| Hi Hun,
I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks frequently for the last few years although I have had underlying symptoms for much longer. About two years ago I woke up in the middle of the night, in the middle of a panic attack. I have never felt so frightened as I did that night. The next day I went to the doctors and she confirmed that I have been suffering with anxiety for years (looking back at my medical history) and my body had just had enough and wanted something done about it. I was put on meds for 9 months however 3 months after coming off the meds I noticed that anxiety was back. I have decided not to go back on meds as towards the end I felt quite ill on them. I still get the increased heart rate during the night but I feel that this is my associated fear of it happening again than anything else. I have learnt a deep breathing technique used in yoga which has helped to calm me down in those circumstances. I do find though that a simple problem is escalated becuase of my anxiety, it is this side of the anxiety that I need to address. I try not to let the increased heart rate when watching TV sometimes concern me but it does and sometimes I cant see the end of not having anxiety. its truly awful. I got a CBT therapy book for dummes which is good although when you are in the middle of a panic attack the last thing you want to do is read.
I have felt very alone with this and gotten deeply upset. It is a welcome relief that there others out there who suffer like me. Even my mum (who suffered with PA for years) was very non understanding when I told her.
I cant offer any advice other than the breathing technique and exercising when you feel the adrenline rush to use it up, but I am happy to talk about the problems you are having as a sympathetic ear if you need one.
Take Care and sorry for the long winded post. Nicky xx |