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20-10-2014 10:46 PM
20-10-2014 10:46 PM
Panic Attacks
Hi everyone, I am butterfly girl. I have had panic attacks on and off throughout my whole life. They have always been for a reason though. If there wasn't a toilet near by or if I was in a group interview for a job, or if I was in a crowded place.
Last Wendesnday my taste buds on my tounge swelled up and so did my tounge. I thought I was going to swallow my tounge or suffocate. I thought it was because of these vitamins I had taken that day. I took b1 and b12. The next day I felt jittery again. I called into work and said I couldn't come, and that I would come in the next day instead. I thought since I had been eating vegan for the last month that it may have been contributing to the jittery feelings so I ate meat that night.
The next day I went into work like usual. It was very hot in there. I felt like I was suffocating. I started shaking and I had to run to the toilet. My heart was beating out of my chest. I thought I was going to vomit and feint in front of everyone. I only lasted half an hour before I couldn't take it anymore and I had to leave. I was shaking so much I tried to pick up my bag but I dropped it loudly on the ground.
I drove myself straight to the doctors. I sat in there for about 5 minutes but then I had to leave. I went home and listened to a guided meditation on my phone. I felt euphoric, and my heart would not stop beating. I had a cold shower but my heart would not stop beating. I managed to sleep for half and hour. I tried to go to the doctors again but i coudln't stay there.
I have never had a panic attack that had lasted for so long. I was also thinking to myself the whole time that I was going to die. That I was never going to snap out of it, and that my boyfriend was going to come home and have to put me in a mental institution.
I called a home doctor that night and they gave me some relaxing medication. I only took half because pills effect me quite badly.
I also stopped taking the b vitamins because I found online that they can cause panic attacks.
It may also be because I have a marina/iud. I plan to have it taken out, encase it is the reason.
Also each day I am meditating, writing what I am greatful for each morning and night. Writing pages and pages in my journal, I am having fresh juice everyday, I am having NO coffee and plenty of camomile tea. I am having plenty of drops of rescue remedy. I am walking my dog everyday. I am staying communicative with my family. I am following the guidance of a coaching course I am taking online, and taking my medication in quaters when I feel too overwhelmed. I am listening to guided meditations, sniffing lavender oil, body brushing, putting lavender oil on my temples, drinking plenty of water and staying away from any stressful news or situations. I am also listening to subliminal messaging for anxiety on my phone.
The most helpful app I found was an app called "panic attacks" which implements strategies (which I have written down and I keep in my bag for when I have to leave the house) as well as a guided relaxation audio. I would highly recommend this app! It helped me understand what my body is going during a panic attack, and that I am NOT going crazy!
Today I managed to go to the doctors with the help of my boyfriend. I am booked in to see a mental health nurse 2moro, which will be another challenge but I believe I can do it! I also went to the shops and to the car wash today, which is a big win! I am hoping I will be able to go back to school, work and family events soon! But then again I am not thinking too much about the future.
Panic attacks have alowed me to stay in the present otherwise I start freaking out again.
I am also letting myself sleep as much as my body wants and needs. Panic attacks can really wear your body out so let it recover.
I hope this helps anyone reading, and thank you for letting me share
Lots of love, butterfly girl.
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21-10-2014 07:08 PM
21-10-2014 07:08 PM
Re: Panic Attacks
Also Adavic has a really good Facebook page too. Adavic us anxiety disorders Victoria..
And @butterflygirl..yes the physical comedown after a severe attack..really essential to give your body space to relax quietly...take care..
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21-10-2014 08:15 PM
21-10-2014 08:15 PM
Re: Panic Attacks
Thanks for sharing @ButterflyGirl, how scary I have heard people say before they thought they were dying, the physical responses are so strong.
It seems like you're taking a holistic approach, and letting your body take the lead.
Have you done any reading on exposure therapy?
Here's to a speedy recovery
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21-10-2014 08:19 PM
21-10-2014 08:19 PM
Re: Panic Attacks
I feel an app thread coming on, hee, hee
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21-10-2014 08:36 PM
21-10-2014 08:36 PM
Re: Panic Attacks
@ButterflyGirl, thought you might like to add your app suggestion to our thread, 'Apps to train your brain',
check it out.
http://saneforums.org/t5/What-s-new-services-research-and/Apps-to-train-your-brain-Top-Ten/m-p/10329
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21-10-2014 09:48 PM
21-10-2014 09:48 PM
Re: Panic Attacks
Sandy and Butterfly Girl, whom I greet, the very first panic attack I had the misfortune to have, I too thought that I was on deaths door step, it was indescribable, one of the most horrific sensations I have ever had. I did not know what had struck me, pain similar to a heart attack, racing thoughts thumping within my chest, hypo ventiating, perspiring head , feel and palms and a feeling of being cold. It has been about ten years, I think since trhe last one and I certainly do not want another. I feel extremely sorry for anyone that regularly has them
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21-10-2014 10:13 PM
21-10-2014 10:13 PM
Re: Panic Attacks
ButterflyGirl.
You're everywhere and no where, baby,
thats where you're at,
Going down a bumpy hillside,
In your hippy hat.
Flying out across the country
And getting fat (?!)
Saying everything is groovy
When your tyres are flat
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22-10-2014 03:05 PM
22-10-2014 03:05 PM
Re: Panic Attacks
Hi Sandy,
Thanks very much for the reply, support and the advice. I have looked up the pages and books you recommened.
I have been referring to my panic attacks/anxiety as a tiger. Do you refer to it as your little dragon?
Thanks again,
Butterfly Girl
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22-10-2014 03:08 PM
22-10-2014 03:08 PM
Re: Panic Attacks
Thank you for the reply,
I have not read anything about exposure therapy, I will do now 🙂
Thanks
Butterfly Girl
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22-10-2014 03:10 PM
22-10-2014 03:10 PM
Re: Panic Attacks
Oh and have added some of my apps to the thread! Thanks for that 🙂