panic while riding train

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2006
panic while riding train
13
Wed, 09-20-2006 - 12:07pm
I will try posting a message in the hope that it at least relieves my aniexty. a few nights ago i woke in the middle of the night, got up from bed, and discovered that i was extremely dizzy, and that my heart was racing; long story short it ended with an ambulance ride and hospital visit. then the morning after as i was to begin courses, i had another while riding the train to university, and still another today. to the point that i have to exit the train and call for a taxi to bring me home. i have no idea where this has come from or how i can stop this. i carry a plastic bag with me now, as well as homeopathic calming pills. has anyone had this experience, and perhaps could offer certain advice. i have already consulted a doctor who has helped me to realise that nothing will happen to me, even though at times i am shaking so badly that i cannot take another step. it is fine to know that there are things i can do to stop the attacks once they come, but how can i keep them from coming? i mean these attacks keep me (for the moment) in doing things i enjoy and want to do. my many thanks in advance.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 09-20-2006 - 12:43pm

Welcome, Lola, to our caring community. You are NOT alone. Many of us have developed fears of being trapped in public conveyances. I am not a good flyer, bus rider or train traveller. @ one point, I didn't get behind the wheel of my car for 3 years because of imagined fears. This is very dusturbing to us. Many will say that severe stressors caused problems to develop. For me, I believe the research that says it's a chemical imbalance & can be triggered by emotional issues. Whatever you believe, there is help. There is hope.


Antidepressants & therapy are known to be the most effective. I am glad that your dr. has given you reassurance that you will not be harmed. Noone has ever died from panic. Maybe he could suggest treatment for you. Take a look @ our *coping tips & tricks* folder below. I use the belly breathing, positive affirmations during an attack. I practice meditation daily to reduce stress & anxiety. In the past, I used meds & did see a cognitive behavioral therapist to address my fears & learn new coping techniques. I am confident that you can overcome these fears like so many on our board.


My best advice is to keep pushing through the fear. Don't allow it to limit you. Once you give in & begin to stay @ home, it's a long hard road back to normal daily living. We care & want to support you in any way that we can. Post often. Read what other members have written. Join us in chat to hear what our generous members have to share. You CAN do this. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan



 

 


 



Community Leader
Registered: 10-22-2001
Wed, 09-20-2006 - 2:23pm
hugs to you
while I am not sure how to help I know from my own experience and those of my son how very real the "fear" is
It sounds like you have wonderful support from your doctor
my son has breathing exercises to help him
and he knows he won't be "forced" to do something
he is validated by others realizing he is afraid something might happen
(though re-assured it won't)
I applaud your courage
one day at a time
better days are ahead
I am sure there are others here who could be of more help suggested what might work
He doesn't always know when he will get them
Large crowds, big places are extremely hard for him
He is not comfortable around strangers
Sometimes knowing what if any triggers you have might help
Taking the train when it is less crowded might help
You have also helped yourself by carrying a plastic bag with you and the homeopathic pills to calm (not too well informed about them)
It might be a good idea to go to the doctor and possibly he could offer you some postive feedback
Take care
Hope your day is going well
Nightangel
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 09-20-2006 - 2:31pm

Welcome Lola.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2006
Wed, 09-20-2006 - 4:36pm
thank you all for your replies, it is wonderful to know that others can offer support. i have spent the remainder of my day calming myself and trying to figure out if it is better to avoid the train, if only to make it to university. i would trade a fifteen minute train ride for a forty minute bike ride, which is far more dangerous considering the city drivers and early hour, strange and totally nuts to do it. i will see a doctor again in a day or so because i really cannot imagine where this has come from;that part is frightening as well. that something so scarry just comes out of no where; or seemingly so, i take the train every morning, been to courses before, nothing is new to me; it must come from somewhere else. it did begin with the episode over the weekend, who knew that one could have a panic attack while sleeping; i have also eliminated my morning espresso and other forms of caffiene, is it possible that i am just thinking about it too much? preparing too much? such as instead of my beloved espresso drinking tea? thanks again to everyone, man i needed that. best to you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-16-2003
Wed, 09-20-2006 - 5:18pm

Lola,


I totally freak out on a public bus... and I currently cannot drive because I have epilepsy with uncontrolled seizures.


Just wanted you to know you are not alone.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Wed, 09-20-2006 - 7:49pm

hi there lola,


i just wanted so say hi and offer some support.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 09-20-2006 - 10:33pm

Stopping caffeine was the first thing my doctor advised me to do.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2006
Thu, 09-21-2006 - 10:15am
well this morning i made it, i did cheat and rode my bike instead, the weather was beautiful and it somehow took my mind of things after a while. as one post mentioned, i too thought about skipping the train and taking the bus, but for some reason this really did no good. it is like i can't handle the idea of an enclosed place or something, i am not sure. my doctor gave me pills which contain plant extracts known for there calming effects, it does help, but it doesnt keep me from experiencing the onset of panic (usually starts when i notice my heart pounding), it does however keep me calm enough to get into the cool down mode. i had this happen during classes because i think i was trying to behave 'normal' like nothing was wrong, i did have to leave a few times which many do, like to use the restroom or something to calm myself a little, but i had to really force myself to continue. my god is it exhausting! my doctor first suggested to notice my behaviour and thoughts first, then she can begin a therapy, but in the meantime it is really nerve wracking that is for sure because i have no idea where this has come from. my thanks to everyone again, and i wish you all well.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Thu, 09-21-2006 - 11:13pm

Riding your bike is a good thing!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2006
Tue, 09-26-2006 - 12:49pm

Hello Sheriann

I have just noticed on another post of yours that folks with a mitral valve prolapse experience kind of anxiety symptoms, can you tell me more of this. i learned a few years ago that i have this during a routine check up, it was mentioned sort of like it is no big deal, and this was before i had this little problem of anxiety; if you don't mind could you tell me a little more? thanks in advance, L

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