Soooo I came home from work and had my 1st panic attack....

[artistnurse]

I had generalized anxiety for a few days after that. My doctor gave me a script for clonazepam low dose prn. The general anxiety is under control, but the days I have to go to work...just preparing and getting dressed gets me anxious. Side note: since the panic attack, my blood pressure will shoot up to 150/108 while at work, away from work it's fine.....anyone have this experience and know any coping skills?

It's not an easy place to work as far as patient load, etc. also I think a lot of it just has to do with pressure to get my meds passed on time and take my vitals, etc. Yes, total care.

[nursel56]

The most helpful book I've ever read on this subject is Hope and Help for Your Nerves by Dr. Claire Weekes. It's not new, and it doesn't use the most current DSM-IV terminology, but it's easy to read and simple to understand. Basically it's sort of a "self-talk" as mentioned by a previous poster in reference to a different program. Her approach is to break the panic attack cycle by training yourself not to freak out if you feel the symptoms starting.

For me, talk therapy and/or pharmaceuticals weren't the ultimate answer for day to day use because for me, I think my brain was wired that way, and my mom had the same problem. Everyone is different, even in anxiety disorders.

It's always a good idea to go easy on the caffeine, don't let yourself get prone to crashing blood sugar because for me hypoglycemia alone could cause my "trigger" to get a lot more sensitive. Some OTC decongestants can increase susceptibility, too.

As someone else mentioned, plan your time so you have less reason to run around like a crazyperson, thinking omg no gas! OMG! I'm going to be late! I found it helpful to get to work a bit early to calm and focus myself.

If it helps at all to hear this, I'll throw this out, most nurses with anxiety issues are also high performers and dot all their "i's" and cross all our "t's". Sure our motive may be sort of OCD and fear of getting fired but it's true just the same!:) Best wishes.

[RevolutioN2013]

I don't know about you all, but I definitely have the "control freak" gene! No doubt that contributes to the anxiety.

[artistnurse]

I know this is late. like reeally late. But this is what helped me. Thank you for helping me find Ms. Weekes. Although she has passed, her audio cd's have cured me!!! Well as much as can be. I can't believe I'm just now thanking you for putting me in touch with her material. She hits every aspect of anxiety on the head and tells you what's happening, what isn't, and how to handle all of it Thanks!

[stewartfamily2010]

I'll be trying the read aloud thing for sure!

[nursingismycalling25]

What does it feel like to have an attack? It sounds scary.