I'm running out of ideas - help

**Posts:** 3 · by **Amanda** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 11:18 pm

Hi. I'm new here, so please bare with me.

At the start of last year I was involved in a car accident. I was in the front passenger seat, & ended up having to sit there in the middle of a busy road for what seemed like ages awaiting for an ambulance to turn up. I later found out I had broken my ankle, which is why I was unable to leave the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Since then my life has turned upside down, & tend not to go out as much these days. It started with having a panic attack while driving on the motorway last May. This put me off driving on the motorway & I haven't driven on one since, as I fear the same thing will happen again. The very same thing has happened in many other situations, such as going on the tube/train. I become incredibly anxious, my heart starts racing, I feel scared, trapped, & just want to run & get out as soon as possible. Again I'm afraid the same thing will happen so avoid travelling on the tube/train.

To cut a long story short, I have also had these problems while sitting in the cinema, theatre, dentist chair, on escalators, & now when in a car & waiting at a junction to turn right, whether I'm the driver or passenger, or just sitting at traffic lights. I just have the feeling of being trapped & just want to run rather than carry on as normal, whatever normal is.

I've been to see my doctor who suggested Diazepam, but I refused because I didn't like the idea of possibly becoming addicted. I've tried hypnotherapy, which didn't work for me. I even purchased the Panic Prevention Program, but again this didn't seem to work. I've tried the breathing techniques, but find it hard to concentrate on them when I get so anxious. I'm on the waiting list for CBT, but I'm already feeling negative that this won't work for me either. I know panic attacks can't harm me, but when I'm close to having one it's difficult to remember that.

I'm sorry this has become quite a long post, but can anyone offer me any help or advice?

A response would be very much appreciated.

Thank you.

Amanda

**Posts:** 248 · by **grovelli** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 7:03 am

Hi Amanda, welcome to the forum.
Have you tried rating your anxiety feelings on a scale of 1 to 10, beginning to do that before entering the situation that causes the panic attacks?
Have you tried rehearsing the situation that causes the panic attacks while in a relaxed setting?

**Posts:** 21 · by **n.hamon** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 1:55 pm

Amanda, it seems like you have had a rough old time of things lately,the good news is that there is definately help for you here for that exact type of problem.What is actually happening is called pattern matching,it is an inbuilt emotional mechanism designed for our own survival.Unfortunately this pattern matching mechanism can at times be sloppy.In ordinary speak you are experiencing some degree of the original emotional trauma inappropriately in other areas of your life.One of the first things that needs to happen is to detraumatise the memory of the car accident and this will serve as a very strong foundation for your recovery back to emotional wellbeing.This can be done by a qualified hypnotherapist who is also trained in using the VK dissociation technique.Best wishes Nick(Hypnotherapist).

**Posts:** 3 · by **Amanda** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 3:45 pm

Grovelli, thank you for the welcome. In answer to your questions, I find it difficult to rate my anxiety on a scale when feeling so anxious. I just can't seem to concentrate on anything else other than feeling the need to run because I feel trapped. As for rehearsing the situation while in a relax setting, can you explain in more detail what you mean by this please.

Nick, thank you also for responding to my post. You're right, I am having a bad time at the moment and wish I could get over it now. I forgot to also mention that I also have the very same feelings when going over bridges & through tunnels. Thankfully I don't have to use either of these that often, but when I'm going on a trip somewhere, I plan my journey well in advance and try to find alternative routes if I know I might have to use a bridge or tunnel.

I'm not sure if the hypnotherapist I went to see used the 'VK dissociation technique'. I don't recall her mentioning it. Are you able to tell me a bit more about it, and how I can go about finding a genuine hypnotherapist that does use this technigue.

I look forward to your reply.

Thank you again.

Amanda

**Posts:** 248 · by **grovelli** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 6:19 pm

Amanda wrote:In answer to your questions, I find it difficult to rate my anxiety on a scale when feeling so anxious. I just can't seem to concentrate on anything else other than feeling the need to run because I feel trapped. As for rehearsing the situation while in a relax setting, can you explain in more detail what you mean by this please.

You have to start the rating process before anxiety sets in.
Basically you have to rehearse the situation that's causing you anxiety and panic attacks as if you were watching yourself on a screen in that situation then rewind the whole situation and imagine yourself being into that situation, it's fundamental that you do both processes while relaxed so that you can just let go and let it happen, like a child who experiences it for the first time. I believe the panic prevention programme shows that in great detail but you need to go over it several times to get the hang of it.

**Posts:** 14 · by **Darren** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:40 pm

Hi Amanda

It seems your symptoms are possibly a result of a trauma. It may be Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

I have heard good things about memory rewinding therapy for the treatment of this condition, basically a therapist will take you back to the traumatic moment in your memory and detraumatise it.

Have a look at my site www.becomeyourself.org for more info or contact me directly. It is very good you refused diazepan!

**Posts:** 16 · by **sharonno12003** » Wed May 12, 2004 10:47 am

I am sorry to hear how your feeling. I know its not nice because I feel the same every single day. I was fine until I had a car crash but thank fully I was not hurt. It is hard when you want to just run away and hide when you are having a panic attack and it is hard to rate your anxiety which I still have not been able to do and I have been having them for 5 years. I do not have any wonder cure for you but just thought it would be nice for you to know that there is someone else who feels the same. I have been told that camomile tea is very good I have not tried it but I am willing to give anythink a try. I use a lot of Lavender and find that helps. Hope you keep well.
Sharon

**Posts:** 21 · by **n.hamon** » Wed May 12, 2004 12:27 pm

Hello Sharonno,The anxiety you are experiencing is very treatable.This is done by seeing an experienced hypnotherapist who is trained in the VKD,Rewind technique,Fast phobia cure.These are 3 names for exactly the same technique but some therapists have a preference as to which name they use or depending upon what problem they are treating they use the appropriate name.You do not have to experience any of the trauma from the accident whilst having this memory detraumatised and the whole process is done whilst you are relaxed.I look forward to hearing your good news and how you no longer have to tolerate that panic and anxiety,all the best Nick H.

**Posts:** 5816 · by **Michael Lank** » Wed May 12, 2004 1:18 pm

Several years ago I had a bad car crash, which put me in intensive care.

After coming out of hospital travelling in a car again made me quite anxious and the first time I drove was very nerve-racking - even though it was on a very quiet, country road.

I am now totally relaxed about driving, and have been for several years.

The point of this is to say it really is possible to overcome the feelings of anxiety and once again feel relaxed and calm about driving.

I would agree with Nick H's advice about seeing a hypnotherapist who uses the Phobia/Trauma cure. This really is a quick and easy way of reducing the unpleasant feelings.

Best wishes.

**Posts:** 3 · by **Amanda** » Thu May 27, 2004 10:24 pm

Thank you to all of you for responding to my topic. It's nice to know I'm not alone with my problems.

I'm still as anxious as ever, but am keen to try this VK dissociation technique or phobia/trauma cure. Does anyone know how I can locate a qualified, registered hypnotherapist who specialises in these techniques?

Thanks.

**Posts:** 7 · by **Wiz** » Fri May 28, 2004 12:48 pm

I recomend making an appointment to see someone at the Uncommon Knowledge clinic in Brighton ... they worked wonders for me and my panic attacks.

Good Luck

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