming and reassuring she is.

[Freckles]

I'm so sorry. I struggle with panic and anxiety as well. My counselor I had a couple of years ago said mine was a form of PTSD. I have also heard of women experiencing this when they go through menopause. I wish I had better advice. The things that help me are family support, low stress, predictability, and prayer. I have been on and off anxiety meds for about ten years, but lowering my stress helps the most. I also try to walk and I've started taking a yoga class at the Y. I'm uncomfortable with some of the words they use to meditate with, so I switch them to things like Shalom. I pray during yoga as well. Hugs to you and your mom. Being panicked is so scary and exhausting.

[countrygal]

Have her hormones checked out - thyroid, adrenal, or maybe she's had a major change with estrogen from menopause? Just a thought.

[dtsmamtj]

Mine was hormone related all the way. I was told I could quit taking the low dose medication when I have finished menopause.

[a27mom]

Mine was hormone related all the way. I was told I could quit taking the low dose medication when I have finished menopause.

 

 

:) she is in her 60's. well past menopause, including a hyst. They checked her hormones, all clear. She was abit disappointed . Would be nice to have something "easily" treated. She did have a thorough physical etc...

[Trillian]

DS has anxiety, not nearly what you're describing, still talking can sometimes help and sometimes spiral things out of control. You will learn when to set limits; it feels harsh but just, "we're not talking about this anymore, I love you" for DS he then has exercises he does from therapy. You won't always get it right and try to be kind to yourself,

 

Therapy has been extremely helpful for him, finding the right therapist was vital. The office works with psychiatrists, so he was evaluated, and if things had progressed, medication was an option, but it was deemed not necessary now for his anxiety.

[VeganCupcake]

I have had anxiety issues in the past and have had good success with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. If she can find a therapist that specializes in CBT and that she clicks with, it could be very effective. There's a book about CBT by Dr. David Burns called Feeling Good that is amazing if you actually go through and do the exercises regularly. It is not easy, but it makes a big difference for me.

[Incognito]

Did they check her B 12? I am not sure of exactly how it worked, but a relative of mine had a problem metabolizing B12 and ended up with panic attacks until he started taking injections of the vitamin. I am sure there are other things that can cause it as well, but just one more thing to see if they checked in the blood work.

[Alte Veste Academy]

Has she had strep recently? Sudden onset of step related panic/anxiety/OCD is called PANDAS in children, but it can be a contributing factor in adults as well. I would consider requesting a culture.

[StephanieZ]

I don't have direct experience with sudden onset panic disorder, but I do have years of experience of anxiety/panic. :(

 

IME, exercise is extremely helpful. Often, therapists hesitate to push it, because in cases like mine was (overwhelmed young mom), adding another "duty" (to exercise) to a person who has trouble finding time to bathe . . . well, it is just not helpful, lol. Not to mention that many people are unwilling to follow an exercise regime for any reason.

 

So, anyway, since you live nearby, if there is a way you could gently get her to exercise, ideally OUTSIDE (as I truly find being active outside in the fresh air is much, much more calming than doing it inside), then that might be helpful. Perhaps you could schedule walks together if there is a place half way between your homes. Or take a yoga class. Or go on bike rides. Or SOMETHING. It would be ideal to be close to daily, but even once or twice a week might help.

 

IME, xanax is very helpful if the problem is transient or periodic. I.e., I would get worked up/panicky in certain situations, but it was never daily. It was once a month maybe. Or maybe daily for two or three days during some crisis. Anyway, in situations like that xanax can be a GREAT drug. Just knowing you have control (can take a pill) can relieve much of the anxiety, even without taking it. However, it is highly addictive, so not a good idea for daily use for long term unless there are no better options.

 

If your mom is getting older (60+), I'd be SURE she's had a thorough medical workup. Alzheimer's and other diseases can cause psychological symptoms.

 

(((hugs))) I know how hard it is when your mom falls apart. :( I hope and pray she recovers rapidly.

[2boysmom]

A "help" for me was having a sheet of paper with me always (in my pocket, by my bedside, etc.) that had positive messages written on it like:

 

"you will be okay"

"you can get through this"

"you are not dying"

"This will pass in a matter of minutes"

"You are not having a heart attack"

" just breathe"

a favorite psalm or scripture helped as well.

etc...

 

Whenever I was experiencing panic, I would read these positive messages to myself. It was so helpful to contradict all my fears when going through a panic attack. Maybe your mom could try this.

[happi duck]

We've found this book to be helpful:

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne

 

http://www.amazon.co...sorder workbook

[a27mom]

I have had anxiety issues in the past and have had good success with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. If she can find a therapist that specializes in CBT and that she clicks with, it could be very effective. There's a book about CBT by Dr. David Burns called Feeling Good that is amazing if you actually go through and do the exercises regularly. It is not easy, but it makes a big difference for me.

 

That is what I assumed her counselor would be doing since it seems to be the Gold standard in treatment. However her counselor isn't doing that. She is not very satisfied with her counselor so I am encouraging her to change to someone with more medical training. ( her current counselor is also anti meds and that bothers me)

 

 

We've found this book to be helpful:

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne

 

http://www.amazon.co...sorder workbook

 

Seems to be the one good thing her counselor has recommended. It did help some, she does need to work with it some more

[lavender's green]

I had panic disorder. I think it was like a very post ptsd.

Did she ever have a trauma in childhood? or earlier?

I discovered mine was due to underlying family issues/trauma that never surfaced naturally.

Also, I think low magnesium or even low potassium can sometimes cause these things as well.

Once I discovered the "root" of my fear, I was free.

I didn't see a Dr. for this. I just prayed (this took at least 8months) and it hit me like a ton of bricks, the source of my fear.

I do think meds can help through the crisis though. I took meds for a while (but a very low dose) I'm not sure if they really contributed to recovery or not.

 

I had anxiety and panic attacks for years and years. Once I figured out the root I got better. Night and day. I'm truly free now. I had gone through years of talk therapy and lots of reading and self-reflection, but one day my husband said something small, and I suddenly understood everything.

 

Medications have their place for managing symptoms and getting you through the worst of it. Thorough bloodwork is a great idea. I think some minor vitamin/mineral deficiences exacerbated things for me, but I never knew until much later when I was supplementing for different reasons.

[Kari C in SC]

I also had sudden onset panic disorder issues. Prior to that I had never had any mental issues. It is very important that she be seen by a good Psychiatrist, who can prescribe the appropriate medication to help. These sudden onset disorders can get out of control really quickly. I made the mistake of trying to just use a regular doctor, because it was cheaper, and ended up being taken off a medicine that I really needed, too quickly and had a nervous breakdown.

If not treated early, these panic disorders can escalate, to developing fear of going in public places, or fear of being outside. That is what has happened with me.

A good psychiatrist is trained to recognize specifically what type of panic disorder it is, and prescribe the appropriate medicine. Also, if the panic attacks can be treated early enough, it is easier to get off medicine when things get under control.

This is just my personal experience. I have now been dealing with this for 3 years......I wish I had taken it more seriously. I wish I had seen a psychiatrist from the beginning, and not just a regular doctor. Feel free to PM me if I can be of further help.

HTH

Pamela

 

I agree with all of this. My dh has panic disorder and his experience was very similar to this. Getting a psychiatrist to prescribe a correct meds combination was key.

[CAMom]

I also had sudden onset panic disorder issues. Prior to that I had never had any mental issues. It is very important that she be seen by a good Psychiatrist, who can prescribe the appropriate medication to help. These sudden onset disorders can get out of control really quickly. I made the mistake of trying to just use a regular doctor, because it was cheaper, and ended up being taken off a medicine that I really needed, too quickly and had a nervous breakdown.

If not treated early, these panic disorders can escalate, to developing fear of going in public places, or fear of being outside. That is what has happened with me.

A good psychiatrist is trained to recognize specifically what type of panic disorder it is, and prescribe the appropriate medicine. Also, if the panic attacks can be treated early enough, it is easier to get off medicine when things get under control.

This is just my personal experience. I have now been dealing with this for 3 years......I wish I had taken it more seriously. I wish I had seen a psychiatrist from the beginning, and not just a regular doctor. Feel free to PM me if I can be of further help.

HTH

Pamela

 

YES!! Mine came on out of the blue just about 4 years ago now. Never, ever had I ever experienced anything like it. I constantly thought I was dying. I became afraid to be left alone with my little guy who was 3 at the time. I wouldn't go anywhere without my husband and, even then, I was a wreck.

 

I worked with a therapist for almost a year which did help but just was not enough. She referred me to a pshychiatrist who started me on a very low dose of medication which worked like a miracle for me! I never had to increase my dose. My disorder is very well managed. I have ativan for when I have break through panic but I almost never need them.

 

Pamela is so right that it should be treated sooner rather than later because it just gets worse and worse. I would cry and tell my husband I knew I was being unreasonable when I wouldn't leave the house and that I hated it but just could not help it.

 

I am so thankful to have it under control.

 

:grouphug: