I didn't take any meds for it, I live in ngland and they don't seem keen to give medicine out for this sort of disorder. Unfortunately I found it went of its own accord, which might not be much help to you because I know how frustrating it is wanting it just to go. Keeping busy and relaxing really helps to, I've had it so many time now though that I know what it is and I know for me, eventually it will pass. I'm sorry I couldn't help more.

slinky, Did you take any meds for the depersonalization feeling? If not, how did you get over it? I feel that way 24/7 and it's so frustrating. Thanks for writing back, it does help knowing that other people have gone through this. I just want it to go away for good.

I've suffered from this symptom a lot and after a lot of reading I think it is what they call depersonalization or derealization, which is common with anxiety. It feels like you are watching life go by like it was a film. When it happens to me I am really terrified I'm losing my mind, its reassuring to know others have suffered this.

Hi jafloydci, I get the spacy thing to...it is actually my most annoying symptom. Feels like me eyes are not working properly and I totally tune out to most things. Its really scary because it feels like your just going to fade out. I have learn't over time that i wont, but it is still scary everytime it happens, If I just go with it it seems to go away faster. Hope that helps. You are not alone in this.

Thanks everyone for writing back. Everday is a struggle to feel "normal." It means a lot to me know that I can tell you how I feel without you judging me. Thanks a lot.

I too had the detached feeling and what I call drunk vision when I first started having the attacks. It took me a while to seek help about it I kinda just kept everthing inside. Like someone else said, just "go with the feeling", relax, and just let it do its thing, it won't hurt you. Once I let go which for me was after a complete cry balling my eyes out, it got alot better. This was a couple months ago, I am not on any meds and I am just starting CBT. I shoveled snow for 2 hours the other day and really strained myself, I had a cold at the same time, now the vision is drunk vision again but slowly getting better as I relax more. I know what your saying that I can't relax and that has happened to me as well, I do exercise now quite a bit, I ride the exercise bike and when I'm done I feel fantastic, sometimes though before I started riding, I wasn't really able to relax until I just finally felt exhausted from it.

You're not alone, jafloydci. I always felt I was alone in this. I see a therapist once a month, but I really do not have anyone else I can talk to about my anxiety/panic/depression. I will go weeks, months without an attack and then one sneaks up on you. I have tried a CD by Dr. Emmett Miller. My stepmother used to tell you that of all the horrible things that have entered your mind, none of it has happened. It's just anxiety. She speaks the truth. It is true. It's also tough anxiety and she knows that, but she's being supportive. We use our minds for so many things and the anxiety some of us feel is part of us, but as you noted, there are ways to deal with it. You just have to keep learning about it. I had a lot of anxiety when I was 20 too. It was so cary and I had no idea what was going on. It was not the first time for me, though, but it was the most serious. I am 38 now. I have mae it through all these years and I have succeeded at a lot where once I was so scared to try anything. I have had the detatched feelings and the feelings of dread and fear. But it's all part of anxiety. Anxiety, plain and simple, sucks. Excuse my language. I really hope some of this is helping you. I speak from experience, some very unpleasant. Since then, I have learned a lot about my problem and it sounds as if you are experiencing similar symptoms. Personally, I suggest exercise and lot's of it. I will go to the gym feeling like I am nearly emotionally exhausted, then I get my blood pumping and by the end of my workout I do not want to leave the gym. I want to go back and do the same workout again, only harder this time. Cardio is great as are weights. All I can really say from experience is that everyone's panic or axniet is different in some ways, but we all experience the fear and weird feelings. But you know that when you are feeling good it really is special. I find that when I am at my lowest, I remember to when I felt good and eventually the good feelings come back. You've got friends, jafloydci. Anyway, I have just rambled through another post and I hope I helped someone besides myself. Venting really helps. Best regards and keep posting, David

Jaci does your psychologist have any suggestions as to what else you can do besides the tapes? Anyways I do understand because I get those feelings too so if I can help in any way I'd be glad too. Its really hard to find something that works because what works for one person won't for another but its important to not give up.

Thanks for writing back. I try to just go with the feeling but it's so hard!! I wish I could just feel normal again. I appreciate you writing back. The people in here are the only people I can really talk to you. It means so much to me.

Hi Jaci, I know that various members will be responding to your post soon, but I just wanted to welcome you to the site. Be reassurred that you are definitely not alone in experiencing these types of symptoms. Please feel free to roam the site at your own pace. If you look to the left of the screen under "TOOLS" you will find many supportive tests. These tests are not diagnostic tools and are not a replacement or substitute for a physicians advice. The purpose of these tests is to prepare you with information that you can present to your physician. When youre finished the test, you can either print your Final Report or email it directly to your doctor. We also have developed a Panic Program. This program is 12-weeks and involves the tools mentioned above. Each session is based on the previous session, so we strongly advise that you work slowly through the program and not jump ahead. If you have any questions or concerns with our "TOOLS" you can contact our support department at support@paniccenter.net. Looking forward to hearing from you soon! Casey ____________________________________ The Panic Center Support Team Edited on 12/22/2004 @ 7:55:11 PM by The Support Team