| Product: |
My Experience of Anxiety and Panic Attacks |
| Date: |
17/03/08 (138 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Not many. Can make you stronger and more independent
Disadvantages: A lot! Can affect relationships and is depressing
About 4 months ago I admitted to both those and myself close to me that I have an anxiety problem. This may be a very long review but in it I plan to document my progression through diagnosis, the journey to getting better and what can be done about it.
My particular fears began as doctors, dentists, buses, trains and small spaces. This has developed to lectures, shops and sometimes my own home. In these situations my heart races, my hands shake, feel numb and sweat, I can't catch my breath, I feel sick, dizzy and overwhelmed.
What causes anxiety is sometimes unclear for a lot of people. I think that when I failed my first year of university the problems started. When I returned home that summer and started looking for a job I developed a very nervous stomach and felt constantly nauseous with bad digestion and stomach pain for 3 months. I had blood tests, which came back negative for ulcers, IBD and Crohn's disease. To most people that would be good news, for me this was terrible, as I had no idea what was wrong. My aunt suggested that maybe I was worrying about something and this was causing the symptoms. I was reluctant to agree but yes, deep down I knew this must be it.
But how? How on earth can I be having irrational thoughts, which are causing physical symptoms, when I don't even know I'm doing it? Even now the concept seems ridiculous and like a dead end. Why am I against myself?
I may be in the minority but most importantly; I'm not alone. It's estimated by the UK ONS (UK office for national statistics) that 7 in 1000 people develop some kind of anxiety or panic disorder.
When I first realised I had a problem I felt very alone, as if I was quietly going insane. Then I began to do research on the Internet and found a forum called 'No More Panic', which has been my saving grace. There are people on the forum with every kind of anxiety, panic, OCD, depression you can think of and although it may sound like it would make someone worse, it really gives you the information and support that you need.
A week after I admitted my problem I went to the doctor's, which was incredibly nerve-wracking. I turned up an hour early as I'd forgotten that the clocks had gone back and sat in the park at 8am, shaking and breathing deeply.
The doctor gave me a book prescription (yes, even the receptionist and librarian thought that was pretty weird). I have since started listening but didn't get very far. When it started talking about the symptoms of anxiety, I related to it I got nervous and upset. I persevered however and listened to the whole thing. It is a self help book which goes through relevant information about anxiety, then helps you set up a 'diary' type system where you log your panic attacks and find the pattern that links them.
Overall, I was quite disappointed with the book. I already knew what I was panicking about and why...I just needed to find out how to get over it. The book gave little information on this apart from to NOT avoid the situations I was scared of.
Easier said than done.
Anxiety problems are interpreted as an evolutionary throwback. Our bodies are still reacting in a way that would have been useful thousands of years ago. When our brain perceives a threat it releases adrenaline which ultimately prepares us to fight or run. The symptoms anxiety sufferers experience when they have a panic attack are all designed to help this preparation:
Blood rushes to the heart in preparation for running (feeling dizzy)
We run better if our stomachs are empty (feeling sick)
We run well if our bladders/bowels are empty (suddenly needing the toilet)
We breathe heavily to get oxygen to the muscles so we can run (breathlessness or 'air hunger')
Muscles are prepared to fight or run (tense body often resulting in a headache).
So you see how if we don't find a way to use up this extra adrenaline our brains are producing, we exhaust our bodies while we're just sitting down watching TV!
Since I read the book, I've understood why I'm anxious a little better. I have managed to get a grip on trains and buses. Supermarkets were a problem for a while, but I'm pretty much over that too.
I'm glad to say that things are looking up. My boyfriend of almost 5 years split up with me to concentrate on his graduation and getting a job and this shocked me into realising I have to do something about my anxiety if I want to get on in the world. I'm still very nervous of doctors, dentists and lectures so they are my next obstacles to overcome.
There are a ton of ways that doctor's recommend in dealing with anxiety. The first is self-help and hypnotherapy books and CDs. If these don't work then they tend to refer you to a therapist or councillor for cognitive behavioural therapy. Another solution is drugs such as Valium and diazepam. These are used as a last resort method for coping rather than solving the problem though as they don't help you yourself get over why you are anxious and can be addictive.
So what else am I going to do about it? Well one day at a time, quite slowly, I'm doing new things and getting further and further out of the house. Drugs are not an option for me as my anxiety isn't too bad, I think I can get over it myself and a lot of them are addictive. I've developed a few ways to calm myself down if I start getting nervous and my main focus at the moment is getting control over myself when I start to panic. Once I have complete control, my life will be back to normal! I'd like to change my outlook on life and see going abroad on a plane or going to the dentist as a realistic possibility soon.
Here's what I do when I feel anxious:
1. Burn some bergamot oil or put it on a hankie to smell. Essential oils have a physical effect on the central nervous system and bergamot and lavender are very calming. My favourite tea is flavoured with bergamot and it reminds me of being cosy and comfy.
2. Drink ginger beer. The main symptom I suffer from during panics is nausea...ginger beer is great for stopping it. I think though that I've become a little dependent on it. I won't leave the house without a bottle and get nervous if I think I'm running out!
3. This is the best one: do some exercise. Exercise not only releases endorphins that make you happy, but it uses up the extra adrenaline that's causing all the problems. I have a bath afterwards and feel perfectly calm.
4. Not being alone. If I'm alone then all I can think about is my anxiety and I make myself worse. I usually find someone who knows about it and they'll take my mind off it.
5. Listening to music is great on public transport 'cos it really takes my mind off where I am. The radio is good too if it's calm.
One day soon I'll update this review as a success story! If you think you've got anxiety I highly recommend googling 'No More Panic Forums' and getting yourself down to the doctors. The worst thing you can do is hide away and pretend nothing's wrong. I'm more than willing to chat to anyone who'd like advice or just someone to talk to, just send me a message.
Summary: Something everyone can work through with the right support
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