OK, I need some advice because I'm really not used to this. I don't know why, but I feel completely wrecked tonight (not in a drunk way). I've just been in the pub with my friends and I had to leave because I felt completely claustrophobic and nearly started hyper-ventilating. I've now got home and just can't calm myself down. I do have things on my mind at the moment, but nothing to warrant feeling like this. I felt like a complete stranger tonight with the people I know the best and it really freaked me out. As some of you know, I've been through depression in the past, but again, I never experienced this kind of feeling of being completely lost and scared. I consider myself usually to be a confident person, so it's a little odd to feel the complete opposite.

I assume that other people have had this kind of experience as well, so I would appreciate their input. I know that I'll be OK at some point, but It'd be good to read other people's views on this.

Thanks in advance. :help:

Hi sorry to hear about your experience. I've never had the misfortune to suffer anything like that but my brother suffered alot with Anxiety attacks and they are not very nice to say the least. He saw a psychiatrist who gave him some sort of homeopathic treatment which didn't help much. I would have thought seeing a psychotherapist would have been more helpful. If you do suffer it again I suggest talking to someone close to you to try to get your mind thinking of something else.

Hope this helps.

I'm sure everyone feels like this from time to time. It's best just to go to bed and sleep it off. Some times things can seem completely hopeless and you feel entirely lost...but it does fade. It may help to scroll back in your mind to the last time this happened......it wasn't long before everything seemd alright again - right? You just have to ride it out, I suppose. Try not to worry - even though it can seem that things just don't seem to 'work', at the end of the day the vast majority of people are fine and do care! It's the english way, I'm afraid, not to show your friends how much you care about them, but they do care, I'm sure. I used to feel like this every now and then when I was younger, but, as I say, you see a pattern emerging after a while. Things always right themselves - it just needs a little time! Don't panic and take care - have a good rest. I'm sure it'll all look different very soon!

Best Wishes!

Lord Snooty

Been there, done it, got the T shirt. Go to your GP, tell him and he will sort it. Business probs and crap general health caused mine- nearly destroyed my marriage too. People who have never been there dont know what you are going thru. Finished up taking Seroxat for 6 months- 100% sorted now. PM me if you need any help/advice. Youve already done the most important thing- shouted for help. Many people have been there as you will find out.

Yes and for many years! Anxiety attacks often seem to make you feel dissociated and isolated along with all the other really unpleasent physical symptoms. If you are starting to get them regularly I would strongly suggest going to see a GP - they may prescribe some drug therapy (SSRis for long term use, benzodizapenes for short term use) though the magic phrase you need to say to them is CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) which has excelent results in treating depression / anxiety et al and should show results in only a few sessions :)

One thing i love about this forum, is that as soon as someone asks for help, everyone offers it regardless of their differences. Thankyou everyone so far. One thing I will say is that after a year on SSRIs and TCAs, I'm determined not to go that route again. Even though I think that overall they helped me in the past, the negatives from them is something that I don't fancy facing again. ie. feeling completely disconnected from my emotions and from those closest to me.

I think that I will try and ride this out and gauge how I feel tomorrow. The thing that worries me is that even though I've been pretty content for the past few years and pretty confident about who I am, I've always had a nagging feeling that it may just have been a cover and that there's always been something lying under the surface.

Oddly enough, I feel more comfortable discussing this on a public forum than with my friends. I supposes I hate to come across as a winger when there's far more important things for people to worry about than me feeling a bit messy.

I'm really sorry to hear about this, Andy - I've suffered from panic/anxiety attacks in the past myself, and I know how frightening they can be. You've done the right thing in reaching out to other people, and not trying to deal with it by yourself.

I'd suggest for now just trying to get some sleep - things always look worst late at night/in the early hours. You will feel better in the morning than you do now.

I was going to second everything Evildrneil said until I read your last post, and you said you didn't want to take SSRIs. Different meds seem to work for different people, but I'd definitely see your GP as soon as you can.

He can refer you to cognitive/behavioural people, who I know run an anxiety management course on a regular basis. They can explain what anxiety is all about, how it manifests, and what to do about it, etc.

Best of luck, Andy - remember, you WILL feel better.

StarSparkle :)

Thanks StarSparkle! The only problem is that I have a whole world of racing thoughts going through my mind at the moment, and one thing I'm not going to be able to do is sleep. Though I know things will feel better tomorrow. As bad as I feel, I know it's not permanent.

I kind of know exactly what I'd say to people in this situation, but for some reason it still helps hearing it from other people when you're in the situation.

Originally posted by Andy78
Thanks StarSparkle! The only problem is that I have a whole world of racing thoughts going through my mind at the moment, and one thing I'm not going to be able to do is sleep. Though I know things will feel better tomorrow. As bad as I feel, I know it's not permanent.

I kind of know exactly what I'd say to people in this situation, but for some reason it still helps hearing it from other people when you're in the situation.

I do understand what you mean.

Sleep would be best, but if you can't, just remember that you won't be thinking straight at the moment, and that a lot of rubbish will probably be going through your head tonight. Don't listen to it - ignore it as far as you can. Chances are your sense of perspective will have vanished for the moment, making your judgement a bit off right now.

Things will look better tomorrow, certainly after you've managed to get a good rest.

I know it's easy for me to say, but try not to worry - you will get through this.

StarSparkle

I used to suffer really badly with these attacks and still do when I really down/stressed. I didn't take the drugs the doc was trying to prescribe me as I hate taking stuff like that. In the end, I found a way of coping with the attach until I felt better and was calmer. This probably sounds a bit daft, but I used to think of something happy and picture it and try to make myself laugh in my head. You know, try and see people with silly hats on or something - said it was strange! But it cheered me up and gave me something else to concentrate on. Otherwise the panic would overtake and I would be an absolute mess and hypervenatliting.


I hope you manage to overcome them.

Hi Andy78, sorry you are feeling bad at the moment. My husband has suffered with depression and anxiety attacks for about four years now, and he has had a really hard time of it. Like you he doesn't want to keep taking medication. When he's reallly bad I just sit up all night and talk with him. he saw a counsellor ad she gave him some deep breathing excercises, they do seem to help. Hope you feel better tomorrow.

I used to get these as well. I also suffered from mild depression at one point. I managed to get through it without medication, but now that I look back on it, I probably should've just taken the pills.

The worst part was wondering where and when the next one would strike. I mean, here these attacks were sucking the joy out of my life, AND I WASN'T EVEN HAVING ONE AT THE MOMENT! I used to have to drive long distances at night, by myself. I had entirely way too much time to think, and my overactive imagination went into overdrive.

What if?!! What if I get a flat tire?!! What if the car breaks down, or the engine explodes?!!! And I'm stuck out here all by myself. In the dark?! AAAAHHHHHHHH!

Driving over the San Mateo or Carquinez bridges in the Bay area was nerve shattering. They're both old, extremely loooong bridges over water. With low sides. What were they thinking?! I used to take deeep breaths, and undo my seatbelt, and roll down the window.

Just in case the car plunged over the side, I could get out.

My advice would be to get some help with this. Be smarter than I was and take the meds if you need them. Don't listen to those who tell you it's all in your head, and all you need is some will power to get through this.

One of my favorite books, written by a woman suffering from OCD. When she can't control the world, she cleans it. Hilarious, but true. She tells her therapist how she worries she'll contract some disease from the blood she sees...on TV. Or she worries that she's ALREADY got an incurable disease. Her therapist tells her, when you see hoof prints in the sand, think horses, not zebras! In other words, normal, mundane stuff. How can you have beri beri if you live in Michigan?

http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=2-067102437x-1&partner_id=28734

Best of luck with this.

:) Sierra

Oh Andy i am so sorry to hear you feel like this. I have been through it and it's frightening, terrible.

The worst part is feeling so isolated from other people, and the feeling that you can't breath properly, like you are going to suffocate.

You don't feel like this for nothing though, there's something going on that's distressing you & this is your body telling you that something's not right.

Don't try and ride this out on your own for too long. If you don't pick up go and see your GP and get the help that you need. In the meantime take care, be kind to yourself & try and get out in the sunshine this weekend. Good Luck.

Have you tried St. John's Wort? I suffer with depression, but when the doc tried to give me antidepressants, they just made me feel worse. One of the doctors suggested St. John's Wort, and it worked for me....however, it doesn't work for everybody.

If it's counselling you think you need, your GP will be able to refer you for Primary Care counselling, or refer you to the local mental health clinic for an assessment. In both cases, you're under no obligation....it has to be because you want to go...and you can ask not to take medication, but you will at least get proper advice.

Ann

hope we'll see you Sunday, Andy78 ... and remind me to give you a big rubytype hug ...

There's been what appears to be some pretty good advice for you here, but really, inside, you knew it already I bet.

Now, hon, I don't go a lot for medication if you can avoid it, but someone mentioned controlled breathing to relax, now THAT I can recommend. I've been in some pretty stressful anticipatory situations in my time and also times when things go around and around in my head and I can't seem to get to sleep even though I'm dogtired. Try breathing in for 6, hold it for 6 and breathe out for 6. If you've not suffocated after doing this ten or twenty times :P ... you might find you've quieted down enuff to let yourself doze off ..

Also, as someone else posted, things always look worse in the middle of the night ... they don't say the darkest hour is just before dawn for nothing, ya know. Bet you feel tons better already, well except for the fact that it's siling down!! :)

Originally posted by rubydazzler
someone mentioned controlled breathing to relax, now THAT I can recommend. I've been in some pretty stressful anticipatory situations in my time and also times when things go around and around in my head and I can't seem to get to sleep even though I'm dogtired. Try breathing in for 6, hold it for 6 and breathe out for 6. If you've not suffocated after doing this ten or twenty times :P ... you might find you've quieted down enuff to let yourself doze off ..


I completely agree, rubydazzler. I've been through clinical depression and some pretty major anxiety and panic attacks, and I found that when I was on medication they could be worse, because I was panicking that the medicine was making it worse! Of course, this depends completely on the individual case.

Deep, controlled breathing and sitting up, but relaxed, always worked a lot better for me. The main problem was getting enough presence of mind to start working out what to do when an attack hit, but that gets easier if you practice the routine when you are feeling OK so that you can more easily start when not thinking clearly.

Andy78, I completely sympathise with you. It can be a horrible experience and it sometimes feels as though it can never be fixed. However, I've now been 3 years without an anxiety attack, and life is back on track. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

Hi Andy78,

Hope you're feeling better this morning - I always tell people to disregard anything emotional upsets that they have between about 1am and 5am because your brain's fried. The Secret Police forces of the world don't have the '4 O'clock Knock' for nothing, you know! :)

Seriously, many years ago I had something very similar - crowded pub, lots of friends - I almost killed people in the rush to get out and was in a right state. The following day I was fine, but even now I get occasional panic attack symptoms. What you might want to do this morning is just take a walk out, get some (wet) fresh air and if you didn't sleep last night try and have a relaxing day and get an earlyish night tonight.

Then you can come to the Meet on Sunday full of the joys of May Day Bank Holiday!

Best wishes,

Joe

You could try some self hypnosis technuiqes in order to get to sleep in the future if you are having problems with this. They include controlled deep breathing and positive mental imagery as people have mentioned earlier. If you become skilled at it I believe that you can leave yourself queues that remind you of the relaxed state of mind that you were in at the time of the trance for everyday life.

I used to have REALLY bad anxiety attacks, when i was working for a previous employer. I was in such a state on the days i had to work closely with him that i could quite easily stay awake all night and then throw up in the moning! (nice!). I went to my GP who perscribed me 'beta blockers' (propanolol) presumably to keep my heart rate down. When I asked what effect they would have on me he said "they make you..er.. not give a damn basically". I must admit placibo or not, they worked, and i continued to work for him.. till i handed in my notice and went to work for a normal rational person. Hope you feel better soon Andy78, feeling panicky and 'down' is rubbish.

Once again, I can't say thank you enough for everyone's kind words. To see so many people's genuine concern really helps me.

I am feeling better today, still a little low, but better. I've taken myself for a yomp through Endcliffe park and further. It's good to get outside and clear my head a bit.

As I've said, I'm hoping that past experience and positive thinking will get me through this. If it doesn't then I'll look into other options. I do want to avoid Anti Depressants. Looking back, the year I did take them seems completely surreal. There's no feelings attached to that year. It's a bit like someone has shown me pictures of what happened, but I wasn't actually there. I want to appreciate the good and bad things that happen to me without feel detached.

Anyways, I have every intention of being in the Dev cat tomorrow, so I'll look forward to everyone's company.

Thank you again,

Andy :)

I have to live with Panic attacks and I've had enough. I can't work because of them and can't socialize with them either. I could scream- and at times feel like it'd be better if it was all over

Originally posted by Sony
I have to live with Panic attacks and I've had enough. I can't work because of them and can't socialize with them either. I could scream- and at times feel like it'd be better if it was all over

Sony ... you dont say anything much for anyone to respond to here. Are you getting any medical attention for the problem? I don't know you and I don't know anything about these types of problems really. So I can't be of much practical help to you. But hey, SCREAMMMMM if you like - if it helps - try it.

I've been in the world for a good few years now and the one thing I can say ... is there's nothing that can't be endured and eventually got over. No matter how bad the problem seems at the time, eventually - if you work at it and take it a bit at a time - you can tackle anything and sort it out.

Maybe some of our fellow forummers who've had experience of this could form a "group" on here to help one another out? Sometimes just knowing that you have companions in misery can help. We often feel that we're the only person that feels the way we do. It can be a comfort to find that others feel the same.

I hope you never contemplate doing anything that other people might regret on your behalf, hon ... take it easy ...

It's been going on for nearly 4 years now, and when they started at 18 and by 22 I still can't get on with my life... i had to stop uni a few months after I started and since then not much has happened.. I've worked for the jobcentre on a temporary basis and thats about it.. I feel so old, I've done nothing a twenty something should be doing.. I've been on medication for all this time too, Citalopram that did't work, efexor xl, that didn't work, tried hypnotherapy that didn't work. I've been on a waiting list for a year now to see a psychotherapist but i am told the waiting list is up to 2 years long... So no improvements whatsoever for me, and although people say it will get better, I have to patiently do nothing with my life for years!
:rant: :rant: :rant:

It may not seem much of a consolation Andy but you'll know from this thread that you're not alone with your problem, and there are a whole lot of people out here rooting for you. My daughter suddenly started with panic attacks just before taking her A levels. We took her to see our GP and he suggested counselling, but there was a six month wait, no use with exams due in a few weeks time. he offered her beta blockers but they made her feel spaced out so she only took them if things got really bad. She couldn't go anywhere alone, on a couple of occasions she froze while crossing a busy street. In the end we paid for a private counsellor, who worked wonders without drugs. She also recommended a couple of books which helped a lot. She still gets mild attacks, but has managed to go to college and get a degree, and now she's teaching and doing well. What got her through college was being open with friends about her problem, and they were fantastic with her, encouraging her to go out and join in with things, but letting her take it at her own pace, and walking her home when she was ready. Last Friday she was thrilled to bits because she'd walked the length of Meadowhall twice on her own without a problem, which was quite an achievement. A few months after she started her attacks, the same thing happened to me, brought on by stress at work mostly. I didn't go to the doctor, but my daughter lent me the books she'd used, and they helped a lot. One in particular explains what's happening to you, and how you can help by simple things like what you eat, and controlling your posture. It sounds too simple but it works for me. The book that helped was "Coping successfully with panic attacks" by Shirley Trickett. The other book was called "Feel the fear and do it anyway" but I can't remember the author. The second one is in the City libraries, but not the first one.

Hi Sony,
You sound about the same age as my daughter when she started to get her attacks. Have a read of my last post above and see whether it sounds familiar. Don't give up, hang in there, there are things you can do to help yourself. It takes guts and determination, but if you've put up with it this long you've got plenty of both! First off, you're not alone, there's nothing odd about you, you've just got a problem that a lot of other people have. It's not your fault you have these attacks, so don't hide it. Some people who've never suffered may think you should 'just pull yourself together' ! I know, I've met some. But most people will be sympathetic and ready to help. So talk to people, it helps a lot. Try to identify the sorts of situations that trigger your attacks, and if you can't avoid them, you'll at least be ready for them. To be honest, you're unlikely ever to be totally free of the problem, none of us are, but you can learn to control situations and yourself and live a more or less normal life, (whatever that is!) . There are a lot of good suggestions on this thread. If you're having an attack, try to concentrate on your breathing, and slow it down;count as you breathe. You'll probably find your shoulders are pulled up and tense, make yourself lower them and relax. It sounds simple and it is, and best of all it works! Don't expect miracles, set yourself small goals, and celebrate when you achieve them. I'll shut up now, I'm starting to sound like Patience Strong;) but don't despair, try the books and the tips, if you can't get hold of the one by Trickett PM me and you can have mine.

After reading through the posts on this thread, it concerns me that so many fellow forum users suffer from depression, panic attacks and such. Perhaps we could form some sort of buddy system, so that if anyone needed someone to talk to when thinks are bad we could help a bit. I know most of us don't have any medical training but sometimes having someone to just listen might help.

It always amazes when I see such a large responses regarding anxiety and depression.

I have suffered for years now and when it is bad you can feel so alone and at despair.

What I hate about it the most is the restrictions it puts on my life.

My only weakness, I fear panic attacks more than I fear death.

I do like being alive so I build a lifestyle around that premise.

My PM box is always open if anyone needs to chat.

Gracious, here we all are!

I've had really bad bouts of depression as well, although currently ok. It's a debilitating, invisible affliction and so cruel!

I've read all the previous posts and found them very comforting (but I hope everybody's all right). I think that once you've beaten it, you always have it with you and there is a fear that it can re-surface at any time.

I've never had an immediate anxiety attack, but I think I've had a longer term breakdown - all to do with a job change a year or two ago. Thing is I didn't recognise what was happening, even when I became so withdrawn that I couldn't speak to any of my new work mates; (what a fool). I just thought that it was part of getting older, that you withdraw from things.

Talking about it helps. Posting this is a kind of therapy I think. I'm 'getting it off my chest!'

Originally posted by Deavon
Gracious, here we all are!

I've had really bad bouts of depression as well, although currently ok. It's a debilitating, invisible affliction and so cruel!

I've read all the previous posts and found them very comforting (but I hope everybody's all right). I think that once you've beaten it, you always have it with you and there is a fear that it can re-surface at any time.

I've never had an immediate anxiety attack, but I think I've had a longer term breakdown - all to do with a job change a year or two ago. Thing is I didn't recognise what was happening, even when I became so withdrawn that I couldn't speak to any of my new work mates; (what a fool). I just thought that it was part of getting older, that you withdraw from things.

Talking about it helps. Posting this is a kind of therapy I think. I'm 'getting it off my chest!' ive had many BAD days and one of the best things that i find helps the most, is the help, love & support we can give each-other even if we dont know the one that needs help, just to be there when help is needed helps more than any pill ever can, we are people on the net talking to people we dont know and never met, but showing our support to each other is the best help/advice/support any human can give. your never alone.:thumbsup:so dont be affraid to ask.:thumbsup:

Algy, you referred to a book called "Feel the fear and do it anyway" but couldn't remember the author. It was written by Susan Jeffers.
This book turned my life around.

I never normally read books like this but for some reason picked it off the shelf in Waterstones some four years ago. I knew there was something wrong in my life but to the outside world I had everything.

I read this book and from page one, I could identify with every feeling, fear, emotion, the author wrote about. I then went to a counsellor because the book got me to the point of knowing I was the only person who could change my life and the way I thought. I was bowled over by my inner growth during the 10 counselling sessions and ended up doing a course myself in counselling skills.

within two years, I divorced my controlling husband, left our family business (I'd worked in for 17yrs) and now drive anywhere, on any busy motorway and can go down escalators (things I became fearful to do) and basically turned my fears and indecisions into action and inner strength.

I now have a new partner and laugh more than I can ever remember doing.

Anyone feeling they can't live their life the way they want to should read "Feel the Fear and do it anyway", I have recommended it to many people and all have been amazed at it's inspiration and ability to help "kick start" self change.

For the price of a bottle of wine, 3 pints of beer or a packet of fags, it's a life changing read worth every penny.

That's an inspiring story Bobbit, congratulations. I hope Sony reads it. When you're deep in despair it's difficult to pick yourself up, but it shows there are things you can do for yourself to take the first step until you can get counselling. :thumbsup:

I suffer myself and its pants isn't it

I find the best thing to do is try to think about something else because it only makes it worse if you concentrate on it (the whole viscious circle thing) but i'm sure you've heard that already.

Maybe say to yourself 'If i still feel like this in 1 min then i'll leave', i end up thinking 'well, i've done 1 min, i'll try another' and it nearly allways pays off and before you know it i am enjoying myself again.

OR

Try thinking 'If it happens it happens', i'm sure your mates would understand and at least that kinda takes away the feeling of being embarrassed as though its something you must stop happening as if your life depends on it. If you take that pressure off yourself and just accept its something you feel every now and again then you may fiind they ease on their own.

There are loads of panic groups that may be able to help and most offer 24 hour phone contact.

Failing that run home as fast as you can, lock all the doors, turn off all the lights and hide under your duvet (tried and tested!)

Good luck and i hope you feel better soon x

I too have suffered from anxiety attacks which gradually got worse over several years and I ended up on Seroxat for a year and a half. Yes my emotions were totally numbed during that time, but by then anything was better than the attacks themselves.

If I had gone to my GP sooner, I definitely think that I could have halted my slide into depression and things would probably not have become as bad as they did. The first thing my GP recommended was some robust excercise several times a week, as this apparantly encourages the production of seratonin (the stuff that makes us feel happy). However by the time I went to the Doc, I could barely get out of bed to have a wash, so I was not about to go for a jog round the park.

I successfully came off the seroxat, and took control of my life and got rid of the things that were making me feel bad (ex boyfriend for starters). Now if I get any bad feelings, I make sure that I try to relax, take it slow, lie in a nice bath with my eyes shut - generally do relaxing things.

So if you still feel bad, don't waste time in asking for help. It's hard because when you are an intelligent, outgoing human being, you feel like somehow you 'failed' if you cannot overcome it on your own.

I still sometimes get bad and irrational thoughts but the relaxation, exercise and deep breathing do seem to help. But I would not hesitate to go back to my GP if I thought I was on the slippery slope again.

I hope you manage to feel better, by whatever means you choose, and reading through the posts, its great to know that those of us who are suffering or have previously suffered, are not alone.

PANIC atticks are normal for about 4/5th of population at some time or another

the attack is basically a rush of adrenalin, which is uncontroled and unexpected

the fear of such an attack will often precipitate another

if you learn not to fear the symptoms ( which will never hurt you) they will die away generally

I've suffered from irrational panic attacks for years, I think they go hand in hand with depression. I moved to the U.S recently and the panic attacks started up adain through stress. I finally decided to go to a doctor after all these years and I found out there are loads of non - addictive medications available. Seeking medical help was the best thing I ever did. I brought up by parents who thought depression and panic attacks were self indulgent so it was very difficult to ask for help. I hope you are like most people who only suffer anxiety occasionally but if they carry on see your G.P, it's a very common problem.

Hi everyone..Ive just started having panic attacks, which were brought on by a trauma that happened 6 weeks ago. My doctor put me on diazepan (excuse spellin) and I took that for the 1st week..but then i cut it down to 1 every night, so that I could sleep. that 1st week of takin them is a blur..I dont know if it`s because of the tablets or I`ve blocked that week out?? I recently went back to the doctors (3days ago) and he has now put me on Fluoxtine (prozac), and so far apart from mild headaches and a furry tongue in the morning, I feel ok..Well ok?? Ive only had about 5 panic attacks, and that is a lot better than before. What Im wanting to know is ..do they eventually go away?? I`m not even thinking about what happened to me..and sudddenly I`m having 1, I dont really understand why.If anyone could help I`d be really gratefull...I liked the "Buddy" what was mentioned in this thread..I`d give it a go, and maybe it would help other sufferers too .

Hi Bella. They never go away completely, but you learn to control them, usually to an extent where they are very infrequent. You learn to recognise the early signs and deal with them. They don't suddenly stop. But they get less and less frequent, and one day you suddenly realise it's been ages since you had one. That's not to say you'll never have another, but you've learned how to cope.
Stick with it, you'll get there:thumbsup:

Hi Bella06, Think of taking Prozac like you would take antibiotics for an infection - that WILL go away. Generally, it takes 4 wks for Prozac to really kick in. For me, and other people i know who have taken it, the panic attacks, IBS, low self esteem, depression etc etc seem to gradually disappear. You feel more in control of your life, though sometimes you may actually shock yourself by 'daring' to do or say things which you normally wouldn't have the guts to do. I could suddenly walk down escalators, stopped fearing heights, stopped having IBS and drove on motorways. I felt more confident and less panicky.

You then begin to realise that YOU ARE capable of changing and that the Prozac is just like someone giving you a pair of spectacles and suddenly you can see better. I was on Prozac for 6 months. A few months after you come off it, it is quite common to have little wobbles. It is then up to you to remind yourself that you got better, with a bit of help and you aint gonna let yourself slip back. Exercise and inspirational books also keep you strong.

I've not taken Prozac since my divorce 3yrs ago. If I feel the slightest dip, I tell myself that if I still feel bad next week / month, I'll go back on Prozac. I never have yet - and the best thing is, I know deep inside I won't.

Don't feel going on Prozac means you're weak or giving up. Think of it as borrowing someones spectacles for 6 months, 'til you can see clearly yourself.

As I mentioned earlier, the book "Feel the Fear and do it anyway" by Susan Jeffers, talks about panic attacks and other symptoms of depression and anxiety. It's brilliant and uplifting.

Keep your chin up honey.

hey i have suffered these for along time know but there are ways to control them i have been having congnative behaviour therapy an it really has helped plus i have been on a n anti deppressent which really helps control anxiety as i have alot as i have an eatingdisorder. but if you feel a bit dodgey then if you fink youre goin to fall over stand on 1 foot an just bear it out coz i can asure you you wont fall just a little technic i was told by my therapist.

Bella, I think panic attacks tend to come and go depending on what's happening in your life. I started taking medication, Anti-depressants, proprananol and diazapam the latter I use for 'bad' days because it's addictive. I've had to go through a stressful year and the panic attacks flared up again after not having had one for years. Alcohol causes them as well as quelling them so don't get into the 'I'll have a drink to calm myself down' trap, in the long run it will make them at lot worse.

Just know, you will be ok. take the medication and don't feel bad about it, anxiety if really common and loads of people are taking something to help themselves xxx Tulip

Hiya folks. I know there are loads of people out there that suffer from anxiety and I myself am one of them. Does anybody think that society doesnt seem to recognise this as much as it should be recognised. Stress is a term that is recognised and so should anxiety. It is an illness and there is treatment out there but I would like more people who have never suffered from this to understand a bit more about what we go through. I know they cannot understand fully and they just think its a case of "pull yourself together", if only it was that easy we would all be doing it wouldnt we. Does it effect anyone in a way that they cannot work because of how it makes you feel and the symptoms you get? I have had trouble since last year with work and have given up 2 jobs because of sickness and trying to control this annoying thing. Anyway if there is anyone out that that has anxiety and panic then we should stick together and help each other out!

Take care!

Love and understand

Jill xx

Jill,

Try to get hold of 'Sheffield Smooth Guide'. If you PM me I will give you details tomorrow, my copy is at work at mo.

I work within an area where panic attacks and anxiety are common place and hope I can give you some details of self help groups that meet and help each other.

If you PM me I will give you contact details tomorrow when I return to work

Also look on Help Yourself Sheffield website, again I will send it to you tomorrow, you may find those of a like disposition.

If you need to chat PM me please

I really sympathise Jillybabes I suffered from terrible panic attacks or anxiety attacks 10 years ago!

The condition was brought on following a serious illness (encephalitus) which subsequently led to the cancellation of my wedding...which was..thank goodness..re-arranged once I had recovered but the trauma and stress of it all left me very 'ill' !

I had some psychometric analysis sessions at my local hospital which helped but ultimately my biggest jump in my recovery came as a result of the birth of my first child when I had to 'force' myself to get on with situations I previously would avoid.

Feel free to PM me but also do not be afraid to discuss the symptoms with your doctor...many people dislike admitting they have a mental illness but I for one was encouraged by family and friends and the stigma attached to mental illness never materialised in my mind I just 'knew' I needed some help!

Good Luck

:thumbsup:

Hiya

I've been clinically depressed for two years, and as part of that I suffer from severe anxiety and panic attacks.

Originally posted by Jillybabes
I know they cannot understand fully and they just think its a case of "pull yourself together"

Hmmm... I've experienced this attitude a bit, not just from other people thought, but from myself too - many a day I get really frustrated with myself and think 'Why can't I just be normal?' :roll: I find it most difficult to explain why I sometimes just have to suddenly leave a situation, especially when I'm in a group setting (suddenly leaping up and running away from a group leaves a lot of people wondering what on earth they could have done wrong!) :)

Originally posted by Jillybabes
Does it effect anyone in a way that they cannot work because of how it makes you feel and the symptoms you get? I have had trouble since last year with work and have given up 2 jobs because of sickness and trying to control this annoying thing.

It has done recently, and I've missed a lot of work over the last couple of months for anxiety related reasons. Somedays just leaving the house seems too daunting a task, and thats the hardest thing in the world to try and explain to someone.

Tracie :)

For anyone on this thread please

Phone 258 4489

Fax 250 0729

E-mail info@smoothguidesheffield.info

or write to

The Smooth Guide c/o Sheffield Mind,
Lawton Tonge House,
57 Wostenholme Road,
Sheffield S7 1LE

and ask how you can obtain copy of Smooth Guide.

There are many groups in many parts of the city to help you with your problems.

If you have any problem obtaining a copy, please do not hesistate to contact me on the following e-mail addy

bruce.thompson@imby.org.uk

when I will help you as much as I can

I went through most of my life without suffering anything like this, but a while ago I started getting mild panic attacks every weekend, hyperventilating and getting very worked up. I've found that practicing breathing and relaxation exercises, learning to breathe deeply, and meditation have all helped a little. It takes time to get the techniques to a stage where you can call upon then when you're panicking, but perseverance pays off.

i still get them,the last one was when i was with my doctor,no warning,just began to sweat,then the throat closed,next thing i was gagging for breath,lasted a good ten minutes,it effects me in different ways,sometimes i can be sat in my local with my mates having a good laugh then for no reason i want to be out of it,away from everyone,i hate crowds,wont go on public transport,if the kids get to the point where i have to raise my voice to them you can guarantee i end up chocking and usually throwing up,
ive tried many things but to no avail,i just go with it now,i keep calm when i can,avoid crowds,generaly lead a very low profile life,the only time i can guarantee i will not get an attack is when im alone ,strange but i learned to live with it

Originally posted by Jillybabes
...Does it effect anyone in a way that they cannot work because of how it makes you feel and the symptoms you get? I have had trouble since last year with work and have given up 2 jobs because of sickness and trying to control this annoying thing. Anyway if there is anyone out that that has anxiety and panic then we should stick together and help each other out!...


I had this problem today. I was struggling to keep my head together all day and the last place I wanted to be was in work. I felt very surreal and had to make excuses about why I was acting strange. The paranoia just added to the anxiety and I came pretty close to just going home. Luckily I managed to get through the day and am now feeling relaxed again.
I've been finding that if I have a good night or weekend, I get really low the following day (even without the influence of alcohol). It seems that if I'm happy one day, my emotions reverse the next day. :mad:

I really do think there must be a physical cause for so many people to be suffering. I know so many people who take medication to control panic attacks. A lot of people don't like to admit to feeling this way but I think if we could all talk openly it would help. I live in the U.S now and the problem is taken so much more seriously.

Maybe it's something silly like too much flouride in the water! x

I had one whilst at with my doctor too! I had the same thing, sweating, throat closing up etc but the main thing that brothers me about these attacks is I start shaking like a jelly fish. I was having a physical examination at the time, it was required by the immigration department so I could get a residents permit. The doctor said 'thats quite a tremor, you have there. How much alcohol do you drink?' I told him I didn't drink at all. He must not believed me because he ran extra blood tests on me for substance abuse!

There may well be environmental factors causing it, or at least bringing it out in people who are already prone. This may well be diet related: peoples' diets have changed beyond recognition over the last 100 years due to the introduction of refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated oils and this has had a measurable effect in other areas such as the increase in heart disease (almost unheard of 100 years ago).

I think another likely cause is the way people live nowadays: we have evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to live in small groups, basically little more than extended families, but again with the explosion in population and increased mobility since the industrial revolution, people live packed close together, often far away from their families, encountering mostly strangers day-in day-out, working long hours in stressful environments, anxiety attacks may just be a poorly adjusted coping mechanism to all of the complexity we face on a daily basis.

Now that I think about it, although I said I didn't suffer for most of my life, I remember I did have one panic attack when I was about 20. I'd volunteered to take part in a psychological experiment, it involved wiring an EEG up to my head, and to do that they had to scrape the dead skin off my scalp where they were going to fix the electrodes. I didn't like the feel of the blunt needle they were scraping with, started to shake and panic, and very nearly fainted. The scientists carrying out the experiment noticed the change in me, sent me off to another room to relax and drink some water, and said I could go home if I wanted. I soon recovered though and took part in the experiment anyway: it involved using sheer brainpower (via the EEG) to try to stop bars on a computer screen from falling below a certain level, a bit like playing a computer game. I kept the bars up for over an hour, after which they stopped the experiment and said that nobody had managed to keep them up for longer than 20 minutes before me, so perhaps the panic actually helped to focus my brain.

The increase in sufferers has a lot to do with the fact that more people are willing to admit to it. I think there are loads more people who are still to embarrassed to say anything. It makes me feel pathetic, avoiding things etc. I hate taking medication but admit to myself that I have to. I yearn for the day I can feel 'normal' again. I'm optistic that the day of 'normality' will arrive because it did before. I can't understand why I was free of the attacks for ten years and all of sudden they are back. I find confronting things impossible. The principal of putting yourself in a panic situation, even if its a very minor thing to other people, just doesn't work for me. Techniques of deep breathing, thinking of calmness and relaxing your stomach muscles works for some people .... but not me! Does anyone have any other suggestion? x

Hi tulip, arent there a lot of us out there affected by this ? My GP told me not to feel guilty or ashamed of the fact that I needed help and medication. A series of events had triggered my mind into playing tricks on me. He gave me Seroxat and it worked a treat. This was 3 years ago. He did say that it may come back in the future and I was to come straight back if it did. Just take the medication, do as your GP tells you and I am sure you will get better.

Hi All,
I hope noone takes what i am about to say the wrong way but i think if you can tackle your prob without any mediation you should give it a go. In my experience if you accept one form of meds then you are on a slippery slope that's very hard to climb back up (and often takes up some very important years of your life). You may find yourself just left on the pile with the other 'service users' getting pushed from pillar to post wondering how the hell it all came to this.

I'm not slating all therapists and drugs, i realise some do wonders for people but if you think you can do it without then power to you, give it a good go, there will always be people willing to help and if you have to seek advice later on then so be it, its nothing to be ashamed of, in fact you should be proud of yourself for being so strong.

Good luck to all of us out there that know what it's like x

I've been reading through this thread with much interest. About a year and a half ago, I started to have panic/anxiety attacks. It just came from nowhere. When I had the first one, I didn't know what it was and it started with pains in my head, the pain got worse and worse and I started feeling dizzy, hot, and my heart started racing. The more I thought about the syptoms I had, the worse they got and the more adrenlin I released. Although I didn't know that at the time as I didn't know it was a panic attack. The worse thing about it was I had the most incredible fear that I was dying, and the thought of that scared me and made we panic more. It is a vicious cycle, but I can't explain how full of fear of death I was (I now know that was the adrenalin acting and once its released you have to wait for it to subside) the attack went on for about 2 hours. I went to A&E because I really thought I was dying. Having a brain hemorrage or something. Of course, after having my temp taken, ECG done, BP, a few other follow my hand type tests etc they told me it was a panic attack and I felt ridiculous and ashamed. Anyway, I started having them nearly everyday for a couple of weeks and ended up in hospital again because I didn't believe the diagnosis. I thought they might have missed something, but again that's the effects of the adrenalin. Again, I'm told there is nothing wrong with me.

I go to see my GP, and he offers drugs and tells me I'm stressed and depressed. I was quite sure this was not the case. I love stress in my job and have always coped well under stress, I thrive on it in fact. My job was not in a stressful period. As for depressed, I was at an extremelly happy period in my life, everything was going really well. I told my GP this and he kept offering me drugs and I said no as I don't believe in taking that sort of medication. So I think what Melly says above is true. I told my GP of my headaches and pains and he kept saying I was depressed. Brick wall, bang head!

In the meantime, I went to the dentist with toothache, and after X-rays they couldn't find anything wrong with my teeth, they referred me to a orthopedic consultant. It turns out that I am suffering from TMJ which is a disorder in the Jaw, which leads to referred pain in the head and tension in the neck etc. Since I have found this out and am being treated for this, my panic attacks have stopped or I feel one coming on and know that it's my Jaw causing the pain. I can control it because I know what's wrong with me. I think before being diagnosed with TMJ the pains made me panic in a hyperchondriac way. Now when I get the pain I don't panic.

Not many people know I had these attacks, and I was really worried about work finding out about it as I was paranoid it would effect promotion etc if you're diagnosed with anxiety etc. However, I have realised that there are a lot of people out there who get them and they are really nasty. The sense of fear is the worst thing ever. I don't think it is something to be embarrassed about and I'm glad people are admitting their experiences on here because hopefully it'll help people to realise they are not alone, and not a freak.

I'm not ashamed of them now, I had them for a month or two and haven't had them now for nearly a year and a half. The interesting thing was how my GP wanted to write me off as a depressed stresshead and give me medication when I didn't need it. He didn't pick up on the syptoms of TMJ. I've lost all trust in my GP and am changing surgery.

I am also quite determined to cope without medication because I know I can. I had a pretty horrible day on Monday and couldn't calm myself down. I was really fearful in work, but managed to get through it ok. It's hard to realise that the effects are only temporary. You, just have to focus on the next day and convince yourself that you won't stay feeling like this.

When I was in a depression a few years ago, I came to rely on the various ADs that I was on. When I forced myself off them, I appreciated how real everything was. The feeling of reality had become a distant memory at that point.

I've considered myself to be content and generally happy for a long time, but I've always felt that there has been something under the surface that I couldn't quite figure out. I think that recent events have made me doubt my happiness and that's led onto me feeling the way that I do. The anxiety is just a by-product of such feelings.

As it is, my moods and emotions seem to be swinging dramatically from day to day. However, I know that on a bad day, the following day usually feels better. So that keeps me going. In some ways, I'm quite happy with the way that I'm dealing with it because I'm still managing to function well and work well, even though sometimes it seems like a bit of a struggle.

Originally posted by tulip
The increase in sufferers has a lot to do with the fact that more people are willing to admit to it.
Does anybody else think it may be due to the modern way of living?

We now fly further from the nest when we leave home, aspire to greater things than our parents - who are then helpless to support us in this unknown field, have kids in a town where we have no family to help with babysitting, are bombarded with images of 'perfect' bodies, homes, carrers, cars and families....

No wonder we begin to question where/how we fit and worry about our self image.

We spend hours watching tv or internetting - not really achieving anything - and therefore have no sense of fullfillment at the end of an evening.....

Just wondering, like...

I always find it helps to think about just how many other people there are out there that suffer like this, i don't mean in a 'there's people a lot worse of than you' way (cos quite frankly, that never helped anyone!) i mean, we could probably all walk past each other on the street and be thinking, 'i wish i was as normal as all these guys that seem to be walking around without a care in the world'. Just think, for every person you look at and think that, there are probably 3 looking back at you thinking exactly the same! (wishing that they were 'normal' not that you were! lol). If you think about it, if you go on the figures, the whole stigma attached to mental health problems is b*ll*x, there are more people with them than without, makes you wonder just what 'normal' is!

I'm sooo glad my earlier post didn't upset people, was a bit worried when i put it on!

Congarts to whoever put this down as a topic originally, sounds like people are getting a lot from it x

Originally posted by Strix
Does anybody else think it may be due to the modern way of living?
Yes, see my post on the previous page of this thread.

Also, after reading the article in Sunday's Observer Food Monthly about the changing make-up of foodstuffs, I wonder whether the huge change in the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 oils might have an affect, as these have a large influence on the brain and, for example, increasing omega-3 oils in the diet of schoolkids has been shown to have a huge affect on behaviour and concentration.

Observer article here (http://observer.guardian.co.uk/foodmonthly/story/0,9950,1481443,00.html) (the stuff about omega oils is right at the end).

Hmm, seems I could be onto something... I just Googled omega-3 panic attacks (http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=omega-3+panic+attacks) and came up with a lot of hits, the first page says "In one study, 3 out of 4 patients with panic attacks or a history of agoraphobia for 10 or more years improved within 3 months after taking flaxseed oil."

Originally posted by DanSumption
"In one study, 3 out of 4 patients with panic attacks or a history of agoraphobia for 10 or more years improved within 3 months after taking flaxseed oil."

You're def onto something here, although i had my little rant about meds a while ago i meant docs ones and i take a cocktail of vits/ mins and oils that really help:

1000 mg Starflower Oil
1000 mg Flaxseed Oil
15mg Zinc
1000 mg Vit C
50 - 100 mg Vit B6
and in winter Vit D (not sure of the strength)

I have convinced myself this is what keeps me off med now, maybe it's just the funny rattling noise i make as i walk that keeps my mind occupied though?

Originally posted by melly
I always find it helps to think about just how many other people there are out there that suffer like this, i don't mean in a 'there's people a lot worse of than you' way (cos quite frankly, that never helped anyone!) i mean, we could probably all walk past each other on the street and be thinking, 'i wish i was as normal as all these guys that seem to be walking around without a care in the world'.
Only slightly related - I was walking past the NMB one morning, feeling like I could quite happily step under the next bus to come hurtling up Pond St, when the builders working on the NMB wolf whistled at me (from 6ft away).

I'm not the sort of girl who revels in attention, and always think 'what are you after :suspect: ', so my 21yr old blonde curls and anorexic figure continued on their way, without batting an exceptionally long eyelash ;) .

'Fine, be mardy then!' (jokingly)

I turned round and smiled greatfully at them - 'Actually, you just made my day - thanks!'







Just reading that back, I was a damn sight more attractive than I believed then, too

Originally posted by Nimrod
Hi tulip, arent there a lot of us out there affected by this ? My GP told me not to feel guilty or ashamed of the fact that I needed help and medication. A series of events had triggered my mind into playing tricks on me. He gave me Seroxat and it worked a treat. This was 3 years ago. He did say that it may come back in the future and I was to come straight back if it did. Just take the medication, do as your GP tells you and I am sure you will get better. Thanks Nimrod, there are TOO many of us aren't there? I'm worried because the only thing really helping me is diazapam and I don't want to become addicted also I start getting bothered by 'how long are they going to keep giving me prescriptions and what happens when they stop' It's like a vicious circle. I also feel very guilty too, I feel self indulgent when I see soldiers coming back having lost limbs and they are complaing less than me! xxx

I think it is important to remember though that taking medication can be the answer (or at least part of the answer) for some people. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking medication to help with your emotional health, if that is what you require. Everyone's needs will vary.

For example, for the right person, Prozac can be a wonder drug, but it clearly doesn't suit everyone.

StarSparkle

Originally posted by StarSparkle
I think it is important to remember though that taking medication can be the answer (or at least part of the answer) for some people. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking medication to help with your emotional health, if that is what you require. Everyone's needs will vary.

For example, for the right person, Prozac can be a wonder drug, but it clearly doesn't suit everyone.

StarSparkle You are right. If you had a bad headache you'd take a pill & not feel ashamed! x

Originally posted by StarSparkle
I think it is important to remember though that taking medication can be the answer (or at least part of the answer) for some people. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking medication to help with your emotional health, if that is what you require. Everyone's needs will vary.

For example, for the right person, Prozac can be a wonder drug, but it clearly doesn't suit everyone.

StarSparkle

I must admit that if even though I stopped taking ADs because I wasn't happy with my reality. If I had never taken them in the first place, I don't think I would have sorted my emotions out. Maybe a year of being detached helped me to see things with more clarity. When I stopped taking them, I was more focussed and could put things into perspective.

Originally posted by Andy78
I must admit that if even though I stopped taking ADs because I wasn't happy with my reality. If I had never taken them in the first place, I don't think I would have sorted my emotions out. Maybe a year of being detached helped me to see things with more clarity. When I stopped taking them, I was more focussed and could put things into perspective.

Hope you are feeling better Andy78. Your attack could have just been a natural reaction to the pressures you are currently under. I think it happens to the majority of us and is a a way of our bodies making us alert that all is not well.

Have you consider alternative therapies as the AD's don't appeal to you? They would be of some help if it becomes a more frequent occurance. Some relaxation strategies might be of assistance that you can use when you have moments like this?

But hoping it was a one off and you are ok now.

Thanks Samc,

Unfortunately, it has not just been a one off. I've been getting them quite a bit to varying degrees. Sometimes just a few minutes, sometimes the whole day. I'm getting better at calming myself down if I'm somewhere quiet and on my own. The problem is when I'm in work or something and I just can't get away from it.

Still operating OK though, which is good.

Has anyone had a panic attack or anxiety attack?. I used to get them quite regular when I was a young boy but thankfully they have lessened over the years and I can sort of control them now or know when to relax.

A panic attack is the most horrible feeling in the world, you feel suffocated, like there is no oxygen - your heart starts beating faster and you really think you're going to die. The worst thing is it doesn't have a set pattern, it just happens. You could be watching TV or at the cinema or having a shower etc.

Has anyone else had to face this horrible situation? if so - how did you cope and is it any better now?

Yes to both. I have suffered on and off for 4 years myself and am at the moment suffering a relapse. Its horrible, constant anxiety every day the most horrible feeling in the world, it gets you down and you think you are alone but you arnt. There are so many people our there with the same problem. How did you sort yourself out and become well again?

I had a kinda panic attack on the plane going over to Benidorm with the missus on our first ever foreign holiday together.

Im not scared of heights and I've been on planes before and I've felt fine.. very weird indeed.

I was eating a meal and then just started going dizzy, feeling sick, going very sweaty and white and was just very very thirsty.

It wore off after about 20 mins though.. the missus wasn't impressed at all- bless her!

I been having them on and off for around 6 years now.

When I first experienced one, it really shook me. I became a near recluse, wouldn't go out.

I found that being in a crowded place would cause me to have one.


I have been on medication in the past, but now I try to control the feeling by thinking to my self it will pass.

Originally posted by ANGELUS
I had a kinda panic attack on the plane going over to Benidorm with the missus on our first ever foreign holiday together.

Im not scared of heights and I've been on planes before and I've felt fine.. very weird indeed.

I was eating a meal and then just started going dizzy, feeling sick, going very sweaty and white and was just very very thirsty.

It wore off after about 20 mins though.. the missus wasn't impressed at all- bless her!

I think this is more to do with claustrophobia than heights - you just KNOW you can't get off.

I had a couple about 15 years ago, they are really horrible, and I think they're a bit indicative of whats going on in your life and sometimes how you feel about yourself.

Thankfully I don't get them now.

Mine were brought on in the dark. But not from a physical fear of the dark, more of a claustrophobic feeling.

Originally posted by Jillybabes
Yes to both. I have suffered on and off for 4 years myself and am at the moment suffering a relapse. Its horrible, constant anxiety every day the most horrible feeling in the world, it gets you down and you think you are alone but you arnt. There are so many people our there with the same problem. How did you sort yourself out and become well again?

I actually taught myself some basic breathing excercises. If I could feel it coming on or knew I'd be in a situation where it might happen - I'd slow down my breathing and concentrate.

Abit like meditating I suppose, but in a busier environment. I wouldn't say I'm 100% but it certainly helped. It's a case of mind over matter.

Originally posted by BoroughGal
I think this is more to do with claustrophobia than heights - you just KNOW you can't get off.

I had a couple about 15 years ago, they are really horrible, and I think they're a bit indicative of whats going on in your life and sometimes how you feel about yourself.

Thankfully I don't get them now.

Mine were brought on in the dark. But not from a physical fear of the dark, more of a claustrophobic feeling.

I dunno what it was- but it scared me for a while.
I thought I had DVT for a while.. I v.scared at that point.

I know also I used to have panic attacks when travelling to see my ex in thurcroft especially when I got from Kiveton Park to Dinnington Bus Station, they always began there for some reason.

Very weird.

Originally posted by Lestat
The worst thing is it doesn't have a set pattern, it just happens. You could be watching TV or at the cinema or having a shower etc.


There is always a trigger.

Sometimes it is just identifying it :(

I'd love to know what triggered mine on the airplane.

I was genuinely looking forward to the trip and then I had the attack, very weird indeed.

I went to Benidorm (seems to be a theme here!) in November with Fiance, Mum, Dad, Brother, Sister In Law and Kids and thought this is going to be the best holiday because I'm with all the people I love the most. Then in some kind of reverse psycology way, I then started thinking what if I lose all these people tomorrow. I worked myself up that much I started with sickness etc and ended up in hospital for 3 days because my heartbeat was so high and and I was so dehydrated through being sick. I'd covinced myself I was going to die and if not everybody I loved was. It was the worst thing I have ever been through.

I have had attacks before this and I still get them occasionally now, but not as bad. I just have to keep thinking that I am really lucky to have what I have and that I have to make the most of everything I do and the time I spend with people.

Originally posted by ANGELUS
I'd love to know what triggered mine on the airplane.

I was genuinely looking forward to the trip and then I had the attack, very weird indeed.

I need a bottle of wine before even stepping on a plane :o

Originally posted by ANGELUS
I know also I used to have panic attacks when travelling to see my ex in thurcroft especially when I got from Kiveton Park to Dinnington Bus Station, they always began there for some reason.

I think that once you've had a panic attack in one situation, you panic a little bit that it may happen again whan that situation occurs again -and then it becomes a self propelling prophecy - does that make sense?

Anyway, I'm no expert, that was just my experience, as I say, I only had a couple, but the FEAR of having them went on much longer.

Yes, the horrible things have just come back after 6 years of freedom. They are so dreadful but have any of you considered it might be physical? Don't dismiss it as being all in your head, you have panic attacks thinking about having a panic attack but I believe the root cause is physical. It is caused by rushes of adrenaline, it is hereditary and there are lots of different 'safe' medications you can take. Don't be ashamed of them - would you be ashamed of having a migraine? See your doctor, if your doctor is unhelpful see another more sympathetic doctor.

There are literally millions of sufferers. I also don't believe that there is always a trigger. I have them when I'm relaxed and have even been woken up by them!

people, keep talking about your experiences of having anxiety/panic attacks. It will help others who think they are going crazy or don't realize other people have this problem. Most of all don't feel ashamed to admit to the way you are feeling, talking about it is good therapy.:)

i currently have a friend who is dealing with panic attacks and they have got so bad that it has escalated into depression

it has got to the point that she wont even come out the house if anyone knows of anyway i could help her overcome both problems please PM or send a message back to this.

i am always there to listen and she talked to me at first but now she wont even speak about it.

she hasnt been out the house for 5 weeks

any information appreciated

amiee xx

You need to get your friend to see a doctor. Is your own g.p sympathetic? If so I'd ask your own doctor for advice - you aren't equipped to deal with it on yourself.

she wont see anyone because she says there aint anything wrong with her.

amiee xx

I have been prescribed diazepam for anxiety. I take when I REALLY need it because of it being addictive. I'm worried about taking it (not good when it's supposed to stop me worrying!) can anyone tell me what are the signs of being addicted?

erm you could try taking clonazepam which i tend to take at night before i go to bed or if i am having a bad day, its also not adictive.

Im ashamed to say I do, and I dont know why. I seemed to be alright when I was working but now Im retired, they seem to have got worse. I keep thinking that something terrible is going to happen, and it never does. Is anyone else affected in the same way ? And what did they do about it ? Ive tried relaxation tapes, and the doc gave me some tablets,which helped,but Id like to get over it myself.

Thanks so much Willman and Shiesh for your advice. And your thread,which I clicked on.Seems more people suffer from it than I thought. I realise that it is probably one or two bad situations that you have in your life,you get through them at the time,then later when they are over,you start and think about them,and you feel panicky about what you went through. I think different people deal with things in different ways, and this is probably my way of dealing with it.(In my case it was a death in the family) Dont know wether that makes sense or not. I do find one of the best ways of dealing with it,is talking about it. I have found to my surprise,that on doing this, people who I thought were really confident,arent really,and tell me that they feel the same way as me.I think one of the main things is keeping occupied,dont you ? Thanks everyone.Still open to suggestions of what worked for you.Yes, I was offered Seroxat,but turned it down,as it had had a bad press review.Seems in older people it can be a lack of Seratonin in the brain.Must get some of that. Must try St.Johns Wort,as someone suggested.

Knowing a bit more now about your particular episode..I would suggest it almost certainly does stem from your family bereavement...it is nothing to be ashamed of and I would seek medical advice from your doctor regarding treatment asap. Please don't suffer in silence.

My symptoms still come back whenever they is a family upheaval...I had an episode a couple of years ago during a home extension being built...the doctor marked my sick note as anxiety and I thought I was worried what work would think...afterall I am the class clown (always happy etc)...but to my surprise work were very supportive and it was 'time out' I needed!

Obviously you are retired and your situation is very differant...what I would recommend is a change to the norm...

Don't do routine stuff....do something differant...for me it helped. Getting off the 'wheel' for a while from work etc...obviously I still had my family to look after but just removing one section of your normal routine and doing something completely differant can help!

Good Luck

:thumbsup:

St Johns wort may work for some but it also interacts with many prescribed drugs, including antidepressants, and can cause their levels in the body to rise to sometimes dangerous levels. You really do need to talk to your doctor before trying it. If there's nothing to stop you, they will tell you that, but please don't take it without being sure.

While you're at the doctors talking about St Johns wort, you can ask them about a referral to a good bereavement counsellor. They are a specialist bunch, and I know several people who have been to bereavement counsellors after losses. This included a bloke (definitely a bloke, not a man, if you know what I mean) who was determined that it wouldn't do him any good, but afterwards couldn't recommend it highly enough.

I think that you may need to look at the panic attacks as a separate issue to your losses for the time being, although you may be able to merge them at some point. Addressing the cause (which may be related to your bereavements) doesn't automatically mean that the panic attacks will stop, as they sort of become their own monsters after a while and, as previously said, the fear of having another attack can trigger one, so working at the problem from both ends may help.

Good luck.

Originally posted by oatescamilla
erm you could try taking clonazepam which i tend to take at night before i go to bed or if i am having a bad day, its also not adictive.

Any benzo is addictive.. clonazepam defo is (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonazepam)..

But you are right, it is excellent for anxiety and won't really make you drowsey unless it's already bedtime :)

Yes, I was offered Seroxat,but turned it down,as it had had a bad press review.Seems in older people it can be a lack of Seratonin in the brain.Must get some of that. Must try St.Johns Wort,as someone suggested.

You can't really beef up Serotonin in the brain directly, but you can use drugs called SSRIs - Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors - that prevent the brain from recycling the serotonin that's washing around your neurones so quickly. This has the effect of maintaining serotonin levels for longer.

Seroxat is one example of an SSRI, as is Prozac. St John's Wort contains chemicals that also act in the same way as SSRIs, hence the care you need to take. Not all SSRIs have the same side effects, so it might be worth asking your GP if they'd consider another one. I took Prozac for three months and it did me the world of good, with no 'come down'. The only side effects I suffered were heartburn and some weird dreams.

I had a few mild panic attacks after a bereavement (well, I went to bits for a while, actually, but panic attacks were only a small part of it all) and a consellor might help you - I had limited success with bereavement counselling; I think I'm just not a good taker of helpful advice!

Anyway, hope things pan out OK for you!

Joe

no clonzepam isnt addoctive ive checked so many times wiv the doctors, put know they have prescribed me dizepam for 2 weeks and i know thats bad for it

I used to have mega panic attacks but it was due to stress and extreme upset...divorce etc.
Find out what triggers them and address the cause, when you do get em try taking deep slow breaths as it's the vicious circle of panic, rapid breathing, brain say's your dying and needs more oxygen, leading to more panic and more rapid breathing.

Also have a paper sweety bag to hand, breath in to this and out again, breathing your own co2 calms you down.
But don't do it until your blue in face of course.

I get panic attacks alot, is there anything at all that they can give you for it cause believe me iv read pretty much every website on it

Originally posted by oatescamilla
no clonzepam isnt addoctive ive checked so many times wiv the doctors, put know they have prescribed me dizepam for 2 weeks and i know thats bad for it Clonazepam comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take clonazepam exactly as directed.

Clonazepam can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive use, making the drug less effective. This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. Do not skip doses even if you feel that you do not need them. Do not take clonazepam for more than 4 months or stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.

I got the above from a reliable web site:)

Hey all,

I have been carefully reading through your accounts and perceptions of panic attacks on this thread. As someone who is also currently trying to overcome the crippling effects of this disorder, it is very reassuring to see how common these experiences are and that there is a lot of support out there. I find that when i'm having a panic attack, or feel one is coming on, that telling someone else around me helps relieve the fear somewhat. Just knowing that people understand you and want to help relieve your suffering is half the cure in my opinion. I am only lucky that i have not been rendered completely immobile by this, but it is quite easy to see how this can destroy peoples lives. I for one don't always feel like i'm being myself in fear of having one, but i consider myself lucky compared to many who i'm sure have even worse and more frequent bouts of them. A general question to anyone who has experienced these before, are you always very aware of your heart beat?? I personally find that this has become the focus of my panics, depending on what my bodily sensations are around this region of my body, if it feels slightly off-beat or 'strange' then this fuels my attacks.

Anyways, thank you for the interesting read on here, it is very inspiring to see that people can get through them and live a happy normal life. And all my love to those who are experiencing this at the moment. You are not alone!

Christoff

I suffer panic / anxiety attacks sometimes, they have been so bad in the past, I've been to hospital twice where I've nearly passed out. I've learn't to control them since then though. With me, I get the pins and needles almost all the way through the body too :) not nice.

This was interesting for me because I've found that my old phase of having panic attacks has started again - it never really wholly went away but they were only triggered by situations that were actually frightening. I've got PTSD and had serious depression a couple of years ago and it took a long time to get out of that, and I take great care of myself now. However the old feelings are creeping back and I am becoming ill again.

What has triggered this is that I have been 'protected' somewhat in my work but now have got into a situation where although I have a job that suits my skills almost perfectly, there is a senior manager who is an utter stress head and I have to say an ignorant pain in the jacksie. The stress gets pushed onto the staff, and its exacerbated by a couple of long-time staff who seem to delight in spreading poison around. My immediate manager luckily is level headed and pleasant - but then I am constantly being asked to do things for this senior manager and I know one day I'm going to plant him one!

It annoys me so much that some people have so little appreciation of or even inclination to understand hidden disabilities! I am registered as being unable to perform certain duties and yet here I am now having pressure applied to do them. For the last week I've just felt like walking out, and I may well do it. Despite liking my tasks and my manager, I am not willing to make myself ill again! I just hope it's not too late. :( I'm now having increased night terrors (a lot worse than simple nightmares!), find my blood pressure has risen (despite it being low and having an excellent diet) and have waves of nausea and vertigo. All due to this pressure - which is basically discrimination!

If anyone knows of any decent forums where I can offload my worries and share experiences I'd love to know - its not fair bringing that home too much, and would help relieve the pressure until I can get my trade union involved!

:( Hi Andy i know exactly what you are going through as i suffer from a similar illness.
The problem which i have is that i have lost all confidence in myself and see the worst in other people.
I also have a problem with my mind focusing on real isues and cannot stop doing equations, these are made up problematic data from my distressed state of mind, i cannot think clearly and stress and anxiety cause me to write down alot of meaningless information over and over again.

I don't understand what it is all about but i am obsessed with statistics like date of birth,seasons of the year etc.

Maybe i have alot of emotional baggage from a previous relationship which in my mind isnot over or complete.

I do take medication but it only helps me sleep doesn't cure the problem and i have a great fear of what people think of me and am constantly rediculed by the public this developes in to a persecution complex where i dare not go out with out fear and anxiety taking control, i listen to a walmman but the music doesn't soothe my nerves.

My mother suffered a similar illness and she was extremely self conscious,medication on it's own isn't enough seeing people who can make you laugh like friends i think is the answer,

The more you stay locked up in your house the worse the symptoms get.
Exercise and proper dietcan defeat the problem,alcohol and tablets will intensify the paranoia.good luck with your situation

hi, can anyone help me. i have been suffering from night panic attacks for 14 years.... the doctors have gave up on me and i feel alone. i have seen this web page and thought someone might have the same sympoms as me. my attacks start at night, i am just going to sleep, when i think im dying and start screaming and crying, i run around my flat like a mad man, but im unable to control myself or stop screaming. it has given me a phobia about death, im terrified of dying. has anyone else got any of these symptoms or im i alone.

hi, can anyone help me. i have been suffering from night panic attacks for 14 years.... the doctors have gave up on me and i feel alone. i have seen this web page and thought someone might have the same sympoms as me. my attacks start at night, i am just going to sleep, when i think im dying and start screaming and crying, i run around my flat like a mad man, but im unable to control myself or stop screaming. it has given me a phobia about death, im terrified of dying. has anyone else got any of these symptoms or im i alone.

This sounds like an extreme case. You say the doctors have given up on you... what do you mean? Such an extreme phobia should be taken seriously, and I think most doctors would agree with that.

I think you need a second opinion. Or a psychiatrist (no offence intended, I genuinely think that's what you need).

As for anxiety and panic attacks...

I am, unfortunately, the type of person whom has suffered these in the past.
I wont go into too much depth regarding what triggers it. #

Back when I was 17, I passed out after a really harsh panic attack which stemmed from my girlfriend at the time cheating on me.
Last one I had was over finances. I get very very anxious about money (or lack of), and I do some mad s**t like bite away half of my fingers.

I'm yet to find a cure. I think I'm just prone to it.

when i was 16 i seen a child psychologist, but didnt help so stopped going. doctors didnt want to give me drugs thought it was an attitude problem would sort itself out but it hasnt. im 29 now and have seen a psychologist again who is referring me to cbt. is this any good does it work? do you think st johns wort would help me?

Hello gang i am invisible?:(

I get panic attacks alot, is there anything at all that they can give you for it cause believe me iv read pretty much every website on it

When I had a few problems with breahting not long before Christmas, they basically said that I needed to learn how to deal with it myself, possibly using a paper bag. Do you really want to be reliant upon medication? I know I don't.

Hello gang i am invisible?:(

Who said that??

;) Only messin.

What's up hon? Haven't read much of this thread admittedly...

Chicken Monkey x

i suffered with them five years ago i had chronic anxiety and had to be hospitalised.it was dreadful,but im not too bad now i learn to get by.so i completely understand what its like.no one can know what its like until they have had it.

Hi guys. I'm glad I found this thread because its been quite a comfort. I've been having mild, short panic attacks for the last couple of months (maybe one a week) and I think it all stems from a nasy bout of food poisoning I had. This weekend has been particularly bad though and I've had two full blown panic attacks with all the horrible symptoms (trembling, nausea, almost passing out etc) lasting for a couple of hours each. Now I'm left with this constant sense of anxiety and a lump in my throat which I cant seem to shift and its pretty scary. I guess this is just expectation of another attack but its really difficult to deal with. Its only just started to get this bad this weekend so I dont want it to descend into some kind of full blown panic disorder where I get terrified of doing everyday stuff so I dont want to go to a GP where they'll just stick me on anti-depressants straight away which I think will probably make me worse. Any short term tips to try and shift this constant anxiety thing? Also, a lot of it seems to stem from alcohol (ie: I seem more susceptible the day after a big night out) - anyone else get this? Thanks for listening :)

Hi guys. I'm glad I found this thread because its been quite a comfort. I've been having mild, short panic attacks for the last couple of months (maybe one a week) and I think it all stems from a nasy bout of food poisoning I had. This weekend has been particularly bad though and I've had two full blown panic attacks with all the horrible symptoms (trembling, nausea, almost passing out etc) lasting for a couple of hours each. Now I'm left with this constant sense of anxiety and a lump in my throat which I cant seem to shift and its pretty scary. I guess this is just expectation of another attack but its really difficult to deal with. Its only just started to get this bad this weekend so I dont want it to descend into some kind of full blown panic disorder where I get terrified of doing everyday stuff so I dont want to go to a GP where they'll just stick me on anti-depressants straight away which I think will probably make me worse. Any short term tips to try and shift this constant anxiety thing? Also, a lot of it seems to stem from alcohol (ie: I seem more susceptible the day after a big night out) - anyone else get this? Thanks for listening :)

First of all, Sirius10, I really sympathise with you, and I'm glad you've got some comfort from this thread. I know I found it a tremendous relief when I first realised that so many people suffer from panic/anxiety attacks, and that it wasn't just me.

I hear what you're saying about not wanting to go to your GP, but I think it would be a very good idea if you did go to see him. Just so you can talk things through, and see what suggestions he can come up with to help you. There are certain medications that can specifically help to reduce levels of anxiety, for example.

Something that did strike me as a possibility with your mention of food-poisoning, was the possibility it might have left you with intestinal parasites. Might be worthwhile getting the doctor to check that out, mentioning to him you've had food-poisoning recently?

I may be wrong here - and I have no formal medical knowledge or anything like that, so don't quote me - but I'm sure I've heard that such things can have an effect on your emotions.

But really - get along to your doctor - that would be the best thing.

And the Forum's always here for you, of course.

Good luck.

StarSparkle

Couldn't we all meet up and talk about our problem?