Question: If I had a panic attack after taking herbal diet pills do I have to go see a doctor?

Dr. Lani Chin Says...:

Thanks for your post. I'll try my best to answer your question.

You're asking a tricky question. Since you haven't provided any information regarding your general well being, it's difficult to know if your diet pills had anything to do with your panic attack. It could have been a coincidence that the panic attack came on after you took the diet pills. With that being said, it is definitely recommended that you see your doctor. Is this your first panic attack? There could be something going on with your physical health that is triggering the panic attacks. How did you know this was a panic attack? Panic attacks can mimic a variety of cardiovascular issues so it is best to sort out the symptoms with your general practitioner. If no physical causes are found, it would be beneficial for you to talk to a mental health professional to explore coping skills and different ways to handle anxiety.

Best of luck.

Question: I have this problem where whenever I am in a public or social situation I get this feeling like I am pissing in my pants and I have to be constantly checking to see if actually is happening and actively trying to hold it in. It doesn't matter if I just went to the bathroom or not, I will get this same feeling again no matter what. It is very distressing and it's embarrassing. Is this a common thing? How do I stop feeling like this? I have been feeling like this for a few months now and t seems to be just getting worse.

Dr. Lani Chin Says...:

Thanks for your post.  First of all, I would recommend you make an appointment with your general practitioner.  Find out if you have any medical issues that could be going on that could be contributing to this.  Once a Urinary Tract Infection or other physical issues can be ruled out, then you can start thinking about psychological causes for this. 

Based on what you've described, it sounds like you might be experiencing some social anxiety.  It sounds like you're afraid of something embarrassing happening when you've in public.  This is one of the main symptoms of social anxiety.  Do you feel anything else in your body going on like sweaty palms, increased blood pressure/heart rate, nervousness, or flushed face?  These could also be indicators of anxiety.  The various forms of anxiety are very common and can be treated with therapy.  Again, I highly recommend you see a physician first.  After you get cleared of any medical issues, it could benefit you to see a therapist to talk what's going on.  If you're in the Los Angeles area, I would be happy to help you: www.drlanichin.com.  If not, there are other mental health professionals that can help you who are closer to where you live.  Therapy can be a highly effective way to explore what's making you anxious and you can also learn different ways to cope such as breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and meditation.  Good luck to you and I hope you find something that works to help you feel better.

Question: Sometimes when I am in a public place like a mall I start to feel like the earth is moving under my feet, like a small earthquake and it makes me feel weak but it also makes me feel scared because no one else notices what I am feeling and now when it happens I just don’t say anything to anyone else because I don’t want to sound crazy. I just had a physical because I thought it was my blood pressure or something but everything is fine and I am only 32 so I don’t think I should be at risk for stuff like that. Is this some sort of sign that I am going crazy?

Dr. Lani Chin Says...:

It sounds like you're experiencing something scary.  Based on what you've described, it sounds like you're experiencing a panic attack.  Feeling the earth moving in a public place is a symptom of agoraphobia.  I would strongly recommend you see a therapist for individual therapy to talk about these symptoms and try to learn coping skills for what you're going through.  Since you've already been seen by a physician that can rule out other physical abnormalities, a therapist could help you go further and diagnose other possibilities.  If you're in the Los Angeles area, I would be happy to help you: www.drlanichin.com or you can find someone else closer to you.  Your physician may also be able to refer you to someone.  Good luck.

Question: I don't know if this anxiety or not or what to call it but I am so scared to go to the dentist that I have not gone in 11 years. I am starting to have some loose teeth that are getting worse and worse but the thought of going to the dentist scares me to death. Is there some medication I can take or how do I get over this fear?

Dr. Lani Chin Says...:

Based on what you've described, you definitely have anxiety that can be better described as a fear or phobia of the dentist.  Individual therapy can absolutely help you with this.  I would highly recommend a psychologist that specializes in phobia so you can talk about what's going on when you think about going to the dentist.  If you are in the Los Angeles area, I would be happy to help you: www.drlanichin.com.  There are anxiety medications you can take, but medication will not address the underlying issues you have around going to the dentist.  Medication could be a temporary fix to get you in to the dentist, but you're still going to be afraid. 

As an aside, there are many health risks you are putting yourself at risk for when you do not go to the dentist.  I encourage you to see a therapist ASAP so you can address both your health and dental needs.

Question: Someone told me that apple cider vinegar helped with anxiety. Is this true?

Dr. Lani Chin Says...:

Some individuals have claimed that small doses of apple cider vinegar diluted in water has helped manage their anxiety.  I personally do not have any experience of seeing the effect or recommending this treatment to patients.  It would be difficult to prove that apple cider vinegar actually reduces symptoms or if there is a "placebo effect" occurring.  As a result, this would be considered an alternative form of treatment that does not have scientific proof of working.  I would recommend you look up psychotherapists in your area that have direct experience of using techniques that have been shown to decrease anxiety and/or to teach you tools to manage your anxiety on your own.  Good luck to you.

Question: I have a really stressful job and I am also a new parent. I was just diagnosed with sleep apnea and I will have to wear a breathing apparatus now when I sleep. I am worried about his as I hear they are uncomfortable, but I will not get one until next week. I am 33 and I am not overweight. I exercise regularly and I would say that other than a very high stress load, I have a healthy lifestyle (I do not drink to excess or use drugs). Is stress causing my sleep apnea. My doctor says he can’t find any real physical reason for it.

Dr. Lani Chin Says...:

Sleep Apnea is a medical issue that is better understood by a medical doctor.  If your regular MD cannot find a physical reason for it, maybe you should get a second opinion.  While anxiety can disrupt sleep, I think it's a bit of a leap to say anxiety is causing your sleep apnea.  I don't know that you will be able to find a conclusive reason for your sleep disorder. 

You said in your question that you have a stressful job.  Does this mean you have a difficult time sleeping because of issues related to work?  Maybe you can try to improve your self care.  You said you exercise regularly which is great, but can you also take time for yourself?  This doesn't meet you need to sit in your office with the lights off in complete silence.  Can you set aside just a few minutes for yourself?  This might be something that's missing from your daily schedule and could help to decrease your anxiety.  Best of luck.

Question: My brother started having panic attacks last year. I was out of the country and was not aware of the seriousness of the problems he was having. Now he pretty much stays at home all day and drinks. He is not in good shape and he obviously needs to get help. I am confused about what kind of help does he need. He seems to be an alcoholic now so I think he needs to go to rehab. But since it was the panic that started things off does he need to get that treated first?

Dr. Lani Chin Says...:

It sounds like your brother figured out how to treat his anxiety by self-medicating.  This is common and unfortunately leads to even more problems because as you've observed...alcoholism has developed.  Most treatment centers recommend at least 2-3 months of sobriety before treating anxiety.  Your brother needs to be sober so that he can learn new ways to cope.  He doesn't yet realize that exercise, looking at how he thinks, physiological changes, and maybe even medication could help him with anxiety.  Right now he probably thinks the only way he can lessen the anxiety is by drinking.  Hopefully with social support and understanding what emotions come up that make him want to drink, he can address his alcoholism and later his anxiety.  Good luck to the both of you.

Question: Can exercise make anxiety worse? I get panicky sometimes and sometimes after I exercise really hard and my heart gets pounding I get panicky feelings even though there is no reason for any anxiety.

Dr. Lani Chin Says...:

Most clients that I see who are struggling with anxiety do not exercise.  Before we talk about medication or any other part of their treatment plan to manage the anxiety, I recommend exercise.  Most find that cardio can serve as a bit of release which should decrease levels of anxiety, not increase it.  When was the last time you went to see your physician?  Perhaps you are pushing yourself too hard which could be inducing your panic.  Also how do you react when your heart begins pounding?  Once this sensation sets in, try to take a few deep breaths in through your mouth and out through your nose.  This will likely slow your breathing which could decrease your sense of panic.