Panic Disorder. I don't know what is happening...

[-Peter-]

Hello,

I'm a 29 year old man from rural WA. About three weeks ago I was doing some shopping at Coles when I started feeling nausea, tingling in my hands, panic, tightness in the chest and trembling uncontrollably. The girl at the checkout was looking at me strangely and I know why. My hands were shaking and all the colour had drained from my face. I looked like a ghost. In the past 3 weeks I have had around 10 or so of these horrific panic attacks. I went to the hospital 1 week ago and was referred to a local GP who started me back on medication. In the doctors waiting room I had another massive panic attack and almost feinted. I knew I had to get help so I stuck in there. When the doctor showed me into her room I was basically in tears. I have another appointment with the Doctor a week from now but I am too scared of having another attack in the waiting room.

Now whenever I leave the house I am getting these panic attacks. I purposely go to the Deli just down the road so I don't have to go into town. I am no longer able to function properly. I am terrified of having more attacks. I am completely dominated by these feelings and it seems they have no trigger, apart from leaving the house.

This is by far the most horrible feeling I've had in my entire life. I am considering asking the doctor to visit me at my home because I don't feel safe to drive.

I was previously taking medication three months ago but I weined myself off them as I thought I could cope. Is this just a reaction to stopping my meds? I scored extreme on both the anxiety and depression tests. I really need help to overcome this because this is absolute torture.

Thank you for reading my long winded post. I really hope whoever is reading this is having a better time than I am.

[Pixie15]

Hello Peter,

Well done for reaching out for help here on the BB forum. I have been supported and learnt heaps about myself and others here. One of my family members has major panic attacks. It happens to them when they go off their medication and have some difficulty. It then requires quite a period of time in a supportive environment for recovery.

Do you have support at home? Has your doctor referred you for any sort of therapy?

[Zeal]

Hi Peter,

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry to hear you've been having these debilitating panic attacks. The attack at Coles sounds as though it was traumatic for you. I am very glad you went to the hospital when you were distressed, and that you are now regularly seeing a GP. If you don't feel safe to drive to your doctor appointment, asking a family member or close friend to help is a good idea. Otherwise, having the doctor come to your home is probably the next best option. Consider asking your doctor about getting a mental health care plan, and seeing a mental health professional.

It sounds as though you weaned off your old meds independently (correct me if I'm wrong). It's crucial to only wean off meds under the direct supervision of a doctor.

There are some great online mental health resources that a nurse referred me to years ago. Here is the link to the webpage: http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/consumers.cfm There is a resource called Panic Stations, coping with panic attacks that could be really helpful for you to read. This info does not replace in-person professional support, but could be of extra help.

If you don't mind me asking, does anyone close to you know about the panic attacks you're experiencing? Social and emotional support is crucial, so it would be great if you had one or two people to confide in. If you want tips on talking about your mental health, this Beyondblue page is worth a read:
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/have-the-conversation/talk-about-it#findwords

It would be great to hear back from you Peter 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[To_be_FREE]

Hi Peter,

Your post really hit home for me as this is exactly how I started with my panic attacks. Just hit me one after the other and always in the mall/shops.

So I went to the doctor and had a panic attack in the waiting room and like you felt like I almost passed out. I was sobbing when a doctor abruptly said, 'its just a panic attack, read this book'. Though the bed side manner sucked - I really had no idea what a panic attack was, the book really did help. It was called 'living with IT', a survivors guide to panic attacks. I was having about 10 panic attacks a week by this stage.

A new doctor prescribed me medication to halt all the attacks for 5 days just so I could gather myself and started me on anti anxiety meds. Within 3 weeks my panic attacks stopped. And the book helped me realise I can stop the panic attacks by accepting them. (if you read the books, it makes sense).

I just wanted to let you know you are NOT alone in this. My story is the same and I am ok now with times of anxiety but I can control my attacks without meds. It took 3 years though.

Please go to the doctor and get a mental health care plan. They will set you up with psychologist sessions and if you need it, meds to stop them. It got easier for me when I realised that I have never fainted or died with any panic attack so just to ride it out.

I never told my family what I was going through. I knew they wouldnt understand as they are 'suck it up' type people. It would of added to the anxiety.

Take care and hugs.

Dee

[-Peter-]

Thank you for your reply Pixie. I have limited support here at home. My family know that I'm having serious problems but they live all over the place. The closest relative lives 300km away. My Doctor didn't refer me to any sort of psychiatrist or therapy. I am considering going to the hospital again and being admitted. Where I live there is very limited facility for mental health.

[-Peter-]

Thank you Zeal for taking the time to reply to me.

I did wean myself off my medication yes. All seemed fine for around 2-3 months then suddenly, the Coles incident happens and it has snowballed ever since. I can see in hindsight that it was a very bad idea stopping the medication. I've told my family about my problems and they are very supportive. But they all live on the other side of the state.

[-Peter-]

Also, thank you Zeal for the information. When I'm feeling better I'll print out all the pages at the library and work through the exercises. Are social workers qualified to help people with mental health issues? I am considering reaching out to one.

[Just Sara]

Hello and welcome Peter to BB;

This period of panic disorder is debilitating. My first one was driving and my body and the world shook like an earthquake. I presented to the hospital and couldn't talk. They gave me Valium and sent me home. I didn't have the ability to speak for 2 days.

To give some idea of how the body reacts; it's your damaged nervous system that's been trying to cope with long term stress, letting you know there's a big problem you're avoiding. The fear your symptoms create, exacerbates the panic which makes symptoms worse then frightens you even more. It's a cycle of fear.

You need to realize first off...it can't kill you! It's a physical reaction to mental strain, fear and the unknown. You haven't mentioned anxiety. This is the original state of shaking and feeling sick. This anxiety will produce panic because you're not familiar with it yet, and don't know the origins. It's all very new, and demanding of every part of your body and mind.

It's unfortunate you don't have support. When mine first flared up, a warm hug from my partner would quell things quickly. It turned out he was a major trigger...go figure.

Medication (PRN) is a huge help with anxiety/panic. Although Benzodiazapines have a bad reputation, they're really helpful in finding enough peace to get through those first months of recovery and insight; especially with sleeplessness which can be a cause of ongoing anxiety. You must be careful not to rely on them as an escape like alcohol. Their effectiveness is only as a back up until you find other coping strategies.

Tell yourself while in panic mode; "This is just my body telling me there's a problem and it'll pass soon" then find a quiet place to ride it out and focus on your surroundings...colour, sound, taste, smell, etc to get you grounded and out of your head. (That's where anxiety begins..your subconscious) My car was always a safe place to do this in if I was out and about.

I wish you well Peter and hope I've helped to understand things a little better. This is such a horrible time to contend with, so try and keep off coffee, smokes and alcohol; these can make things worse.

Please be kind, gentle and patient with yourself. You are your greatest ally.

Sara

[Zeal]

Hi Peter,

You are very welcome!

It's positive that you've told your family about your situation, and that they are very supportive. Do you call them regularly? Skype sessions can feel quite personal and be a great way to connect as well.

I'm glad the online resources are something you want to use. They are detailed worksheets, so they are not intended to be worked through quickly. An all or nothing approach doesn't work for some people. As in, looking over some parts of the resources is better than not using them at all. This may not be an issue for you, but I thought I'd mention it. I am a perfectionist, and in the past I avoided tasks that I didn’t think I could do ‘properly’ or fully.

Social workers can be qualified to assist with clinical mental health problems, but I don’t think this is always the case. It's essential that you ask about their qualifications, and ask whether they have practical experience
working with clients/patients who have mental health issues similar to yours. Going to a counsellor or psychologist is also an option. Finding options that are as local as possible is important. It sounds as though you live rurally, but hopefully there are at least a few viable options within a reasonable driving distance. When you're struggling in-between appointments, you can use helplines for support. Beyondblue is a 24/7 support service available to all Australians on 1300 22 4636.

I hope you can continue to seek support.

Best wishes,

Zeal

[Pixie15]

Hello Peter,

If you do not have friends close by do you have anyone that you can turn to for support. I have never really dealt with a social worker. Probably good to talk to your doctor about going back to hospital if that is an option they would be best to advise you. You could also see where your nearest mental health team is located. Other than that I would suggest you give yourself a break. Do what you can comfortably. Push yourself a little each day. If you cant manage shopping at the supermarket don't. Or work out when it is quiet and just go and grab the few things you need. Supermarkets have online shopping as well. Supermarkets are such frustrating places at the best of times. They move things around. Products change packaging. They stop selling your favourite items so you then have to read all the labels again and risk buying something you really hate. Also there are a million different messages we are meant to adhere to about what to eat and what not to eat and not wasting food which is really difficult when you are only buying for a couple of people. Anyway sorry if I have bored you with my rant about supermarkets. You could also check for support groups in your area. If you have a community center or library they would probably have brochures.