General Anxiety and Panic Disorder

I have been dealing with anxiety and depression for over 40 years due to combat related PTSD but off and on I'd had the same symptoms before going to Vietnam... I have been on meds for 30 years and have reduced my need for them by abstaining from things that are bad for me and cutting back on what I can't do 100% without which is sweets and cigarettes... I have gotten into taking vitamins and organic supplements I order online and they are helping me.... I need to crash or I will have a bad day tomorrow... I'd like to continue following your thread to see if I might be able to offer some suggestions.... I worked in the mental health field for a few years so I have first hand and practical understanding of this topic....

Altering consciousness occurs through the use of hallucinogens, meditation, music, controlled breathing exercises, alcohol, and repetitive words and phrases (mantras and chants). All of which it appears that you have done or currently do. Altering the consciousness is a form of self hypnosis. Think about what a hypnotist can get people to believe and do through the power of suggestion. The suggestion goes into your subconscious with a trigger, and when the hypnotist utters the trigger, the hypnotised respond accordingly. What really is any different in your case? The triggers happen and your mind is flooded with panic, fear and images.

Our thoughts constantly wonder in the natural state to prevent self-hypnosis. If our thoughts are forcefully and unnaturally stilled through meditation for example, we have clearly entered an unnatural state. The repercussions of your practices are now manifest in your life. Music is a very insidious form of stilling the mind, the beat and repetitive chorus can alter consciousness by stilling our thoughts. Additionally the lyrics then get implanted with triggers. For example, the words heart, fire, burning, light and shine abound in popular music. Is it no coincidence that occultist and shamans have for thousands of years believed in a burning fire of the heart that will transform humanity into the golden age? Of course not. Musicians are on record stating that they can change ideologies and beliefs simply through the beats of their music, that it "hypnotises" the listeners.

Please step back and think about this. From a Christian perspective, your mind is fully controlled by the beast. It controls you through your mind because you have subjected it to every one of the practices above. Your triggers are set and you respond to them accordingly. I don't think that any of us realise what is coming in two generations who have been subliminally implanted with these triggers and responses. I truly feel for you and I can sense that you are looking for help to overcome this, at times, debilitating condition. I have witnessed panic attacks, and they are crippling. But if you understand how it happened, it can lead you to understand the cure. Bring all your thoughts in captivity to Jesus Christ. Your Creator gave you a conscience and a will (emotions etc). Your conscience is serving your subconscious instead of being master. All that fear and panic stems from the subconscious. It's why you feel it welling-up as if it's coming from nowhere. The world today is enticing everyone to place their emotions and subconscious as master, and tragically, Adam is listening to Eve all over again.

Our Creator commands His children to not chant and perform repetitive mantras, to not be subservient to Eve, to not involve certain music, and to avoid drunkenness. Revelation states that pharmekia (mind altering drugs) leads the nations astray. Now, most will tell you that He is mean and grumpy to do this, but given the above, He is Only Good and protecting. The whole world follows the beast. Please don't be one of them. This condition is curable, and it is through removing the mark of the beast. That can only be done through coming to Jesus Christ. This may be rejected by you now, but perhaps a gentle reminder that all who call on the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ will be saved is what you need to hear at this time. Man's battle is against Him, and in the process, most will reject the One who can save them for man who cannot. Your panic attacks and racing thoughts of death and fear are coming from what wicked men and women have intentionally placed there through hypnosis and subliminal messaging. You need them OUT. Jesus Christ will take them out by transforming the inner man and heart, your thoughts and emotions. You are a captive to them and know no real freedom. Jesus promised that He would free us. There is so much in that promise and I hope that you can perhaps sense the truth. He is but a heartfelt prayer away, and as it takes a broken spirit and contrite humbled heart before most are capable of dropping to their knees, I actually pray that you have reached that point. He breaks pride to get through to you. Know this. Now look up instead of within.

reply to post by ceetee


That's a good website I'm looking at for myself. Thank you.
I think you've been quite helpful in your replies to the op. I will give you some stars.

I have anxiety disorder. There are triggers that set it off.
I think for me I have some abandonment issues, so anything that comes up where I am cast aside or unfairly excluded causes this anxiety. I feel I have no identity when that happens. I know who I am, but do they? I can't explain it. I don't go out of body though. My mother died suddenly when I was a child and its most likely the main cause of this.

I take Ativan. Just half, as infrequently as I can. It helps me sleep and helps to calm me down. I'm not addicted.
If these pills help you and you don't take them every day, they're at lease better than antidepressant which my worsen the condition.

Op it helps if you can identify the root of the problem. It might help to re- examine the first time it happened. If you were watching tv, or even a word spoken by your girlfriend, anything, there might have been an intense trigger, one that you didn't really notice at the time.

A Psycologist might benefit you. Some of them can be quite good at teaching skills or ways to react and not react to certain situations. If you can't get any counselling, having a good friend to talk to can be supportive. Surround yourself with more positive people and avoid the ones who are negative. Avoid any activities that you think triggers them. Family situations can be hard and I do hope you continue trying to make amends with your parents. Take it slowly, this will take time. Its ok to pull away from it, take a break if its not going well.

Does this relate to you in any way?

Depersonalization disorder. This disorder is characterized by a sudden sense of being outside yourself, observing your actions from a distance as though watching a movie. The size and shape of things, such as your own body or other people and things around you may seem distorted. Time may seem to slow down, and the world may seem unreal. Symptoms may last only a few moments or may come and go over many years.

Source

I actually do remember what happened right before it. My girlfriend said that I was kind of twitching a little bit and then asked me if I was okay. I swore that I wasn't twitching or anything but she insisted I was. Then I went to go get water, and it happened.

I appreciate your feedback. As for depersonalization disorder. I don't necessarily believe that it is that. As It's not a steadily occurring thing. The whole mirror thing doesn't happen every single time I have a panic attack, only sometimes. But the symptoms of it are pretty much spot on, aside from the movie part and sizes of objects.

reply to post by DocHolidaze


I asked many questions and not just those, nor the only ones I would ask

Hey. I'm really, truly sorry to hear you're suffering from panic/anxiety disorder because I know EXACTLY how HORRIBLE it is. I was diagnosed with panic/anxiety disorder in 2006 and then with PTSD in 2010. I'm 24 years old...I don't drink caffeine (or ingest it...I avoid chocolate and other caffeinated foods), I don't smoke cigarettes (or anything else that's smokeable), I don't drink alcohol, I don't do drugs of any kind, and I maintain a healthy diet. I've struggled with panic, anxiety, and the PTSD beast since I was a kid (and the initial traumas that caused the disorders began) and the severity of the issues have only increased with time (and more traumatic experiences). I've done the therapy thing since I was eight...and it hasn't helped me one bit...seriously, sixteen years later and I'm still in therapy and it just doesn't do anything for me. I've seen psychiatrists (who diagnosed me with panic/anxiety disorder and PTSD) and gone through therapy with psychologists...and it just yields no results, but I'm a weird case, an odd duck, so don't allow my experiences with the mental health profession to influence your decisions regarding them, I'm just sharing my story with you. I'm not saying that it wouldn't help you...in all actuality, it actually helps many people to speak with psychologists and psychiatrists, and they most likely be able to help you identify the root of your issue and maybe even hopefully help you resolve it or at least help you develop coping mechanisms and skills to deal with the issue. I understand the Ativan helping you and honestly, there's no shame in taking it as long as it helps and it doesn't screw you up...I've been prescribed everything from 2 mg Xanax four times daily to 2 mg Klonopin four times daily to 2 mg Ativan four times daily to 10 mg Valium four times daily...they figured out years ago that Xanax works best for me and while I'm prescribed 2 mg four times daily, I don't take that much...I just take one when I feel the panic creeping in or if I have a flashback or anxiety attack. Don't let anyone make you feel stigmatized about this...as far as anyone implying you're on drugs and the people who'll just label you crazy and the others who will say panic/anxiety attacks aren't real and/or just weakness, DON'T let them get to you. Oh, and as far as some of the things I've read here so far, let me say this: I'm a Christian, walking in the love and light of God and filled with the Holy Spirit and happy to be...I don't listen to any crap music that's brainwashing me...and me being a Christian or not and listening to whatever music is not what has caused me to have these issues, as it probably is the same with you. I don't know why you are having these issues and no one here should try to make such bold claims as to know why you're having these issues. I have panic/anxiety disorder and PTSD because I was neglected and physically and sexually abused for years as a child by a family member, molested and raped and beaten time and time again from early childhood up to my mid teens until I ran away to another family member, and then at 18 I married a man who physically, emotionally, mentally/psychologically, and sexually abused me, beating me every day and telling me that God didn't hear my prayers and trying to sell me to his friends and worse and ultimately trying to kill me and himself when I tried to leave, which I survived (clearly) and gave me my only chance to get away without losing my life. Listen...I don't know what's happened in your life and I don't know what you're dealing with now. The music thing is ridiculous, listen to what you want and if you have bad taste in music now, you'll probably outgrow it. I would strongly advise being saved through Christ but I can't make that decision for you...I can tell you, though, that the will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot protect you. That may mean something to you, it may not...but I believe it to be true so I threw it out there for your consideration.

I hope you get to feeling better soon and that this issue becomes more manageable and less severe for you ASAP. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Sincerely
Jennifer

reply to post by jcutler12888


Wow, your story was honestly moving. It made me feel at peace in a way. I've had a couple near panic attacks just typing all of this out and reading everyone's stories. I could never even imagine the severity of your case of panic disorder and I really am empathetic towards you. It really makes me feel better to know that I really am not alone with this and that other people are dealing with the same problem. I've had so many people tell me that I was just on drugs or crazy that I eventually started to wonder if I actually was crazy. I will make sure I continue future contact with you to let you know how I am doing with my anxiety and even see how you are doing as well.

Truthfully, thank you, so much.

reply to post by Erich94


Hey. I edited my last post a little bit and added a lot more info...you might wanna check it out, I figured why not go for full disclosure and share my story with you and let you see where I'm REALLY coming from.

I'm really glad that I could help you feel at peace, even if only for a moment...I know how much even one moment of peace can mean in a world of chaos and anxiety and I'm so glad that reaching out to you could give you that. I used to have those...the near panic attacks just writing out the words or trying to say them and having them get caught in your throat and just wanting to give it up and stop writing or not say anything...but don't let it hold you back. Tell your story. Treat the anxiety like it's separate from you and tell it "You are NOT gonna hold me back and stop me" and press on as best as you can. It's hard at first, nearly impossible really...but with time, it starts to work a bit and help.

The severity of my case is...well, pretty damn severe, to speak plainly about it. But I just separate myself from it...I look at it like an adversary and I go to war with it and I refuse to lose the battle or the war. I'm just as empathetic to you...it's hardest when it first starts and you don't know what's going on or what's causing it and it turns your world upside down and makes you question your sanity. I've made it far beyond that point, I've identified the problem and I have built up my strength against it...but you've just begun to deal with this and it's a long road to go down and I wish I could just give you a hug and help you get over the initial difficulty which is the hardest part of all.

You are never alone. I don't know if you believe in God but if you do, then know that He is always with you. If that's not your cup of tea, then know this...there are millions of people just like you and me that are dealing with this and me and all of them are always with you in spirit. Take comfort in the fact that you are never alone. And you're not crazy, either. That's just negative thinking that'll send you in a downward spiral. You are just another normal, sane person dealing with your own set of issues just like everyone else is and just because your issue is panic/anxiety does NOT make you crazy. Again...you are not crazy and you are not alone and you CAN beat this...keep that in mind.

Definitely U2U me and stay in touch and let me know how you're doing and I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing. I'm adding you to my friends list...never hesitate to message, you'll always have a friend in me.

No problem. I'm just glad that I could help.

*hugs*
Jennifer

I'm going to take a crack (no pun intended) and guess that the OPs experience was somehow chemically related/induced.

reply to post by Erich94


There are some great ASMR videos that really allow me to get into a relaxed state.

3d sound videos that focus on ambeint sounds like legos clicking together or the sounds of someone whispering softly in your ears have been the first time ive found something that can take me from any emotional state to nearly instant calm.

Ill link one of my favorites:

www.youtube.com...

I would recommend using headphones and putting at a natural volume for the setting.

I`m not normally conspiracy minded but I really do think there is something very strange happening in the world today.

I`m the last person in the world that you expect to have anxiety/panic attacks but I started getting them about 4 or 5 years ago.
Without revealing too much personal info I have lead what most people would consider an extremely stressful and anxiety filled life, but you know what, that never really bothered me.I never felt any over bearing stress or anxiety from any of those experiences.
about 4 or 5 years ago that all changed for no apparent reason.the last 4- 5 years have been the least stressful years of my life, so why did the anxiety/panic attacks start then?
I`m 52 years old now, i don`t drink, don`t use drugs, don`t take any prescription medicines,don`t get flu vaccines,don`t have any major financial problems,so there is no logical explaination for why these anxiety attacks would start now at this point in my life.

It`s not just me either, at about the same time (4-5) years ago my wife and oldest daughter also started experiencing anxiety/panic attacks.

There seems to be a large increase in the number of people who are starting to experience these attacks, even people who have NO logical reason to be experiencing them.

reply to post by Erich94


I used to have alot of anxiety, I still have some left.

My reasons were too much nicotine, too much alcohol, gambling, watching too much porn and masturbating to much..
I quit most of these, I still drink alcohol in the weekends though, and I do smoke at parties and stuff, but otherwise I quit it.

You see all these things affect your dopamine receptors, and if your dopamine receptors get ruined you start getting anxiety..

You should research this on the internet closer.

reply to post by Tardacus


Something in the water, perhaps? Just a guess.

Originally posted by Jukiodone
I suffered a number of panic attacks after a trip to Thailand where I came the closest to death I'd ever been 3 times in 1 week ( A car crash, a rip tide on a deserted beach and a plane emergency landing- all in one week).

At the height of the attacks I felt completely mentally overpowered by fear.

I think this should be paid close attention to. Are you afraid of death?

I used to have extremely bad anxiety attacks, they all stemmed from a fear of death and I will say, amplified by drug use and alcohol. I eventually stopped fearing death, thats when they went away.

I still have "bad nerves". I get chest pains when I'm wound up. The 1st incident you described though sounds more like a case of social anxiety. Doctors tell you Paxil is good for that, but no.. everyone has social anxiety to some degree.

To knock these attacks out you're going to have to find out whats causing them, and kill it. That could involve going to a shrink but it shouldn't have to. Realize your fears and face them head on. If its death.. I suggest you take more risk, get your body better used to coping with high-risk situations. That should help I hope?

Mainly, hang in there. They don't last forever. The more used to them you get the easier they are to recognize so even when triggered your not so worried.

Next time you have one, go INTO it. By that I mean, don't be afraid of it and let yourself just fall into the feeling rather than fighting it.

Also, have you had any hormone issues?

If you have any on going dental issues such as infected root canals or loose crowns have those fixed.

This sounds off the wall but I had a bad root canal that was infected on and off for years and it eventually caused all kinds of panic/anxiety issues for me. Had the tooth pulled and the problems stopped right away.

Some nasy bacteria was growing on my jaw bone and in a hallow spot in the lower tip of the tooth. It was untouchable with antibiotics because of the location. This stuff caused problems in the head.

It's a long shot but I can tell you first hand it's a possibility.

reply to post by kimish


If you had read the rest of it you would have found that I was sober at the time.

reply to post by Wertdagf


I will check out those videos, it seems like an interesting method of relaxation. I have done some of the 3d sound things before and I always thought it was pretty neat.

Well many people have already touched upon some possible causes of these anxiety/panic attacks.

I was going to suggest you could try meditation or relaxation techniques which may help, but you said you'd already tried such things.

I hope you can find a way to resolve these attacks.

reply to post by jcutler12888


It very well could be triggered by something in the water, anxiety and panic disorder seems to be a modern ailment that doesn't stretch too far back into human history from my understanding. Only fairly recently has this become an issue. I tend to not drink tap water because It always tastes like chemicals IMHO, so I always drink filtered water from the refrigerator.