Panik Attacks
i was already stressed since the last years, bad relationship, bad jobs i really hated! I always got diarhiare (? cant spell it, you know what I mean?) before I left for work cause I hated it so much. Aswell as I got dizzy while I was in bed already or while I was sitting on the sofa. This was back in UK. Now it got worst! Since I arrived, after around 1 week here in Germany I've got diarh... every day. So more or less since 5 weeks continuesly!!! When I drove home one day from a friend (I was dizzy all day and started to panik already as I was scared to drive home on my own by tube!) I left her house with a pain in my stomach as I knew I was dizzy all day and I also knew that my mobile didnt worked cause it was new. This situation made it worse as I was worried if something would happen to me I couldnt call anyone. ok, I was going down to the tube, it was a humid and hot day. In the tube it felt to me it was eaven hotter and started to panik. How more far I drove into the tunnel how more I paniked that I would just drop and die. Somewhere in towncentre I had to go out and asked someone to help me and already started crying. He sent me upstairs where people are working for the traincompany and this lady called the ambulance. I just burst into crying as they checked me, but they told me it's nothing to worry about, nothing seriously but it's totally stress!! I should try to drink more water and get something for my vitamins etc. My body would need around 6-8 weeks to get used to the heat, humid, food and water as it is all different here. Moving house and country is difficult, especially as I had to organise it all alone on my own! My bloodpressure the week before was low on 90:60 and then it was 175:90, what a difference. Since then I didnt used the tube anymore as I'm scared to go in. I tried the normal train who drives above the ground. I was still worried and often my stomach just "pulled" together and I start shaking before even leaving the house. Even at the shop I started the feelings and diah... started in seconds, you cant imagine this feeling when youre in a foodstore! It seemed to get better in the last 2 weeks but yesterday I was a bit stressed out to fill in forms with Max, no time for breakfast and still got to go to the postoffice before I could buy ticket for train.... bla bla. Nothing specialy really, but it stressed me out soo much that the shaking in the body and the stomach started again before I entered the train. I knew I had to change 3 times as I was driving to my aunty. I also then paniked that I forgot my water. Next change I bought some food and water and waited anxious for the next train. I was shaken! I wished someone would have been there with me! In the train I counted every minute, every station. Then when I changed again I was lucky as this was a "proper" train with toilets in it! While I was trying to think about something else and constantly playing with the top of my bottle of water I had to run to the toilet, again! Then I arrive shaken at my aunty's trainstation. I couldnt get her on the phone straigt away and started to panik that she 's not here now when I need her urgently. I was paniking how would I on earth come back home again? Luckily she just been in the garden and picked me up. She also said I am too stressed, I shouldnt listen to my family (they know and do everything better than me if you know what I mean, I'm the black sheep of the family!) and concentrate more on myself which is true. I also should go to the doctors, but my problem is: aslong as I dont have a job I'm not insured and cant go to the doctor as I got to pay it by myself! ... otherwise how can I start a job if I'm scared of leaving the house!? Any tips from you of how I could calm myself down, how I stop the panik of leaving the house? I only got diarh... because I'm stressed! I take some tablets "Baldrian" who are from flowers and it does take around 4 weeks to work. It's to calm me down. Any other ideas what I could do?? I panik already I could never leave the house and will never start working as I'm worried to go by train or bus etc. Anything makes me panik!!     |
|
|
| Oh Monika I am SO sorry you are feeling like this. First of all, I would like you to stop reading this and imagine, with all your heart, that I am giving you a really big hug.....
Now, the stress thing is something I have experience with. In my last year at college I was in a bad relationship (one of many unfortunately- just like you!) and with the stress of exams as well, I started to get panic attacks, much like the ones you are experiencing. I would just start shaking, I was afraid to leave the house and would not be able to breathe and would feel dizzy and start crying. Very embarrassing in public because you feel out of control. When these attacks got really bad, I started to have 'fits' where I would collapse and my body was out of control, I felt so frightened. Here is the point.... you ARE in control!!! I know when it starts your stomach gets sick. When you notice the very first signs, no matter where you are, or what you are doing, you need to first concentrate on your breathing. It's very important to take slow, deep breaths, all the way in & all the way out. But keep them as 'normal' feeling as possible, you don't want to make yourself dizzy, especially if you are driving. Carry a paper bag with you, if you are not driving, breathe in and out with the paper bag over your mouth. I'm not a doctor, but I believe this helps you to think about your breathing and stops you taking in too much oxygen?! It helps anyway! You also need some phrases or words which will give you confidence and calm you down. Do you still have that message I sent to you on facebook that you said you would print out? Use those words if you can, because you are all of those wonderful things!!! You can take this out of your pocket and read it while you concentrate on your breathing. You will start to feel more relaxed and confident. Stopping the attacks starts in your mind, I can't tell you enough!! Imagine I am there... or any of your close friends... and imagine what they would say. Because if we could be there with you, we would. And we would look after you! Panic attacks are the worries in your mind taking over your body. You can control these attacks by thinking of positive things, but you will need to be strong and fight the bad thoughts out, I know you can do that because you are such a brave, happy and positive person. I promise just thinking of good things will sort these feelings out, I know it sounds too simple, but it really works. If you have any lavender oil, you can take this with you on a piece of tissue and smell it when you start to feel ill. We have some herbal drops here that help, you put a few drops on your tounge and you feel better straight away. Is there a chemist you can get something like this from? In my opinion, much better than taking drugs 
This little time of stress will all be over soon. You have done the right thing to move to Germany, and you are a wonderful person. Very soon all these things will be sorted and you will be happy in your new career.  |
| Oh Cassie I cant tell you how much your letter and your writing helps me. I'm crying while I was starting reading your post, cause it's soo kind!
I still got what you wrote me and I will print it out so I can take it with me. It's great for me that there are others who experienced the same and can give me tips how to react. Luckily I didnt collapsed yet but I'm frightened I would!!!!!
I do try to think of positive things, but when it starting, it's quite difficult as I'm afraid I would collapse. But I keep on trying and take your advice with the breathing and the bag. What are the names of the herbal drops? I could still order them from UK as I believe they are cheaper there than here! I know you would be here if you could! I will try to imagine this, it will help me! I feel a bit down aswell cause I havent got a job yet, even if I said I can choose. The IT job changed their mind (the one I wanted to take!) and didnt gave it to me, so thats a blow! there are still the other 2 jobs I can start, but the hairdressers as a boss there - I just dont have the mind now to "play boss". It might be too much for me in my state right now. Lavender sounds good to me, I will get one. I prefer herbal also instead of taking pills where you dont know whats inside! Thank you soo much Cassie, it helped tremendously!!! xxxx  |
| I experienced panic attacks after I lost my grandmother, my aunt and my mother with in a 16 month period years ago a long time ago when the kids were VERY young.
Until you can get to a doctor, I will tell you what I learned about these debilitating attacks. The more you 'close' yourself up, the more the attack will take hold. I found that when I was beginning to feel panic, I would close my eyes, breath deeply and slowly, and mentally visualize a red rose slowly opening.....as the flower opened, the panic calmed...It may sound silly, but it helped me! I am sorry you are having a rough time...I know how hard these attacks can effect you, please keep us posted!!! |
| The advice you've gotten so far is great. I have nothing to add except to say I'm sorry you're going through this. {{{{{{HUGS}}}} |
| You are in a tough spot. You need medical treatment NOW but without a job........ouch.
Here, read this (though it sounds like you are knowledgeable already) http://www.bing.com/health/article.aspx?id=articles%2fmc%2fpages%2f1%2fDS00338.html&br=lv&q=panic+attacks The sooner you can get treatment, the sooner these will end. |
| Have you looked into a community mental health clinic? They tend to be funded through the county and are non-profit. Most have programs in which you can be seen on a sliding fee schedule. You may also be eligible through the pharmacutical companies to recieve free medication.
I work at such an office and a lot of our patients who do not have an income recieve the free meds. An anti-anxiety medication really helps them. You can tell when they have gone without their medication and they go through what it seems that you are. |
| When I visited the doctor, several times about this, he said he didn't want to put me on meds because it was short-term stress related. He told me to do the deep breathing and visualisation, think of something nice & positive. I've only had one attack since, and it was under EXTREME stress, but no others at all, and that was 13 years ago. You can recover like I did. See a doctor as soon as you can, but know that YOU are in control of this and you can beat it!
The herbal remedy is Bach Rescue Remedy I see from this site it comes in all sorts of ways, drops, sweets etc. I know you can give dogs a few drops if they are stressed too 
If you can't get it online, let me know and I will send you some xx |
| The advise you have already gotten is fantastic...All I will add is that Ive been through these sort of attacks myself, and my heart goes out to you.
The visualization thing really works....mine is to focus on my feet (  sounds silly, I know!) I flex and count my toes....then work my way up the rest of my body, telling each "part" to calm down and relax. My worst bouts were years and years ago, when I was going through therapy for some awful childhood stuff, but to this day if I'm especially stressed my husband will ask me: "can you feel your feet?" |
| The advice you've gotten so far is great. I have nothing to add except to say I'm sorry you're going through , but beleave me you are not alone.
I has panic attacks since 1982. yep that long! yes meds did help but they are just band-aids. someone talked about breathing, how true. very important. I went to therpy for a few month and she made me realize I anm in controll.
you are too.!!!!! yes you are in a tough place in your life 'right now' it will change. There are still times I get them but I can handle them. I no longer return home because of one. nor do I stay in the house in fear of going out. ( I had the worst of them in stores and in the middle of the night) we are all here for you!!! remember that!!!!!
. it will change. |
| I too have suffered!
Cut sugar out of your diet now! You might even try to find out if you have a sensitivity to wheat product... it might be what it is. I just know sugar is the enemy for me and I rarely eat it. I have been under a bit of stress lately and I have been suffering too, I get what I can best describe as spasms in my colon, and by George I better be getting to a facility NOW... They are sudden, painful and well you know. Just make sure it isn't diet. You should try what is called the BRAT diet. Bananas Rice Applesauce Tea it will help to calm your stomach down, stick with it for a week to ten days. Then slowly introduce bland foods. Do go to the doc and have them find out if you are sensitive to wheat products... Really |
| THANK ALL of you who have written me back. I didnt believed there are soo many who had/have the same problems. It makes it easier for me to understand. I never been in this situation and it does frighten me!
I will take all your advice you have given me (Cassie I can get the herbal online, can you remember where you ordered it?) and will try out everything you said. Today I made a big decision: I decided my future with the job!! I feel now much better, as this was one problem for me aswell. Because the IT company didnt wanted me I decided to take the job from the council which will start 5.oct. It is a safe job and I still got time to recover with my health! Thanx again, I keep you updated!!! |
| Monika I have only just read this.I have suffered panic attacks for years. It got really bad 2 years ago and I had to leave my job, which I adored but just couldn't cope any longer. I also have Colitis (which is like diarrhea uncontrollable) it gets worse when I panic.
I have just done a well being course and I have a relaxation cd which helps you relax. It is 30 minutes long and it is good. If you want I can copy it and send you a copy. What every one else says is really good advice and it is nice to know you are not alone. You are doing fantastic to move to Germany find somewhere to live. Think what you have been through in the past few years? Your body is probably tired. You need to take really good care of yourself, eat properly and try to relax. We are all here for you so please come on here and we will support you....xxxx |
| Dear Monika, so sorry to hear about your panic attacks. The adivce sent to you is very sensible and will help. When you feel more in control, see if you can find a meditation CD and set a little time aside every day to practice.
Hugs from us! XXX Willoughby's Mom |
| Hi again! I got the Rescue Remedy from the chemist here, you can pick it up almost anywhere.
Quote: Cut sugar out of your diet now! You might even try to find out if you have a sensitivity to wheat product... it might be what it is.
Very good advice.. also cut out caffeine, it makes you nervous. I've not had wheat or caffeine and I've cut out white sugar, for about 4 months & I feel FANTASTIC!!  |
| Which one of the Rescue Remedies (there are 39!) shall I buy? I've seen there is also a Rescue Spray I could take with me, so a lot to choose from! Which one did you buy?? When I read through them, I really need all of them. Every minute another one for my panicks!?!
You said no coffeine, I dont drink coffee anyway but shall I cut off black tea aswell?? What's the best idea to drink or eat? I have to check about the wheat, which food got wheat in it and which one can I eat! |
| there is one of the rescue remedies that has brandy and cherries I think. Also I used to take Kalms which is like a herbal remedy. If you start to panic about something write down what triggered it off. When you are calm go back to the paper. Have a think and see if you could have avoided the situation, or if unavoidable what happened. How did you feel afterwards? If you know you get through the panic attacks you can sometimes ride them out. I write loads of things down now. When we were on holiday I couldnt sleep and had an attack about 4 in the morning. I was sick needed the loo thought the end of the world was coming. After about 30 minutes I had a wash got dressed, had some toast and took the dogs out. It was about 5.30 in the morning and there was no one about, and it was lovely.Not much help to you but you can get counselling or perhaps not where you are. sorry rambling now. xxx |
| I am probably of no help at all, as I don't understand stress not having suffered it myself.
But from an outsiders point of view you have had to much change all at once. You need someone you can talk to, and get things out of your system, which in a way is what you are doing here. I can understand the worries you have over medical treatment/consultation costs and how that adds to your concerns. From the Job front - take one it matters not which but take one even the Trafffic warden/parking meter job - it will get you out of the house, it will give you some foucus and structure to your day, but you could be lonely in this job and could be seen as possibly confrontational. The Hairdressing salon job, at least you will be in contact with people even if you don't like the idea of bossing people about (You don't have to do it in a bossy way - just convince people through sneaky appealing to their better nature) Once you get some structure to your day through employment I imagine a big part of your troubles could disappear as not being in work is a big contributing factor. Don't forget once you are working there is nothing stopping you looking for a better job. I am not religious but have you considered attending a local church group or speaking to your local priest? this can offer a lot of comfort. Re the heat it is very easy being in the UK to forget how warm summer actually is. Drink lots of water, but on the water front are you possibly suffering the change in water and diet? - this is where a trip to the Doctors may really help you should not have extended periods of Diarrhoea I really don't wish to add to your stress but it can be very serious and may explain your current physical conditions. If you have the nerve to you may wish to read something on it http://rehydrate.org/diarrhoea/fact-sheet.htm Anyway that's enough from me. Here's hoping things improve for you very soon. |
Archies Slave wrote: If you have the nerve to you may wish to read something on it
http://rehydrate.org/diarrhoea/fact-sheet.htm That is talking about persistent watery diarrhea, not a bout or two of nervousness. As a side note, in many places, commercial rehydration products are simply not available, and parents are so poor they do not have measuring equipment in their "kitchens". A litre of water, a three-finger pinch of salt and a fistful of sugar. Emergency hydration formula |
| I did started to drink more water as I was told to drink a minimum of 2 Litre a day other rehydrate starts! I just been at the shop and bought the original bach rescue remedies. That hopefully keeps me calm, especially because I can take it with me where ever I go!
I made my mind up that I will start on the 5th October as a "Meter Maid", even if some of my friends didnt liked the idea, they prefered the hairdresser, but I dont! I got to work 9.45 am until ca. 8.30pm and I've got to be able to run the shop! I've been now there 3 x to test it and I still felt uncomfortable beeing in a higher position. I didnt even know how "to stand" to look like a boss! It made me ill thinking of what I'm going to take on, I also would have to sell a lot to bring money into the shop. And i'm sure, if it doesnt run as they want, I'm the first to go! So I decided to go with the council job, a secure job, and I've got 3 month time to learn and I'm also 3 month on the road with other people to learn. That makes me more comfortable and once I am able to go out on my own, I already had quite some time with other people learning confrontations. In the evenings I would be never on my own anyway! So I feel now settled once I sorted the job, it got to be right for me. It's right for Charlie too with the hours I'm working! ... and I might have a chance in some years to get a cheaper flat from the council once Max moved out after he finished his apprentice! I do agree that I got too much of a change all at once going on! My mind never stops thinking. Just came back from socials and again, I've got to fill out stupid forms which annoy me already! They really make me mad, but I'm trying to! |
Monika the second job sounds as if you would enjoy it better. It is no good getting up in the morning and dreading going to work. I did this for 12 months before I had my first bad attack. Perhaps a trip to the doctors just for a check up might not be a bad idea. Could well be the different water and heat where you are. todays bulletin sounds more positive keep us posted...xxx  |
KTB wrote: Monika the second job sounds as if you would enjoy it better. It is no good getting up in the morning and dreading going to work. I did this for 12 months before I had my first bad attack. Perhaps a trip to the doctors just for a check up might not be a bad idea. Could well be the different water and heat where you are. todays bulletin sounds more positive keep us posted...xxx
..... the 2nd job, is it for you:the hairdresser or the council job?, I've taken on the council job working as a MeterMaid, as I prefer this to the other one! I feel more relaxed with it and also safe, cause they wouldnt kick me out as quick as any other. That already calms me down! (... and I do like being on my own when working! nobody bosses me around!) The water is defenitly different to UK, also Munich got a very clean water, you can drink from the tabs. Heat is totally different than in UK. Funny, that everyone here complains about that the summer wasnt a proper one this year, cause they had "a couple of days or evenings" when it rained! That's too funny, cause we think this weather is "too hot" for us as we are used to rain ALL THE TIME! |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|