Panic Support

Hello all. I stumbled across this group doing a web search. I have panic attacks. Just yesterday I had one in the middle of Epcot in Orlando, Florida. My husband, who is very supportive, saved me from total ruin with "hard love". He kept telling me to pull myself together. He, of course, was right. I began having these about 5 years ago. I did not know what was "wrong with me" until last year. I cannot tell you, or perhaps I can, how big a relief it was to know I was a) not crazy and b) not going to die. I think knowing was half the battle.

However, my biggest battle right now is how it keeps me from doing things and going places. I hate holidays, those are just opportunities to fall apart in public, and I avoid "road trips". I know this is wrong, but home feels "safe" to me. Typically, I get really extremely nauseous, my arms and feet go numb, I get dizzy, and then feel like lead. I physically cannot get up. Yesterday's attack lasted about 4 hours.

I guess I am hoping for some feedback from people who have suffered with this and know what its like.

Hello scw1217

Welcome to HW were so happy you have joined us here I just wish it was under better conditions. You will find great support and information here and make many friends. If you ever have any questions about this site please just ask and you will recive help.

My safe place is my home but I can still get out and go places and you can too it will just take you time to learn how to calm yourself when you start feeling a PA starting to happen. Like btflnvy said you have to learn to talk to your body and remember to tell youself this is a panic attack I have been here before. It can not kill me and I will not fight it and let it run it's course before you know it you will be able to just ease thru them. I try focusing on things around me like what people are wearing, there hair doos ot get a magazine anything to direct your mind somewhere else. I know this easier said then done but it works for a lot of us here you can also do the deep breathing. I hope this helps you out some and please post here often so we know how you are doing. Again welcome to HW my friend. 

Thanks so much for the friendly welcome. I am not very good at expressing myself, so apologize if my writings don't make much sense. As to your questions, no I am not on any medication or seeing anyone for it. I do not take medicine well, so that option is out for me. I have never been able to talk to anyone about it, except for my husband who is very understanding.

I understand totally what you said about focus. I do that too and usually I can get through it that way. But yesterday's attack was more severe because I was so nauseous. Feeling nauseous makes me panic worse because it has always means an attack coming on. It is somewhat of a trigger for me.

As to the length, my attacks are usually long, at least an hour. Yesterday's attack began with an episode of gastroinstestinal reflux at about 11 am, which in itself did not make me believe I would have an attack. It may have contributed to the nausea though, thinking back on it. The nausea began about 30 minutes later. I was not able to walk on until about 2 and remained weak afterward, though able to move around finally.

What gets to me afterward is the guilt for making a scene and changing family plans. I can after all blame no one but myself for messing things up.

I do want to say that I am usually a very stubborn and determined person. I am a "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" kind of gal. So to have something so debilitating is very hard for me. Its hard to admit I need help when I need help. But it was very freeing to finally know what the problem is.

Welcome you have been given great advice and support already by these wonderful peeps so I will just say keep on posting and coming here for support
We will always be here
Lyn

Hello SCW

 

Honey your always welcome to lurk but remember you don't have to know much about others illness to put a warm smile on there face.   Hope your doing better soon and yes we are all here pulling for you to feel better.