For me, it was a culmination of new job, new house, and new dad. Within the span of less than two years, I had a all three. The stress level was atmospheric.

Humorous side note: The cardiologist had me wear a cardiac monitor for 24 hours. It was election eve 2000. And we all know how THAT turned out…

When I first started having panic attacks, I took xanax for a little while, until I learned to calm myself down (stopped taking it when I found out it could be addictive — something my doctor had failed to mention to me). Now, I rarely take anything (for me, breathing, exercise and keeping busy are my main coping strategies, but YMMV), but I still always have a little xanax around just in case. I’ve gone years at a time without needing it, but every once in a while, when I get hit with a lot of triggers at once, it’s nice to have it to fall back on.

I’d be very wary of the anti-depressants, as that’s a very big step to take when you haven’t tried any other management strategies yet. Anti-depressants can have a lot of side effects, so I wouldn’t go there without trying some less drastic options first.

Please don’t hesitate to shoot me an email if I can be of any help. Sometimes it’s nice just to talk with someone who’s been there…

Jay it is funny you mention panic attacks because I have come to the conclusion that that is what is happening to me. I was very embarrassed by that until a friend of my asked me why a panic attack would be more embarrassing than a problem with your heart. I had no real answer.

I have never had panic attacks before and I have no idea what could have brought them on. I assume it is some kind of chemical imbalance. I had always figured that anybody that had panic attacks should be able to control them. But if that is what is happening to me I can assure you that I cannot as of yet control them. They come upon me unexpectedly and stay until they get tired of hanging around.

Next Monday I am supposed to discuss all of this with my doctor. I don’t want to have to take anti-depressants. In fact I don’t want to take anything at all. I hope this can be controlled some other way.

I had a full cardiac workup done before my son was born - I was having panic attacks that very closely mimicked cardiac episodes, so I was referred to a cardiologist.

I remember the stress test in much the same manner as the denizens of Nagazaki remember the B-29 bomber… All I remember is sweating like a politician in a confessional after about 3 minutes on the treadmill.

I *am* curious, though, as to how I’d do now…

Buck, you’re serving as a great source of inspiration for this addling sould.