I'm scared....
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I'm scared....
| Thu, 03-01-2007 - 1:28am |
Hi, so I get panic attacks when I'm away from home. I'm 23 years old which is sad, I shouldn't be this way at this age, but when I'm away from my family, I sorta get freaked out, I'm away at school right now, but I'm only 2 hours away from home so I don't really expereience the attacks here, but when I go farther places with my friends I freak out. I went to Florida with them a couple years ago and I had 2 panic attacks when we first got there, then I was pretty much fine. I leave Saturday to go to North Carolina which is a 15 hour ride for us, and I'm scared I'm gonna have another attack. I'm going with my best friends in the world, this should not be something I'm scared of, I'm pretending to be all excited, when inside I wish something would happen where I couldn't go, that's a horrible feeling to have. I don't know what to do. Is there anyone who could help m ewith this? Any sort of things that people do when they start having attacks, or any helpful hints? I would really really appreciate the help, I'm feeling lost.....

Travelling away from home can be a trigger. However, you seem to be worrying in advance. Since I have a little experience under my belt, I can tell you that *anticipatory anxiety* & *what if* thinking can almost be as bad as an attack. That panic that you're so afraid of may never happen. Try to keep things in perspective.
Lastly, alot of us are reluctant to seek professional help. However, research does show that antidepressants(meds) in combination with therapy can be successful in 80% of those who use this treatment. You are young. You have a long life ahead & should be able to travel & have fun. Do something good for YOU. See your family dr. & have any medical conditions ruled out. Come to an agreement on what you need to do to cope better. He/she can get you started on meds & also give you a referral to a counselor who can help you re-learn positive behaviors & reduce the fear/panic. We care about you & want you to live the best life possible. Good luck & GBU! Keep in touch. (((hugs))) jan
I too have had these kind of anxieties when traveling. I think it has alot to do with venturing out from under that protective umbrella our parents provide for us our whole lives. When we are close, then we feel ok, but the further we get, the less protected we feel. Independence is scary sometimes. You have to look out for yourself, make sure you have enough money, food, shelter, etc. Even if you're just taking a vacation. Instead of focusing on how far away you will be, focus on the fun things you all are planning to do, write them down, let them be constant reminders of something exciting. Your friends will be there with you, you won't be alone, there is safety in numbers. If you do start to get panicked, do what Jan said and look out the window of the car, look up into the sky, relax and breathe deeply, hold it for 3 seconds and breathe out slowly through your mouth. Do this as many times as you need. This kind of breathing slows your heart rate and helps you to break the cycle of panic. Turn on some music and just kind of zone out for a little bit. Maybe you could drive some of the trip, whichever part you think is going to be the hardest, cuz then you will have something to do and keeping busy is an excellent way of keeping anxiety at bay.
Take it easy and have fun on your trip.
Hey there....you are not alone, and I agree with Jan...talk to your doc and see about finding a good pysch...someone to talk to and maybe start you on some meds...I take Xanax and it helps alot unfortunetly I can't tolerate any antidepressants, so I know how hard it is to keep those emotions in check lol because alot of it is mind over matter and breathing, music, anything that is comforting to you make sure you do it no matter how silly it may seem...lets put it this way...im 27 and when my anxiety started really bad last summer I could not drive, I couldnt be alone, and I carried this huge afghan blanket that my grandmother made me around everywhere in the car with me or whoever's house i was at because that was comforting to me, and I felt like such a huge baby but hey, it helped..so don't be afraid to take things with you like that or whatever that makes you feel at ease. I also agree with getting some medical tests to rule some things out...I have adrenal and slight thyroid problems and they can contribute alot, so ask your doctor or if you can find a naturopath doctor (whom i have and love) and ask them to do a full thryoid panel and to test your adrenal glands and female hormones to make sure nothing is out of whack there as well...I am on natural things for my adrenals and thyroid and it has helped tremendously, now I just deal with the fear of going anywhere lol which is hard, but CAN be done, and just know that you are not alone. Also, if you consume artificial sweeteners like Splenda or Aspartame, cut those out of your diet....they can do some damage too (that is where most of mine came from) but most importantly know that you are not alone, you are not freakish, and tell yourself everyday that you are strong enough to beat this and we are here for you. but find a good psych, even though i know alot of people dont want to do that, i didnt, but after going through a couple i found a really good one and it does help...and don't ever feel like you are weak because you seek help, it takes all the strength in the world to deal with what we deal with and we are in no way weak!!! lots of hugs, luv and support and keep me posted!!
Krista
Hey! I'm almost 23 Years old, (in about another week :D) and I do this also.. SOmething I do is I get myself pumped up so to speak! I'm like! Ok I'm going on vacation! I'm soo excitited, and I tell myself a million times, I'll be ok... And I'm going to have a great time! Ect! And I'm sure your friends will be there for you if you need someone to help you threw. Take along something you like to do.. Take pictures along the way of all the neat things you guys see. Also You guys play the "Count the color of cars" like how many red cars you see, or blue. Just something to stay busy. Talk about all the things you wanna do when you all get there. Just try to stay calm. I know its hard sometimes. And it's always easyer for it to be said then done, but like you said. We are young! I have started a new saying! I'll share........... "I'm taking controle over my anixtey, it's not going to have controle over me" Think Postive and enjoy your trip..... I hope it goes great for you.. And like all of the other fine ladys here has said, visit your doctor, and find a soultion for you that works!
Good Luck
God Bless
Xoo's
Evelyn
Green Eyed Kitten
I'm a registered nurse & spent most of my years working in psych. How ironic is that??? LOL It will make you a better person to know first hand what anxiety/panic is. You will be able to relate better to your clients. Can you look @ it that way, lakergirl?
We can be our own worst enemies. Don't beat yourself up over this, it is NOT mind over matter. If it was, you wouldn't be coming to this board & the rest of us wouldn't be here either. GL & have a nice trip! (((hugs))) jan
thank you again for your responses, I value them very much :) In fact, I printed off all the replies I got and I'm taking them with me to read on my trip when I start to feel anxious, it's just good to be able to talk about this, I never have before. I'm starting to get a little excited for the trip, but knowing that we're leaving in 19 hours is kind of scary still :)
Another thing I wanted to add about my anxiety attacks is that sometimes when I'm away from home, things will be fine till we go out to dinner or something. It seems like when we're in a crowded restaurant or something somewhere, even though it should be fun, I kind of freak out a little too. When we went to Florida 2 years ago, the second day we were there we went to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner, and I couldn't even eat my food even though that's one of my favorite places to go. This is what I hate, strange things seem to trigger these attacks and I can't figure it out.
Yeah I know the experience with the anxiety will help me help others in my chosen profession, it just seems a bit ironic, lol..but I absolutely love love love psychology, I could read about it endlessly, it's amazing. Well, thank you again, I'm going to go do some packing, but like I said, I'll be checking these boards whenever I can, I really hope they have wireless internet there :) I hope to talk to you soon!!
I've been trying to brainstorm some things that might work for you & I'm wondering if you focus on the fact that your parents are just a phone call away, if that will help you?
Sheri Ann
hi there lake girl:)
i'm 29...and i get that way too!