Getting past a speed bump

Faith_TX · Post by **Faith_TX** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 12:03 pm

I had a really bad week last week. I had a panic attack one morning which I was sure was the end of me. LOL. I was shaking all over and heaving almost like I was going to throw up. It was very unusual for me.

I forced myself to go on with my day and got in to talk to my counselor (we hadn't met in awhile) and I haven't had any more attacks since then.

But, I'm sort of traumatized by it. I don't know if I've ever felt that scared during an attack. The thing was, it built up for the last couple weeks until I hardly ate or slept for 3 days. So when it hit my body was very weakened.

I'm back to 3 meals a day the last two days but I'm sort of haunted by it. . . and wondering if anyone has tricks for blowing this off and moving on. I'm back to my old habits of prayer and reading my Bible and trying to stay away from sugar/caffeine/junk.

I haven't slept great the last two nights but better. . . and I just keep thinking "what if" I get back into another state like that.

Any advice?

Paige... · Post by **Paige...** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 12:09 pm

I understand where you're coming from. It's so disheartening to do good for awhile and then wham!- be struck by a bad panic attack. This is something that I am also struggling with. The only advice I can really give yourself is to keep filling yourself with positive talk (e.g. "Just because I had a bad day/night doesn't mean that today is going to be a bad day.") Good luck.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 2:56 pm

Dear Faith,
Please continue on living your life as if you had not even had the bad panic attack. If you continue to allow yourself to anticipate another really severe attack, then, you are setting yourself up for one.

Remember, just because something happened in the past does not mean it will happen again in the future. Also, panic attacks can be such a frightening experience that you begin to think you are dying or that something terrible is going to happen to you. Always remember that you are safe, and that you bring on your own panic attacks by the scary things you tell yourself...

Panic attacks can not hurt you in any way. You will not die, faint, or go crazy from one. You are safe and healthy even when you are in a full-blown panic attack.

Try to overcome your fear of panic attacks by facing them head on, and floating through them...The more you run from them; the more power they have over you. Accept them for what they are and face them; by doing so, you starve the fear!!!!! I pray this helps....God Bless!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 4:59 pm

I know that feeling. Its scary and you feel like you are going to go right back to where you were, but you won't. Remind yourself that you are doing great and have been feeling better and that in itself is proof that you will get over this last speed bump and that you can get beyond it. Then get back on the horse and keep yourself occupied by living how you want to so that those thoughts don't have time to creep in.

Just a bump in the road, just a bump in the road!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 1:19 am

Thanks y'all. The good news is I SLEP SO GOOD last night. Yeahhhhh. Then this morning I had a thought of if I'm starting on a different cycle. . . which I am not going to let my mind go there. LOL

You know what I mean I bet. I used to think I was bipolar because I'd be really wound up for awhile then crash and then be tired for awhile. I was assured based on other symptoms, that I'm not bipolar. It's called wearing yourself out.

Anyway, I think this is going to be much better week for me.