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FFR · 07-29-2009, 02:50 PM

I haven't read through the entire thread but I figured I would add my thoughts. I suffered from panic attacks and constant anxiety about 5 years ago. It was like you described - a constant feeling in the pit of my stomach that made it hard to do anything. I would worry about nothing in particular - at least that I could think of. But then I'd worry that I was worrying about nothing. And the panic attacks caused me so much aprehension because I didn't want to ever be in a public place when one happened. I would always avoid lineups because they triggered an increase in my anxiety and movie theatres (not sure why but they were a killer). I dropped a few classes at university because the rooms made me uncomfortable. It was a nightmare. I didn't think I would ever be in control again. But I am.

I went to my doctor and explained what was happening and he basically told me that what I was experiencing was common and that we could deal with it. He started by giving my atavan which I would take when the anxiety got too great or I felt a panic attack coming and it worked really well. He gave me three refills but I ended up not needing any of them.

The second thing that I did was see a psychologist. I didn't see a psychiatrist ever. But the psychologist was instrumental in helping me deal with the anxiety. She taught me many techniques to try and control the symptoms of the panic attack. The biggest one was that I had to remember that I control my body. If I don't want to have a panic attack, I don't have to. It was the hardest thing in the world to believe at that time because I felt like I was completely out of control. But we met once a week, twice if it was a bad week, and talked about how to deal with things. Eventually, I got it under control and I don't see her anymore.

I still sometimes get the twinge in my stomach or I feel my heart start to race and get dizzy and sweaty but I know that I can control it. My doctor told me that it's not necessarily something that you can cure but that you can learn to live with. I guess he said that it can come and go. In my case, it's been all but gone since the first incident a few years back.

I don't know that anything I have to say really helps at all but it really is more common than you would think. The psychologist worked for me - I saw one at U of C when I was a student so the prices were not bad. But, like some of the other posters have said - as hard as it is, you can't let it run your life. The onyl way to get over it is to continue living like you normally would. And keep seeing your doctor, if you are comfortable with them. Because they are likely your best resource.

Just my two cents.

07-29-2009, 02:50 PM	#43
FFR Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: Mar 2005 Exp:	I haven't read through the entire thread but I figured I would add my thoughts. I suffered from panic attacks and constant anxiety about 5 years ago. It was like you described - a constant feeling in the pit of my stomach that made it hard to do anything. I would worry about nothing in particular - at least that I could think of. But then I'd worry that I was worrying about nothing. And the panic attacks caused me so much aprehension because I didn't want to ever be in a public place when one happened. I would always avoid lineups because they triggered an increase in my anxiety and movie theatres (not sure why but they were a killer). I dropped a few classes at university because the rooms made me uncomfortable. It was a nightmare. I didn't think I would ever be in control again. But I am. I went to my doctor and explained what was happening and he basically told me that what I was experiencing was common and that we could deal with it. He started by giving my atavan which I would take when the anxiety got too great or I felt a panic attack coming and it worked really well. He gave me three refills but I ended up not needing any of them. The second thing that I did was see a psychologist. I didn't see a psychiatrist ever. But the psychologist was instrumental in helping me deal with the anxiety. She taught me many techniques to try and control the symptoms of the panic attack. The biggest one was that I had to remember that I control my body. If I don't want to have a panic attack, I don't have to. It was the hardest thing in the world to believe at that time because I felt like I was completely out of control. But we met once a week, twice if it was a bad week, and talked about how to deal with things. Eventually, I got it under control and I don't see her anymore. I still sometimes get the twinge in my stomach or I feel my heart start to race and get dizzy and sweaty but I know that I can control it. My doctor told me that it's not necessarily something that you can cure but that you can learn to live with. I guess he said that it can come and go. In my case, it's been all but gone since the first incident a few years back. I don't know that anything I have to say really helps at all but it really is more common than you would think. The psychologist worked for me - I saw one at U of C when I was a student so the prices were not bad. But, like some of the other posters have said - as hard as it is, you can't let it run your life. The onyl way to get over it is to continue living like you normally would. And keep seeing your doctor, if you are comfortable with them. Because they are likely your best resource. Just my two cents.