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Posted 8/23/2012 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
I was wondering if anyone has advice that could help me. I suffer from panic attacks in social situations. I start off feeling too hot, dizzy and light headed and sick to my stomach. My heart races and I feel the urge to get away. I'm not so bad if I know I can leave if I need to. I have been referred to a public councelling service but there is a long waiting list and I cannot afford to go private. I have started to avoid social situations which I am so sad about as I used to love socialising. My main worry is this. I have a two week trip to the states coming up where I will be staying with my brother and his family. I'm really worried I'll have panic attacks over there because I'll feel like I can't get away if I need to. It happened me recently when my husband and I stayed overnight at his sisters house and that was only one night. I don't know if this is relevant but Im on Effexor for depression. Please please please help...
Posted 8/23/2012 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum.

First thing is, don't forecast the future. Second, did you talk to your doctor about the panic attacks and the upcoming trip? If not I would call ASAP.

Anxiety and depression come together quite often. It can be delt with easily with a second med small dose and some breathing exercises. Also practicing simple mindfulness does the trick for a lot of people.

Deep breathe in through the nose out through the mouth slowly concentrating on the breath, repeating slowly to yourself that you are calm. " I am calm" Until you are feeling better, usually 5-6 times.

Mindfulness.org is a good place to start for some basic information on staying in the moment and focused, calm and collected.

You can control this with practice!

Stay strong and good luck.

Trina
Posted 8/23/2012 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like you may news a script until you can get into counseling. I'd also recommend getting a yoga DVD. It will teach you to control your breathing. You can do that part and no one will be the wiser. I said DVD because if you don't like social situations you will want to do many of the poses in the privacy of your home. Be careful about isolating though...that's a totally different and difficult hole to dig out of.
Posted 8/23/2012 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
HI JAMIE HERE,

AGREE FULLY WITH TRINA.
AM SENDING YOU MANY COMPASSIONATE HEALINGS.

TAKE CARE,
JAMIE.
Posted 8/23/2012 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you guys! I'm definitely gonna try the yoga DVD. I did mention it to my doctor and he advised me to tell my brother about the panic attacks. He says this will help as my panic attacks get worse when I try to hide them. While I think he's right, I'm nervous about telling my brother in case he thinks I shouldn't be left alone with his kids. I would hate this as I adore his kids and know I would be fine wih them. I'm just worried he may not understand what's wrong with me and assume the worst.
Posted 8/23/2012 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think he would assume the worst, but what if you did have a panic attack with the kids? How old are they? Would that be a bad situation? So I think you should tell him unless you feel you have it under control. I agree totally with the breathing. Think of it as smelling the roses and blowing out the candles. In through the nose and out through the mouth. This really does help. Meditation helps too. That takes practice also, but when you practice, you are actually doing it. I would highly recommend learning it. We can help you if you want. It is basically relaxing all your muscles and focussing on your breathing. Stay in the now. That really helps to. Don't project into the future. You are going to be fine. I think you will have a lot of fun too seeing your family.

Take care and remember to breathe...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 8/23/2012 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
The kids are 18 months and a newborn. I love kids (I run a Montessori school) and I'm always very relaxed around them so I'm positive I wouldn't have a panic attack around them. In just not sure of my brother would understand. I'm going to practise the breathing and hopefully get control of myself. I collapsed on my wedding day in front of everyone due to a panic attack I couldn't control, luckily the guests thought I hadn't eaten and just got weak! That's the only time it's gotten that bad, I usually just end up leaving but obviously I couldn't on this occasion
Posted 8/23/2012 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
I think that the breathing will help you to stay relaxed. If you are relaxed around kids, I am sure you will do just fine. Maybe feel out the situation, if you don't need to tell him, maybe it would be best not to. If you think he is going to freak or something. I would play it be ear. One day at a time is all that we can do. Try not to worry about it.

Hugs, Karen....
Posted 8/23/2012 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone xxx
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