Anxiety!

[Natasha&Matt]

some of you may remember in 2008 i was suffering from Panic attacks very bad, would always get a pain in my arm and suddenly think i was going to have a heart attack and was going to the hospital in casualty 4 times a month to get checked over, it was a very difficult time for me i seriously thought i was going to be locked up as i was going mad!

Anyway it faded away and i hadn't had a panic attack until that night Brittney Murphy died (i was probably thinking to much about how young she was and what not) and now since that night i have been having breathing problems which is making me feel really ill nausea and dizziness feel like I can't get a deep enough breath, and consequently, will continue trying to you yawn and take in more and more air, i am trying for these deep breaths like every 5/10 mins and feel so dizzy its been gradually getting worse each day.
I have made an app to see Dr so hopefully will get some advice about it and double check it is anxiety.
Just wondering if any of you suffer from this kind of anxiety and how you deal with it? any breathing methods?

Thanks x

 

[higgy66]

Have you tried Bachs rescue remedy - you spray it on your tongue.

I've only ever had panic attacks once when I went on holiday with my MIL and she turned into the MIL from hell and was shouting at me and generally being awful. My DH cousin who was also away with us gave me some and I used that and it really helped.

Also have you had you blood levels checked as when i get aneamic form time to time one of the ways I know I've got it is because I get slightly breathless as if I'm not getting enough oxygen with each breath - you never know it could just be a case of getting more iron in your diet.

Good luck at the Dr's and I hope it all goes well.

 

[Natasha&Matt]

Yea used to use the Rescue remedy and it didnt do anything for me my anxiety was way to strong for that stuff. The only thing i would take from the Doctor was Diazepam as that just chilled me out totally.

 

[higgy66]

Hopefully somebody on here will have some good advice.

Take care and I hope you get sorted at the Drs

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

 

[suzycute]

So sorry to hear about your panic attacks - they truly are so frightening and no wonder you thought you were going mad.

My nights are spend on the DIS forums but I'm a psychologist in the NHS by day and panic is something that is so common and can be very much helped by seeing someone like me. Ask your GP to refer you to a new scheme that the government are rolling out across the country called "Improving Access to Psychological Therapies" (IAPT) where you can see a person specialised to help with this precise problem. We use a form of therapy called CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) which has had very good success with panic (and other anxiety disorders and depression too).

There is a good self help guide that you can read called http://www.ntw.nhs.uk/pic/leaflets/Panic.pdf and a website aimed to help people who have panic attacks http://www.nopanic.org.uk/

Please be assured that you can be helped and the success rate is very good - the hardest bit is taking the first step. Please let us know how you get on.

 

[Tinks1984]

Not much help from me hun, but lots of and I hope you feel better soon Tasha!

 

[florida sun]

Definatly sounds like anxiety to me, thats the problem with panic attacks, they can bring on so many strange symptoms and the more you worry about it the worse it gets.

Ive suffered with Panic attacks on and off for years, I think I might have replied to your last thread. Im much much better now as I know how to deal with them and what to tell myself when they are happening, which thankfully now is rarely.

I had councilling and what Suzycute mentions above-therapy called CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) which was brilliant. Ask your GP about it, and good luck, it will get better but I know how frightening it can be.

 

[Natasha&Matt]

Thanks Suzycute for the info i was refered for CBT last time i had it real bad but by the time it was all ready for me to start i had stopped having the panic attacks (took ages) which was silly really i should of done it anyway. Will ask about it again when i see my Dr.

It really is so scary and amazing at all the different types of panics you have.

 

[sasywtch]

I typed up a long response and got kicked off during the sending of it. Hope it's ok to reply here as I'm in the US but all relatives are in England and some on these boards.

March 1986 was my first panic attack, emergency room and all. In group therapy, the psychologist said I was one of the worst he'd seen. I did do xanax but weened myself off and then carried some for emergencies (my crutch) and for the last 12 years, none at all. All of us in group found our own ways to eliminate the panic attacks. I prefer a backrub to relax me but my normal remedy is to start calculating details in my head. A trip to Disney, what time would I leave for the airport, what time would the plane leave, time of arrival, how much would all the meals be, what we'd do day by day. Very minute details. I couldn't do slight daydreaming, it had to be detailed calculations or detailed plans to make my mind move away from the panic and onto something else. You will find what works for you. It's trial and error so don't despair. Think of a dream vacation,the time frames, the detailed itinerary, the dollars you'd spend etc. If you won a few million, how would you spend it (detailed), plan your perfect home, where would the living room be, the kitchen, the furniture in it, where would it be placed. It's a way of manually bringing your stress level back down.

Best wishes

 

[mandymouse]

 

[natalielongstaff]

sounds like you have had some sound advice Tash xx

 

[Jets fan]

Tasha, I used to suffer from crippling Panic Attacks where I thought I was dying. I tried everything and saw doctors. It got so bad that I had to take tamazapan (spelling) before a flight, which was not good as I travelled alot on business. One day I found a book that had good reviews and it cured me. Sounds strange that a book can help, but it really did and made perfect sense. I still get a bit anxious on dark rides, but things like flying are no problem.

I am trying to find the book and I will send it to you as it was really very good. Will pm you when I find it.

Tina

 

[Natasha&Matt]

Awww Tina thats so kind of you. thank you very much

xx

 

[Pinky166]

No advice but lots of

Hope you get it sorted asap. xxx

 

[wishspirit]

I know just how you feel!

I also suffer from terrible panic attacks (even with a psychologist as a mother, suzycute!)At my worst, I couldn't even go into the next town over because my panic would be so bad! I am getting much better but am about to see another psychologist this week because the stress of university is causing symptoms to reappear, so I know how difficult it is to deal with. I am also on propananol to calm me down in difficult situations, which has been really useful for me.

I would strongly recommend getting professional help. I am lucky that my mother has been so helpful, but it is useful to have someone who can go over the symptoms that you are feeling and normalising them with you. However be prepared for a long NHS waiting list! Also know that relapses are completely normal, I have had quite a few. Never feel like a failure because you have one. Just focus on what you have accomplished thus far, and keep pushing forward!

I would also recommend www.livinglifetothefull.com, it is completely free to use, and is funded by the NHS. It is a at home internet tutorial of how to cope with anxiety and depression, and even though I haven't finished it yet, I have found it really helpful to combat my thought cycles.

I really hope this helps, and if you want any help and support, please PM me. Us anxious people have to stick together!

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Just wanted to send some to you Natasha and all of you suffering with the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Hopefully you will benefit from the support and advice given on here.

 

[irongirlof12]

godo advice on here, hope you find a way to cope soon

 

[kristieuk]

I really feel for you, but just know that you have the strength and ability to deal with this with the right guidance and support. You have my very best wishes and lots of

 

[Natasha&Matt]

Thanks everyone for your kind words and advice and thanks for the Pms too means alot xx