Maria,
I am sorry I didn't answer this sooner, but I was nt feeling well.
I freaked out in a store, but it was a Gran Mal Seizure. They put me on meds and did a lot of testing, and never did find a reason for it. I have my own ideas..but they are not within the confines ok the science of meedicine. At the time, my husband was being his very abusive, nasty, ugly, ahcholic self. I think there is just so much one can take before exploding..and that seizure wass me exploding. The drs pooh-poohed it telling me I was wrong, that that can't happen from abuse, but I think they are not up to date on causes.
Oh, how I hate abuse, and if someone even talks nasty to me..I shy away. I am sensitive as we all are, but the difference is, I won't stay and fight..I back off.
Have you had any abusive relationships?
This message was edited by am on 1-27-02 @ 11:39 PM
Anne-Marie,
There is quit a bit written on this subject now, but it boils down to the same thing as quitting smoking...be positive and stay in the present. If there is a family member, spouse and/or friend close by, it is nice for them to exhibit some support. For instance: a hug from spouse, a friend could do the same. You should make sure they take the medicine prescribed for this such as a benzodiazepine. They may also be on a SSRI. I am on both. I take 2 different SSRI's {they help pain also)and a benzo for when it gets bad. You could hold the persons hand and speak on positive notes, keeping in the present. A pleasureable treat, maybe cheese 'n crackers ot some other complex carbs. They make bars you can buy in the pharmacy like cCarb Solutin ot MetRx, and they are good and easily carried in puerse. I live on pasta..I make it every way possible and try to include some in each meal. Stay away from the sweets like sugary snax and junk food. A hot bath always helps. If you have a significant other, you can engage in pleasurable activity..I am serious about this now..no fooling. I am still in therapy for panic disorder and learning each day.
If you know the panic-stricken person, you can always start a conversation that reinfoces positive self-talk and coping strategies - like a mini refesher on spot.
This is really a personal thing and the best thing to do is get them to a dr for some help. If they are in therapy it is always good to have the patient ask what a friend should do if this occurs. In therapy, you learn to "watch" yourself from an outside standpoint, and see what you are doing. That way I can engage in some positive self-talk. The other thing is relaxation. There are mini relaxations you can learn and some deep breathing technique is great.
All of this is well and good..it is doing it that helps. If you are a friend to someone in this position, please do all you can to get them to help themself. They have to want to change, to deal with the problem and master their fear. All you can do is reassure them.
Anne-Marie,
This caught my eye this morning, so if it's ok, I thought I'd share:
So many gods, so many creeds,
So many paths that wind and wind,
While just the art of being kind is all the sad world needs.
_ Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Poet (1850-1919)
Hi, Maria, nice to post with you today, but I got a late start..had a dr appt.
I too feel that these people that abuse, are lower and not in the same catagory as we are. They are sick, have issues, however you want to put it..and I steer clear.
Do you know why we attract them?
Red
Maria,
Have you ever noticed that there are lots of smokers all complaning of anxiety and they have panic attacks ( they do not call them that) . They are confused and want to know what is going on in their body, but are too afraid to mention it. They think, like you and I once did, that they are the only one in the whole world with this unknown frenzy with no name.
This is so common, you would be surprized at how many are discovering what they have just by quitting the weeds. Also, quitting smoking does clear out the carbon dioxide and many other substances in your body.Did I ask you, do you smoke? Forgive me for being inquisitive, but that is my nature so we can have good conversations..If I am too busy..just tell me, please
Your apartment sounds great..my dream, a place by the sea.
Always chech all gas appliances..aleays.
I hve 1 gas hot water heater..and it's outside. I do not have that worry, but I know the headache and nausea well. I does go away quickly. Take some real deep breaths 5 or 6 times a day..it helps to clean.
I have noticed that I am very sensitive to many things that most are not. Unfortunately, I do not have a friend with Panic Disorde, who is not in denial so I have no one but you and this site to discuss this problem. I do have my doctor..but this is different, Don't you think?
Thank you so much for this..it is beautiful.
I love the rain and find it very comforting too. I like the way it sounds on my tin roof, and on the leaves in a forest. I is sft and allows me to think..it is fuzzy.
Thanx Red
Does this form of expression help you get things out...?
Maria,
I found that remastering my driving was hard. I had real, real bad attacks on the road. tjey were disgusting, I would get so sick I had to get out of the car and vomit, then I thought I was having a heart attack..so someone called on a cell phone ans the ambulance came and scooped me up called for a tow truck for the vehicle, and of we went to the cardiac emergency unit..What a mess. I had every symptom of a heart attack, and they treated me for one..no fun.at all. Have you ever had one like this?
I spent 3 days in CICU..that was no fun either. My cardiologist put me thru every test in the world, before, during and after diagnisis. Wow, I try not to think of this,,but boy have I made progress.
Do you have a lot of friends and family now that you can confide in?
This make a huge difference for me.
You must be refering to a post to Anne-Marie in another thread where I explain how to be "helpful" to yourself and others durng an attack.
Ok - the reference 'staying in the persent' refers to ones thinking at the time of extreme stress or a panic attack. try not to let your mind wander of, or go back in time,or fantasize as this could be very dangerous. If you are alone in a car, for instance, and your mind wanders..amd you are not aware and see a nice clump of trees..you may wander acreoss the road into traffic on a road or thruway, and get injured or worse. If someone is with you..it would be important for the other prson to keep you right in the moment trying to work thru the problem or trying to find out what triggered this attack.
I am so wordy..whew.
I hope this helps.
red
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