Panic Attacks - long also

[Guest guest]

Ok, I'm going to jump in here, reluctantly. I have suffered with

Panic/Aniexty Disorder for 37 years - before it was recognized as a

different disorder and given a name.

 

When the " fight or flight " sets in, and you think you are going to

die, cluster phobias begin to develop. Phobia's that you never had

before and the ones that you did have are intensified. Through bio-

feedback and a wonderful counselor, I was able to begin to control

them. His main advise was when in an attack, try to faint. The

reason was if you can relax enough to faint, then the panic will

leave.

 

The early research shows that these develop from ages 25 to 35, under

a great deal of stress and are inherited. In my case, my Mother,

myself, and my daughter. Males also have these but they tend to be

less debilitating. One school of thought was that the male had to

earn the living, and coped with the disorder in a different manner.

 

Because my daughter watched me and basically nursed me, she has a

better mindset in her handling of this problem and she has never

allowed the disorder to control her. It my case, it has controlled

my life. Much to my dismay.

 

I can go for years and deal only with some anxiety and then a panic

will begin - and without any warning, in a place that is familiar,

comfortable and for no apparent reason!!!

 

I have been on medication for so long, that it no longer is as

effective as it used to be. I have found some excellent relief with

Bach Flower Remedies. " Aspen " for nervousness, " Elm " for feeling

overwhelmed, " White Chestnut " for a chattering mind (that's another

part of the disorder - what I call squirrel cage thinking) and Rescue

Remedy. I have used many of the calming oils since I discovered

them and do put on a burner or diffuser from time to time when at

work, however the attacks occur outside the home so I have to carry

something with me. That's where the Bach's Remedies come in. I

tried carrying the oils, but they would lose their effectiveness

being carried around in a hot purse.

 

The drug of choice when my disorder surfaced were tranquilizers

combined with anti-depressants. The doctors tried to switch me over

to the Prozac family to no avail. They tore up my stomach, so now I

have stomach problems and Paxil is now under the gun (a class action

suit I believe) for the debilitating after effects when people have

quit taking it. At the time, Paxil was the only approved drug for

controlling or eliminating the panic. I believe this is correct.

 

There are support groups on many medical schools' bulletin boards -

but if you can stay away from the meds - do so. In addition, there

is no cure. Bio feedback, behavioural modification, mind control.

Whatever you can find to control and relieve the attack. Quite

frankly, they are so physically and emotionally draining, I have to

take a nap.

 

Oh and I did have the agoraphobia for 9 very long years!!! Even now

though, I must not stay in the house for too many days in a row or I

have a " little " anxiety begin to set in the minute I leave. My

husband has said I think about it and then the panic sets in. I have

tried to explain that attack begins in the body, then the mind

realizes it. (We weren't married when this set in, so he has a

different point of view.)

 

Another thing that worked very well, was to distract the mind from

the attack. I would pray, sing, call a friend, write a letter,

anything that forced my mind away from was happening.

 

I do hope that I haven't bored anyone with this information but it

hit really close to home and I wanted to share some info gained early

on in my walk through this challenge.

 

And Butch - I appreciate what you had to say and please do not take

offense, but you are looking at this like a man and a military one at

that (and I come from a very long line of military people.)

 

Hugs to all of you who have shared their story. I emphasize with each

and every one of you. If anyone wants to talk more, they can email me

privately. I'll be more than happy to help if I can.

 

Now I need to go find the inhaler recipe. I missed it. *sigh*

 

Buffy