Vertigo - It is controlling my life and I am sick and now scared of it.

[redrubyshoes]

Yesterday I had a complete and utter melt down/panic attack in a crowded theatre whist being shown to my seat high up in the 'gods'. This is the first panic attack I have ever had and now I understand why people think they are going to die.

I couldn't breathe, I was soaked in sweat, my heart was hammering in my chest and I was in floods of tears.

All this over being shown to a theatre seat but it has steadily been getting worse and it is taking over my life.

I am paralysed with fear on escalators (particularly those with glass sides), road or railway bridges, staircases with 'gaps' instead of risers and glass lifts.

I don't think it is an inner ear thing or anything 'medical' just a phobia I can no longer control.

Is there any treatment I could try? Could my GP help?

Yesterday was an experience I never want to repeat and I was lucky that a female member of staff recognised a panic attack and did all the right things, she actually said it was quite common!

Help me please before I refuse to leave the house

Oh poor you - horrible and I totally get it as have had panic attacks in past. Feels like going mad imo. But is very very common as I understand it and there are ways of treating it. Ask your GP about cognitive behavioural therapy. Shown to be very effective.

redruby please dont panic ..... theres a whole bunch of us dizzy ladies here on this thread.

welcome

aristocat

Thanks for the link I shall have a read through.

Hi again.

Have posted on you other thread. I see aristocat has posted link (waves at aristocat).

Sorry to hear that you had that experience. See your GP as there is lots of help. You might need to take an antidepressant as well as some counselling as low serotonin levels can be linked to panic attacks. I have had them & it's a horrible feeling. Mine was the fear that I was going to be sick on a train as when I felt panicky I felt sick. Mine started when I was pregnant. I also suffer with depression which started when pregnant. Some Drs prescribe beta blockers for panic or other anti anxiety drugs. I take Clonazapam when I feel anxious.

I also read a book by Dr Clare Weeks - Self Help for your Nerves. It really helped me to understand what happens to your body during a panic attack.

I always found for me that having a bottle of water & some mints with me all the time helps. I found listening to music on a train helped me too. If you can get some lavender put a small drop on your inner wrist & on your temple & that will calm you.

Please see you Dr as you can get help.

Hi

I am so sorry you have panic attacks and vertigo. Do you suffer vertigo without the attacks? like at home?

it could just be panic attacks which can cause light headedness. i started the vertigo thread having been suffering now for over 2 years and it does bring on panic attacks a vestibular disorder can cause panic attacks even if you don't know you have one.

Read through the thread we will support you but if you feel the panic comes first taliking to your doctor might help sort this out xx