Panic Attacks

LegacyUser

Hi anyone out there. I'm a 27 year old female suffering from panic attacks since i was 11. I've grown so used to feeling panic now that i dont know any different. The scariest experience i've had during an attack is an severe inability to focus my eyes. It has only happened me maybe 4 or 5 times but is so scary as i feel totally out of control as my vision is blurred as if i looked straight at a light. I've read lots of books on panic attacks but have never come across this as a symptom which scares me even more. I have been to a councillor but found this of no use. I know the death of my dad triggered them off for me but cant seem to get away from the constant feeling of panic nearly 16 years later. Would really like to meet with others suffering from panic attacks as i really feel so alone as people who dont suffer from them have no idea how frightening they are. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Zaph

OP, I've created a new thread for you from your post. We prefer not to have old threads dragged up, especially if it's simply to append a new PI from a different person to it.

LegacyUser

You might find it helpful to work on your breathing, try to breath from the diaphragm rather than shallow breathing from the chest. I just found this site today and found it interesting http://www.pe2000.com/breathe_diaphragm.htm
Maybe work on this with a counsellor?

ibbie

OP it was the same trigger for me, I guess it was my way of dealing with the grief. But yeah they are a nightmare I couldn't leave the house because of it for nearly 2 years eventually got prescribed medication but felt that it made me worse. Its been 10 years now since they were really bad but I always still get the anxious feeling in certain situations. For me I just got so fed up with not being able to do or go anywhere and I knew that it was all in my head and that I was going to be fine so I just started 'practicing' going out or putting myself into certain situations that I knew would bring on the anxiety and with time they subsided. Every now and then I get the niggling feeling but always stay with it and not run away from it, within a few minutes its gone.

LegacyUser

I suffered the same a few years ago..not from grief but more from just general anxiety. The doctor put me on tranquilisers...In the end I never took any but once I knew that they were there with me the attacks lessened and lessened. It was like a security blanket. Needless to say it was a few years before they stopped completely and I could go out without them. Maybe this would help?Ask your GP for a months supply and keep them with you just in case.

I know the worst part about them is them is the complete lack of control and thats what you need to get to grips with. When you feel one coming on try and get to a place on your own (bathroom etc) and like a previous poster said..breath..slowly. If you need to cry,cry. Let all the emotion and anxiety out. Tell yourself over and over " I am in control, I am not panicking,everything is ok" I found that helped me so much..

I really feel for you,there are horrible unsettling episodes that can take over your life.
Good luck and hope you feel better soon.