Panic Attacks Support Group
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...
I want to go to the doctor, I am just terrified of doing so, besides the agoraphobia, I've been having trouble with stranger interaction giving me panic attacks, (I feel trapped by the conversation, and try not to act weird so I don't embarrass myself). So I feel like it's impossible, however logically I know that I need to push through that thinking. I feel like I can't breathe all the time,for weeks now. I have smoked for almost twenty years and I think pulmonary issues bear looking into just in case. I'm also kind of afraid there will be something wrong with me too and that I won't be able to emotionally deal with it. My brain is so muddled and confused right now, I hope this is making sense. Anyway any advice on what to say or tips? I would also like to address my anxiety issues as well. Since I don't have a GP, they will be a stranger to me.
What kind of doctor did you plan to see? I suggest you first find a therapist that will help with the anxiety. They can help you get that under control and it will then be easier to take care of the other health issues.
My therapist has been a huge help with helping me see other doctors. She understands all about anxiety and how difficult it can be just finding a doctor much less making that appointment to see one. A couple weeks ago, I went to the dentist for the first time in years with her help. She even prescribed me a tranquilizer to help. Right now, I need another operation, and will be admitted for at least a week. I do not have the courage to attempt this, and have been putting it off for a while. The therapist is trying to help, but... I can be stubborn.
She even assigned me a physciatric case worker that helps me manage day to day affairs that can be difficult.
When you see a doctor, it is ok to tell them that you have panic attacks and might need to step out to get a breath of air. The doctors are familiar with this disorder and are more than willing to make accomadations. Try not to feel embarressed over it. Lots of people have the disorder, and most health professionals are trained to help make things easier on us. It will be ok. just be honest with them.
As far as anything serious being wrong, health wise. Just take it one day at a time. No sense in worrying over something that has not occured.
I'm not sure, but I don't put much faith in the diagnosis, I do not have a bad cough like bronchitis causes, nor really any cough at all. In fact I didn't mention a cough to the Dr. That was not one of my complaints. One good thing that's come out of this, I have quit smoking, I kinda had to, when I smoke it feels like someone is holding a pillow over my face. Seriously considering going to the ER since we are out of money for the week, my husband and grandma while concerned, seem to think this is mostly anxiety set off by some sort of respiratory infection causing breathing changes. I concede that is possible, but I feel like something is still medically wrong. I just feel smothered all the time.