Living in fear

Crazy? Nah! Sounds pretty normal to me! Do you remember what the loud sound was that started you off, ktarch? What were the circumstances?

And by the way, it's normal not to be able to control your body - it has a mind of its own! You can't control your heart, your digestion, your kidneys, in fact, not very much at all apart from whether or not to sit still or fidget (and probably not always that!

Kathleen

HEY! Thanks for responding. I know what you mean about not being able to control your body - but I wish I had the power to calm myself down when I get panic attacks. It's so frustrating when people I know come to talk to me and I can't think straight. Its so obvious that something's wrong, but I haven't spoken to anyone but my family about it. I feel like I'm making it up, but it's so intense! How do you deal?

Oh, and the loud noise was a door slamming. I get extremely nervous and turn red and can't breath. I anticipate someone coming to talk to me.

Hi Ktarch,

I just wanted to say I know exactly how you feel, i get anxious at noisys etc, in fact im frightened of pratically everything. And yes I have become anxious about the panic attacks which just makes it worse. im not feelin great at the moment so just to say there are alot of people here that undestand what its like,

So take care and im here if you want

Natasha xx

Hi Natasha,
It's so nice to talk to people with the same issues. Because its hard to talk to people, even friends, about what I'm going through. They're all supportive but it's not the same. My boyfriend thinks it's his fault because he's not doing something right in our relationship - but I keep telling him I don't know why my emotions are going crazy like they are. I get really moody but never really depressed. I get so frustrated with my condition - before I even go into the grocery store I give myself a pep talk...I anticipate seeing someone I know and having an attack in front of them. It's not a way to live! Today I'm going into a hypnotherapists for my first appointment. I've never been to one, but I've heard it can help.

Thanks for writing, and I'm here too if you want to talk!!!
Kathryn

Hi Ktarch

Let me know how you get on as i have thought about myself before but trouble is at the moment I cant afford it, but i would be intrested in what happens.

Thanks good luck

Natasha

Hey there,

I am also very interested. Please can you let me know how your session goes and what it is all about.

All the best!
SUGA

Well guys and gals, hypnosis is an interesting therapy - I learned alot about what it can do - Basically there are 4 mind states: conscious, hypnotized, dream, and sleep. What that means is that the brain is operating on different levels of electricity in each state. Conscious is around 14hz, hypnosis is 8-13 hz, and so on. When you're hypnotized, the therapist tries to relax your mind and body as much as possible so your operating on a subconscious level. That way your conscious mind doesn't interfere by criticizing and analyzing questions or thoughts. When you are given postive suggestions - those thoughts "stick" in your mind whether you're always thinking about them or not. Kind of like how people bite their fingernails without even realizing it - they condition themselves to the point where it stick in their subconscious and don't think about it.

The lady I went to was about 60 years old and worked out of her home. She was so sweet, but she didn't hypnotize me - she just did a visualization to relax me and then made positive suggestions. I would suggest to everyone that is curious to definately try going if you get the chance - just check out the yellow pages! The questions I would first ask them are - what is the actual process they actually take you through to get you hypnotized and how interactive is it - do they ask you quesitons or just make suggestions. It's hard going and actually getting relaxed though - my chest was tight the whole time and I needed to drink some water. One suggestion I have is if you do go - take a long hot bath or shower before you go, bring your own pillow or something to hold in your lap, get a massage or do some of your own relaxation BEFORE you go. That way your already even more relaxed.

I'm going home in a week and am going to have my mom hypnotize me - she's a liscensed hypnotherapist and she wasn't impressed with the person I went to. Its worth a try. I'm going to try acupuncture and swedish massage - if you don't have any money, just think about how much you spend on things you don't need...and consider doing something for yourself just once!!!

ALSO!!! I loooove essential oils by Young Living - Gary Young developed a certain distilling process (very incredible story behind all this) and has a line of oils I would recommend for anyone who needs help relaxing. If you go to youngliving.us - then go to Essential Oils - then go down to "blends" and find Peace and Calming. I used to use that and it would help me relax and ground myself. I know it's money which is tough to swing sometimes, but these are all just suggestions.

I'm going to try everything so I'll fill everyone in on my progress! I'm interested in hearing anyone elses stories as well!!! We're all in this together right?

Kathryn

It sounds good, thanks for letting us know, I wish I had the money to go I think it would help, my mum has offered to pay for some sessions but hasnt any money at the moment. Lets hope it really helps you

Keep in touch

natasha xxx

Thanks for telling me about what happened with you. I have never been able to relax enough to be hynotized. I am to high strung. I had a doctor try it a couple of times a few years ago and it never worked. I even tried it to stop smoking, and I still smoke.

A little side note to Natasha...I am going out this weekend to find another job. I have a feeling if I have less time to sit and think about my problems and attacks, they will come less, and I need the money. Have you thought about that? Maybe going back to work will help get your mind off of "our problem" and get you back to normal. It can't help to sit around and think about it all the time. Which is what I think you do. I know I do when I am alone and have nothing else to do. Makes my panic attacks even worse.

Just a thought to Natasha and everyone. Please respond and tell me if I am nuts.

Good stuff, ktarch!

Did you know that it is not necessary to relax to be hypnotised? Although relaxation is commonly associated with hypnosis, it is not an essential ingredient. You can be be perfectly well hypnotised while completely wound up. So you don't need to let the thought that you can't relax keep you from trying hypnotherapy.

Kathleen