Help for dh

[AnneOfSleeves]

My DH has suffered from depression on and off for a number of years, treated reasonably successfully with citalopram.

However it seems to have changed into anxiety and panic attacks when in meetings at work. He has used propranolol but it's having no effect now and obviously this is now turning into a vicious circle - whenever he's exposed to this situation it overcomes him and he suffers a panic attack.

He's waiting to speak to the dr (mental health team very over stretched) later. He's not on citalopram at the moment as the dr changed it to propranolol.

Any advice in the short term or recommendations of books to read to overcome panic? Any websites or tips etc? It's really affecting him work wise - going off sick not an option as he works for himself.

Thank you

[Aquamarine70]

Hypnosis might be worth a try. Maybe see if your Dr could recommend someone or find someone accredited. I don't know if it works for everyone but if the medication isn't helping then something alternative could help.

[AnneOfSleeves]

Thank you, he's off to the dr at this very moment but we will certainly look into this.

[NotAJammyDodger]

Panic attacks are horrendous. You can also get into a cycle of getting a panic attack due to the worry that you may have a panic attack at a meeting - so the worry about having one becomes almost as bad as having one and then you spend the entire meeting focusing on not having one and not listening to what's being said. Total nightmare.

I found that increasing my ADs really helped so can DP discuss with doctor?

Also, many on MN recommend CBT for panic attacks and anxiety - perhaps he could look at doing privately. If he self employed it may be a worthwhile investment to go private to get help ASAP. Self help books are good (see the dummies guide for .... series) but it can be hard work doing solo without the therapy.

[NotAJammyDodger]

Book link

www.amazon.co.uk/Managing-Anxiety-Dummies-Graham-Davey/dp/1118366069/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439627593&sr=8-1&keywords=dummies%20guide%20to%20anxiety&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21