panic disorder fear of dying

[vic]

I have suffered panic attacks & depression on & off for 20 yrs. I am now at the best & most settled stage of my life but panic & depression are worse than ever. Ive been married 3yrs & very happy. My husband works & earns enough so there are no financial worries. 2 months ago my panic returned. I struggle to go anywhere, even panic at home. My main problem seems to be panic attacks over physical pains, I immediatley jump to the conclusion it must be something serious - im dying. I know perfectly well its just panic but that doesnt stop it. Feel like im going crazy. Does anyone else go through thjis? Is this normal? How do I cope? Please help anyone

[Chris_B]

Hi Vic,

Yes this does happen - and when it's happening at a time in your life when everything seems to be going alright it's even more unsettling, which makes the panic even worse...like a giant echo chamber. 

Given that you've been experiencing panic attacks for 20 years, you've probably heard some of this before, but check out this page for some tips for overcoming panic attacks while they're happening: http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/articles/panicattack/

Here's some more info from the BB site about panic, including a fact sheet with suggested treatments: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/types-of-anxiety/panic-disorder

It's good that you're self-aware that what you're experiencing *is* a panic attack, which will be helping to decrease the intensity and severity of them - at least you know what is going on - but not knowing *why* will be adding to your anxiety.

Have you considered getting a psychologist referral through your GP to help you shed light on why these symptoms are popping up again?  Talking to your GP also about medication options would also be a good short-term solution.

Check out this page on the BB website as well about recovery and staying well, there are some good tips there you can look at implementing: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/recovery-and-staying-well

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Online Community Manager

[geoff]

dear Chris, some posts are a bit difficult to reply to unfortunately, but your advice to Vic would hopefully help her.

Well done, well your the boss. Geoff.

[Chris_B]

Thanks Geoff - everyone's advice and experience is welcome here, the more the better. 

[Taztan]

I can totally sympathise with you . I hope you are doing better.

[Luna_Eclipse]

I know exactly how you feel, if I start feeling any aches or pains or light headedness my anxiety kicks up which makes my anxiety worse and turns into a panic attack and feels like I'm going to die and end up running to the Dr who them reassures me there is nothing wrong.

[cakeboss]

Hi there wondering if anyone else feels the way i do at the moment.I had some major finacial stress going on for approximately 5 months.This stress has finally been sorted out.I should be over the moon with no anxiety but for some weird reason anxiety has rulled its ugly head again.I have been to the drs and have had medications adjusted with no luck.I am currently waiting to see this week a pscitrist who can help with my medication .I went throught some stressful months which being a suffer of panic desorder and anxiety it tipped it over the edge.I have been having counciling and find myself at the gps at the drop of the hat .I mean if the slightest thing health wise appears i get anxiety and panic attacks and wind up at gps to be reasured.I feel like putting a bag over my head as im off to the drs today 4th time in week and a half this time i do have a sinus problem.Does anyone else have this problem so over it .I will be seeing pscitrist this week so least they will be able to help