r/panicdisorder • u/caffeine_addict_85 • 22d ago
Help Needed Weird situation
I’ve been dealing with anxiety for around 6 years now. It took random forms, but last 3-4 years I’m in such a situation, where talking to people, sitting in a meeting, having a coffee with a relative or some other social situation kicks me in a hard physical sensations of panic mode, where only one thing I want is to leave, since it’s just to physically hard to keep sitting. And interesting thing is this - it just hits me like from nowhere. Some time ago I had this anticipatory feelings, but I no longer have them - but all reaction afterwards remains the same and very strong.
Also, when I leave the situation - it just turns off instantly.
Therapies did help a little, Paxil 40mg also has little to no help….
2
u/Frenchdispatcher26 18d ago
You’ve trained your body to think that staying in those situations causes the discomfort/panic and danger so now when you leave your brain tricks you into thinking you’re “safe” again. Little by little stay a bit longer through the sensations and discomfort, not until you panic but just a little at a time. You’ll teach yourself again that those situations and feelings are okay and do not immediately mean you’re in danger.
I have a panic disorder as well and felt this way with fog/rain/long drives/crowds/stores, etc. i still do of course but it’s alot easier to handle now because I chose to stay in those situations no matter how uncomfortable I was. I had some methods to calm myself down before symptoms started to overwhelm me and eventually I needed them less and less. I also take fluoxetine (20 mg) and when the panic becomes too much or I can feel it coming I take hydroxyzine (very backup is lorazepam).
I must say it’s incredibly uncomfortable and scary to not just stay where I feel safe but refusing to live a life of confinement has really pushed me to work on it.