Help needed

[Wix]

Ok, this is my confession. Shortly after christmas i started having panic attacks. They started getting more and more frequent and drove me to the point were i was scared to go to work or even to leave the house. I know exactly whats causing these attacks but i can't say. Its a phobia but although this sounds silly, its like if i say anythng, its watching me and it will strike. I've seen my GP enough and despite the medication this condiition is getting worse. I don't mean to be going on but i really need some advice. If you've experienced anything similar then you might know how difficult this is even just talking anonymously.

Any advice is much apreciated.
Thanks, Wix.

[bensmum]

Has your GP suggested Cognitive Behaviour Therapy? I know someone who has had anxiety and panic attacks to the degree that they couldn't leave the house but with medication and therapy it is pretty much under control now.
Good luck

[Wix]

My GP prescribed me propranolol but that only seemed to make the attacks more extreme. I've heard of that therapy before but i don't know how to start any of it. I don't want to go out in case i get dragged into a straight jacket and carted off to a mental home for life.

Thanks anyway bensmum.

[bensmum]

I don't know if thislink will work but you might like to have a look to see if it might help
http://www.cognitivebehaviourtherapy.org/

[Wix]

Thanks for the link.

[ruby27]

Wix

Panic attacks are very frightening but quite common. I developed them after the death of my father and they occurred when driving round certain bends and driving on steep roads - weird or what. I used to pull over because I couldn't cope with cars behind me. Mine occurred when I was particularly stressed and I know enough about CBT and psychotherapy to work through it myself, however if I hadn't been able to work through I would have gone for treatment. I did discuss with my GP but we agreed against medication.

Talking to your GP or your local Community Mental Health Team will not result in you being locked up. They can not find beds for people with psychosis!!!! Someone suffering from with anxiety related problems they will want to help through talking therapy/relaxation techniques and medication.

There are lots of ways that can help you with your unhappy thoughts of panic and phobia and it can get better and your GP is the person to go and see

Good luck and I am happy to continue to chat to you on this subject if that would be any help to you

ruby27

[Wix]

Actually quite difficult for me to talk about this. I get quite paranoid when i start discussing it and then i just freeze.
Anyway, thanks for your help ruby.

[burbie]

The symptoms of a panic attack ( rapid heart beat, shaking, wobbly legs, feeling of panic etc ) are all caused by a release of adrenalin into your blood stream.
You body thinks its in danger so the adrenalin is released, for you to run from the situation.
If you saw a bus about to run you over, then this adrenalin is a lifesaver, enabling you to run fast.
However, the body can only store so much adrenalin at a time, so after it has flooded your body, you cannot phyically have another one until you have build up another supply of the adrenalin.
The fear of having a panic attack makes you release the adrenalin,
It is absolutly harmless.
What you need help with is how to stop the thoughts and the fears that bring on these attacks.
I recommend you buy a book written by a
Dr. Clare Weeks, called Self Help For Your Nerves.
She has written several books on this subject, and is very very good.
Try Amazon for the book.
You can beat this.
Good Luck

[josie48]

I had Agoraphobia berween the 70's and 80's and its a right debilating illness so I know how you feel wix. I get the odd panic attack still and I use a paper bag to breath into. Just cup the bag over your nose and mouth and take short sharp breaths,watch the bag rise and fall. I also bought a relaxation cd. Another thing to try is abdominal breathing,think of a new born baby. They breath from their stomachs,the natural way but we all grow out of it as we grow. Place your hand on your tummy,breath in whilst pushing out your tummy sightly. Practise it wix.

[pastafreak]

Hi,wix......have a look at these sites,the 2nd looks particularly good http://www.panicdisorder.about.com http://www.nopanic.org.uk/menu.htm I also agree that the Claire Weekes book is effective..I still have my copy of that and several others that she wrote.....they helped me more than 25yrs ago-good luck,hun............ps-set a goal for yourself...something YOU want to do or acomplish as you get better,it will help. xx

[kevo2k7]

Good luck wix i hope you rid yourself of these nasty demons that are causing this and remember we are all human at the end of the day and have all got our own demons going on in one way or another so dont feel alone in your fight,your really brave for bringing this up,i just wish we were all like you,it would be a start to freedom.good luck and well done for voicing this.best wishes Kev

[holly coffin]

I used to have panic attacks so bad that i couldn't breath, or stand up. I am now taking Lexapro. It has been extremely helpful. Also, I was told that when your having a panic attack you are supposed to look around the room and name the things that you see inside your head. That distracts you from what is making you so nervous. You should try it, it works great! Hope this helps.

[EngTeach]

Hi wix,

I am on a low dose of Paxil that I started last year. I had 3 minor panic attacks. 2 happened at my school, and luckily I was not teaching at the time. After the 3rd one i went to the doctor. (My mother was terminally ill at the time and i was carrying 90% of the care load and working etc.) The Paxil helped wonders and even helped my sleeping.

Continue working with your doctor to find the right therapy and drugs. My experience was minor compared to some others. My thoughts are with you.

[beejaybee]

my panic attacks started after i had a mri scan. i could nt bare to be in any closed places. any shops without a window was a big nono & it affected me at home if doors were closed. i started to use bach`s rescue remedy. it took a while, but it worked. i always carry it with me, but have not had any attacks for a few years now. ofcourse,we`re all different & what may work for one may not work for another.

[Wix]

Thank you all for your support. It was good to read through this thread and see that i am not alone in this.

I think that in order to stop this i need to first get rid of the phobia. Its just a reminder of how powerful the mind can be.