Bipolar w/ panic/anxiety attacks?
463977
First and foremost pray and then start looking for information to help you with anxiety attacks because the Bible says Seek and you WILL (not may) find .Believe me, having been through anxiety attacks I know how motivated you are to get help. I believe you will get help and I am on your side in the battle.\n\nIt is very important to do this with the guidance of a trained Psychologist or Psychiatrist but there are ways to cope with this problem without medication in many instances.\n\nOften panic attacks are the result of some kind of psychological trauma. In my case I almost died from a heart problem. Most of my life I have not had them but when I did they were doozies. You must guard against incompetent Medical people. In my case the Dr. prescribed enough of a drug in the same class as Valium (can't remember the name now) to sedate a horse. These drugs do not address the underlying problem although in some severe cases may be necessary. The benzodiazapenes such as Valium and Xanax are addictive. The only drug I take now is a drug that regulates the heartbeat.\n\nBe particularly careful about the Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil. Again in extreme cases they may be necessary and regardless always go with a Doctor's advice(just make sure they are competent). What I am stating is my own opinion derived from personal experience but it is well founded since I am well now and was at one point a basket case. I had a very bad experience with Zoloft, promptly quit and don't need it.\n\nHeres what I found:\n\nDon't laugh, but many times anxiety attacks are caused by hyperventilating. When you hyperventilate you are actually changing the chemical composition of the blood. It is a vicious spiral because the more you get anxious the more you hyperventilate which makes you more anxious ad infinitum. I am not talking about conciously hyperventilating but rather hyperventilation you are not necessarily aware of, basically improper and shallow breathing. A good site that explains it is http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/anxiety/christine/treatment_breathing_techniques.htm\n\nSometimes if you will slow the rate at which you breathe and breathe from your diaphragm, you can mitigate your anxiety. Babies breathe from their bellies, adults and sometimes even children breathe in a shallow manner not extending their bellies out as they take in a breath.  Due to the excessive levels of stress all around us we become desensitized and don't even realize how much we have been affected. I remember going out into the country and for awhile the extreme quiet got on my nerves until I got used to it and then what an incredible good feeling came over me.\n\nThere is another technique for dealing with the acute portions of an anxiety attack. There is a book by Dr. Claire Weekes called Hope and Help for your Nerves. She talks about the 4 stages (1 Facing 2)Accepting 3) Floating \n4) Letting time pass . I highly recommend that you purchase her book . For me, the facing part is acknowledgeing that even though you feel as if you will die and it is extremely uncomfortable , you will not likely die. The accepting part is just acknowledging that since you will not likely die you can accept your condition. This becomes easier as the severity of the attacks begin to lessen. 3) Floating for me was a process of stepping outside of myself and observing objectively what was going on 4) Letting time pass is facilitated by realizing that the attack will diminish over time . This realization allows you to become occupied doing something else. I am by no means  a trained Psychologist but the techniques worked for me and I am definitely well now and I think it is possible you will be too. \n\nOh and be sure to get a complete medical workup. Sometimes anxiety attacks are realted to a thyroid condition or mitral valve prolapse.
213174
sounds like panic attacks, but it's really hard to say.  You could see a doctor, but those psychiatric medications they may prescribe can be really poisonous
842738
No issues, as long as you find the right meds and keep taking them. I am bipolar and have been for 25+ years. I have been married 20 years and hold down a very high pressure job.
711564
Yeah you should check with your doctor.  Bipolar is a very severe illness and you shouldn't ingest anything without knowing what affect it will have on your mood
197367
Your symptoms and your prior diagnoses seem indicative of chronic panic attacks. Do you suddenly get nervous almost jumpy, begin sweating, have shortness of breath and what can only be described as chest pains when these attacks happen? If so, I would probably have to go with my first assessment. You may want to see your doctor and let him know of all of these symptoms (should they apply to you). He can then prescribe an anti-anxiety medication such as valium, xanax, buspar, etc. Do you have any idea what causes them? Have you suffered a traumatic experience in the past that could have been the basis for this? What generally trigger's this? Sometimes simple panic attacks happen as we remember or are exposed to a situation that is similar to a negative/traumatic experience in ones past. Also, panic attacks and some fears stem from the unknown. Have you heard of the phrase, "What you don't know won't hurt you?" This doesn't apply to people who suffer from panic attacks. The best way to combat this is to research what it is that scares you and trigger's these symptoms. To understand ones problem is to put oneself at ease. Try not to read too much into a situation as this will just increase your anxiety and make it worse. Have you heard of the K.I.S.S. Principle? It stands for Keep It Simple Stupid/Silly. The last "S" is part of the original phrase as Silly is a new variation. Don't take it personally. Anyways, life is already complicated enough without having our own fears and anxieties flare up and make life worse. Try to get to the bottom of this as it can be a learned behavior as a way to compensate for traumatic experiences in your past. I hope that I have been of some help to you in this endeavor. Good Luck to you!\n\nps: Anxiety will increase ones blood pressure and the lack of help and confusion will eventually fuel your anger making things worse. Keep calm as you don't want to give yourself a stroke as it could happen when left unchecked. \n\n\npps: That reminds me, also see your doctor about a blood pressure medication and to also recommend a good therapist as it will provide you with an outlet for your stress. Don't be worried about shame or stigma as over 50% of all Americans suffer from one kind of mental illness or another (no matter how mild of how bad it could be). You are in the majority in this respect. Remember, there is no shame in wanting to get better.\n\nppps: The stress that you are undergoing will lead to a build up of stomach acids which will create heartburn and if left unchecked GERD and/or esophageal varices (an ulcer in the esophagus where it meets your stomach opening), and eventually a gastric ulcer. Eat a lil something low in salt, sugar, fat and acid. This will allow the excess acids to work on the food and not your insides. BTW, sugary, salty and fatty foods will also elevate stomach acids. On a holistic note: I read that the drinking of certain types (not any and all) of vinegar will help to neutralize stomach acids. This makes sense as vinegar is an alkali and will neutralize acid. In any case, always consult your doctor before taking anything to help ease your problems as there may be an allergic or adverse reaction that you don't want to find out about the hard way.
47974
It may be panic attacks, not always a known cause as to why the occur..can be in subconscience. I'd talk to your DR
579980
Having manic highs (YES! THE WORLD IS GREAT! AMAZING!) and manic lows (I think I might kill myself . . . I hate the world . . . etc.)
390524
there are lot's of ways to handle panic attacks. First is to remember that you are not "crazy" or "making it up in your head". They are a result of stress and sometimes stem from a traumatic event. I think that it's always good to see someone you can talk with like a counselor. Also deep breathing can be really helpful, 10 deep breaths slowly. There is a Bach's flower essence called Rescue Remedy, it's found in most natural food stores. A few drops under the tongue can be helpful. Just remember to stay in your body and ask for help. Good luck and good work being brave enough to ask for help!
1078411
if you truly are having panic attack, talk to your medical D.R\nhe will get you into contact with a psicologyst who can help you with it. If you can't get to a D.R. try your school nurse/principle/teacher
305412
Hey, I am bipolar and your symptoms fit for bipolar but could be other problems as well. Without more info it's hard to tell. I'm not a doctor so I would never attempt a diagnosis anyway. But check the symptoms on the page link below.  If those symptoms don't fit then go to the sites home page and search for other mental conditions. The site is the National Institute of Mental Health and is 100% free and run by the government. Hope it helps and Good luck!
248924
I am off meds right now. It was a long road to get were I am at. I had to learn my triggers, and learn to rationalize with myself. I still have bad days, but my husband and kids help me through. I would rather be on meds, but I had problems getting and taking them every day, which made things so much worse. I have found that letting close friends and family know what is happening will help. They will not take things as personally, and can "see" symptoms before you do. I start cussing really bad at the start of a manic episode, and my husband will say something, and work to get me in a calmer place. He also knows that a depressive episode is almost always followed by mania for me. \n\nI can not hold down a "normal" job. The stress sends me into loops. I now work at home, and set my own hours. For me it works. For others they need a "set" schedule. I found a therapist who would not try to analize me, but instead let me bounce my own thoughts and ideas off of him. That was the best thing that ever happened to me! \n\nFor the first time in my life I will tell people I am bipolar and hear back, "No Way, you are so normal!" It feels good!
507539
I myself am bipolar. I have been in a relationship for 8 years now. My fiance has had to learn the hard way how to deal with my mood swings. He says u have to be very understanding,supportive,and willing to help in time of need. I have abused him in more ways than 1 since we been together,but he justs takes it the best way he can. There are groups that help people with bipolar and for those who love someone with bipolar. Learning all you can about bipolar will help out alot also.
338743
yes i can , being bipolar you will have major mood swings. one day you can be so high on life and feel everything is great and the next day you will be so depressed that it is hard to even get out of bed. bipolar can be very dangerous.and if you think you may be bipolar you should seek help right away. i know these things because i am bipolar, manic depressant, and have multiple personalities. good luck and GOD BLESS YOU!!!
747234
Samya, I am really sorry you are feeling this way, but you are not having panic attacks. You are feeling overreactive to stimulation and you are probably dealing with a lot of stress. There is something called anxiety attacks which are smaller than panic attacks but they are very distressing none-the-less. Try counting to 10 before reacting to negative comments by someone and see if the immediate anger subsides a little. Good luck :)
564635
Panic attacks have many causes and yes, phobias are one of them. In fact they're probably one of the biggest causes. I've had panic attacks for 7 years which were initially triggered by smoking marijuana and taking LSD. Stress can also be a factor.\n\nThe first panic attack I ever had was after smoking some pot. I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe, my hands and feet went numb, and I thought I was going to die. I went to the ER and they just told me it was a gastrointestinal thing (WTF!) and gave me some antacids and sent me home. After visiting my regular doctor I found out the truth.\n\nI quit doing drugs, started going to therapy, and began taking Paxil. It worked great...for a while. I switched to Celexa, then Effexor, then Zoloft, and now Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin makes me feel better but recently my panic attacks have returned, so I also take Ativan or Xanax when they hit.\n\nIf you don't want to take any drugs, there are some breathing exercises you can do to help calm yourself down. You can find them on-line, but one that I use is you close your eyes and take slow deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. I keep doing this until I feel that I can go back to being normal or until I fall asleep.\n\nIf you're taking any recreational drugs, you should stop because it may be contributing to the problem. I hope this helps you!
99032
I have a friend and a sister who both were suffering from panic attacks.  Interestingly, both started therapy and were prescibed Paxil by their psychiatrists.  Neither ever had a nother panic attack.  There are very effective drugs to help people control panic attacks.  You should talk to a professional.  I think you should make an appointment so that hopefully you can avoid having another attack.  When my sister had her attacks, she said it felt like there was a giant weight pressing down on her chest and that she couldn't breath.  I'm really glad that she doesn't have those anymore.  Good luck to you.
377118
everyone experiences anxiety, many times to different degrees, and are triggered by different sources.  \n\nSOunds like GAD or a mild panic attack, i would talk with a doctor