Stress Center Peer Support

Well I have mangaged to get through week 3 starting week 4 a number of times but never finished the program. I started feeling good, I was more relaxed, the panic attacks subsided once I started breathing, using positive self talk, and accepting that the panic was caused within me.

Yesterday I had my first real panic attack in months. I was up all night, I flew to San Francisco with no sleep, worked all day, flew back, and then wham! When we started rolling on the runway I felt the horrible feeling of a panic attack starting. I even went so far as to tell the stewardesses who were behind me that I might be having a heart problem. I was one tick away from having the plane go back to the airport if i could. She told me to put the air on, my partner told me to just breath, and I got through it.

This was my 2nd airplane ride in years, the first being ealier yesterday which was uneventul.

I got through the flight, but I really need to start the program again. I knew what was happening and threw away my skills and panicked!

I am sure the fact that I was up for 24 hours and the fact that this trip constituted my first round trip airplane trip in years had something to do with it too.

I am not deterred. I thought I would share this.

Don't be hard on yourself. I have flown many times and I still get sweaty palms during take offs and landings. Finish the program - it can only make you stronger...

SoCalDude,

My psychiatrist told me recently that sleep deprivation can spark anxiety (which happened to me not too long ago). I try to be extra kind to myself when I'm tired, and I try and make sleep a priority.

Hang in there.

Heather

Hey there my husband helped me notice that I too have much more panic and anxiety when I am tired. I'm sure you didn;t have much of a choice. But try to get good sleep every single day, or at least nap when you can. Even a solid 15-20 minutes can help restore some of that sleep deficiency. Stay with it-You can do it!