|

SUSAN
Supporter

Posts: 37
Joined: Dec 2004
|
12/15/04 6:43 PM
|
|

hi i am a frum mother of 5 who suffers from panic attacks i would like to find out if any one out there in the frum world is also suffering from panic attacks and what r u doing to get help. i went to my doc who prescribed me medicaition but i refuse to take it after i read the negetive side effects that it has. usuly what triggers a panic attack in me is stress and boy there r enough stress out there for me with raizing teens and there yeshivas and parnasah and everyday life. if anyone can offer me some good advice how to get rid or at least deal with these panic attacks it would be a great mitzvah.
-------------------------
smiling wont cost you a penny
|
|
 |
|










EK
Junior Supporter

Posts: 8
Joined: Dec 2004
|
12/30/04 10:53 AM
|
|

I have been suffering from panic attacks and anxiety for the past three years. The craziest part is that one day I was fine and the next day I had my first panic attack leading to constant and extreme anxiety. Unfortunately my life, school/job was put on hold for about 6 months because of the intensity and I ahd to move bak home with my parents. Although recommended, I too have not wanted to use medication because of the side effects and also because I am afraid that I won't feel "normal". I have been seeing a psychologist throughout this time and the change in my life has been dramatic. For a short time I was seeing my psychologist as well as a cognitive behavioral therapist. The cognative therapist does not neccessarily deal with why you are anxious, but focuses more on how to change the behavior that leads to panic attacks. I learned how to stop a panic attack before it starts. It is really important to remember to breathe through it (although this may seem silly it does help). Try to breathe in and out through your stomach. Also, it is helpful to try to identify what it is that is causing that moment's panic. You might start to realize that you are attaching "danger" to a situation that is not really dangerous as a way for you to cope with where the real fear is (i.e. afraid of flying because you feel out of control) In my own experience I have found that I have started to panic about terrorism because I was starting a new job. Something really important to repeat to yourself is that a panic attack is NOT dangerous although it really does feel like it is. You will not die or lose your mind. You are not going crazy, your mind/body is finding a way to cope with overstimulation and runaway thoughts. My therapist recommended writing on an index card "Anxiety is not dangerous. It is uncomfortable, but it cannot hurt me." She recommened that I carry it with me and when I start to feel anxious take out the card and read it. ( I only used that technique for a short time and although it also seems like it couldn't help, it does help you understand that you will be okay once the anxiety passes). Another helpful technique (that I originally thought was completely dumb until I reluctantly tried it and it worked) is to keep a rubber band around your wrist and everytime you have an anxious thought snap the rubber band hard! You will see that after a few days the thought of the painful rubberband is enough to chase the anxious feeling away without physically snapping it. I find that a big part of anxiety is wondering and being nervous about the next panic attack (thank G-D that is a challange I no longer deal with). It is called anticipatory anxiety. This type of anxiety can be even worse that what the fear or problem actually is. Try to discover if you are nervous about getting nervous. Realize that facing the situation might be less scary than the reality that you have now created. Although I am not as anxiety free as I could be if I took medication, I am living my day to day life pretty normally. I got married, I have a job, and I can eat and sleep at night again. Although I thought my life was over, I do live most days without anxiety (I thought this could never happen) , but I do face little bursts. Thank G-D I haven't had a full blown panic attack in about 2 years. Unfortunately for many anxiety is lifelong battle. I pray for you as well as myself that we have the strenth to live strong.
|
|
 |
|




motcha
Supporter

Posts: 182
Joined: Dec 2004
|
12/30/04 1:54 PM
|
|

Quote
Originally posted by: RachemNu The side effects of the medications can not be worse than the situation you are without taking your medication.
My best advice to you is to listen your doctor. You have to be in control of yourself first and then all your problems will disappear. Be Gezunt
When you say "controll of yourself" what exactly do you mean? Also, all of a persons problems never "disapear."
|
|
 |
|









The information in this site is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. FrumSupport disclaims any liability for the decisions you, the User, makes based on information on this site. By using this site, reading, viewing, posting or otherwise, you signify your assent to the Terms and Conditions of Use. If you do not agree to all these Terms and Conditions of Use, please do not use this site. FrumSupport may revise and update these Terms and Conditions of Use at anytime. Your continued usage of FrumSupport will mean you accept those changes.
If you think you or someone you know has a medical emergency, call your doctor, Hatzolah or 911 immediately. FrumSupport cannot and does not monitor forums and postings and cannot and will not pro-actively obtain help for users in need as FrumSupport does not have the funds or people power to accomplish such tasks and it will infringe on the anonymity of each user. Therefore, FrumSupport’s liability is limited by this paragraph and as further set forth in the Terms and Conditions of Use.
|