Panic Attacks

[trabpukcip]

Hi I posted this on newcomer thread as I wasn't sure what was the appropriate forum to use then someone directed me to this one.

I am 25, female, and am a chronic drug addict with a history of suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts, depression, and have recently developed panic disorder. I have spent the last few months hoping it would go away if I ignored it because I am sick of always having to have a 'problem' and feel a burden to those around me. Ignoring it hasn't worked and it is seriously affecting my quaity of life and restricting my movements, so I thought I'd come on here. I have a few questions about the panic disorder and would be grateful if you could answer from own experience. I have been to my GP who prescribed me beta blockers. I told them I did not want any more counselling (had 6 months straight therapy in treatment and think to myself what the hell will it take for me to be a normal person).

1) Can anyone identify with the following symptoms during a panic attack:
Blurred vision, unable to see into distance, feeling of 'sparks' in head (like electrical sparks), feeling of pressure in the head not quite like a headache but like the temples pushed together, feeling you are going to die for various reasons which are different with each panic attack, reluctance to take beta blockers because they cause symptoms which cause yet more fear

I particularly would like to know if people identify with above as I can't find these online and would put my mind at rest if others had experienced them.

2) What treatment works? Does CBT work? Did you have to wait ong for treatment on NHS?

3) Any other tips for managing panic attacks?

[LunaLight]

I Hope what i write helps.

I have Anxiety disorder.. people say panic disorder is different from Anxiety disorder.

I don't know how long you have been an Ex-Chronic Drug addict, but drugs can cause panic disorder and also the withdrawal process can come off like a panic/anxiety disorder. So what u may have right now is a adjustment period, because for someone who was a chronic drug addict it will take quite a while before your body has fully adjusted from not taking in that drug.

I personally from talking therapy helps alot cuz i have paranoias and delusions that help feed my anxiety disorder.

CBT challenges your thoughts on something. So it battles the irrational thoughts with logic and reason. I think it will truly work if you constantly work at the skills they teach you... and remember what the therapist/psychiatrist taught you.

For me i had to wait close to 3/4 months before they start giving it to me. (but i wasn't part of NHS so i can't say personally i was with a therapist/psychiatrist that i personally hired.)

any other tips? Never give up fighting. I lack A LOT of hope... but i keep doing this trying to heal myself in hope i can have hope and feel hope again. Through out ur treatment of panic attacks. "reinforcement" will be a major part of your world....reinforcing the skills they gave you

[anabelleagain]

Like Luna, I have anxiety disorder, not panic disorder, and they are often categorized differently. I can relate to your description of a panic attack, though. You're not alone.

I think CBT was the best thing for me. I'm in the states, so I don't know about NHS. And CBT may not work for everyone. It's very personal and individualized.

I used beta blockers. The side effects are SUPER minimal, so try not to let that cause you fear. Give it a try, it's worth trying.

Good luck. And welcome to RYL!

[Albus Dumbledore]

Hiya, I have also been diagnosed with panic disorder, so I'll try to help :)

1) Can anyone identify with the following symptoms during a panic attack:
Blurred vision, unable to see into distance, feeling of 'sparks' in head (like electrical sparks), feeling of pressure in the head not quite like a headache but like the temples pushed together, feeling you are going to die for various reasons which are different with each panic attack, reluctance to take beta blockers because they cause symptoms which cause yet more fear
I also get the blurred vision, pressure in the head, feeling like I'm going to die and not being able to see into the distance. I occasionally get the electric shock feeling

I particularly would like to know if people identify with above as I can't find these online and would put my mind at rest if others had experienced them.

2) What treatment works? Does CBT work? Did you have to wait longf or treatment on NHS?

I've not done CBT, but I have been in DBT for borderline personality disorder, which also helped me deal with my anxiety. I was on the waiting list for DBT for about a year

3) Any other tips for managing panic attacks?

I tend to try and be aware of the fact that although I am having a panic attack, I am in control and it will pass. I also remind myself, that the physical sensations I am having are due to chemical reactions in my brain that are going haywire and not because I am going to die. When I have a panic attack, I tend to try and sit down, relax and ground myself. One way I do that is the 54321 method (note 5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste). Hope this helps