hate this f'ing anxiety........

[shouldbedoingthehousework]

oh God...panic attack has set in really really want to go and visit very nice new friend but am stuggling to get out the door...

I have suffered with these for a few years and believe in yourself. It will pass and it won't last forever. Take a deep breath and rememeber every step forward you take is one more than yesterday

thanks PP - it's really getting me down now though...there's nothing scary about going to visit a nice friendly person - why am I feeling this way? Want to go but physically can't

Know how you feel to a point, I am so far not at that struggling point but other areas of my life sound like the panic attack you are now experiencing. Hope you manage it and you know you will have a good time when it's over so try to think about that stage and go for it. (Easier said than done I know but for yourself do try.)

OK, I went. And it was ..OK..felt a bit dodgy but managed it
Only had 35mins cos had to pick up ds from pre-school so it wasn't a long visit anyway. Feel disappointed with myself for making a fuss. I've had these feelings for a while now and today's really got me down...sorry...will try to handle it better next time.

just had to say well done to you

sbdthw, I know exactly how you feel because I'm going through it too atm.
I'm struggling to get dd to pre-school without me having an attack on the way there or back.
A big well done for getting out though.
Are you taking any meds?

Thanks pepperpots

No, no meds NbgsYellowFeathers...just trying to get up the courage to explore more options for dealing with it. I regulary resort to the car for school runs for fear of an attack so am similar to you ...it's horrid isn't it? And I'm ashamed of feeling this way...it's so frustrating! Hope you manage to make some progress x x

well done

nooooo shouldbedoingthehousework - don't see the negative in today. You were terrified but you still managed to get out of the house and go and see your friend. That sounds like a really positive step to me. Well done!

awww you guys thanks very much!

I really am trying to think more positively about it all and knowing I'm not alone is a big help
I have my "patch" that I'm OK with but anything extra is very daunting....one day at a time...

yes indeed - have you read any books on the anxiety? there are some good ones out there

Haven't read any books? I have been sent some very useful printouts by a fellow MNetter though.

Do you have any books in mind that you recommend?

sorry...shouldn't be a ? after books!

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway - is fantastic. Apparently, Susan Jeffers, the author, has released another book with techniques that are linked to the first book (haven't read that one though). Here they are on amazon - the first two in this list .

ah yes...that reminds me..I was lent that book some time ago but it's been shoved on the bookcase ever since because I wasn't really ready to "face the fear"...will look it out now though perhaps...

it's worth reading - it's very gentle I promise

Hope so...I have many fears

I meant to come back to your thread earlier, sorry.
I've been doing CBT for a couple of months, although I personally havent had any great results from it yet, I have heard it is very very good.
I have been taking Citalopram which has made a big difference to me. I do get times where I am very anxious but I seem to be able to control it alot better now.
Another mumsnetter has also told me to try EFT (emotional freedom therapy), she describes it as acupuncture without the needles. You can do this one to one, over the phone or even via email as they tell you what to do and it involves tapping parts of the body. I've been told it is very effective.
I can get the website if you like and you can find a local EFT counsellor. I was quoted £40 a session to start with which I didnt think was too bad but from what I hearb the prices do vary depending on where you live.

Hope your feeling a bit better today

i have just come onto this thread. NbgsYellowFeathers - i'd be interested in the EFT website if you have it. Thanks

Hi Abwab
I've just tried to find it with no luck but theres a another mumsnetter who I'm friends with who has it so I'll get it off her and link it here.
If you google Emotional Freedom Therapy and then put in your area, it should come up with something.
There are counsellors all over.

EFT

Thanks for the link

Feeling a bit better this week but that may be cos both lo's have been ill so I haven't been able to go out and have been able to hide in my own little world.