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Original poster

getting panicky ..........

22 replies

noddyholder · 13/07/2007 13:08

I have suffered with panic attacks over the years although haven't had more than about 2 mild ones in the last 2-3 yrs.I have worked hard to tackle them but something has come up and I feel panicked.My sister is graduating sunday and I have to go to london with ds alone to attend teh ceremony.Dp is working and can't change it and my parents are meeting me there but they are not sympathetic re this in any way.I think i am scared to go and have started having panic symptoms today which I need to get on top of.Sorry not really expecting any miracle solutions but needed to get this off my chest as i don't want to tell anyone in rl

OP posts:
LilyLoo · 13/07/2007 13:17

which part of the day is making you panic noddy ?
Is it the actual journey or the whole thing ?

Original poster
noddyholder · 13/07/2007 13:19

It is being in the hall with all the people as I have had problems with that before although not for a long time.Not too worried about the journey just don''t like being in big halls with lots of people

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Novacane · 13/07/2007 13:20

Noddy, I know where you are coming from, I suffer terribly with P&A. If your anything like me this will be going round your head at 1000 miles an hour, what if this what if that etc.
Whe i start with the symtoms I feel I have 2 choices.
1.) keep fighting it, tell yourself your ok, everybody is ok, nobody is going to die (including me), you know what i mean if you're having a PA. DISTRACT YOURSELF

2.) Go sit somewhere quiet and let the panic attack come on and get it over with- remember they can't hurt you.

I find drinking a glass of water for some reason helps.

As for the practicalities of going to London, you know its going to be ok don't you. Are you catching the train? what are you frightened of? DS being a handful or travelling with him in general?

Novacane · 13/07/2007 13:21

Well how about you stand near the back of the hall, and you can easily come out of the hall if it gets too much? and also if DS starts being noisy!!

Original poster
noddyholder · 13/07/2007 13:21

I am in tears now at the thought and not like me at all.Ds is 13 so no worries there!

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Original poster
noddyholder · 13/07/2007 13:23

I do talk myself through it just don't want to.

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Novacane · 13/07/2007 13:23

lol, i'm sure he will look after you perfectly.

You know it's never as bad as you make it up in your head don't you?

Original poster
noddyholder · 13/07/2007 13:24

I will try and sit near the door which i always do in these situations.I am usually ok-ish if dp is there not sure why.

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Original poster
noddyholder · 13/07/2007 13:24

I know novacane I know nothing will happen but I hate the physical feelings I get.

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LilyLoo · 13/07/2007 13:24

do you have to go ?
If so you can sit on the top row near the doors so you can easily walk out. Or maybe go down with her just come in for her , literally two minutes of being on stage, then go back out and wait for her.

LilyLoo · 13/07/2007 13:26

sorry didn't make sense, i meant sit near the exit so you can make sure you are there when she collects her certificate, which lasts two mins, then you can wait outside.

Original poster
noddyholder · 13/07/2007 13:27

I do have to go just for my own sanity because if I start avoiding situations this may continue and build again and I don't want that!I will try to make it as painless as poss and stock up on rescue remedy!She would be so disappointed if I didn't go.I am exhausted atm which doesn't help so will try to get some extra sleep fri and sat

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muppetgirl · 13/07/2007 13:28

What my dh and I do before I have to tackle anything 'big' or 'new' is we talk through EXACTLY what will happen when and where.
I then write it down so I can then see what I have done and what is coming next. I have my phone with me all the time and can ring him whenever I need to.

You could even ask a friend to be available so you could ring them.

Last time I had to do something big was drive to east London on my own (from Swindon) I panicked a bit but I did manage it by thinking through what was going to happen. Also you can then try to think 'this is the most scarey bit, what could happen if? what could I do?' etc

Hope that helps a little, your symptoms are real, they are scarey but you CAN do it. Small managable chucks....

muppetgirl · 13/07/2007 13:29

Oh and cognitive behavioural therapists have the notion that when you are panicking or just about to start, clench your fist and dig your nails into your palm, the distraction can work too.

Original poster
noddyholder · 13/07/2007 13:29

thanks everyone I am going to give myself a reiki treatment today as that does help.

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Original poster
noddyholder · 13/07/2007 13:30

I have done some funny things in the [past in the name of distraction!

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LilyLoo · 13/07/2007 13:31

how about going over there before then , maybe being in the hall before anyone else gets there aand checking out the doors etc. ?

Original poster
noddyholder · 13/07/2007 13:32

thats a good idea lilyloo.I tend to really fidget in my seat which is embarressing but seems to be worse if I sit totally still

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LilyLoo · 13/07/2007 13:35

my bil has panic attacks and he says doing something else i.e reading or hand held computer game can help to distarct from an attack when he feels it coming on. Maybe write something down on a piece of paper or take a book or magazine to read whilst ceremony beginning to start.

Original poster
noddyholder · 13/07/2007 13:50

I am going to take my phone and text dp if it gets bad He is so worried and doesn't want me to go but I do want to if just to conquer this.

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Original poster
noddyholder · 13/07/2007 20:25

Have done some reiki today and really tried to relax and am feeling better about this although I will probably still beg dp to come even though I know he can't.Thanks for all your advice and for listening to me go on xx

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neva · 18/07/2007 22:24

There is a helpful organisation called 'No Panic.' Try their website and helpline.

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