Hi there

[ksjones718]

Hi all-
I'm 23 years old and a graduate student pursuing a career in Special Education. I had anxiety when I was much younger (8 years old), but somehow overcame it and haven't suffered since, until recently. After a long weekend at home with my family I came back to my place with two of my parents dogs that I was going to be dog-sitting for the summer. One of the dogs was really sick so I was busy caring for her. Later that night it just hit me, all of a sudden, completely out of the blue. I had to go to the bathroom many times that night and was up all night with the dog. I originally thought that I was just sick or maybe was just worrying over the dog. But then it just didn't go away. I made an appointment with my doctor for several days later. That whole week I couldn't eat, or sleep, or sit still, or go anywhere. It was the worst fear I've ever had- anxiety that was just perpetuating more anxiety. I was scared it would never go away. I gave the dogs back to my parents, fearing that they triggered it and were making it worse. I started taking some medication that the doctor prescribed me (even that took time because I started having anxiety about taking the medication). After that week I was better for awhile, felt like I was starting to be "normal again." I stopped taking my medicine about two weeks ago when I started feeling better and I have been better since then, but it's back again. I couldn't sleep last night- every thought I had before I was falling asleep would turn into something violent, and I feared that I would dream about it. Now my thoughts are out of control; that I'll hurt myself, that I'll hurt someone else, that this will never stop, that I'll be the one person that can't be helped, that I really am going crazy, that I'll be trapped in my own mind forever. I know it's all in my head, but I don't know how to stop it. I have an appointment with a therapist tomorrow but still fear that nothing will make a difference. One minute I can feel okay, and the next I'm freaking out. Any advice?

[DAVID1530]

I can only tell you since you are younger than me try clearing your mind i am also going thru severe panic attacks i think im dieing all the time and it drives me crazy i think i am a educated person but just dont know what to do hope it helps a little good luck and god bless