Hi there

[Louisefurness]

Hi I'm new to all of this, I'm 41 and had my first panic attack which put me in hospital as I thought I was having a heart attack. I'm coping ok but hate the racing heart and most of all dizziness , my go has put me on propanolol. Joined this group for support and advice on how to cope xx

[Hidden]

Hi. First of all you are very welcome here. Hopefully you will find the understanding and support you need to help you cope with your anxiety. Most of us here understand exactly how awful anxiety can be and how difficult it it is to fight against. You said you are managing for now, so I assume that you are not taking any medication other than a beta blocker to help you, which is a good sign. However, it does mean you you will rely even more on other methods and techniques to help you. My advice, from my own experience, is that you develop a good set of distraction techniques so that when your anxiety begins to attack you can quickly force your mind to shift focus onto more positive things. For example, I occupy my mind with things like jigsaw puzzles and crosswords and other 'games' that require concentration. I also read, write things, or watch my favourite tv programmes which I have put on cd's. Another thing I do is come on to this site and see if I can assist someone else who is in need of some support or comfort. I still get attacks of course, but so many fewer than I used to. It might be that you will find it useful to pursue a therapeutic course. I take the view that any illness has a root cause, and in order to be cured we need to address that cause. As anxiety usually has a psychological rather than physical basis, therapy has been shown to be the most successful method of permanent treatment.

Sorry this is a bit long. I hope that you will find this site a good place to come and IO wish you get well soon.

Karl.

[Louisefurness in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your support x

[Hidden]

Hello & Welcome

I am sorry to hear that you are having to experience anxiety but be reassured it can and does get better

Was there anything particular happening in your life that may have brought your anxiety on , not always does there have to be it can creep up on anyone without a reason but try not to fear what you feel but accept it that it is anxiety , unpleasant , in fact can feel dreadful at times but you will not die from it and you will get better and you are not alone now you have found this Community where so many like minded people will offer you the best support they can

Take Care x

[Louisefurness in reply to Hidden]

I think it's a combination of my divorce, work , new relationship and my 2 teenagers coming to terms with my divorce. Didn't feel it coming on it just crept up on me and hit me like a ton of bricks x