Ill yesterday - had massive painc attack!

[greeneyedgirl]

I had an upset tummy and mild nausea yesterday, but as I was due to go to DP's last night (45 min drive from me), I managed to go into a huge panic attack and made myself feel 100 times worse.

I ended up in bed most of the day, although couldn't sleep, and my parents took care of DD. I have to stress I have NEVER taken to my bed because of anxiety before and felt totally ashamed. I forced myself to go to DPs even though I was feeling ill as I felt I needed to push myself a bit and it did work to some extent.

I suppose the thing is, when I am ill, I can never tell if I really am ill or it is all in my head, does anyone else ever feel like that? I am terrified that I am going to get like this again and not be able to cope with DD and day to day life. I am not depressed, but I really am beginning to feel I need more than amitriptyline to get control of this axiety!

Sorry to hear this, I hope you are feeling better today.
Could you keep a diary of your attacks, in case there is some kind of pattern that you have not realised?

I know when they are likely to happen, just don't know how to stop them. Went into work today and basically just had panic feelings for the whole 4 hours I was there. I managed to last, but don't know how. I'm now terrified of tomorrow, I am not sure I can cope again. I feel like I have no control over my own mind/body, not sure what to do.

"when I am ill, I can never tell if I really am ill or it is all in my head, does anyone else ever feel like that?"

Yes. And I think it's right to be aware that the distinction is a fine one when it comes to anxiety.

It's all about finding the strategies that work for you. For me it's putting ice cubes on my skin (sounds bizarre but works wonders) and also playing "tricks" on myself like saying:

"In 5 minutes, I'm going to completely panic" (ie not now, but later).

Never tried that, sounds interesting. I am still trying to figure out what stratgies will work for me. Thanks for sharing

When you start to feel anxious, ie dry mouth, bit shaky, churning stomach, or if you aware that you are in an anxiety provoking situation, do the re breathing technique.

Stop what you are doing if you can.

If possible, go and sit down somewhere quiet.

Concentrate on your breathing.

Breath in slowly and deeply through your nose.

Breath out very slowly through your mouth, but purse your lips, to make you breath out in a very slow measure way.

Do this 4 or 5 times.

Afterwards try telling yourself to relax, and relax you neck and arm and hands (let your head go forward extending your neck)

Do relaxation techniques at least twice a day (as many times as you brush your teeth!!)

There are many skills and techniques you can be taught to manage your anxiety.

Good idea to keep a diary of when you become anxious, what situation were you in, what were you doing and what thoughts were you thinking. This will make you more aware of your thoughts leading up to becoming anxious. Stopping anxiety before your thoughts spiral into panic is easier than when you are panicking later on.

I would agree with cherry lips.

I was told to do breathing as above except I just do it wherever I ma and no one knows I'm doing it.

The importatn thing I was told was to to make the breath out longer than the breath in eg I count in for 3 and out for 5 or 6. Do this a few times and it work brilliantly.

BUT remeber to practice it at home when you are feeling ok so you know what to do when you are panicky/anxious.

Hope this helps