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Bodily Claustrophobia, Is this normal for panic attacks?

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Posted 3/31/2009 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
I have been suffering from really scary self observation and trapped thoughts and panic along with them. I feel trapped that my thoughts are and will always be with me even if I dont want them there anymore. Sounds weird I know, but I panic when I think of this and feel like I am losing my mind. I freak out about how I think and how I am able to picture things in my mind and that I am the only one responsible for them. These panic attacks make me fly off the handle and scream in major panic. I started screaming in my girlfriends car the other day. When I came to I asked if I was screaming and she said yes. That flew me off the loop. I feel sick when it happens. Like hospital sick. I fear Im losing my mind. It is beginning to be very debilitating. The doc just gave me klonopin and helps slightly but I still have the thoughts. Is this just normal panic attacks? Its almost like a bodily claustrophobia. Is it possible to lose your mind from this?
Posted 4/1/2009 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
Dear HopeForEveryone,

Welcome to HealingWell. You'll find that panic and anxiety affect just about everyone in unique combinations of ways, yet most of us have some symptoms in common with other folks. I don't get the type of trapped thoughts you describe, but I understand how scary it is to feel that you may not be able to take any more of what your anxiety is dishing out to you.

Fearing that we may go crazy is one symptom of anxiety, but as many members will probably point out, just being able to worry about that makes it pretty unlikely that you are going crazy. Someone who is "crazy" usually doesn't even realize it.

Have you been on the klonopin for very long? It may take a while for you to feel better on it, or you may have some side effects for a bit. If a med is new, most of us try to hang on until we can tell whether it's made a difference. Sometimes, that can take a few weeks, depending on the med.

Do keep posting, and know that you're not alone in fighting this. I'm sure many others will be along to offer support soon.

percycat
Posted 4/1/2009 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Hope,

I have had some experience with the repetitive, troubling thoughts and pictures in my mind when I am anxious. I know it's a terrible feeling, and it feels like you have no control over what's going on in your head. I have found that relaxation exercises and meditation have helped me quite a bit. Also, I went through some hypnotherapy sessions to help me to learn how to deeply relax and to recall some positive, loving and happy thoughts and pictures to replace the awful ones. I hope these suggestions will be helpful to you. Have you talked to your doctor about the possibility of therapy? It can be a real Godsend when you're struggling like this. Best wishes to you....please come back and let us know how you are doing.
Posted 4/1/2009 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the responses. It's just a terrible thing to deal with. Just thinking makes me freak out. Im trying to find a therapist who deals with CBT. I really hope that will help. When I get to go to one I will let you know how things work out.
Posted 4/1/2009 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again, Hope,

I've heard that people on here have had success with the online CBT program called the Mood Gym:

http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome

Sorry, should have thought to mention it before.

Glad you're looking for a therapist, too. Hang in there....and let us know how it goes.
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