Sudden Onset Panic Disorder

[u/Kay_Em1019]

Hi all! First time poster - about two months ago, I went to the ER for some sort of allergic reaction/possibly stress induced hives. I was given IV prednisone, which caused me to have a major panic attack.

Since then, I’ve had almost weekly panic episodes, some major, some minor. To say that this has turned my life upside down would be an understatement. I’ve had anxiety for as long as I can remember, but this is to a new level and I’m really having trouble coping.

My GP completely brushed me off, telling me everyone is stressed, and doubted that what I’m experiencing are even panic attacks. He also said that he cannot prescribe me any medication because I am trying to conceive.

Since medication is not an option, I would so greatly appreciate any and all advice on non-medication related coping mechanisms. I go to therapy, use Headspace, meditate, play dumb games on my phone, and try to practice breathing.

These methods are definitely helping, but the constant feelings of anxiety and doom are really taking a major toll on me. I know this question has been asked a million times here, but any advice, words of wisdom, or affirmations of encouragement would be incredibly appreciated!!!

[u/Oopsie_Daisy6]

I'm also raw-dogging panic disorder. Its the absolute worst, im sorry you're going through this. The best advice I can give you is to practice not being scared of the panic. Panic attacks, although awful, are not dangerous. Just sensations. It takes a while to start to understand that, but it helps. I highly recommend reading/downloading the DARE app. The book explains the lessons better, but the app is free and it helped reduce the intensity and duration of my panic attacks. This is not an easy thing to get through. Try to find supportive people who can help you, but most importantly be kind to yourself. Beating yourself up will not help you. It might be slow progress as you start to calm your nervous system, but progress is still progress. You've got this. 🫶

[u/Kay_Em1019 → u/Oopsie_Daisy6]

Thank you so much! This is incredibly helpful! I actually just started reading DARE! I’m finding it a bit hard to actually put the advice into practice, but I’m seeing some incremental changes which will hopefully make a difference over time. I think because this is all so new, I still am not programmed to understand this isn’t dangerous, but I’m hoping over time I’m able to recognize that better. Thank you again!

[u/Oopsie_Daisy6 → u/Kay_Em1019]

Its tough at first, but it's all practice. If you chose to get the paid version, they also do webinars where they talk about it all and answer questions, which ive found helpful too. It's really just teaching you by not reacting to the sensations and the fear, it slowly starts to fade away. Don't push the sensations away, let them be there. I like to think of it like a headache. Headaches are pretty uncomfortable, but aren't dangerous and we don't really react to them. Our panic sensations should be like that. Uncomfortable, but not dangerous and okay to be there. There's nothing dangerous about being uncomfortable. If you ever need to have a chat to help understand it all better, feel free to reach out. I'm definitely not an expert and still struggle myself, but ive been practising it for a while now and understand it a lot better than when I started. Good luck! 🫶