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 have been in therapy for about years. Many people reading this will have been in the same place as me or longer concern spending time dealing with the mental health profession. I have had some good therapist and some not so good ones. Lately, my therapist has had me using the Panic Attack Workbook by David Carbonell. This has been a fantastic read and has many great ideas to help with recovery. I have also been trying the Panic Away program which is similar as the workbook, but the workbook costs a lot less. (I am not selling of affiliated with any of these books or programs). I am just trying to get the info out to those who need it.
Working the steps in the book has really helped with my belly breathing. Also my thought process during a panic attack has begun to change. I had found myself reaching for valium less and looking forward to trying the techniques during my next panic attack. (Strange I know).
Lately though I have had a fairly large set back. I had a stress test done and the result came back abnormal and my heart is not pumping blood properly. Now I am being put on new drugs with pain side effects. Then the docs increase dosages of other drugs to deal with those side effects. I worry I will have a real heart attack now (doctors told me I am at a moderate risk of having a heart attack at anytime). I find it very hard to distinguish between side effects of medicine, real chest pain, and panic attacks. Honestly, I have just put my life on hold for what feels like the eight millionth time to deal with my heal. I am very sad, angry, frustrated, and slightly depressed.
I have my plan of attack but it feels like everything is going so damn slow. I have made appointments with a cardiologist. I have been to the ER twice in the last 4 days, but each time I go I prod the docs for just a little more info about what is happening to me. Knowling at least gives me a problem to combat, where as when this first started I was in the dark completely. This one is going to be a up hill battle I think, but until I hear the words from the doctors mouth all I do is worry or try to distract myself.
At the end of all of it I want to find hope. All of us battling with mental illness, PTSD, panic attacks, and other health issues need hope. I guess I am here writing this and not dead yet so I still have a chance to turn this ship around and find my sunset.
Wish everyone that has read this well and keep your hope alive.
Working the steps in the book has really helped with my belly breathing. Also my thought process during a panic attack has begun to change. I had found myself reaching for valium less and looking forward to trying the techniques during my next panic attack. (Strange I know).
Lately though I have had a fairly large set back. I had a stress test done and the result came back abnormal and my heart is not pumping blood properly. Now I am being put on new drugs with pain side effects. Then the docs increase dosages of other drugs to deal with those side effects. I worry I will have a real heart attack now (doctors told me I am at a moderate risk of having a heart attack at anytime). I find it very hard to distinguish between side effects of medicine, real chest pain, and panic attacks. Honestly, I have just put my life on hold for what feels like the eight millionth time to deal with my heal. I am very sad, angry, frustrated, and slightly depressed.
I have my plan of attack but it feels like everything is going so damn slow. I have made appointments with a cardiologist. I have been to the ER twice in the last 4 days, but each time I go I prod the docs for just a little more info about what is happening to me. Knowling at least gives me a problem to combat, where as when this first started I was in the dark completely. This one is going to be a up hill battle I think, but until I hear the words from the doctors mouth all I do is worry or try to distract myself.
At the end of all of it I want to find hope. All of us battling with mental illness, PTSD, panic attacks, and other health issues need hope. I guess I am here writing this and not dead yet so I still have a chance to turn this ship around and find my sunset.
Wish everyone that has read this well and keep your hope alive.
I find it annoying that Dr's through meds at everything. I do believe that meds have their place but I've known people who were on 10+ meds at one time because the Dr. just kept throwing more pills into the mix when something went wrong. My friend finally went off all her meds and said to the Dr. "lets start from scratch". As soon as she went off the meds she actually felt better physically and mentally. I'm not suggesting you do this - just adding my personal opinion about all the meds they keep throwing at you. Just wish Dr's would look at the entire person and not just the biological part.
I believe you will find hope and your beautiful sunset. Hang in there and try to keep a positive outlook.
Take care