Stress Center Peer Support

Ok,this is gonna sound really strange, but here goes...I've had panic attacks for years, but these past few weeks is the first time I have ever done this. I have always enjoyed going to restaurants with people I am comfortable with...but lately, (i'm 6 weeks in program) everytime I get away from home or work, i almost FORCE myself to have a panic attack or at the very least alot of anxiety. Its like I'm sitting there waiting for it to happen, even if i start out feeling great! and I cant seem to change my thoughts from making myself do this. Today, it was after a meal...I'm sitting there feeling alittle nauseous (sp?) and I know I'm gonna faint...hands clammy, the whole nine yards. PLEASE any advice or help! This is like self sabatoge and I dont know how to stop.
Thanks, gina

i've been doing this program for a little over a year and noticed that when i started it (and even now) i am so focussed on trying to see the set off signs of a panick attack so i can stop them that i actually bring them on since i'm focussed on only that. i'm so glad to see someone else is going through this (well not glad but you know what i mean) now what i do is immediatly when i start thinking too much about not having an attack is re-direct my attention and change the thougt process. it's completly normal to not be anxious, and "the big one" isn't gonna jump up on us when we least expect it, even if it did we can handle it now.

Jess,
maybe that is what I am doing...so focused on NOT having one, that all I think about is "them", that I make myself stay in the panic attack zone. (if that makes sense) but your right. I just wish I could stop my thoughts sometimes, and just enjoy the moment without worry. I know we will one day.

You would have to figure out what you're afraid of, find some way to see humor in it so less frightening and tell yourself that you are not going to die. Not having anxiety attacks is something that I am still working on. I imagine that I have to work on being more confident in my decision making and problem solving. This will take time.

AmandaJ

thanks yall, I know it will take time. today we had to take a new girl to lunch, and of course I started the "what ifs"....so I kinda made up a story so I could drive my own car, and I did good. So if that wasnt really cheating...I did ok today
gina

frasier,

that sounds lie you did great! congrats! One thing to try, is you cannot run from the scary thoughts. a thought is simply that, a thought. just because you think it does not mean it will come true so next time you feel nervous tell yourself its ok and will it, try telling your body to bring it on, and i think you will find with time that you will become less and less scared of those symptoms and you will learn and condition yourself to accept them!

Matt, thanks for the thumbs up! I really love going places, and I cant wait until I can do it without "what if" thoughts...but until then I guess it is good to remember it is just a thought. I really wish I could somehow get into my sub-conscious (sp?) and at least not think myself into a panic attack or at the very least "uneasy" feelings, but I guess this is a part of the healing process huh? Blessings! gina

I have spells where I do that also. I finally learned that when I feel the panic coming, if I tell myself. . . 'so what if I have a panic attack' and tell myself that if I relax and let it come the adrenalin will wear off faster than if I fight it. . . sometimes it just goes away, or at very least if I have one it is short lived. I think for ME, the worrying about having one is worse than the panic attack itself is.

I'm glad that you're not letting it keep you from going places. I tell myself that if I'm having a bad day and I'm going to have a panic attack, it doesn't matter where I am so I might as well go because the distraction quite often keeps it from happening if I let myself enjoy the moment.

Chris,
Amen to your statement that the thought of a panic attack is worse than having one! The fear of the fear drives me nuts! I know exactly what you mean. Hope your having a great day! gina

Hi I am new to the progam. Sometimes I feel like I also bring on panic attacks myself. I worry about what I should have done differently during the day, what others think of me, did I forget to do something, etc. What can I do to break this. I do the breathing exercises and they help. I have also been on RX meds but I want to be free of this. Any suggestions?