Re: Anxiety/Panic Attacks

glmama · ‎03-09-2010

Rickyrocky-My very best to you.

Please also, everyone, keep in mind that anxiety is so, so common. Think about the # of people you know (or here on line ) that have had experiences with anxiety. Then think about ALL the people who have not or will not get treatment (or in the least talk to their GP about it). That's a LOT of people! We are not alone.

Also, Ford, your description is dead-on. There's a book out now--I think it's called Age of Anxiety (?) about - guess what? - anxiety!

And one man's personal struggle with it, along with cultural/medical info. I'll go look up the exact title and author.

glmama · ‎03-09-2010

It's My Age of Anxiety, by Scott Stossel.

LeoGrl · ‎03-09-2010

Do you have any anxiety support groups in your area? Try to google around or research any clinics or treatment centers that may offer free support groups. I suffer from anxiety and was lucky to have found a support group that meets in the evenings and it's free. I didn't know that any groups such as these even existed since I thought only a psychologist/psychiatrist would be the only route to go. I have seen a therapist in the past, but it was getting too expensive and I was getting help from a family member to pay for it so I needed to find something else. The group I found is open to the public and you meet up and sit around in a group setting and talk about your experiences with anxiety.

I never thought I could sit in a meeting with strangers and open up about my anxious thoughts and feelings. You should have seen me at the first meeting I attended. I thought, "wow, here I am trying to get help for anxiety and yet I'm sooooo anxious just being here. How ironic." LOL! But you know what? After I sat there and watched and listened to everyone opening up their souls and battles with anxiety and panic attacks, it made me realize that I wasn't alone in my suffering. We were all joined together to help one another. I think if you could find a support group, it would really, really help you especially knowing you aren't alone and hearing what other people go through. I know it's been helping me. And remember, as one of my group members always reminds us --anxiety is nothing but thoughts ABOUT THE FUTURE! And you are living in the present, not the future. Good luck and you can do it!

hopeQ1 · ‎07-02-2014

Dr. Claire Week's book, Hope And Help For Your Nerves is still considered THE quintessential best book written for people who suffer from these problems. Easy to read, quick to the point, very inciteful. Medical schools, doctor's, psychiatrist's and psychologist's have been suggesting it since the 80's and since. There are other good books, but this is easily read and understood and put into practice easily and comprehensively by those who are even in the middle of severe attacks and has helped thousands and thousands.

May I also suggest that if you haven't had your thyroid checked, you go to your family doctor and ask for it to be done. Many times the thyroid gland can go out of whack for some time and that alone can cause these attacks. It is good to rule it out so you know what your dealing with. If the thyroid is a cause, best to discover it and get it under control. A simple blood test will reveal that.

Gooday · ‎03-23-2010

I first head for the Xanax .25 - the lowest dose. That gets me over the hump.

BellaPaprika · ‎03-09-2010

Stress brings mine on and also thinking too much. I tend to fret and dwell on issues at times. I meditate, do deep breathing exercises and visualization.

Lie down and breathe deeply, try to empty your mind of all thoughts for at least 10 minutes. Then mentally visualize yourself walking to your car, getting in, turning the key, in other words the entire trip to work. Also try not to think about work itself if that is stressing you and focus on the good aspects of your job - your coworkers, etc..

Heather349 · ‎05-13-2011

I feel for you. I used to have panic attacks from bad traffic or long grocery lines. I never knew why they started. I tried books, going to see someone but nothing worked until I was stuck in a crazy long line to enter a Super Bowl. There was no moving forward to leaving the line. I had a full blown panic attack and I saw that no matter how panicked I feel, it's never as bad as the Super Bowl. That thought process really has helped me. Be well.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

On 8/22/2014 Heather349 said:
I feel for you. I used to have panic attacks from bad traffic or long grocery lines. I never knew why they started. I tried books, going to see someone but nothing worked until I was stuck in a crazy long line to enter a Super Bowl. There was no moving forward to leaving the line. I had a full blown panic attack and I saw that no matter how panicked I feel, it's never as bad as the Super Bowl. That thought process really has helped me. Be well.

And what did you do when this happened at that Super Bowl? You say "that thought process really helped you", and I am wondering exactly what that means.

hckynut(john)

Hooty · ‎03-09-2010

First, I have not read all the posts!

Sounds to me you are just having anxiety attacks ....... not a "true" panic attack! A panic attack is not to be taken lightly, you feel as if you are dying, you actually feel as if you are having a heart attack, believe I know first hand!!!