RE: Childhood and Adult Disorder: Panic Disorder/Panic Attacks Part 2 – All About Panic Attacks
Thank-you so much for this great two part article @cabbagepatch! As someone who lives with Panic Disorder I can confirm that this is exactly how it feels. Like you, the worst part was before I knew what it was. I was having multiple attacks each day and seriously thought I was losing my mind. Since diagnosis, and over a decade later, it's become easier to manage using CBT and many of the techniques you've listed. It's still always there, lurking in the background of my life and rearing it's ugly head every week or so, but I know what it is now and I know I just have to ride it out and then get on with my life. That said, it's still terrifying whilst in the middle of one, no matter how much your rational side is trying to talk you down!
I've been very lucky with friends, family, and workplaces being accepting of it. I chose to be completely open about it from the beginning and I'm always surprised by the number of people who confide in me that they also struggle with panic attacks, anxiety, or other similar issues. This has only strengthened my resolve that these issues need to be able to be discussed freely and without stigma - it's hard enough to deal with without worrying that other people won't understand or accept your struggle. I'm totally with you on the need for education about it.
All the best, and thank-you again for the article!
@sammie thank-you so much for sharing so much and for reading my two posts. I decided to share my experience because after having gone through a life changing condition of panic attacks I felt it was so important to educate whoever would read my article. I had my first attack about 30 years ago so it was such a shock. I didn't know what was happening and neither did my doctors. I literally was going crazy. That is why the more we all know, even those who never had a panic attack before, should know the hardship one goes through.
I can understand how you feel about it lurking in the background but trust me, the longer you go without having an attack, you will get better. I haven't had one for decades and even went back to driving. Now I don't think about getting one and that has helped tremendously. @sammie, I plan to do some research regarding neuroplasticity that has been in the news lately. They have proven that the brain can create new pathways to untouched areas of the brain so that is significant news about anyone who has a neurological disorder. That should include anxiety and panic attacks. You should look this up because they have discovered music therapy has proven to help people. Because music can reach all parts of the brain at one time, they feel that it is the best method to get neurons to regrow circuits in the brain, bypassing faulty areas and going to new ares. So there may be hope. I'll try to do some research and if I find anything, I will certain write an article on it.
Again, thank-you for your kind comments. I really appreciate that you read my articles. Wishing you a happier and brighter future. Just think positive and quiet your mind so that the brain will learn to not get over stimulated. Again thank-you and please comment any time you have any news or subjects I should look into. Have a great week ahead and again thank-you so much @sammie for your support!!! :D