11.19.2014

W4W- Panic attacks



As a person who fights anxiety on a daily basis, this has been on my mind and I really really hope it cheers you up if you feel this way. 

Explaining to someone who has never had anxiety, is very very HARD 

Telling them you end up in the emergency room with chest pains that you are sure is a heart attacks, hyperventilating while you wait for the results to come back, because you just know it is a heart attack...

My biggest trigger right now is driving in the car and I know Andrew will fall asleep while driving, I have tried to get control over it, but every time there is silence in the car, i am sure we will crash and all be killed because he has fallen to sleep, it drives him c-r-a-z-y
It is so annoying to both of us, other times I can get in the car and be ok, wont even think about this car crash, as long as there is a conversation going on, it is better for me to get a grip . 


Guide your friends in appropriate action
By being aware of these symptoms, your friends can be educated about what a panic attack is. Tell them not to rush you to the hospital unless you describe symptoms that are different from your typical panic attack. Tell them that being reassuring during the experience generally is enough.
Here are some other pointers you might want to give:
  • Don’t assume what I need, ask me.
  • Let me pace my recovery, but encourage me to get help.
  • Find something good in my achievements. When I overcome an obstacle (such as driving on the highway), make a big deal of it.
  • Don’t let me avoid life. Help me take the baby steps to live life to its fullest.
  • Don’t give up your own life to protect me. We only will grow to resent each other.
  • Don’t panic when I panic. I need you to be confident that I will get through this.
  • Don’t tell me to “Calm down” or “Get a grip on yourself.” If I could do that, don’t you think I would?
Panic disorder is a difficult problem for everyone involved. But, with care, patience and some help from your friends, you can overcome it.


4 comments

  1. This is such an incredibly helpful post to share. My mom suffers from anxiety and I really think that there needs to be more awareness surrounding this sort of stuff so the right kind of support will emerge. xx

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  2. I have never suffered from anxiety UNTIL I went to University. I didn't realize how much control it had on one's life. I had pretty much lost control. There were times where I hated myself because of it. I absolutely agree with Monica, awareness of this disorder is absolutely crucial so that people can get the kind of help they need and deserve.

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  3. The car thing... I can relate a little now. We were going somewhere and the GPS fritzed. Hubby asked me to give it to him and every few seconds he kept looking down at it, to the point I was scared he was going to wreck the car. I finally asked for it back and told him maybe I could find a reset button or something. It was def. creating anxiety for me, and I am sorry you've got that going on more than just a touch one time!!! Big hugs to you.

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  4. Hey lady! Saw that you entered another FP giveaway on another blog and wanted to share this one with you also that I’m hosting through Monday. Good luck!
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