| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SusieQue |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 6:36:07 PM
Was just wondering if anyone suffered from panic or aniexty attacks. Seems the older I get the worse they become. My doctor says to stay away from situations that make them come on. Thats easier said than done. I do have a stressful job but I have to work. The panic hits me sometimes in crowds or a busy highway. Makes me think that I have lost my mind or going crazy. If people have never had one then they really don't understand - they look at you like you have lost it. Anyone else have these or heard of this? Guess I just need for someone to listen and I knew that you gals would do that. |
| 19 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Bfriday |
Posted - Jul 02 2008 : 1:11:05 PM
Yeah! It is better to deal with when you have support from other people that can relate to what you are feeling. I'm glad everyone is open and can share their expirence here. I see a counselor and we talk about what triggers my anxiety and then I can alter my situations so that I avoid triggers. Right now I've been drinking too much coffee and that is triggering some anxiety. I should know better by now...guess I have to switch to decaf. Just love my Starbucks!! In a crowded room I try to sit where I can exit easily if I need to. Simple things like that can really keep the anxiety levels down. It is just something I guess I will always live with and I just accept that and find ways in my life to keep the levels at a low. I just pray I don't pass it down to my children. Living with anxiety is a challenge!
Farmgirl Sister #188 |
| SusieQue |
Posted - Jul 01 2008 : 4:58:28 PM
Yes Jessica I am glad I posted this also. I was a little scared to because I thought it was just me. Very shocked at the amount of people that actually have them. I can relate so good with what you said about being in a room and you have to stay seated. Thats when I had my first one about ten years ago and I thought I was having a stroke. I do try to talk to myself, say a prayer and think of something that I enjoy. I am on a low dosage of lexapro but I can't see where it has done any good. Very glad that we can share on here! |
| Bfriday |
Posted - Jun 30 2008 : 6:03:06 PM
Wow, I am suprised at how many of us have had to deal with panic attacks and anxiety. Wonder what is up with that! I started having panic attacks during high school. I had no idea what was happening to me and thought I had gone mad. My parents didn't know what to do and at that time not many people talked about anxiety. It seems more people are being more open about it. I have battled it for about 15 years now. I never took medication, although I have several friends that do. I learned what triggered mine and altered my life to avoid or be aware of those things. I have a hard time in a room with people, esp. a meeting where everyone is expected to stay seated. Too much caffine will trigger it for sure! I know my signs that are leading up to an attack and try to squash them before they get out of control. A fan in my face blowing air works well, along with deep breathing, praying, and thought replacement. Focus on a different thought. Everyone is different and you have to find what will work for you. But, I'm glad you posted this thread. It is comforting to know there are others that deal with the same thing. For so long I thought I was the only one out there! Support from others that understand the feeling is so great!!
Farmgirl Sister #188 |
| pink rose garden |
Posted - Jun 29 2008 : 1:31:08 PM
I have been getting panic attacks for the last 3 years and they are so scary,feels like you are stark raving mad when they are over.When I first started getting them I had a 4 ,3,2,and newborn kiddo's. My Mom or sister would come and stay at our house all day until my husband came home because I was to scared and having too many all day long.I saw a therapist for awhile.I also take zinc, a b complex and a small dose of zoloft.God bless.Also it really helps to stop the caffine! |
| SusieQue |
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 4:50:31 PM
I really do appreciate everyone that has posted. Sheila, I am sendng hugs and prayers to you also. It's like Rene' said, we are sisterhood around here and it is really nice to have people to share things with and that understand. |
| pinkroses |
Posted - Jun 26 2008 : 12:30:01 PM
Susie
I suffer from those too
I am in my 50's,
I have that plus lots more wrong too.
I don't work, only worked 2 years before I met hubby
He didn't want me to work
I get like that in crowds and at home sometimes.
I know about what they told you to stay away from the situation
Well,
sometimes, one can't when it is a family member doing it
Or others in the family too.
Know where you are coming from
Hugs and prayers for you Susie,
www.ohkayteagirl2.blogspot.com |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 5:50:43 PM
Susie... one thing we can all claim, is that we are not alone for sure... it isnt by accident I would guess that we are called a "sisterhood".
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
" Plant goodness, harvest the fruit of loyalty, plow the new ground of knowledge. Hosea 10:12 |
| SusieQue |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 5:32:19 PM
Thanks to each and everyone of you. I have read over the post several times so I didn't miss a word that you all wrote. You all had very helpful and hopeful information. I was so glad for someone to talk to me about them and not just say "avoid the situation". I have lots of great advise now and believe me if I can't get a grip then I will get another doctor. Thanks again girls for listening and responding. Hugs to all of you!! Guess I was not alone after all. |
| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 09:59:46 AM
The tendency to have panic/anxiety attacks does run in families which to me concludes that there is a physical cause and I am one of those that must take medication. Unfortunately mental health issues still carry a stigma even in the 21st century. No one would dream of telling someone with a physical illness or disability to get a grip. But people do and some of us, me included, have even said this to myself many times.
A panic attack is our natural response to the "flight or fight" sensation that comes over us with the release of adrenaline. Our bodies can only release a given amount of adrenaline at any one time, consequently your attack will only last a few minutes. Remember that! We all know the physical symptoms of adrenaline...increased heartrate, rapid breathing, sweating, shaking, nausea, etc. If you have ever had epi for an allergic reaction or been given a little too much in the dentist chair (they use it to create a bloodless field when doing extractions, etc.), you know the feeling well.
The biggest hurdle for those with anxiety/panic is to learn not to "fear the fear". That was the viscious circle that I fell into and what took me the longest to get past. That old "what if?" thing that goes through your mind is something to throw out the window.
So why am I writing this out here? Because if someone had explained this to me when I first started having panic attacks, I might have not gone through what I did. I was scared half to death (no terrified would be more like it) that I was losing it and would be one of the ones that would never recover.
My heart aches for anyone experiencing this, it is no fun at all. Just BELIEVE it does get better, and what Mary Jane said bears repeating...get yourself some help. You don't have to live with it.
Di |
| electricdunce |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 08:11:40 AM
I find Rescue Remedy, a homeopathic remedy you can get at health food stores, can be very helpful. I have been taking anti depressants for many years, but I still occasionally get a panic attack. Certainly seeing another doctor is very good advice. Good ;luck, you are not alone, we are all pulling for you, Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 08:06:38 AM
I have never had them.... So I cannot relate...but I was wondering if "deep breathing" can help in those moments? Sorry you go through this, it must be a horrible feeling....
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
" Plant goodness, harvest the fruit of loyalty, plow the new ground of knowledge. Hosea 10:12 |
| Patsy |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 06:52:06 AM
I have anxiety and also get panic attacks. I can be calm and reading a book and all of a sudden my heart races and I start to shake and feel like I just want to run away. I take atavan for mine if I can't get control. It is a very low dose of .5. They can just come out of nowhere.
May God bless those who love the soil,
Patsy
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| melanie47601 |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 05:47:30 AM
My mom has severe panic and anxiety. I agree with the girls, avoiding situations that can trigger attacks isn't the answer. My mom has done this herself (not suggested by her doc) and has actually caused herself to panic over more than she used to. Now she won't go more than 3 or 4 miles from home without someone in the car with her. She has not left our little town in probably about 4 years. Among a number of other things. I had always hoped I wouldn't fall in her footsteps, but my panic attacks started shortly after high school. I really only have mine when I'm driving away from home. They're scarey, crazy irrational thoughts. I crank up the stereo in the car, do some deep breathing telling myself it's all a bunch of nonsense and to get a grip. And if that doesn't work I turn the stereo up even louder and start singing along. I'm sure everyone that I pass thinks I'm nuts, but I don't really mind. It helps get me through.
Melanie
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart." Helen Keller
http://wheelsarealwaysturning.blogspot.com/ |
| Cheekyredhead |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 05:01:29 AM
I know the others have said this but I's like to add my 2cents. You are so not alone when it comes to panic attacks. When then come on me I just keep reminding myself that as bad as it may seem right at that moment that attack won't last forever and I do a lot of deep breathing. Don't be afraid to seek out a second or even third opinion on your attacks.
Cheeky
Imagine the view from the top of your dreams
www.getaclew.blogspot.com |
| Sitnalta |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 8:13:16 PM
Hi Susie,
I am so sorry that you have to go through those. I used to get them all the time. I found my were triggered by different things. I would get them from situations sometimes, like large groups of people. Church, shopping, etc. Or when I was left home alone for too long. I would get irrational fears! They are very real and so scary.
Sometimes, they were triggered by too low or too high sugar and imbalanced hormones can play a big part too.
Most of the time, I would just get nervous, then afraid, then felt like I was going crazy and if someone didn't help me I was going to bust from being afraid.
I agree with Jodi, a second opinion would be a great idea! Drs who dont think those attacks are serious business are mistaken! They can be dealt with and overcome!
Will keep you in my prayers!
hugs
Jess
Farmgirl Sister #235
http://crshelpmeet-heartssong.blogspot.com/
Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.
The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. -- Mark Twain |
| Prairie Princess |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 7:36:03 PM
I've had one major anxiety/panic attack, and a few small ones, but they're random for me, usually just when I have too much on my plate. I kinda do the same as Heather when they hit me -- nutrition, rest, and exercise. The feeling like you're about to snap is awful, but they pass. The other ladies really have sound advice, too... get a second opinion, because that one doctor's opinion doesn't sound too in depth and proactive. I'll pray for ya, too.  Sending you hugs!!
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 7:28:24 PM
I wholeheartedly agree with Mary Jane, I could have written her post word for word myself. I particularly agree with the part about a second opinion. Avoiding situations that cause you anxiety is not only unrealistic, but can make it MUCH worse. Trust me on that one, at one point in my life I could barely go to the corner store without a struggle because I avoided anything and any place that caused me anxiety...consequently I very easily could have become a prisoner in my own house (agoraphobic).
Susie, you are most definitely NOT going crazy, although I had a point in my life where I was convinced I was. You have learned a response to given situations and now you have to unlearn it. Easier said than done, but you WILL succeed in doing it. Don't be hard on yourself (I can't emphasize that enough) and give yourself time to unlearn your response to given situations.
One interesting thing told to me by a psychiatrist (when I figured I was going crazy!) was that panic/anxiety attacks are almost exclusively seen in people of high intelligence. So there's a compliment for ya!
I hate being told to read a book, but I did find one that helped me immensely by taking the fear out of what was "wrong" with me. It is NOT a self-help book, but it did explain to me in simple terms what I was feeling and why. It was probably the one thing that helped me more than anything else to turn the corner. It's called "Hope & Help for Your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes. She is a retired psychiatrist and looks like everyone's gramma! Amazon carries copies of it for next to nothing if you want a used one. I wish I still had mine, I would send it to you.
You can email me anytime if you like Susie.
Hugs to you!
Di
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| CountryBorn |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 6:50:13 PM
First of all Susie, panic/anxiety attacks are not always caused by situations, places, activities etc. They pretty much come whenever they want. So I suggest another Dr.'s opinion. They can be controlled, some just need behavior modification others need anti-anxiety drugs. I fall into the second group. They are horrible and can really be emotionally and physcally crippling.There is no need to suffer any longer with them, go and get some help. It will make your life so much more enjoyable.
I suffered needlessly for more years than I care to remember. Don't you do that to yourself.
Mary Jane
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Jun 24 2008 : 6:44:40 PM
Yep, and they are very random and without reason. I gave up coffee or any form of caffeine and I really try to calm my mind right before bed or anything overly stressful (job interview, meeting new people, some big event) It seems to be helping. If one does hit me, I try to sit somewhere cool, close my eyes and drink some cold water. Something about that shocks me back to reality and calms me down. They have become less frequent as I have gotten a lot of junk out of my diet and am exercising more. (((HUGS)))
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
