Kiwi, You can always talk to me about depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. I would never diagnose someone with panic attacks or anxiety but, you've been to the doctor and that's great. It is very important to talk to someone about your attacks. Another self help tool is to always have your cell phone with you. Program your wife's number into your phone (Your speed dial) and if you have an attack, she can talk you through it. It's so weird, just telling someone that you're having an attack, especially someone you trust, makes you relax. Kiwi, the thing with attacks is that your system goes on "Red Alert." Stress, an upset in your daily routine, and God knows what all can send your nervous system into "Red Alert" and then, there comes an anxiety/panic attack. You're not insane and you are in control. If you'll notice, you're very much in control at your job, taking care of the family, and all of those have to's. But, after you've taken care of those have to's, the stress has become too much. This world has become so damn stressful that really, you can't swing a cat without hitting someone who has panic/anxiety/depression. It's an illness like any other. It doesn't mean your insane at all. It means your stress level is super high and anxiety/panic attacks are how that stress is affecting your body. My Mom burns from head to toe.....like her skin is burning underneath. My best friend breaks out in a rash. My 26 year old son will break out in a rash. I have anxiety/panic attacks. My cousin will go into a deep depression. Some people lose their hair......Uh, I think that must be what happened to my husband. HEEEEEEE!! Truly, stress affects people in so many different ways. You and I happen to suffer from anxiety/panic attacks. Have you ever noticed your body completely tensed up, rigid, from stress? Even without having a panic attack? Watch your body for those signs......clammy palms will be another sign. If you notice your body tensing up, wet or clammy palms, tight chest, that's when you want to start your deep, slow breathing. Concentrate on relaxing from your feet all the way up to your head. I have noticed that since I quit smoking, my anxiety has returned to a point so, I'm leaving off caffeine for now. I ha

Kiwi, It's hard to talk about something you really don't understand. The human brain is so complicated. Here we'll go doing our day to day things when, BAM, an attack comes and you have no idea why it happened. The best I've ever heard an attack described was on a Christian radio program and this guest said this: An anxiety/panic attack is like walking down a railroad track, you suddenly you hear a train whistle blow, you turn to look over your shoulder, when the train hits you. Kiwi, that's how fast my attacks would hit. I know how debilitating they can be. But you're getting the help you need and that's great. Oh yea, and that business of not wanting to admit you have a problem, that applies to women too. LOL I should have gotten help long before I did too. If you have an attack, whether it's anxiety or full blown panic, try these self help tools. They really have helped me. 1. Breathe in through your nose deeply and slowly, out through your mouth slowly, pause a few seconds, and repeat. You'll feel like breathing fast but don't do that, it'll make the attack much worse. 2. Cool yourself off. If your in your car, turn the a/c on full blast and point the vents towards your face. If your indoors, shed some clothing or rinse off with cold water. 3. Tell people about this medical condition. If you go to town with someone and you're hit with an attack, you'll feel a sense of comfort knowing the person your with is aware of the medical condition. There is shame in this illness. I'm diabetic and the attacks are just another illness. 4. Keep your mind going during an attack. Say your name, where you were born, your birthdate,etc. It's important to focus your mind so that you won't be focusing on the attack. Saying The Lord's Prayer is my personal favorite. 5. Time your attacks. Each attack normally lasts at most, 20 minutes and that's a really bad attack like the ones I had. Time your attacks and see how long they last. Then when your hit with an attack, you can time it and when half of the time has passed, you'll start feeling better knowing your halfway home. 6. Tell yourself what's happening. An attack will NOT kill you although you do feel like it's going to at times. Tell yourself what'a happe

Kiwi, My post had lots of typos but I have to correct one. On number 3, I meant to say, "There is no shame in this illness." I'm sorry about that. That's what happens when you don't proof read. Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 8 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 364 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $22.32 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 38 [B]Seconds:[/B] 47

KiwiKeith, I'm glad you went to the doctor and are feeling better. Remember now, the medication your doctor prescribed may take a while to get into your system. So be patient, okay? Talk about how you're feeling. Even if you don't want to go for counseling, talk to someone about your depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. I've suffered from anxiety attacks for years now and when they were at their worst point, I went into full blown panic attacks. You can talk to me about them all you want. Talking about them really helps. Hang in there, okay? You'll be fine....but don't smoke. Hugs, Tutti [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 7 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 358 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $19.53 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 19 [B]Seconds:[/B] 39

Wow. That explains alot, huh? So, glad that things are looking up for you. I may be looking into seeing my doc soon. Lots of anxiety. Terri [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/28/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 151 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,271 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $537.56 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 15 [B]Hrs:[/B] 3 [B]Mins:[/B] 18 [B]Seconds:[/B] 16

Good for you! You did the right thing, and now...you can look forward to the days ahead. Enjoy being smoke free. Cheers, Jan [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/13/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 44 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,326 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $396 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 23 [B]Mins:[/B] 21 [B]Seconds:[/B] 44

TUTTI Nothing to do with proof reading My typing fell apart when I stopped smoking! SERIOUSLY Phil x [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 8/8/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 202 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,246 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �1060.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 40 [B]Hrs:[/B] 10 [B]Mins:[/B] 32 [B]Seconds:[/B] 39

Glad you have found a solution mate Phil [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 8/8/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 202 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,244 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �1060.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 40 [B]Hrs:[/B] 10 [B]Mins:[/B] 7 [B]Seconds:[/B] 23

KiwiKeith, I am so glad to hear this - it's sometimes hard to admit when we may need help. Taking care of yourself should come first, but I think we all get consumed with our quits and forget to take care of general health problems. Hope you are on your way to feeling fantastic very soon. Warmest regards, CobenFan [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/25/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 337 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 6,758 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1179.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 32 [B]Hrs:[/B] 1 [B]Mins:[/B] 43 [B]Seconds:[/B] 11

Hi Kiwi Kieth I'm really pleased that you have sought the support that you need. I wish you much ease. All the best Sharon [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/14/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 135 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,352 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �363.15 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 11 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 2 [B]Seconds:[/B] 14