Panic Attacks

[Lisa1769]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

Is there someone you are close to that would place the call for you and take you there? Would that help?

Yes and no. My husband has been understanding. He would help if I asked. It's just the dread and worry I would have to experience up until the time of the appt. Thats what stops me.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by Lisa1769

Yes and no. My husband has been understanding. He would help if I asked. It's just the dread and worry I would have to experience up until the time of the appt. Thats what stops me.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad would the worry be?

[amber]

Originally Posted by reebokandlace

Try it. I have told everyone who has every told me they have panic attacks and it has help EVERY single person I have told. The body is an amazing thing. It doesn't "cure" panic attacks, but it ends them instantly when they begin. There is no cure for panic attacks. It is the minds way of reacting to a stimuli, almost like a muscle memory. Something sets it off. It can be more than one thing. But the mind is powerful, and as you begin to control the panic attacks with this nerve therapy, they will happen less and less.

If you have any questions please feel free to IM me. I hope this helps you as it has helped so many others.

I hadn't heard about this natural way, but when I went to the acupuncturist a few weeks ago - she was just putting needles in my ears - but - she started asking me questions that I didn't feel much like overexplaining, but she kept asking me them (I was like, no, it's fine, etc. but she kept asking)
anyway, so I was talking a bit faster and raising my voice a bit.
When she went to put the needles in, she put a couple right in the center of my forehead, and I asked her why, and she said "I think you needed to relax a bit".
Also, when I had a bout of anxiety attacks awhile back....and you are probably already doing this, but just in case - cut out all your caffeine, first of all. Also what I always had to do, as someone else mentioned, was very deep ujaii breathing. And try to be conscious to breathe deeply all of the time, and you may be able to prevent an attack. In general, you may want to take up something very calming like practising yoga regularly. And if you are into it, regular acupuncture sessions may also be able to help you. And if you don't get any hard exercise in your life, I would also recommend that. Hard, fast, physical activity helps relieve a lot of that stress that may cause anxiety.
There are calming teas you might want to drink regularly, too, like Chamomile.
At the time, I had an anxiety attack continuously for about a week, I really had to be careful. I got some emergency valium, but after those few were gone, I was left to my own devices. These are some things that helped me. I had gotten them occasionally before that, but after - I've really not gotten any since then. (I think I have, or had, mild anxiety compared to most who posted).
Anyway, you asked for natural things to help, I hope this does. Oh, if you feel one coming, the very deep breaths and bending forward from the waist may be able to stop it. That's a soothing posture. I agree with Tower that you may want to see a therapist as well. I did for a brief period around my anxiety attacks, and it was very helpful.
good luck!

[Lisa1769]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad would the worry be?

I'm going to say 8. I would wear the carpet out... It's so crazy, when you know it would help so much but can't do it.

I start to second guess myself. Almost like I can't make decisions.

For those who have had cognitive therapy, I am curious to know about how the whole process happens. What happens?? Where do they start??

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by Lisa1769

I'm going to say 8. I would wear the carpet out... It's so crazy, when you know it would help so much but can't do it.

I start to second guess myself. Almost like I can't make decisions.

For those who have had cognitive therapy, I am curious to know about how the whole process happens. What happens?? Where do they start??

Damn, 8 is pretty uncomfortable. Can your husband make the appointment and then say, "Honey, we're going now" instead of letting you know in advance? The inability to make decisions is a symptom believe it or not.

They start with listening to you and show you where your thoughts lead you to how you feel. Then, you work on thinking new thoughts, one at a time, which cause different, healthier feelings. The book Feeling Good helped me alot. It goes into great detail about cognitive therapy.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by amber

...
When she went to put the needles in, she put a couple right in the center of my forehead, and I asked her why, and she said "I think you needed to relax a bit".
Also, when I had a bout of anxiety attacks awhile back....and you are probably already doing this, but just in case - cut out all your caffeine, first of all. Also what I always had to do, as someone else mentioned, was very deep ujaii breathing. And try to be conscious to breathe deeply all of the time, and you may be able to prevent an attack. In general, you may want to take up something very calming like practising yoga regularly. And if you are into it, regular acupuncture sessions may also be able to help you. And if you don't get any hard exercise in your life, I would also recommend that. Hard, fast, physical activity helps relieve a lot of that stress that may cause anxiety.
There are calming teas you might want to drink regularly, too, like Chamomile.
At the time, I had an anxiety attack continuously for about a week, I really had to be careful. I got some emergency valium, but after those few were gone, I was left to my own devices. These are some things that helped me. I had gotten them occasionally before that, but after - I've really not gotten any since then. (I think I have, or had, mild anxiety compared to most who posted)...

Amber, these are awesome suggestions. Also, next time I get anxious I'll be pressing my forehead, can't hurt to try! I have not had a full on panic attack for a while but they are very scary. I do still sometimes have out of control anxiety though and I hate that. Work in progress I suppose.

Lis, here's a link to Dr. Weil's site where he talks about anxiety like yours, which people have for public speaking. http://www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA346489/ He mentions the beta blocker.

On edit, here's some additional Dr. Weil info on anxiety.
http://www.drweil.com/u/Article/M113/

[Lisa1769]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

Can your husband make the appointment and then say, "Honey, we're going now" instead of letting you know in advance? The inability to make decisions is a symptom believe it or not.


They start with listening to you and show you where your thoughts lead you to how you feel. Then, you work on thinking new thoughts, one at a time, which cause different, healthier feelings. The book Feeling Good helped me alot. It goes into great detail about cognitive therapy.

Thats actually how he does things now. Like if we're going out to dinner with someone, etc. etc. I have a great time when I do go do things. I just get so anxious up until the time if there is something that I know I got to do.

One of these days I hope to seek help. Maybe I'll start with the book. Thanks SuzeQuze.

[BTFLCHLD]

Originally Posted by amber

When she went to put the needles in, she put a couple right in the center of my forehead, and I asked her why, and she said "I think you needed to relax a bit".

sooooo cute
you made stevie smile

[amber]

Originally Posted by BTFLCHLD

sooooo cute
you made stevie smile

thanks, I love that stevie clip.

[jannieC]

Hey everyone- I haven't been able to post for a long time, because my home computer is still destroyed. But I'm at work and wanted to comment on this thread. I'm not trying to sound like an expert- I've only recently received my B.S. in Psychology and am heading for graduate school. ANYway- panic attacks are terrible. Lux has textbook symptoms- the feeling of death, doom, questioning existence, etc. And unfortunately, frequent panic attacks can lead to agoraphobia and that (obviously) is terribly debilitating.

Someone asked earlier what Cognitive therapy is like. Basically, the cognitive theory says that changing how you *think* can change the way you *feel*. Catastrophic thoughts (trademark of panic atacks) are just distorted thoughts that you have created. You can work with a therapist to *teach* yourself that these thoughts don't have to be accepted by you. Thoughts are only temporary, not permanent. Obviously when you're in the throes of an attack, it's not easy to separate your thoughts from your feelings.

To those that simly can't even think of leaving the house to GO to a therapist, I suggest getting a one pill prescription from a doctor for a valium or xanax, to help you get ot of the house (with someone else driving, of course). You don't need to be a "slave" to your thoughts. You can overcome this.

The only thing I can say to anyone going through a panic attack is that sometimes writing your thoughts and feelings down during an attack can help to put things in perspective. Getting your perspective back will help you to see that your thoughts were distorted and maybe will help you through the next time.

I hope this post doesn't sound all authoritative- I wish you all the best of luck overcoming your panic. xoxoxo

[Lisa1769]

Originally Posted by jannieC

You don't need to be a "slave" to your thoughts. You can overcome this.

That is exactly how it seems.
Thanks for your input jannieC.

[Dark Angel]

Originally Posted by Alison

I know this is rather personal. But I was wondering if anyone on the Ledge suffers from panic attacks. I do really bad. It's come to the point that I can't sleep. I don't know if my rapid heartbeat causes it, or it comes on it's own.

How do other people deal with panic attacks?
Is there natural ways to treat it?
All the Dr wants to do is give drugs that have such strong side effects.
I need help and suggestions.
Thanks

I've had panic disorder since around 1989/1990. Mine got to the point where I was dropping weight very fast. (which at the time I didn't need to do) I went from 125 to 115 and looked like a skeleton. My friends all thought I was anorexic.
The first doctor that dealt with it put me on Xanax, and raised the dosage up to 12mg. At that time I had no idea exactly what to expect from it. I'd taken anti-depressants before, but nothing like this. I was hospitalized once or twice in an attempt to learn different behavioral tools to help deal with them, which worked to a point, but I still had the attacks, and they would come on at any time. There were times I thought I was having a heart attack, and there still are times.
I've been on Xanax for about 15 years now, various dosages. I'm at 4mg daily now, which is a lot down from 12mg. I practice different relaxion techniques, do a 45-60 minute workout almost every weekday, and take my meds. I'm also an asthmatic.
I've done my reading on Xanax, and know all the pros and cons now, and would recommend that if your doctor does prescribe something, read up on it *first*. There are some newer drugs that help with social anxiety disorder that aren't as addictive as Xanax, Klonapin, etc.
In the end, it's all up to you, and I wish you the best for whatever decision you make.

[Mad4stevie]

Originally Posted by eclipse

Alison, and Lux and to all who this may apply:
Ok depression sucks- we can all agree on that.
Panic attacks are unpredictable, frightning and as you never know where they may come from or where they may leave you, very unsettling so we can all agree, they also suck.

I don't usually post anything personal about myself, but you really sound like you need some help- with that in mind, I will share my experience with Depression/Anxiety/Panic Attacks with you and anyone else that has experienced that crippling fear...

There are LOTS of diffferent medications out there that can help you deal with depression/anxiety/panic disorders and I whole heartedly suggest you find a Doctor that you like and can REALLY talk to- try different meds until something works. I have been anxious my entire life, I am lucky about depression, it just comes and goes, but when its here-Yikes!

So I take a medicine that allows me to function and HONESTLY feel like myself. I don't feel drugged or spacey, I like myself again and honestly, for me, it has been my saving grace. My Doctor explained it to me this way: If you have had major depressive episodes 3 times in your life before the age of 30, then your brain is literally hard -wired for depression. It is just the natural path for your head to take. That is why they (The medical field), has come so far in researching how these meds work on different parts of your head ,with differnt types of SSRI drugs, they work on different chemicals in your brain. She also matter of factly told me that if I had diabeties (sp) that I would not think twice about taking insulin, if I needed to...Nor would other people look down on me for taking a med for a chemical problem in my body. Same thing for the depressive/anxiety disorder medications. No stigma attached to it. You have this inbalance-you take the medicine- you don't have the inbalance.
It is a medical condition, perhaps influenced by emotions but not necessarily an emotional problem! What works for me is Zoloft and ativan.

I don't mean to make this sound too glib, but you sound very upset that you cannot deal with it "naturally" or by yourself. That's because you really can't. At least I tried for years and I couldn't and I know of other people that have tried self help tapes, to npo avail. However, you can try Yoga- and meditation to help alleve some of the anxiety, they seem to be having success with that as a theraphy for mild sufferes.

But you know when that panic attack starts.....nothing is going to stop it..It's like a locomotive and you have to wait for it to pass by...and it will, it just doesn't feel that way when you are in the middle of one. I know.

Since I have been on the meds (about 2 years) I haven't had one panic attack, haven't been depressed (Sure, I get the blues now and then, but that is normal), and my anxiety is more controlable. I do tell myself to breathe and relax when I start to get anxious, and that helps too. I am not a Doctor or an expert in this field at all- I just want to share what has helped me and suggest that you Please get yourself to a Doctor and don't be embarassed about asking for help, that is why they are there.

You do not have to suffer these devestating attacks alone-
Plus there are always people here willing to help

With wishes of calm...for you~~
~~eclipse

Excellent advice!

I had a very similar experience - and really suffered for years and years with anxiety because I was too stubborn to go to a doctor and/or therapist. I saw it as a sign of weakness because I was always taught by my parents that you just "stick it out" and don't talk about those kinds of feelings of anxiety, etc.

Eventually, I did have two full blown panic attacks when working at a former job where my boss was acting really "crazy", and unbeknowst to me, was suffering from terminal brain cancer. His constant verbal abuse was insufferable and finally the anxiety took over my body and the panic attacks started to materialize. It is exactly what people say - you feel like you are having a heart attack and can't breathe. I was so embarassed because I tried to rationalize that I shouldn't be this anxious and I should be able to control myself and not have this problem. This is the wrong way to approach it and can actually increase the problem. I was terrified about when the next attack would happen and eventually went to the doctor who prescribed ativan for the short term and zoloft for the long term. It worked wonders for me! The most important thing that I learned is that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I could not believe how much better I felt. It was all about my brain chemistry at that time.

I also had a good therapist who helped out with how to change my unhealthy coping skills (i.e. avoidance and denial) into more correct behaviors that would lessen my anxiety. It really helped me. And while I will always have a tendency to cope in certain ways, at least now I can identify it and try to work on changing it.

It is a personal choice to be on medication, but for me, it made all the difference. Everyone's body chemistry is different, so different meds work for different people. The decision to stop or switch meds can always be made. Don't suffer needlessly - it's simply not worth it. Experience your life, don't suffer through it.

Good luck!

[Serendipity]

I suffer very badly from panic attacks, and I have found reading all your advice really helpful. I freak about simple things like paying bills, not cos I dont have the money, but cos i dont like writing checks or ringing the back.

Questioning exisitence, worrying about things I cant control...thats me. I panic about exams, I panic that every symptom is a life-threatening illness.

Everyone who suffers has my deepest sympathies, because I know how you feel. I am trying therapy, but I dont think its helping. I'll keep trying tho.

~Nicki

[WildInTheWind]

I used to suffer from pretty bad panic attacks when in social situations. I was ok with my good friends that I knew well, but when around others, I would freak out. Especially guys. For some reason I would always have them when guys were around. It was awful, I felt like I was having a heart attack, and have actually fainted a couple of times. And a couple of times I made a total fool out of myself. I remember being at some guy's house I didn't really know with one of my friends. I started having a panic attack and just ran out the door, got in my car and drove away. My friend wasn't very happy with me, considering I was her ride. But that happened a couple of times. I just had to get out of there. It actually stopped happening when I was about 19. I took meds for awhile, and didn't like them at all. Paxal was awful...especially when I stopped taking it. I freaked out for about 2 weeks after. I guess I got lucky and just grew out of it. damn am I glad, that was the worst feeling ever.