Howdy Tiffany and Hannah! Yeah the "heart attack" panic attack used to be my worst type of panic attack. I would sit there with aching chest pains and I'd get the fast heart beat.
I can happily say now though that I don't get those big major panic attacks about my heart like I used to. Like today I was exercising for a while and instead of worrying about my heart like I used to and go into a big panic attack, I had a 2 second thought about my heart and then straight away relaxed and don't worry about it again. And guess what I'm human. And without putting my einstein hat on, I'm guessing u 2 are aswell. So if I can get better so can u!!
Howdy! I'd thought I'd write to say that I am so so so much better than I used to be from when I first got Panic Disorder in Aug 2001. I was diagnosed with severe panic disorder and OCD on top. I used to have really really really really tough days.
But these days I'm a happy chappy. I'm not recovered 100%. I still get the little panic attacks which come and go pretty quick, but I don't get the major panic attacks that I used to every day. I realise I've still got some work to do to get rid of these little pesky panic attacks, but I know in time I will.
I take cipramil and Tegretol for medication. I have seen a psychiatrist once every 6 weeks or so. I have used him as someone who keeps an eye on my medication. I feel people who write books or share stories on the internet probably know more about panic disorder than he does so I use them as more my counsellors.
So in finishing I hope people will now see that u can get better no matter how bad your situation is.
Linda try not to be too hard on yourself. There's no shame in what u did. It's not easy dealing with panic attacks. I often go cycling on the same track. When I had my first panic attack on this track I just stopped and wouldn't go on. My Dad had to cycle back and drive the car to where I stopped. I improved stacks since then. I now cycle past that part and have a chuckle at what I did that day. And now if I have a panic attack whilst cycling on that track I just keep on going knowing that it will pass and all will be fine - as it always will be. So when u improve more you will be able to resist turning around and driving home.
Hi Lucy! There are so many things in life that are enjoyable. I'm a big believer in that we should all do what we want to do and be what we want to be. If you don't want to go on long bus rides then don't. If you don't like the place you work at then quit. You only live once!
STOP STOP STOP STOP. You are not failures. Cricky moley. Panic Attacks and agrophobia are a proper illness. I have never once thought of myself as a failure and I never will. Everything happens for a reason. People who deal and get over panic attacks and or agrophobia will be better people after it. We will be stronger and able to deal with other aspects of life better.
Dan man let me also re-assure u that u aint going bannanas. I've feared this on many a time and guess what? I aint ever gone nuts, and now that I am recovering I realise that I never can. Whilst panic attacks usually start with people in there early 20's they can start at any age. I read about a guy who was in his 60's when he first had them. You'll be a better stronger person when u get over your bout.
Howdy Monkap! Feeling dizzy, worrying about fainting and fearing that u r losing your mind are all very common symptoms for people who get panic attacks. Do your best to not avoid situations. That will make you have more work to do in recovery. Face your fears. The sooner u face them the sooner they will go away. ciao!
Howdy Liz. I don't take paxil myself but I thought I'd say that some medications work better for some than others. I tried a couple of different meds before settling on the one I'm on. And I hope u realise that suicide is not the answer. No matter how bad u feel now u can get better. I was diagnosed with severe panic disorder a couple of years ago and have since improved heaps. Ciao!
Seahag, I have improved a lot taking tegretol and cipramil. The tegretol is for mood swings and the cipramil is for the ocd I have about fear of death which has triggered panic attacks. Cipramil also can be used for depression I think.
