what works when panic runs your life?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-16-2005
what works when panic runs your life?
5
Thu, 12-29-2005 - 9:24pm
Hi- I am new to this message board and feel that I need to talk with people who understand my experiences. I have been having horrible panic attacks which have left me unable to work, as I spend my days listening to other peoples' problems. I simply feel like I am going to pass out/dizzy/lightheaded and this intense fear-so much so that I need to leave the situation. I am on klonopin and a small dose of something to assist with sleep, but that's it and it is not helping. I am on vacation from work this week and have an intense fear of going back. I simply cannot take time off as I am on my own. What do people do to help cope? I am so afraid of my physical symptoms that it is preventing me from doing simple things, never mind work. What do you do to help keep your symptoms at bay? Help. Susan
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Thu, 12-29-2005 - 9:37pm

Hey, come by chat, I'm in the chatroom with another poster.


Sheri Ann

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 12-30-2005 - 3:15am

Hello, Susan! Welcome to the board. You are NOT alone. Hopefully by the time you read this, you have talked with others in chat. Maybe you got some good ideas. Please feel free to read past posts & join in our current discussions. There's alot to be learned from what our caring members have to say about their experiences with anxiety.


I have had panic attacks for 38 years. Most of them were very good years. It is possible to work through the A/P with meds & therapy. In spite of the fact that you talk with others everyday, this may be the time for you to to have your say. It's difficult for many folks to ask for help, but when your *panic runs your life* as your message states, it may be time to take the bull by the horns. Have you considered this? Have you considered taking meds that have long term effect on the anxiety, such as antidepressants?


Please check out our *coping tips & tricks* folder below. I have found that the belly breathing & meditation help me. When faced with a fearful situation, I breathe through it & think positive thoughts. This doesn't come easy. It requires practice. Many of us are born worriers. Others have suffered trauma or major life changes that have triggered our anxiety disorders. It all boils down to stress. Can you identify any added stress? Is there any life changes you can make to eliminate the stress?


I hope you're finding ways to cope during your vacation. If the physical symptoms are bothersome, get a good check up from the doctor. We all need that once in awhile to rule out whatever we're fearing MAY be wrong with us. We care & want you to feel better. Good luck & GBU! Don't be a stranger! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 12-30-2005 - 10:01am

Hi Susan, I hope chat helped you out last night.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-1998
Sat, 01-07-2006 - 10:26pm

I suffer more from generalized anxiety however I have had some experiences that were similar to a panic attack and the thing that helped me the most, which seems crazy when you are experiencing it, was to fully embrace the feelings and accept them fully. Completely SURRENDER to the feelings. I realized that I was initially fighting them and it actually just made it worse. What you resist will persist. Try this next time. You may just have to lay down to fully understand what accepting means. It took me awhile but it's as if you are inviting it. Trust me, it wants you to be scared and you can't be. That's how you break the evil cycle.

Hang in there!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-16-2005
Mon, 01-09-2006 - 9:03pm

Hi!

Yes, surrendering is what I need to do, but it is difficult because I seem to let my emotions get the best of me. The physical sensations frighten me, and I fear passing out so much is is silly. I read in a couple of different books about floating past the feelings/surrendering to the feelings and how that helps people. I will try and do this. Thanks for the advice! Susan