I have not finished reading all the wonderful comments you guys have left at my last entry. But I have read enough to know that there are a few things you don't understand.
I would love more than anything to get out and make friends, go to church, do volunteer work and anything else. But it isn't all that simple. Panic attacks keep me from doing those things. And trust me you can't just push through a panic attack. You physically can't.
When I leave my house lately (even just to go to my parents house or a drive thru at McDonalds) I have horrible panic attacks. I feel like I am having a heart attack. Even my doctor has told me that I have to pay close attention so maybe I will be able to tell if I am REALLY having a heart attack or if it is just panic. So far it is hard for me to tell. I have been through the ER several times thinking I was having a heart attack and dying.
Panic attacks aren't in your head. They really do manifest themselves in physcial ways. My heart does beat differently, my blood pressure does go up, I start sweating and get so wet you think I just stepped out of a shower.
If I could get out and do more trust me I would. I used to go to church, to support groups, but I just can't anymore. My doctors are trying to find ways to help the panic disorder the anexity attacks but so far nothing is working. I do what I HAVE to do and that is just about it.
I don't want your pity. I am just trying to get you to understand what is going on with me and my illness.
Kathy
9 comments:
I may have been the one to suggest church etc. and I am sorry for that. I do not understand Panic Attacks and I should listen more and try to understand. I apologize if I offended you in any way. :)
http://journals.aol.com/mrsm711/LatteDah/ Tracy
Well, I will certainnly be praying for you. You are not alone... there are so many people who suffer with anxiety. Try not to box yourself up, keep fighting it, research, try new programs and don't lose all hope. There IS something that will work for you, it is out there... you have to convince yourself of that. Faith is calling what is not as though it were... that is biblical. There is power in your words... speak truth to yourself, pray diligently about it, and you will get well. Chin up!
~Erin
Panic Attacks are fairly easy to deal with with counselors...as oppose to more serious things and general docs really don't have the tools to deal with them. I have had plenty of students who have had them and had much success dealing with them would our local community counselors. They are usually due to feelings of lack of control of things in one's life...basically a lot of stress in one's life that one is having a difficult time to deal with. The great thing about it is once you start working on that, you start to feel better & the panic attacks begin to reduce in occurance & severity. :-) When I talk to my students I basically ask them, "Do you want to leave like this anymore or get worse?" Most say "no" so then I say, would you rather try things on your own through trial & error & maybe take a year or more to feel better or would you like to find someone who has done all the research for you & found out what are the top 3 best ways & most successful ways people have found to deal with this and get better sooner. They soon realize getting those quick successful tools in their bag of tools is in their best interest. If you want more info, just email me! :-)
Since I lost my son, I, too, suffer from panic attacks. And, it does affect you physically. I can relate to what you say here. Sometimes it does feel like you're having a heart attack. I keep my going out to a minimum and when I do, I don't go out alone. My doctor has me taking Xanax and it's helped a great deal but it doesn't completely take it away. Hope the doctors find something for you and soon. Until then, keep on keeping on. Blessings, Gloria, Kevin's mom
I understand your pain that is why I did not suggest you get out and meet someone. I simply know its not possible at times in our lives to deal with this. just pray about it
Hi Kathy, I am so glad you wrote this followup entry. Most people do not understand what it's like. I do! I have the same fears you have and the same limitations. I still work but that's because my job is so very close. I too just do what I have to do.
I think you entry is perfect, albeit you do not owe anyone any explanation.
With that I offer you a cyber hug and if I were there a nice warm cup of tea.
Hugs my friend
Deb
I know what panic attacks are. And, I can't do the things I once could either. Tranquilizers help stop the attack but you can't drive and take them......so, what's the point!
I have panic attacks too. Not as bad as you...but I freak out when it happens. My heart races, I feel confused, and I also get angry. I have no explanation for it though. Big hugs and GBU, Shelly
Dont let anyone make you feel bad for something you dont have any control over at this time. I empathise with you. And i have plenty of things that keep me inside too. I freak out if i have to speak in public, I dont drive cause i feel like im gonna kill someone. I literally freak out, cry, my chest hurts and i cant breath. Do what you can, and dont let us in J land pressure you... Love Christine
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