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Posted 10/4/2011 12:28 PM (GMT -8)
I feel so alone! Ok, here is my story. I am a 25 year old female who has lived at home her whole life with her mom. I have a loving boyfriend who I have been together with for almost 4 years. I just started college 2 months ago and I love it. My mom has been struggling to pay for all of us to live in the same house so my boyfriend lucked out and got us an apartment where he works. I was so scared and nervous about moving and I knew I wasn't ready. Saturday we moved into the apartment and at first all did was sleep. Bad sign. I woke up yesterday morning with a full blown anxiety attack. I was alone in our apartment for the first time and it was scary. I haven't calmed down so I went back to my mom's where I lived before last night and I am still here. I missed my first class yesterday and I doubt I will go to my other class tonight. I don't want to go back to the apartment yet. I have ran out of my medicine I take and that has made it worse. I am not sure what I should do. I want to stay here again tonight and try to figure something out to help me, but I know I am buying time. I miss my boyfriend and things but here is my comfort place. I feel like I am going to die and have a hard time to breathing at times. I am scared and am just paralyzed with fear. Does anyone have any suggestions to help?
Posted 10/4/2011 2:14 PM (GMT -8)
SweetNSpunky,

I've been there...my anxiety has been so bad at times, I find myself questioning my sanity.Today, I'm a therapist in training (ironic right?) But if there is anything that I've learned, it's that you CANNOT avoid doing the things that you need to do, as this will make your anxiety much worse. In addition, you are your own safe place and person. When I had my first panic attack, I ran to my mom because she was my "safe person". While this was good in the short-term, it became difficult to do what I needed to do without my mother being by my side.

Also, if you are somewhere when an anxiety/panic attack strikes, don't run! This will make you more fearful of the panic attack. Stay where you are, and wait it out...it will pass! Even though I am still an anxious person today, I don't suffer from panic attacks anymore and it took me a long time to figure out how to stop them. I stopped being afraid of them--without fear, they cannot exist!

Feel Better,

Faith
Posted 10/4/2011 3:26 PM (GMT -8)
Faith,

It is so great to read your response, you are right on the money....it's exactly what I subscribe to and I make progress on a regular basis. Great advice, but I think it's difficult for others to except it for some reason....keep up the good work.....WM

Posted 10/4/2011 3:33 PM (GMT -8)
Wingman,

Thank you =) I'm so glad that this works for you...I've spent many years as an anxiety sufferer and I've tried practically everything to get it under control. It's not easy, but once it's mastered, anxiety can become manageable.
Posted 10/4/2011 7:54 PM (GMT -8)
Hi SnS and welcome:)

I am so sorry that you are going through such a tough transitional time right now. It is understandable that you are feeling this way. Coping with anxiety and a big change, such as you are isn't easy!

You can help make your move and new school efforts go smoothly by reducing your overall anxiety levels through coping mechanisms. Breathing and relaxation exercises are a great place to start.

We have some links for sites that teach these, as well as on-line therapy in our Anxiety Resource Guide (main page 3rd post) If you practice these daily, it will make a big difference:)

I also like to use a positive mantra when faced with something new and scary. I repeat a calming phrase to myself over and over as needed. The words that we say to ourselves have tremendous power, and it will eventually change the way that you think/feel about your situation.

You could try something like this:

"This is a new adventure that will make me so happy once I get through the initial tough parts...I have nothing to fear, and much to gain!"

or...

"This is a new and wonderful phase of my life that I choose to embrace, no matter how challenging."

Try some of these ideas and see if it makes your situation any easier. It just may be the thing that you need to empower yourself and give you the confidence to use the strength that you have inside of you:)

Post antime:)
Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/5/2011 3:18 AM (GMT -8)
When i can't breathe from the panic attacks i get a paper bag and breathe into this, believe me it helps, because when you are hypervenilating you are breathing out all the CO2 and when you breathe it back into the paper bag and breathe it back in it really helps, i just had to use this about 12 hours ago, i thought for sure i was having a heart attack, i'm 32 and suffered with severe anxiety and panic attacks since age 14 and i know what you are going through, and i believe what triggers them is the constant reminder of how horrible they are, and there are 2 words that always seem to cause my panic attacks and that is WHAT IF, what if i'm having a heart attack, What if this happens, What if that happens, but just know that it will pass, i even often look on youtube for how to stop panic attacks and relaxtion videos on there, it's great to have this site and hear other peoples stories and to know that your not alone, take care and hope you feel better, someone is always here for you,
Posted 10/5/2011 3:32 AM (GMT -8)
You will have to adjust to the new enviroment eventually. Everyone loves being in their comfort zone, but it won't always work the way we want it to. Adjusting is really important. And you CAN adjust to new places and environments. Do some research on the neighborhood of the new apartment where you are planning to live with your bf. When you learn more about the place, neighborhood, stores, community, people.. etc, you will feel more comfortable. The "unknown" is what makes you fear. And other people have given you some great advice on how to control your anxiety.
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