Does anyone else feel the same way?

[Niki]

Hi Guys,

             I have been suffering from panic attacks for the past three years. I was referred to a therapist who really helped me understand what causes them and how to react if I get one. The panic attacks never completely went away and lately they have come back worse. I actually THINK about going to the supermarket and sure enough once I am in there I feel it coming on and I have to leave the basket on the ground and go back to my car. I always think to myself " Damn you Niki, you know what it is just punch through it and you will be fine". I have been doing my shopping through Woolies online-god bless the internet otherwise I would of starved! Its not only the supermarket its shopping centres in general (worst female EVER). I have also become scared of things that I never was- for example my partner organised a romantic trip which required us to travel some pretty windy roads- well I was too busy worrying about crashing than the beautiful scenery. The scary thing is they also happen at home with my 'safe person'. Humans are pretty strange creatures, its as if I would feel better if someone was suffering as much as I am- bad person.....My partner is so understanding and helpful, many a times he has driven from work or wherever to help me through it...but it seems as though he doesn't REALLY understand. Anyway, I feel better already!

Thanks xx 

[Chris_B]

Hi Niki,

There must be something in the air at supermarkets - some of my worst anxiety moments have been there.  I don't think there's anything wrong with online shopping, I have friends who live inner-city and don't drive, so that's actually the best option for them.

You've probably learnt about distraction techniques, I have found these have been useful for me - a few years back I went to the Lantern Festival in Auckland, and the crowds were very thick.  At that time, I was really struggling with crowds, but I had taken a video camera to film the lights and displays, and that actually helped me distance myself from my anxiety, and enjoy the moment at the same time because I was engaged in filming all the bright colours.

Thanks for joining the forums, look forward to reading more from you.

[Neil_1]

Hi Niki  

That’s such a brilliant thing that you’ve been able to come on here and post about what’s been happening to you and how you are with it.  

I particularly enjoyed your last sentence  … and it’s an amazing thing in that if you are able to write things down, that can have a therapeutic effect … I’m pleased that you feel you that you benefitted for submitting your post. 

It’s also great to hear that your partner is understanding and helpful … and you know what, I’m not surprised he doesn’t understand.  Having this depressive illness (or panic attacks) are so damned hard to explain … I mean, we’re the sufferers and even then we find it hard to put into words, what’s exactly happening to us and more importantly, why!   I would suggest, if he feels comfortable to do so that he could possibly read up on some information relating to panic attacks, so he might be able to better understand, things that you are going through.  

I also agree with you, that humans are pretty strange creatures … and no-way in the world are you a bad person … you’re just having thoughts and there’s nothing wrong with that.  

You oughta try jumping into my mind to see some of the weird crap that goes on in my head!!  

I hope something of what I’ve responded with helps you or if not, I hope you might have got a chuckle out of something … if you found neither, then I’m just going to have to try harder!  😉  

Cheers  

Neil

[Niki]

Hi Guys,

              I can't tell you what it means to me that you read my post and replied. Chris, you mentioned something about distraction techniques? Could you elaborate? Neil, not only did your post make me feel better but it also made me smile. I hope I can reciprocate.....I feel so grateful to have you guys here- isn't it strange that people you don't even know can help you more than your friends ever could????

xxxxxxx

[Lillybell]

Hi Niki, I too suffer from panic attacks. It is mainly when driving with others. I really feel like I'm going to die. It happens on buses too and cabs. Has also happened a couple of times in a plane. I use distraction when on the buses and in cabs because I am in these situations while at work. I am not able to distract myself in cars though. It can be quite terrifying. I am ok with shopping centres but like Christopher can sometimes get overwhelmed with large crowds. Though I used to have a fear of checkouts if I was having a bad day. Can't stand people asking me how my day is and having to give a polite, insincere answer.  I love the self serve checkouts now.

 The strangest panic attack I had was while on a night shift at work. I suddenly went into a panic because my wedding ring was bothering me and I couldn't get it off. It became intense fear to the point where I was about to ring someone to help me get it off. This was in the middle of the night so would have been a terrible disturbance for the residents of the house I was in, not to mention the irrationality of it all. So that thought allowed me to calm down and use distraction. I kept telling myself that it was ok. I wasn't in any danger. As soon as I got home I took my ring off and I haven't been able to put it back on since. And as Neil said it can be difficult trying to explain it to people. We know it's often irrational ourselves so no about of logic is going to stop the panic. People don't get that.

[Chris_B]

Hi Niki,

Distraction techniques are a part of something called "mindfulness". There is information on that in this Black Dog Institute factsheet:  http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/10.mindfulnessineverydaylife.pdf

[hen]

Hi niki, 

I have also been having panic attacks pretty much daily for three years. I also beat myself up because I know why it happens (flight or fight) but it still terrifies me to feel like this. One thing I have been taught is  - diaphragmatic breathing - breathe in slowly to the count of 3, your tummy should rise, then breathe out slowly to the count of 3 - you keep doing this for at least 5 minutes or until you feel calmer.

It has helped me in the past. You are definately not alone. Panic attacks are really awful and impossible to try to explain to someone who has never felt them before.

I hope that this might help.