Need Help with Panic Attacks!

Darlene1 · Post by **Darlene1** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:40 am

I am on session 2 of the program. I had minor anxiety episodes before outside of home and this was the 1st time having one at home. I woke from my sleep in a pure panic. I thought I was dying, heart racing, dizzy, short of breath. I immediately panicked because I was home alone with my children as my husband works nights. For the 1st time in our marriage I had to call my husband home from work to take care of me. I still can't believe it. The following two nights my best friend spent the night with me because the fear of passing out is so real and scary. That was two weeks ago. The program has helped already by just explaining what is actually happening to me and reassuring me that I have control. Doctors only wanted to prescribe medication which I do not want to take. It's not easy but I've been trying to follow the six steps. Hopefully I can get this under control in the coming weeks as I continue with the program. This is a very scary time for me. How is everyone else handling panic attacks? Please keep me in your prayers.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:53 am

I just started this program a week ago and am praying it helps. i can relate to your am panic attacks. thats when mine are the worst I have 4 chiildren 2 still at home. i too have had to call my husband at work to conme home because of the fear. i have never done that in 29 years of marriage. i will pray for you and hope it gives you comfort that there is someone else having the same trouble.

honeydew3 · Post by **honeydew3** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:50 am

Darlene, I found that when I started to feel a panic attack come on I would distract myself. For instance, sometimes when I'm home and start to feel an attack coming on I will jump on the computer, get on the internet and play games, go to websites, anything to get my mind off of the panic. That seems to really work for me. The next time I have an attack I can remember what I did last time, that I didn't die or pass out and all it took was a little distration and the panic seems to go away a lot quicker. Just knowing that my husband knows about my attacks and is willing to come home to help me whenever I need it helps me out. (yep, mine has had to come home a time or two) I know he'll come when I call, that gives me sort of control of the situation. In the end you are going to realize that it's YOU that causes the panic to go away and you are your own safe person. You'll learn that as you get more and more into the program. Meanwhile you have friends here that can help and understand what you are going through.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 12:06 pm

Hi Jamie

Thank you so much for your response. I pray the program helps you also. I think it will. The hardest thing is to really accept that we cause this ourselves. It does give me comfort to know I'm not alone although I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy

Remember to distract yourself as soon as you feel it coming on. We will beat this. We have to. Keep in touch

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 12:13 pm

Hi Mac

Thanks for your response as well. I will try your suggestion of immediately distracting myself when I feel it coming on. Your right, I got through some panic attacks already and didn't pass out or die which is exactly what I fear is going to happen. I can't tell you how helpful it is to be share this with someone who has been through it or is going through it. I share with my husband and best friends but unless you have actually felt it, it's hard to understand. I'll be so thankful when I finally get it under control. It's still hard to grasp that I cause this to happen to myself. Thanks again and please keep in touch.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 2:51 am

Hi Darlene,
Things do get better with the program. I would have mild panic attacks, usually because of something bad happening in my life. The program has helped me tremendously. One of the best things I did was to get off caffeine. I feel so much better, I have more energy, I am not on edge and the panic has decreased. Between getting off caffeine and the program the anxiety is much better now. I never had a problem driving, but got anxiety if I had to travel a distance alone especially when I did not know the directions to well. I conquered that the other day. I had just listened to tape 8 where it tells you that you should start working on your limitations. It felt so good to conquer that fear...my attitude when driving was what is the worst thing that could happen?...maybe get lost, well eventually I would make it back home so my fear was gone. The key is to think positive, stop the what ifs, and say to ourselves what is the worst thing that could happen. We have the control over our thoughts. I have changed for the better being on the program. I have accomplished alot of my goals just by getting off the caffeine. The program has helped me to not depend on other people and has made me more independent. I wish you the best. God Bless

Originally posted by Darlene1:
Hi Mac

Thanks for your response as well. I will try your suggestion of immediately distracting myself when I feel it coming on. Your right, I got through some panic attacks already and didn't pass out or die which is exactly what I fear is going to happen. I can't tell you how helpful it is to be share this with someone who has been through it or is going through it. I share with my husband and best friends but unless you have actually felt it, it's hard to understand. I'll be so thankful when I finally get it under control. It's still hard to grasp that I cause this to happen to myself. Thanks again and please keep in touch.