Home alone today and need a friend

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2006
Home alone today and need a friend
9
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 6:52am

Below is a copy of a posting I did on another board. I wanted you to have an idea what is going with me. I know this is long. Please see the bottom of this post.

Boy did I have a bad day yesterday. I have a panic attack after my boss said she was writting me up for not getting on a stool to look for 3-4 which are kept on a high shelf. I refused to get on the stool becasue I have a phobia about getting on that stool in the narrow busy hallway. I was once on that stool and someone nearly knocked me off and it scared the **** out of me. I explained this to her and she said it is part of my job and unless I had a medical excuse I had to do it. I told her I have a doctors appointment in 2 days and at that time I will get one from the doctor.
In the mean time she is writting me up because I did not complete a task assigned to me.

I ended up having a panic attack and my coworkers came to my aid. I work with about 80 social workers and they took control of the matter and got me to go with them to an emergency assessment center.
At the center I was assess and released but have to follow up with them today. I need to seek mental help. I see the family doctor tomorrow with hopes she will help. I call this morning and she was not able to see me today. They the office called back and wanted to change my appointment from in the morning on Friday to the last appointment so the doctor could spend sometime talking with me. The morning apppoint was a 15 minute appointment and being the last one of the day she will be able to spend a lot more time with me.
I plan to ask her to put me on FMLA. I need to be away from the office and to deal with my mental health.

Friends I need your support right now

written today 11-10-06
I am home alone today and need a friend. I am panicky and just need someone to touch base with often today. My very loving husband was home yesterday but had to go to work today. So I am all alone and a bit scared. My sister is also going to work today so I can't lean on her. So my next best thing is you guys.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2006
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 6:55am

Here is another post that I did yesterday on another board so that you have a better idea what I am going through right now.

Today has been a rough day dealing with the aftermath of a panic attack ie: upset tummy. ferguent trips to the potty, headache and restless. I and still very scared and I hope my FLMA leave gets approved. I have this extreme fear that it will not be. Oh did I forget to mention I am a worrier. I worry about everything.
It is a beautiful day here in Ohio at least that is the best thing I have going for me right now.

Thanks for your love and support
Oh I got a call from one of the coworkers who took me for the accessment last night. She called me this morning to see how I was doing before she left to head to the airport to start her vacation. That meant a lot to me.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 6:58am

(((hugs)))

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 7:06am

I get panic attacks & I know how awful they can leave you feeling!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2006
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 7:39am

I work at children services.
I am a confidental data analyst - AKA the person in charge of all the agency vehicles (22), all of the cell phone (150), and 22 pagers. As well as some receptionist duties.

So as you can see by working at this agency I am surrounded by lots of social workers.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2006
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 7:49am

Well not to mention my company knows about my fainting spells I have been having. In fact i had one at work Aug 25. And have had a number of them over the past 4 months and the doctors don't know why they are happening. So why would you want someone who faints to be on a latter or step stool is crazy.

I was just thinking about calling my nephew who is currently unemployeed and asking him to bring his 8 month daughter over so I would have some company. She is such a joy to be around and would be a great distraction for me.

Avatar for peoplearenuts
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 8:50am

Spending time with your nephew sounds like a great idea. It might be better if you went over to their house, or went to a park or something. I find that when I am having a bad bout of anxiety or a panic attack it helps to be distracted and have a change of scenery. Sitting home alone might give you too much time to think.

It's funny, since I've come down with this people keep saying things about how I need to be somewhere restful and calm, but I find that an empty house is the worst thing for me.

Take care, you're not alone. Keep following up with your doctors.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 9:18am

Hello & welcome to our caring community. You are NOT alone.


From your posts, I am not sure if you have been officially diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. If you have been, what type of treatment have you received? Have you used meds or therapy? In combination, research shows that is the most successful way to treat anxiety/panic. I have had good luck with both over the 36 years of having panic attacks. I have not required continuous treatment. Only when I was stressed or overwhelmed & had a flare-up of symptoms.


I have to agree with peoplearenuts that staying alone & allowing the *what if's* to overtake you, is not in your best interest. One of the best ways we can keep anxiety @ bay is to be busy in mind & body. Distractions work wonders. Exercise burns off the excess anxiety. Have you been sleeping ok? Following a good diet & eliminating alcohol, nicotine & caffeine is doing yourself a great favor. Many folks say these things along with losses, major life changes, illness or trauma can be a trigger for their anxiety.


There are plenty of alternatives out there. Some folks use hypnosis, accupuncture, massage, etc. Also, we have a *coping tips & tricks* folder below. I am partial to the belly breathing & daily meditation. It is very helpful when the anxiety appears. I can instantly get into relaxation mode

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 2:26pm

Wow!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2004
Fri, 11-10-2006 - 4:20pm

Hi,

I hope your nephew can come over, that sounds like good company. It sounds like you are doing all the right things in seeing a doctor and getting treatment; so that will help.

From your job description, I see no reason why standing on a stool like that would be required! Why not have it stored somewhere that you can reach it or have someone else get it. Is there a bigger problem with your boss? (she doesn't sound very nice or very bright) Do you think she is deliberately baiting you with this stuff?

If you are already documented with fainting spells then this sounds more like a disability that your employers may be required by law to provide a reasonable accomodation for.

Hugs & hang in there!
Dee