LIVE FOREVER: PANIC DISORDER + ANXIETY

Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are different, but do share some of the same symptoms at times. An anxiety attack is usually brought on by a stressor who worries, has fear or apprehension; and a panic attack can come unexpectedly and is typically out of a person’s control.

Symptoms of Anxiety Attacks

-Muscle tension

-Disturbed sleep

-Difficulty concentrating

-Fatigue

-Restlessness

-Irritability

-Increased startle response

-Increased heart rate

-Shortness of breath

-Dizziness

Symptoms of Panic Attacks

-Heart palpitations or pounding heart

-Excessive sweating, chill, or hot flashes

-Trembling or shaking

-Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

-Feeling of being choked

-Chest pain

-Nausea

-Dizziness, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint

-Feeling of unreality (derealization) or being detached from oneself (depersonalization)

-Fear of losing control or going crazy

-Fear of dying

-Numbness or tingling sensations

Tkay’s Experience

My experience with anxiety is brought on because my life is so overwhelming 24/7. I am juggling three kids (a soon to be five-year-old, a four-year-old, and a seven-month-old), work, home life, the toddlers’ school life, and trying to have somewhat of me time or a “social life.” I stress the small things because as a mom, I WORRY about everything and anything. I don’t know if any other moms are reading this, but dads will never understand what mom’s feel or go through on a daily basis— am I right?

How I deal with my anxiety are the following:

-Meditation. I try to do at least one minute a day with deep breathing exercises (and I will do a longer amount of time if my day allows it).

-Boxing for 30-45 minutes depending on how long the baby naps (and honestly, working out in general, but this is my workout of choice because my trainer comes to my house)

-Letting go of control. I try to remind myself I am human, and to not stress over every little thing.

-Essential oils that I have diffusing in every room. My favorite oils for anxiety are: Frankincense (is a mood lifter), Lavender (is calming), and Ylang Ylang (has the ability to calm and strengthen the nervous system, fight depression, and provide overall relaxation).

-Date night with my husband because I find reconnecting with my partner and engaging in adult conversation is always a mood changer.

-Rest/sleep as much as I possibly can, which allows my brain to shut off and have time to refresh or reset.

Lyndsay’s Experience

Let me first start by saying this: Nobody has ever died from a panic attack even though you feel like you’re dying while going through it— but I promise you won’t. As soon as you feel one coming on, go to a safe place and deal with it the best way you can. Sometimes that means breathing through it and hoping it will pass, and other times you need to call an ambulance to feel safe. If you ever find yourself driving a car or doing something that can put your life at risk, stop immediately. This has happened to me way more times than I’d like to admit, and it’s extremely dangerous.

Okay, now for my journey: I’ve struggled with panic disorder for 15 years now. Some attacks are worse than others, but I am constantly trying to find ways to cope with it. I was in a car accident when I was 18 years old, and I was hospitalized with a severe concussion where I was knocked unconscious. Ever since then, I’ve dealt with panic attacks, and I feel all of the symptoms listed above when I have an attack. My doctor had me on antidepressants for two years, which made me feel like a zombie. Although, the panic attacks hardly ever happened while I was on them, I wasn’t myself and felt emotionless. So, I got off of the antidepressants and tried to attack (no pun) my panic attacks with a holistic approach. I’ve done endless amounts of research on what causes panic attacks, and although it’s unclear, there is an underlying cause that my brain is interpreting as “alert, alert, you’re dying, you need to go to the hospital.” My attacks usually come when I’m sleeping or super relaxed and happy— It is the most bizarre thing.

Some doctors think it’s a hormonal imbalance, some think it’s chemical, and others think my diet is a contributing factor. I’ve approached my journey with all of the doctors suggestions in mind, and I have tried different natural supplements, acupuncture, meditation, massages, cupping therapy, psychological therapy, antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, and dietary changes. Despite of all of that, I am still challenged with this disorder. Here are some things that have helped me deal with it:

-Accepting that I have this disorder, and I try to be as strong as I can mentally while I’m going through it. I repeat to myself over and over: “Panic, I invite you into my body and mind for as long as you want to stay because I know you are not real.” Keep in mind I actually believe this when I’m saying it, and that’s why I feel it has helped me in the past. I know it sounds crazy, but please try it if you ever experienced an attack.

-Ashwaganda is an herbal supplement that I have found has really helped me have an overall calming effect. This is the one that I take— I really like it.

-Acupuncture has been a great aid more recently. I’ve been going for 4 months now, and I notice a huge difference immediately after my session. Halfway through the session, I feel a calming effect run from head to toe. This is the place I go to. Dr Huang is so patient with my condition and tailors each treatment to how I’m feeling that week.

-Get massages often, and if you can, throw in a cupping therapy session after— it’s like an all natural xanax for your body and mind. This is the place I go to. Ask for Nikki, she’s the best!

-Exercise helps me a ton! I think I’m an exercise addict at this point, but it helps me to feel really in control of my body and mind. I will change my exercise depending on the state I’m in— I love running and the bike. I try to sweat a lot!

-Essential oils are very soothing to me while I’m going through an attack. This lavender spray is one of my favorites. I spray it on my face, pillows, husband, and dogs. Haha.

-Try to say positive. I know its easier said than done at times, but it is so easy to go down the rabbit hole of negativity. Just remind yourself that you will eventually power through your attack, and try to keep as much positivity around you as you can. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and just take things day by day.

-TKay and Lyndsay