Fear of heights, sky...

Hello, it's been a while since I posted. I was doing OK, very Ok with my anxiety. I almost got rid of my panic attacks. Today, I experienced new fear. I'm so frustrated! Why is my anxiety still finding the way to stick to me? I'm 40 now, I had panic attacks from 18yo. At 32 I developed fear of heights, and now I'm terrified to fly, can't do without Xanax. Today, I looked at beautiful night sky at stars and got an awful anxiety attack! I felt that awful fear of heights! Usually, when I'm on high floor I can go down snd feel ok, but now, I was thinking how Earth is rotating in the universe and I got panic, and there is no escape! My husband is driving the car, I'm on the back with my 3y and trembling and shaking like crazy! What is this? I'm I going to get panic each time I look at the sky!? My husband thinks my thoughts are stupid and I totally agree! I'm not going to fall into the sky, but why do I get this awful fear and vertigo feeling? I took Xanax now... Anyone have any advice? Previously books worked well for me (medications -not), so I prefer to read something. I think it all comes from my fear of death, but that's I guess, untreatable. I just want to enjoy the sky, I can't let my fear occupy me, it's an awful feeling. I'm almost crying now how stupid I feel, I can't even share my phobias with anyone, it is so stupid ...

Hi Lana,

I am sorry you had this experience.:( However, I don't think that you should fear looking up forever! It sounds like you were just triggered by this particular time and circumstance...probably due to a few factors converging all together...(high anxiety level, dizzyness from looking up, loss of horizon line due to darkness.) I have had a dizzy spell many times when looking up...and I can see how this could easily be the catalyst for an attack!

...but this is not necessarily going to be an ongoing struggle...especially if you get to work on learning skills to manage your fear.

What have you done so far for help? There are both good therapy options, as well self help. Any progress with either of these? You mentioned books. Were these specifically for your fear of heights...or more for general anxiety management?

I can make some recommendations for you...just let me know what subject(s) you'd most like to work on.:)

Please know that your thoughts are valid. Because your husband does understand, does not mean they aren't real and simply a way that your mind and body react to stressors and fear. Everyone's brain does in some way...ours is just in an exaggerated panic response.

However, with continued work, you can hope to make progress with your challenges....and we will be here to support you along the way.:)

S.C.