Panic Attacks?
i have been suffering from panic attacks now for 3 months and really cant learn to deal with them. when one comes on, i automatically think i am going to die ie im having a heart attack, i have a blood clot. its ruining my life. i have had acupunture, tried yoga taken tablets, used bach remedies but nothing. i know i have a fear of death but this is beyond control. i have been checked and i have a healthy heart and healthy lungs. but what are the chest pains i always get?? help someone please 
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Hi Vicky-
A lot of what’s going on with panic attacks is that you start to fear the panic attacks themselves, and that makes the whole situation worse. It becomes a whole vicious cycle that’s really difficult to control. You need a way to feel (and be) in control of the situation so you’re not living in fear of the next attack.
I’m a massage therapist, and I’ve worked with a lot of people who deal with panic attacks and anxiety. I don’t know what’s going on in your life, but stress is usually a huge component. You say this has been going on for 3 months. What happened in your life 3 months ago? Was there some traumatic experience? That’s just some stuff to look at.
On a practical level, caffeine can contribute to stress and anxiety, so if you drink a lot of coffee or soda, that’s something you could cut down on and see if it helps. Also, are you getting enough sleep? When you’re already stressed out, sleep deprivation can REALLY mess up your system. Try to get up and go to bed at (reasonably) regular hours. That could help regulate your body clock and system, which in itself could help with your attacks. I’m not saying that just stopping caffeine and getting enough sleep will stop your attacks, but while you have the attacks, it’s important to take care of yourself and reduce stress in as many ways as possible.
There’s a program I’ve recommended to a lot of my clients that’s helped quite a few of them. You might want to take a look at it. It’s called Panic Away, and it does a great job of teaching you how to regain control and stop living in fear of the next attack. You can get a free 5 part email mini-series that lots of people find really helpful all by itself. You can see what other people have to say about it at http://www.backfaqs.com/panicaway. I couldn’t figure out how to make this link clickable, so I also put it in the Sources area.
As far as the chest pain, you didn’t really describe it, but chest pain is quite common with panic attacks. Is yours sharp, and does it go away pretty quickly, or is it more like a "catch" that stops or interrupts your breath? Either way, as long as you’ve been checked out physically as you said, it’s nothing to worry (more) about. The pains are caused by the fact that your panic attacks cause really rapid breathing and heartbeats, and that can make the muscles in your chest contract. It’s not uncommon for a person’s chest to be sore for several days after a panic attack.
Anyway, I hope some of this helps, and feel free to let me know if there’s any way I can help.
I wish you the best of luck! I know how awful it is to be in the grip of something you can’t control.
Jan
You should talk to your Doctor about the panic attacks. They will be able to to help you. They might percribe medication and also find you a therapist. I have been using this alternative therapy called Emotional Freedom Technique on my anxiety and depression which has helped me a lot. It’s very good at getting rid of all kinds of negative emotions and dealing with all kinds of issues quickly. It does sound crazy but does work. It might be something that can help you.Try some of the techniques from the third link.
Vicky, my son has had them for years, and they are gradually getting better. He says the best thing for him was a book called "Self Help for your Nerves" by Dr Claire Weeks. It’s old fashioned (written about 40 yrs ago) but still in print. He has tried everything, but reckons this book was more help than anything. Good Luck
Talk to your doctor they will help, when i had mine a few years ago they gave me medication but that didn’t work so they taught me some deep breathing exercises which once the panicattack comes you can ease it.
There are lots of ways to deal with them its just try each one.
xxx
i used to have them. i used to think something was seriously wrong, which made me panic more. the thing is, now you know there’s nothing physically wrong with you, when you get one, stop and think ‘at least i know what it is, I’m not dying, just calm down, stop rushing round, and i’ll be fine in a minute, I’m NOT letting it get to me.’ that’s what I said to myself, it really does help.
good luck, there’s a lot of people who feel like this.
You should come to our Church of LDS, and wash away the unclean ghost which make you feel so panic with nonsense reasons.
You will have Saint Ghost with you, if you are qualified to have them be accompanying with you.
I know exactly what your going through, i went to see my Dr and she prescribed beta blockers, which helped. I then went to see a counsellor who taught me breathing exercises, it has taken a while but most of the time i can control them. Carry a paper bag, and when you feel them starting, breath in and out of the bag, the bag helps you control the breathes. Good Luck