Newbie Here

Hi i just came across this site when i was looking up things for heartburn as well as the heartburn i suffer really badly with panic attacks so much so they control my life, im afraid to take medication because of fear of the side effects, im getting married in 4 months and im heading on a cruise for my honeymoon instead of looking forward to it i just keeping thinking about the bad stuff like what if i have a panic attack which then leads to a heart attack i know this might sound stupid but i get so scared when i travel to far out of my comfort zone, i had a trip booked to spain 2 years ago i made it to the airport but couldn't get on the plane, i feel i really let my family down my 2 boys never get to go on holidays because i fear something bad will happen on the plane or over there, i hate feeling like this i really wish i could take my boys to disney land without worrying what if this or that happens. sorry just need to get that off my chest.

the modern approach is that panic attacks arent stopped by any type of psychotherapy but are mostly inherited, family members probably suffererd but this was often hidden as they were thought of as a mental illness

a large dose of any valium type meds will allow you to cope with holidays but this dose needs careful adjustment

most sufferers now get better using a combination of meds and CBT

self help books are better than therapists, IMO as many therapists dont know much or anything about modern treatment, indeed some dismiss the panic attacks as unimportant

"self help books are better than therapists, IMO as many therapists dont know much or anything about modern treatment, indeed some dismiss the panic attacks as unimportant"

Wow Harry - that's quite a generalization - and given that people on this forum respect your opinions, I think it should be softened a bit.

Sure - there are all types of therapists - some good - some not good - like any other profession. Mine played a huge role in leading me out of the "pit" and I'm eternally grateful to her. She recommends LOT's of self help books (which we discuss sometimes), refers reputable psychiatrists, and offers perspective on medication. Staying up to date is very important to her. She's my trusted advisor.

What you described was a BAD therapist - and one I wouldn't want anyone to entrust their life with - especially one who dismisses PA's. But it's a bit harsh to throw them all into that category.

Hi Euros, you've come to the right place. We all know what it's like to suffer panic.

Go see your doc, maybe the right combination of meds and some CBT will allow you to lead a relatively normal life. I finally realised after being in hospital this year that the anxiety wasn't going to go away itself so along with my meds I do breathing exercises, practise mindfulness and distraction techniques and also make sure I do a relaxation tape everynight.

The kids have learnt when I grab a pillow, tell them it's relaxation time and shut the door that they're not allowed to disturb me.