Is it normal for someone with gad to have anxiety attacks daily?

61% Normal
3 Comments

I've had panic attacks daily for about two months now. They come at random times, I don't really have to be thinking about something specific before they come. I have recently been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, and I've been feeling anxious and depressed for years but only had anxiety attacks when something bad has happened.
The symptoms include rapid heartbeat, shrivering, pain in my chest and arm, nausea, fear of dying, and more recently I've been sensitive to sudden loud/sharp noises and light.
I see a psychologist, by the way, but it hasn't been helping.

Is this normal or is there something really wrong with my head? Physically I'm completely normal...

Voting Results
61% Normal
Based on 18 votes (11 yes)
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Comments ( 3 )
  • lisac1919
    12 years ago

    i have the same problem...sometimes i go days or even weeks with nothing, then for like a month or a couple weeks with anxiety attacks 1 or 2 times a day. but mine are almost purly mental which is really scary. mine last 1 to 2 hours usually. it sucks

    what helped for me was not obsessing over whether something was wrong with me, and stopping thinking about anxiety all the time, which sometimes i still do because it seems to have taken over my life. dr.google became my best friend but i made a new rule to not look anything up no matter how curious i am.

    once you do that and continue living your life even if some things arent really enjoyable anymore youll have them less often, or at least less severe. literally just forgetting you have anxiety makes it go away

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  • JustDave
    12 years ago

    What you describe are all symptoms of GAD. You may need to try medications. Its entirely up to you and your doctor as to the treatment you pursue. Good luck.

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  • TheManagement
    STAFF
    12 years ago

    I once got some good advice that may (or may not) help you. My friend asked me, "did you ever see someone who was freaking out and taking deep breaths at the same time?". I thought, "nope, they're usually hyperventilating and breathing quickly".

    So, if you start panicking just take slow, deep breaths and concentrate on the breathing. It's pretty hard to breath slowly and deeply and continue panicking. It can help calm you down. Worked for me. Good luck.

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