For those of you who suffer from panic attacks with this have any of you tried therapy with a professional to help and address these concerns. I had another one today and I have got to do something to find out how to deal with these.

I do not want to just be put on a bunch of medication but instead I would like to find a coping mechanism for dealing with them.

I feel like I am going backwards all of sudden instead of forward. My vertigo/wavs have been better as of late but because of all of this my panic has increased to a point I am scared to do much other than stay at home for fear of what is going to happen when I leave.

Throw into that I am now in peri menopause and have this other disorder with the Mav and wow I feel like I am going nuts.

My husband is so worried and it is making it so hard for me to see him this upset and try and explain to him what I am feeling and how I cannot just be ME anymore.

Have you read the books by Dr Claire Weekes ? There are about four all covering panic attacks and agoraphobia. If you have a look on Amazon you will find all of them there because they are fantastic and really help stop the fear!

I treated myself several years ago with these books and cured my agoraphobia and panic attacks .

Unfortunately I then had my ovaries removed and am not on HRT so I get humdinger anxiety attacks especially first thing in the morning. I cant stop them because they are adrenaline surges over which I have no control. However because I understand all about anxiety and the fear of fear cycle that Dr Weekes talks about I know they will pass and I am not scared of them-if that makes sense?
I am so good at understanding and accepting that I just go out, go swimming, shopping, whatever even when I am feeling terribly anxious, I know I actually don't have any control over the first fear but I can avoid adding second fear just by acceptance. (I have never passed out in the street or gone mad etc- by the way- which anxiety sufferers all fear). This method is explained in detail in the books and I recommend you get one. I can't remember all the titles but they all explain the fear of fear cycle and how to stop it.

By the way I tried loads of professional therapy and it didn't work for me, but those books did!
That is not to say it may not work for you but you are the only one who can take control of your thoughts so good luck whatever you try

janet c

I so feel for you. I've been dealing with the same problem for years. I spent about a year not going out of the house. Now I do but not a lot. Depends on the day. Do you get the shaking thing too? Seems to go hand in hand for me as well as vertigo at times. I have seen therapist and they tell you to do breathing exercises, listen to relaxation tapes, etc. Didn't really help me a lot. It was never mentioned it could be hormonal, didn't figure that out until recently on this site, gives me a little peace to know that I'm not dying. To me it starts with an inside physical feeling that I can't control, then stress of anything going on adds to it. This is one thing that is not mind over matter. The only other thing I do is anxiety med when I really can't stand it any more. I guess I'm at the point that I accept it's a part of my life that no one understands and I can't do anything about it. It helps to know I have the anxiety meds in case I really lose it but I don't take them unless I'm at that point.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Just wanted you to know someone else suffers with anxiety too.
Maybe someone else will give us ideas to try.

Thank you Janet, I will order them tomorrow. It is worth trying as I really do not have the funds for the other option but at my wits end on what to do and try at this point.

If I may ask about how long did it take to go through the process of understanding it and learning how to accept it and move on with your life.

For me I think all the symptoms that the hormone changes have brought on have put me at this level. I have never been scared of much of anything before until I had my crash with Mav last year. From that point to this every time something twitches the aniexty kicks in.

The shaking is increased but mine is more like a wave of electrical current that goes through me and I have to stop , sit get a wet rag and work myself through it. As long as someone is with me I can do that within a pretty short period of time but if I am by myself it is much harder. The fear factor really kicks in for me at that point.

I cant stop them because they are adrenaline surges over which I have no control.




That is what I think mine are as I can be doing not a thing and it will hit me out of the blue.

Besides Dr. Weeks, who has helped millions and is used countless times today by professionals and lay people, read "The Panic Attack Recovery Book" by Shirley Swede and Dr. Jaffee. Excellent adjunct to Dr. Weeks and they do refer to her quite a bit. Yes, it is very possible to overcome this with the help of these books. Don't get too hung up in the "whys", but rather deal with what is there. You do have control over adrenaline surges. Adrenaline surges are really nothing more than the flight or fight response put into over drive. Do not think that you don't have control - you DO! It is a matter of learning, understanding, accepting. You can move past this. It isn't instaneous. It takes time. But you can do it. Been there, done that, know it is very possible. The things that Shirley Swede give you that Dr. Weeks does not is a better diet, and a whole lot of positives. Do not ever think you can't. If thosands, probably millions have done it so can you. Panic attacks come out of prolonged stress even if you don't realize it. It is the body's way of coping with all of that stress. Feels terrible, but it is only a build up of stress. All that stress causes all parts of your body to get messed up - hormones of all kinds, sleep, absorption of vital vitamins, a whole lot of things. It is a matter of understanding and getting your body back in balance. Don't think of it as "mental". Think of it as physical due to too much stress. Makes it a lot easier to cope with. With time, understanding, and learning how to cope it is indeed possible. The road isn't easy, but the rewards are great. YES, YOU can DO it. All you need are the right tools and understanding.

Dor

Quite a long time because I had suffered badly with panic attacks from childhood. They got worse a couple of years after I married and in those days -early 70s- panic attacks were treated like mental illness-they had a real stigma attached to them. I struggled on for years bringing up my three daughters and trying to hide it. My husband never understood and became intolerant. I always felt very alone.
I started working on myself about 12 years ago and was doing well for about 5 years and then peri hit. I continued using the method to help me through and even when my symptoms got worse it still helped me and the anxiety never stopped me from doing anything or going anywhere ever again.
Even after my surgery for endo cancer when I had really extreme anxiety and dizziness I was still able to function. I promise you-once you understand what is going on in your body and head you get control of it and it is something that will never take you over again completely even if you sometimes have setbacks.
I have just looked at Amazon to see which of the books may be best for your particular situation. This is good-*Peace from Nervous Suffering by Claire Weekes* or if more appropriate *Simple Effective Treatment of Agoraphobia*.
There is another one but it is much older and I think these two are the best.

Hope that helps and good luck

janet c

You have hit the nail on the head Dor! It has never been so true for me as now. I awake in the morning and before I have my first concious thought my heart rate goes up and I have knots in my stomach. The anxiety I feel now is worse than I had 10 years ago but I KNOW it is physical and I am not doing anything to cause it. I do get sick and despairing of it because I wish it would stop but I am not afraid of it at all!

janet c

Thank you all so much for your replies and encouragement. I have ordered the books and look forward to reading them to help me understand what is happening to me right now. My mother suffered from this her whole adult life and she was about my age when it all started.

She became very dependent on a lot of medication and it cost her so much of her life. She is now in a nursing home at a very early age due to the medication, physical problems and Alzheimer's.

I do not want to go down that road....anything to help me understand and move forward would be so much better ...

THANK YOU ALL

Timeless,

Everyone here has very good advice. When I got my first panic attack 22 years ago, it was Clair Weekes book Hope and Help for Your Nerves that helped me the most. Although they've not disappeared completely, peri has brought them back more frequently, accompanied by general anxiety that lasted more than a month after the first wave of attacks. I re-ordered not one, but two copies of the book so I'd have one on me and one at home - that's how important they are to me.

For me, however, the general anxiety that was part of my everyday life since this past January, is not something that I was willing to deal with - not with a full-time job, and not at the expense of my quality of life. I realized in February that while I was making good progress through other positive changes...diet, exercise, weight loss, etc....I would have setbacks that hit me hard and sent be spiraling backwards.

I as completely against any ADs, but ultimately, with the guidance of a wonderful psychiatrist, decided that a low, subclinical dose of AD was appropriate for me right now. I am feeling much better as it has taken the edge of the anxiety, but not so much that I would even consider doing without my anxiety therapist, who through CBT, relaxation, and traditional therapy is helping me deal with it all.

I am now better able to address all my symptoms, and am seeing a Naturopath next month in the hopes that we can work on alternative treatments so I can come off the meds for the long term.

There're many ways to deal with this; what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. Do what is comfortable to you, but do not accept this as a way of life if one solution does not work for you. There are many other ways to find your peace.


All the best. I hope you're feeling better soon.

Sue

I had my first panic attack just before I turned 50. It sent me to the ER and since then I've had many more but now they don't effect me the same way because I know they are hormone and stress related. I had to quit my job two years ago because of my panic attacks. I couldn't deal with people anymore. I don't leave the house much anymore because my anxiety causes me to have "spur of the moment" diarrhea attacks. I have to always know where the closest bathroom is. And eating out is touch and go. Sometimes I can't even get halfway through a meal before I'm running to the bathroom. Nice, huh? I guess I just have a sensitive stomach.

I hope you can find a way to deal with your anxiety and panic attacks and I hope you feel better soon.

Dear'timeless'
So very sorry to hear about your dear Mother.She is in my prayers.

My panic attacks coupled with some awful phobias-fear of getting trapped in elevators,being a passenger in a car were awful.I tried the breathing and relaxation techniques and yes they did help.Also regular Yoga practice has been very grounding and calming.

However,as I have to deal with some very strong emotional issues almost on a daily basis I have found that the use of Xanax as needed and at the smallest dose possible has really helped.Sometimes I can go for weeks without it but sometimes certain triggers are too hard to bear.Thank God am not addicted and use on an as needed basis with the knowledge of my Psychiatrist.

I wish you all the luck in controlling your anxiety.I think all the ladies have given you great advice.Actually,I have not read any of Claire Weeks books but am certainly going to get a copy.

Just another thought,I do notice that cutting down on caffeine and sugary based products helps a lot too.Also have to stay away from, alcohol as these bring on the jitters.

I wish you all the luck in the world in finding the solutions to your problems.Each person has to travel the road which most works for her

God Bless
Elizabeth

When you are dealing with stress and panic attacks your body gets depleted of many of the things it needs to stay in balance. All that "flight or fight", adrenaline, sugar highs and lows, etc. depletes your body. Those things I just spoke of are NORMAL not signs of some terrible disease or mental problem. There are things that your body does to prepare when there is fear (stress). It is important to understand that. Yes, there is a chemical imbalance, but if you were being chased by a bear there would be a chemical imbalance. No different, just that you aren't being chased by a bear, you are being chased by fear. Fear of the feelings, fear of the panic, fear of the anxiety. The body does the exact same thing as it would if that bear was chasing you. Your heart would pound, your sugar levels would rise, you would sweat, your muscles would tense, adrenaline would surge, etc. Dr. Weeks and Shirley Swede will help you understand that.

Now, given all of those things there are things you can do for your body. Your body loses the B vitamins when so much stress is present. So get yourself a good Vitamin B complex. It needs to be a complex as the B's need to work together. Also start taking Omega 3's. It has been proven that Omega 3's help with depression and anxiety. If you have a hard time with large pills both of these are available in liquid form at your local health food store. Next get eating better. Cut down on the sugars and the caffiene. Combine carbs with protein - like crackers and cheese, cereal and fruit, chicken and fruit, whole grains and fruit, vegetables and chicken. Also give yourself healthy snacks between meals - this helps to keep the blood sugars steady throughout the day. That is not hard - crackers and cheese are fine.

Begin to learn ways to relax. Learning how to breathe is the best thing you can do. Threre are lots of breathing exercises on the internet. They are very simple, yet very effective, can be done anywhere at any time and no one even needs to know you are doing them. Try also to find a time of the day when you can just lay or sit and do some quiet breathing. If you start feeling panic or anxiety - stop, breathe (slow, easy, deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth). Every doctor, psychologist, minister, whoever will or should tell you that breathing is natures calmer. Also, relaxation tapes are wonderful. Go to belleruthnaparstek.com and order a relaxation CD. She has wonderful CD's for almost everything - even one for menopause. They only take about a half an hour to listen to and you will find them so relaxing. She is a trained psychologist with great understanding, and her voice is wonderful. If you cry a bit while listening - no problem. If you fall asleep - no problem. But, you will be learning how to relax in a gentle, soothing way.

Again, you CAN do this. It comes with understanding of what is happening, acceptance that it will not hurt you, and hope (which is true) that it will end. Some people may not like me saying this, and I am not judging anyone for each must do what is right and helpful for them, but if you can do this without drugs you come away far stronger for you will have learned the right way and your mind and body will remember that. Drugs mask but proper learning teaches. If drugs are used they should only be for the short term and only with the appropriate advice from a very good doctor.

Just keep telling yourself that you have been under too much stress for too long and your body is reacting to that stress. Doesn't matter what stress, even good things can be stressful. And yes, menopause and this time of life is stressful. So comfort yourself. Tell yourself it is OK. Wouldn't you say that to a friend? You are only doing what thousands and thousands have done - reacting to stress. Begin to stop fighting the bears, letting go, and telling yourself you are very, VERY normal.

Dor

A really lovely uplifting post Dor
I have come to the conclusion with years of dealing with this intrinsic part of my nature and knowing and meeting other people who also suffer that quite often they are sensitive deep thinking people.
It is this very capability to think and feel deeply about everything that can cause us to turn in ourselves and notice too much when things are not right with our bodies. I am sure those same people are the ones that are most tolerant and caring about others. I know myself I can walk into a room and feel and notice atmospheres, body language of others etc where other people haven't got a clue.
I feel that all who have posted here are like minded souls. We should be glad that we have such sensitivity and try not to turn it inwards on ourselves.
We can use our innate sensitivity to be tolerant and understanding of others -so it can have a positive outcome!

Hugs to you all

janet c

I totally agree Janet. I am a very sensitive person and take things in way too deeply sometimes. I am also very much aware of other people's emotions and always ready to give, give, give. That is a great thing and I don't want to change that, but I sometimes give too much away without realizing that I am neglecting myself. Still, I would rather be sensitive and don't want to lose that in me.

Another thing which is true of people who get panic or lots of anxiety is that we are very creative people. How could we not be? We create scenarios in our heads all the time which scare us. We need to channel that creativiity into thinking more positively or turning those imaginations around.

Good thougts and good posting. Very kind and caring to others and to yourself.

Dor

Dear Dor
A very refreshing Post but I have to say that Ihave really tried hard to fight these inner demons in all the ways you mention.The best thing for me has been the Yoga but my life is of such emotional turmoil that sometimes the ocassional use of Xanax is the only thing that works for me sometimes.It is under prescription and I do have regular visits with the Psychiatrist.

However,it would be very nice if one day I could really be able to cope on my own.I do take the Omega3 and my diet is really quite healthy.I rarely drink coffee and only have a sugary treat ocassionally.I have also found that warm milk with a little ginger and cinamon added is very relaxing before bed.

All the Best
Elizabeth

texasgirl - I have the same "bathroom" problem! It's getting so bad, that I have contemplated quitting my job (which in reality I simply cannot do). Luckily I live close to home, so I can jump in my car and drive home to take care of business. The "sudden" urge in itself can cause massive anxiety and heart pounding and palps. My diet is CLEAN too. I very rarely eat fried junk, candy, white breads, pasta, etc. I rarely eat out because it's hit or miss whether I need to "run" to the bathroom with my heart racing.

Sue

i really want to handle this without medication but I am thinking if I find something at a low dose to help it would at least get me through the worst of it until I can work on myself in a better frame of mind.

My husband thinks I need to see someone now as it only seems to be getting worse and my wanting to stay at home is the worse.

May I ask you what AD you are on and how long did it take to see any results. I am very med sensitve and know that I will have to start very slowly to make this work for me or I will not stay on them.

How did you find the doctor you are seeing were they referred to you or what?

This is a concern to me as I want to find someone who understands and will listen and not just want to put me on a hand full of pills.

Any input you might have would be helpful.

Thank you in advance.