I'm not quite sure if anyone still reads these postings. Some seem very old but I'd like share and see if anyone out there is in the same boat. I have been suffering from panic attacks for a very long time. I didn't know what they were at first. I just thought I was crazy; perhaps past along through some weak inherited DNA, not sure. I have also thought about the food thing, especially MSG. But I think that is just an overall ill feeling contributing to the existing anxiety. I've been hospitalized several times because of panic attacks. Mind and heart racing in every different direction all by itself. I was diagnosed with superventricular tachycardia, low potassium, anemia and hypothyroidism. I do have a thyroid problem but I think the other three were from not eating because when I'm anxious I don't eat. It's funny how the body reacts. I have learned through the years that diet and mind control are very important. However, lately, that is not enough. I guess that is why I am here. I do everything that I'm supposed to do to stay in control but there have been instances lately that I can't control. Like, last Friday, I went to the movies with my daughter, 15, and her girlfriend. It was a scary movie in which I usually like, but I spent the whole time trying to control my anxiety. I wanted to be there but I couldn't breath and it was hard to swallow. I thought I was going to have to leave. I made it through the movie with cold water and an occasional M&M, but I thought I was going to die. The longest hour and 40 minutes of my life. It's such a terrible feeling. I am a divorced mom (divorced for 9 years, not the problem), so it is very important to me to set a good example and not be freaking out in front of my daughter. Yes, I do have other stressors in my life but everybody does. Is everybody on drugs??? I am very embarrassed of this. I was on xanax for a couple of years but didn't like it. I mentioned it to my new doctor and he gave me some long term pills that I couldn't take either. Bottom line... I don't want to freak while driving, going into a store, going to work, having fun with my kids or anything else... I want to know if there is anyway to overcome this without drugs? Please advise.
I saw this same post by you earlier in this forum. Here is the response I gave there -
I am glad you ask this question about controlling your condition without relying on drugs. I have come across a couple of ways to overcome this without relying on drugs -
1) There is a technique known as solution-focused brief therapy or SFBT. With this you start seeing difference fairly quickly - in 4-5 sessions. As the name suggests, it is meant to be brief. If you get a good, experienced therapist, you'll start feeling better even earlier. Not sure where you are from but there are good, trained practitioners and centers US, UK, Europe and Australia - not sure of other locations.
2) There is a popular self-help technique known as the one-step technique. Here YOU are the one doing it - which I think is the best part as you can experience for your yourself what works best. This can be used irrespective of whether you already undergoing medication and therapy. If you need more details about this mail me at **********
You may not be able to totally do away with medicines immediately, but it can definitely work in reducing your dependence and dosage. The best thing about these techniques are they do not have side-effects of drugs, are light on your wallet, and you are able to bring back verve into your life with your own self-effort.
There is definitely a lot of hope - so don't worry!
Take care.
I am glad you ask this question about controlling your condition without relying on drugs. I have come across a couple of ways to overcome this without relying on drugs -
1) There is a technique known as solution-focused brief therapy or SFBT. With this you start seeing difference fairly quickly - in 4-5 sessions. As the name suggests, it is meant to be brief. If you get a good, experienced therapist, you'll start feeling better even earlier. Not sure where you are from but there are good, trained practitioners and centers US, UK, Europe and Australia - not sure of other locations.
2) There is a popular self-help technique known as the one-step technique. Here YOU are the one doing it - which I think is the best part as you can experience for your yourself what works best. This can be used irrespective of whether you already undergoing medication and therapy. If you need more details about this mail me at **********
You may not be able to totally do away with medicines immediately, but it can definitely work in reducing your dependence and dosage. The best thing about these techniques are they do not have side-effects of drugs, are light on your wallet, and you are able to bring back verve into your life with your own self-effort.
There is definitely a lot of hope - so don't worry!
Take care.