Panic Attacks

[mallyh]

for some unknown reason i've started to have panic attacks they really frighten me , i can't explain why this keeps happening ,has anyone on ab had this happen ?

[Peaspeculiars]

Pixie373 - Absolutely spot-on :-)

[mallyh]

thanks hellwelly i read the answers back and im just sitting here crying now (silly b@@@@@)aren't i .xx

[scorpiojo]

No you're not! Perhaps a good cry will help release some of the stress you've been under. There are a lot more people around than you realise who have panic attacks! Next time you start to feel panicky, try distracting yourself - read a book, go for a walk, take up yoga, maybe even a crossword or two.....:)

[Peaspeculiars]

I know it isn't the answer for everybody, but I've found having a dog has really helped. It forces me to go out and about to places with lots of people i.e country parks where lots of dog walkers like to stop and chat to you, and I don't feel as panicky as I'm not alone. It's daft, but talking to the dog really calms me and gives me something else to concentrate on. Just a thought.

[gness]

Silly is the one thing you are not! Goodness....you have been under such stress and like most mothers probably kept it all bottled up.

My doctor was brilliant and explained why I had gone under when things had got better....pills helped me but counselling didn't so it's going to be what suits you to help you through this time.

Do take all the help and advice you can get your hands on and if possible find one person who will listen when you need to talk without adding their experiences to what you are going through.

And by now you will have seen that you are not the only one to feel like this.......we all think we are don't we? We imagine everyone else coping except...me....so what is wrong with me?

There is nothing wrong with you that isn't a natural reaction and you need a bit of help.

Take care, Mallyh.......Love Gx

[mallyh]

thanks scorpio once again all of you have been a great helpxx

[mallyh]

thanks gness x it has really helped coming on here and talking to you all xx

[hellywelly4]

One of the things that helped me was knowing that I was not alone - it is a 'common' thing although not one which many people know about. My doctor said "Be gentle with yourself" and I've carried that round with me for over 40 years. You have had to keep so strong for your daughter, now it's time for you to get some TLC. I do wish you well and send an AB hug!!

[sunny-dave]

Walking the dog is good - borrow one off a friend if necessary - you can always use the excuse that you want to get fit in the new year.

And having people to talk to (even us lot on here) will help I'm sure.

Doing crosswords is tricky - I used to find that the concentration level needed was beyond me when I was really bad - and that made things worse as I got frustrated. A friend says that simple Sudokus help her - it's a repetitive task but distracts the mind form worrying.

[mazie]

You are strong Mally, as is everyone here willing to talk about their darkest times. Having to be strong was one of the reasons I didn't tell my family....When you need to talk , come and share with us.x

[boxtops]

Hi mally, we are behind you and beside you all the way with this. Years ago when I suffered (for some time) it just wasn't "done" to talk about things like this - I wish it had been, I too felt completely alone in it, and felt I was losing the plot. It's such a scary thing, even though you know it passes - but it feels like an eternity.

Medication helped me, and later, a sense of self wanting not to be ruled by this for the rest of my days. I still get the odd little symptom, and occasional agoraphobia under certain circumstances, but overall I've been clear for probably 20 years now.

So glad you came on here to talk about it - we know what you go through, and we're with you.

[mazzywoo]

Hi Mally
No way are you silly huns! Panic attacks are awful-I get them at night sometimes and they're really scary. I used to think that there was something really wrong coz my throat felt closed up. I was very lucky to have a GP who explained that the physical symptoms of panic were all caused by bursts of adrenalin and although they were horrible, they weren't dangerous. I found a book called 'Self Help for your Nerves' by Dr Claire Weeks (it's still in print I think) really useful and very comforting. There's some lovely people on AB who give great input and advice and it's good to know that you're not alone in suffering panics.
I hope you can find something that helps you cope Mally. Best wishes and big hugs for you. xx
Maz

[hellywelly4]

mazzywoo - that book by Claire Weeks saved my life - it was so helpful.

[pastafreak]

Claire Weekes saved my life also. I discovered her books many ...many years ago,and they became a kind of bible for me. My panic attacks...mostly when I was in my 20's-early 30's...were made worse by severe agoraphobia. And they started totally out of the blue. I can still remember that first one.I'm sure the one condition triggered off the other. I was lucky to find an excellent psychologist who I was able to talk to,I also took valium for short time.
I know a panic attack feels like you are dying...but that's one thing that won't happen. Once you accept that they are simply a set of symptoms that will pass,and not get worse...all will improve.

[mallyh]

thankyou boxtops,mazzywoo,pastafreak for your kind comments . xxx

[mazie]

Hi mally. Radio 4 Woman's Hour have a section on anxiety etc in about 10 minutes (10.15 am)

[mallyh]

thanks mazie x haven't had a big one since last monday just a few wobbles xx

[mazie]

Great news mally. xx Might be worth a listen though