Per peacewithin's request, I thought I would share somethings.

In late August this nightmare began. I began for the first time in my life, having really bad panic attacks. I was having several a day/night and they were developing out of no where. When I get a panic attack the first thing that happens is I throw up. It is awful. It took the doctors awhile to identify my problem as panic attacks which was really frustrating.

Anways, things were awful! Throwing up on practically a daily basis was obviously a real problem. But since August, I have gone through cognitive therapy, been put on an anti-depressant, and have worked hard on learning to deal with anxiety and depression. Things are much better. I have brought down the panic attacks to only once in a while and when they do occur they are much shorter and less severe.

I recently had a full blown attack and ended up getting sick. But instead of going back into that vicious cycle I put a hault to it. I let it go and didn't dwell on it. I almost went into an attack a few more times but I talked myself out of it.

There is hope, you just have to keep plugging along. But I think that great progress CAN be made in a short period of time. I think besides the internal dialogue you have with yourself, an important factor is preparing yourself in case you do have an attack. For example, I carry medication with me if needed (for a really bad attack), I carry a bag with me in case I get sick, and whatever else I feel I need. That way I can help tell myself that if I have an attack, so what? I am prepared to do what I need to do. That has helped me out a lot lately.

I'm getting closer to getting rid of this awful problem. I do get frustrated at the setbacks, and I have days where I think this will never go away, but I know that I just need to keep working on it because things have gotten better already.

Keep plugging along everyone

Hi Amethyst!
Thanks for granting my request! I just think it's important for people to realize along the way that they are challenging this frustrating condition and making progress even when they may not feel like it. I guess I'm trying to encourage people to focus on the positives to counteract all those negative obsessive thoughts.

I am so happy that your panic has improved! Preparation (meds, keeping a bag with you, etc.) is such a great suggestion because it not only actually makes you prepared, but also is a gentle way of taking care of yourself and realizing if you need a little help, there's nothing wrong with it.

I also want to say that I too have the days where I feel like the condition will never end. But, the more strings of good days I have with those occasional bad days, makes me realize the bad days will surely not last forever. It always passes......that's a comforting thought for me...

KEEP IT UP AND THANKS FOR POSTING!!

Hi peacewithin:
You're welcome. Thanks for the comments. I agree it's easy to get caught up in the negatives and miss the positives.

Keep up the good work yourself