OT: Need a little help

[LyricalLyricist]

....

Click to read more...

 

[ClasslessGuy]

I know they probably don't offer health guidance but there's a phone line for this... (my cousin use to call there a lot when he was young)

Revivre – Association québécoise de soutien aux personnes souffrant de troubles anxieux, dépressifs ou bipolaires
Écoute, information, références
514 REVIVRE (738-4873)
Sans frais : 1 866 REVIVRE
Revivre.org

 

[habsprospects]

Call 811 and they might be able to tell you the best option.

 

[Rapala]

Can mods not merge this for a little bit? That's all I ask.

I recently got news in my life that really hit me. I got news Monday and I essentially deteriorated into having severe panic attacks and anxiety since based on my fears regarding it. I had 5 short panic attacks in the last 12 hours and basically haven't been able to eat, sleep, etc...It doesn't feel like it will stop. That's my main concern, the fact that it seems to be getting significantly worse. The first day I was calm and objective but now, not so much. I've even experienced feelings of claustrophobia in my own house which really have made the situation much more taxing on my body(never been claustrophobic in my life...).

I googled online that ER drs aren't best suited for this stuff(no idea if that's true) and basically I need some feedback. I have a family dr but getting an appointment would take a month or more. Should I go to a walk-in clinic or the ER? I'm not sure if my strong reaction is a sign that I need therapy or not, if anyone has experience with this and/or rates for this type of stuff please let me know, PM me in private if you wish.

Please respect that I won't talk about the news but any feedback would be great. I don't intend on self medicating myself but I'm just worried about my reaction and looking for feedback. It's entirely possible the shock is very hard for me to deal with but I still need to see someone because I can't do much in my current state. Thanks.

Buddy,
Go to a walk in asap if you don't have a family Doctor.
I go to the Walk In at Sherbrooke and Westminster they are very very good and will ptake all the time you need. I recently had to go for Chronic Fatigue and found out I am diabetic and depressed. I immediately got on an orphan list for a family doctor and was accepted today!

The reason I suggest the walk in is a 1-2 wait at most if you get there at 7:30 - 8:00
Not to mention they seem to have a good handle on these types of maladies as well as therapy on site if needed. Send me a personal email [email protected] if you need more info...

 

[Pierre Dagenais]

Go to a walk-in clinic early tomorrow morning. Stand in line 30 minutes before it opens.

If you can't wait until tomorrow, go to the ER now.

Hope you get better buddy.

 

[Andy]

Can mods not merge this for a little bit? That's all I ask.

I recently got news in my life that really hit me. I got news Monday and I essentially deteriorated into having severe panic attacks and anxiety since based on my fears regarding it. I had 5 short panic attacks in the last 12 hours and basically haven't been able to eat, sleep, etc...It doesn't feel like it will stop. That's my main concern, the fact that it seems to be getting significantly worse. The first day I was calm and objective but now, not so much. I've even experienced feelings of claustrophobia in my own house which really have made the situation much more taxing on my body(never been claustrophobic in my life...).

I googled online that ER drs aren't best suited for this stuff(no idea if that's true) and basically I need some feedback. I have a family dr but getting an appointment would take a month or more. Should I go to a walk-in clinic or the ER? I'm not sure if my strong reaction is a sign that I need therapy or not, if anyone has experience with this and/or rates for this type of stuff please let me know, PM me in private if you wish.

Please respect that I won't talk about the news but any feedback would be great. I don't intend on self medicating myself but I'm just worried about my reaction and looking for feedback. It's entirely possible the shock is very hard for me to deal with but I still need to see someone because I can't do much in my current state. Thanks.

I had a severe panic/anxiety disorder a few years back. It was preventing me from sleeping. I would get them every single night as I tried to fall asleep, felt like I was getting a heart attack.

I took pills for a short while, but didn't feel comfortable with doing that long-term, so I went to see someone. They helped tremendously. I would say get in touch with a psychologist asap. We found the root of my problem within 4 sessions. Turns out I was suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) caused by being present during the Dawson shootings. My mind repressed the events, but it was still affecting me. My body was in constant flight or fight mode. Developed a severe case of hypochondria. The psych gave me a few exercises and coping techniques and within a couple of weeks my anxiety was gone. It's been 3 years that I haven't had a panic attack. I'm grateful for the help I received.

 

[ZARTONK]

Call 811 and they might be able to tell you the best option.

This, also the walk in clinic is a good idea, just make sure to be there at least half an hour before they open.

 

[gusfring]

Sorry to hear this. If you have a family doc then I would demand to get seen ASAP. That's what they are for.

This cannot be put off.

 

[CastroLeRobot]

Sorry to hear that.

I had a similar experience way back when I was in college 12 years ago. At the time, I didn't accociate my life events with my symptoms, and I thought my anxiety/nausia was caused by intestinal issues. I went to the Jewish Hospital and they did a full battery of tests and even an endoscopy. In the end, it was a doctor there that started asking about my life, what I was going through. He prescribed a very small amount of anxiolytics and sent my to a psychiatrist.

The psychiatrist explained to me that anxiety is a normal reaction closely related to our survival instincts. It is there to keep us sharp in the face of danger. He first said "congrats, your survival instincts are working". Then, we talked about my life. My discussion with him made me realize that while what I was going through was stressful, sad and hard to bare, it was not a threat to my security or to my health. It didn't threaten me or loved ones. My brain was confusing huge disappointment with real danger. Of course, even though I realised that at the time, it didn't help right away.

The doctor prescribed anti-depressants right there and then, after our first meeting. I thought that was too big a step and didn't take them. But I kept thiniking about what he said and why I felt this way. In time (months in my case) I started feeling better. It sometimes comes back now and then, but I look at my kids, I see they are safe and I laugh it off (nevously ;-) ). They bring me strength.

Here is my advice to you :

1- If your news really threatens your or loved ones' well being, then your anxiety is normal and even welcome. You have to seek help in removing the threat, not the anxiety.

2- If your anxiety is because of emotional breakdown/disapointment/sad news, then it is also normal, but you have to try to make it go away. You can do that by healing slowly (time is your best ally), by using medication (with your doctors conscent) or by other means (sports, meditation, sex, etc)

I hope that you are in the 2nd case, and I wish you a fast reocvery.

 

[Andy]

The psychiatrist explained to me that anxiety is a normal reaction closely related to our survival instincts. It is there to keep us sharp in the face of danger. He first said "congrats, your survival instincts are working". Then, we talked about my life. My discussion with him made me realize that while what I was going through was stressful, sad and hard to bare, it was not a threat to my security or to my health. It didn't threaten me or loved ones. My brain was confusing huge disappointment with real danger. Of course, even though I realised that at the time, it didn't help right away.

.

This what I was told as well! The only difference is I was given coping techniques as opposed to medication. It worked out wonderfully.

 

[PricePkPatch*]

I just want to tell you that it is great that you arent trying to "sucking it up". Mental troubles are usually very hard to acknowledge, even if they are only temporary or mild.

Hope you get help, and that the news that hit you badly will get better. No shame in asking for help, only courage.

 

[ThaDevilGirl]

I can't really help you or offer some advice, but I hope you feel better soon.

 

[Alexdaman]

You can check yourself in the Louis Hippolyte Lafontaine mental hospital ER. You'll get an appointment with a psychiatrist within a couple hours. The best option for you (I know for personal experiences) is to get medication to at least help you sleep and reduce the anxiety.

My mother has been there and I have been there. Thousands of normal individuals go through this every year. I once was unable to sleep for 7 days and havent been taking drugs or anything, I was having a psychosis, finally I lost it and it took the police and a ambulance ride to solve it.

Dont wait for something bad to happen, losing more and more sleep will make you eventually lose more sight with reality.

Also the patients at the ER are often in a bad shape and it may make you more anxious to see this environment, but usually within the day, you will be moved to another unit where things are much quieter. Mental care is not an easy process, but if you can't sleep and the anxiety is starting to make you lose sight with reality you MUST go.

http://www.iusmm.ca/institut/a-propos.html

https://www.google.ca/maps/preview?...F-8&ei=ydgZVMH7OIqtogTxt4DoCA&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ

 

[Rapala]

I just want to tell you that it is great that you arent trying to "sucking it up". Mental troubles are usually very hard to acknowledge, even if they are only temporary or mild.

Hope you get help, and that the news that hit you badly will get better. No shame in asking for help, only courage.

Ditto...
Hard to acknowledge on a personal level let alone in a public forum.
The stigma is slowly but surely eroding thanks to folks like LLL and those posters who have responded with nothing but heartfelt suggestions based on their experiences.

 

[Hullois]

I went through a similar pattern of panic attacks about a month ago... I thought I was going to die of a heart attack. What used to help me is to sit in my shower... basically anything that already used to calm you down, and change your thoughts. Then I went to a psychiatrist that explained to me exactly what CastroLeRobot said, and then we found what triggered it. I am able to control them now. You have to find the triggers and then rationalize.

Those things really suck, best of luck to you.

 

[CastroLeRobot]

I went through a similar pattern of panic attacks about a month ago... I thought I was going to die of a heart attack. What used to help me is to sit in my shower... basically anything that already used to calm you down, and change your thoughts. Then I went to a psychiatrist that explained to me exactly what CastroLeRobot said, and then we found what triggered it. I am able to control them now. You have to find the triggers and then rationalize.

Those things really suck, best of luck to you.

It's really a widepread situation with the fast paced individualistic lives we have. Most men of my generation I know have had panic attacks.

 

[DenverHabsFan]

Please respect that I won't talk about the news but any feedback would be great. I don't intend on self medicating myself but I'm just worried about my reaction and looking for feedback. It's entirely possible the shock is very hard for me to deal with but I still need to see someone because I can't do much in my current state. Thanks.

Dude, I feel your pain. I've been dealing with panic attacks for almost 20 years. I could almost write a book about it.

Here is some quick advice but feel free to PM me if needed:

- Stay away from family doctors or the ER. Most doctors there don't understand anxiety and will make you feel like you are weak and stay stupid stuff like "get over it" or "chill out".

- Get a complete physical. If you have anxiety, it's actually comforting to know that all your vitals are ok.

- Get a referral for a counselor or some specialist who understands anxiety. Ask or try your best to assess if that specialist is a "pill pusher". I've been able to survive that long without pills. I'm not saying it's bad, it may even be a good thing to take the edge off right now. All I'm saying is that some doctors have a "pill first" mentality and you sound like me and want a pragmatic approach.

- It may sound too easy an answer when you feel like you've lost control of your body but all you need is to TALK and reduce stress in your life. Your post was a good 1st step. Keep reading this thread and talk to people who understand what you are going through.

- Tell people who cause you unnecessary stress to GTFO. Surround yourself with happy, positive people. Stop watching the news. It's depressing and you learn nothing anyway.

- GET OFF THIS SITE! Seriously, at least take breaks. Some posters just antagonize and you don't need that. If you're addicted, put as many threads on your ignore list as possible.

- In case I wasn't clear: positive, positive, positive. You're in survival mode and should move all the negatives out of the way. That friend who makes you cringe? Don't return his calls or emails.

- Stay active. Anxiety makes you feel like you are inside the space station with nowhere to go. You need to increase your physical activity.

- You may start to fear certain situations like flying, crowds, etc. DO NOT avoid those situations. Actually, once you feel in better control of your anxiety, make an effort to get on a plane or whatever you now fear. All those small victories will help you get back to a normal life.

Anyway, so much more I could say but gotta run now.

Stay strong and realize there are millions of us out there and don't be ashamed to talk about it.

 

[LyricalLyricist]

I read everyone's post and thank you for the help and for some of you, thanks for sharing your experiences. I don't think I have the energy to reply to everyone individually but please don't feel I didn't take your messages to heart.

I'm going to explore my options because I feel it inside my bones and it's dragging me down a lot.

 

[Andy]

I read everyone's post and thank you for the help and for some of you, thanks for sharing your experiences. I don't think I have the energy to reply to everyone individually but please don't feel I didn't take your messages to heart.

I'm going to explore my options because I feel it inside my bones and it's dragging me down a lot.

Hey man, next time you get an attack, just remember that it's actually just your body going into survival mode. Your brain thinks that your life is under attack and your anxiety is just a reaction to a percieved threat. When you get an attack, stop, think of where you are...assure yourself that there actually isn't any danger around, that you're in a safe environment. This is what I was told from my psychologist.

In terms of anti-anxiety technique, I was told that when I felt an attack on coming to clench my fists and feet tightly for 10 seconds and then release. When you release, focus on your muscles relaxing and removing the high amount of tension. Repeat 2 or 3 times. Also, don't forget to assure your brain that you are safe and you're not in any immediate danger .

 

[WhiskeySeven*]

Call your family doc, book an appointment and say it's urgent for the reasons given. Call the psychiatric ward of whichever hospital you want and say the same thing.

As for anxiety, many years ago (okay, 5) for whatever odd reason I'd get a weird feeling every time I'd walk by my ex-girlfriend's hangout. Turns out they were panic attacks and I had no idea why. I was prescribed lorazepam (aka Ativan) by my senile family doctor but I ended up using that first batch mostly recreationally more than actually ever needing them. Never went on the stuff again, my circumstances changed I suppose, but they DO work and they ARE very very strong.

And the advice given above is quite right.

One thing you, and everyone, should always keep in perspective is that there are things within your sphere of influence and things which are not. Knowing the difference between the two will change your life and alleviate a lot of stress - if you want to get into the world's best med school, the admission's officer is not within your sphere of influence but your grades, sleeping habits, and so on ARE. If you want something you can't afford, the only thing you can do is save and earn, which are both within your sphere of influence. Same goes for love, and especially death and health.

There are things you cannot, and will never be able to control. Focus on the other things, it's much better that way.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I have no advice to give but I will simply say that I hope you feel better soon.

 

[brunosevigny]

As a pharmacist, here are a few advise: First of all, get an appointement with a doctor (I have no suggestion where to go, the posters above seems to have way more experience than me on the question). IF NEEDED, don't fear using prescription meds. The sides effects are definitly not that bad (It's way overblown) and it's effective. Long acting anxiolytics (SSRI's and SNRI's) DO NOT CREATE addiction. Short acting anxiolytics (benzodiazepines -- lorazepam family) may create addiction if used on a daily basis for an extended period, so beware of it. If benzodiazepines are needed on an extended chronic period it's alrignt. The withdrawal is possible as long as you work with a health practicionner. The association of prescription meds (If needed) and therapy has a greater rate of succes than both treatments alone. Stay strong, things will get better.

 

[Devourers]

I had two massive panic attacks before and I went to the ER. They actually helped a lot. Also if you're having anxiety attacks, best not to google the issue

 

[groovejuice]

Really can't offer anything except support and best wishes, and respect the courage of your original post.

What you did is quite extraordinary. That in itself, I hope, will propel you too the realization that you're very self aware and very strong.

Good luck. GHG.

 

[LyricalLyricist]

Had another severe panic attack at midnight. Called 811 and spoke to them about my options. They felt going to the ER for a panic attack would take a long time and I'm better going to a clinic. I'm going to contact a therapist tomorrow as well.