I started with panic attacks a couple of years ago and like most didn’t have a clue what was happening, I actually thought I had taken too many painkillers, at the time I was suffering with a mouth abscess. I called the NHS line and went home to bed and thought nothing more of the incident.
A few months later I was at work and it happened again although this time much worse….like yourselves I had all sorts running through my mind, I’m I going to pass out, I need to see a doctor, pins and needles in my fingers, things just didn’t seem right and had a dreadful feeling in my stomach and felt dizzy and sick, does this mean I lose my job, my thoughts were endless.
The doctor told me to go home, relax and take a few day so off work.
This appeared to work and things were soon back to normal.
However, I then took a far away holiday of a life time with my husband and a couple of close friends……..what a nightmare!!.. Once I arrived the panic set in. I thought I was dying, couldn’t stop crying, ,couldn’t go out, I was stuck in my room for a fortnight filled with fear, upset, frustrated. Come to get on the aeroplane… well let just say a few drinks later I managed it. Slept all the way home.
Once at home I thought things would be better. Not the case it appeared to get worse, I managed to get to the doctors (with my mum) I needed a carer where ever I went. By this time I was off work sick. They prescribed me beta blockers, which appeared to work for a short while and I just went back into the downward spiral. Eventually, I managed to research in to panic attacks and went to hypnotherapy, and had massages, I also went to a psychiatrist to learn about cognitive therapy. I could feel my self getting stronger by the day, sure I also had a few rough days as we all do.
Its taken 2 years to get normality back in my life, I still get them in fact I just had one which made me write this, I now accept this as my normal life and once they’ve passed just throw my self back out there. For me it’s like having a broken hand once it’s healed it’s stronger, however, if you don’t look after it might break again…..and the cycle begins. I am no longer on medication but I keep spare ones as a support crutch I suppose.
Never stop trying to relax, I play a game with myself and see how relaxed I can get myself. Obviously at appropriate times and not whilst driving etc.
My plan is to turn my negative in to positive, yeah sure I suffer from panic, but I have learnt so much from it, I now look after my self a lot more and surprisingly I enjoy my relaxed life a lot more. I have noticed a knock on effect with my Family and work colleges, people see me differently now. Happier……
I rambled on bit but if I have helped/inspired just one person it’s been worth it.
Remember guys ‘a problem shared is a problem halved.’
