Panic attacks

[Pingpong_1]

Hi all 👋

Hope you’ve all had a lovely Christmas!! 🎄 😘 I’m really struggling quite badly with panic attacks around breathing. When my breathing starts to feel a bit tight I’m going into panic mode and it all gets worse from there. Sometimes the panic attacks come from nowhere but deep down it’s all related to my breathing (fear of not being able to breathe!) I’ve tried belly breathing and working on accepting them instead of fighting them. I also find it hard to differentiate between the asthma symptoms and the panic as there’s crossover. It’s hard to accept right now as they come in waves and I feel so overwhelmed. I just wanted to know if anyone had any strategies/ideas?! Rose 😊

[Spacecat1]

I have the same thing going on when we get ready to go out my breathing plays up. I do all my breathing exercises which helps a little, but panic has set in went to see my gp who has been brilliant put me on pregablin and if needed a low dose of orimorph which helps I'm able to control breathing a bit at least get me into the car. Maybe have a chat with your gp and also find out about local classes who help you to control your breathing through tai chi and gentle exercise in the midlands the group is called FAB they have helped me a lot. Look after yourself and Happy New Year x

[Pingpong_1 in reply to Spacecat1]

Thanks Spacecat1 - thanks for the advice. I’ll ask my gp about those meds when I see him next. I’ve just done a steam which has opened up my lungs a bit but the panic was there just prior. We seem to have smoke haze where I live (Vic, Australia) and I think it’s because of that. The panic unfortunately is closeby at the moment due to the up and down that is my breathing. They seem to be more frequent and staying longer, just so unpleasant. I know what you mean about going out, I’ve had a few in the car driving long distances and it freaks me out!! Thanks for replying and your support. Wishing you good health and happiness for 2020. Big hugs xxx

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hello Rose I am the same and it's a frightening feeling, I tend just to sit until it passes, but it still scares me. I wish I could help more, but I'm sure others on this site have different ways of coping it will be interesting and helpful reading them. Have a good day and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx

[Pingpong_1 in reply to Damon1864]

Hi Bernadette thanks for letting me know you get them too! They are awful and frightening, especially when related to breathing. I took some diazepam last night however I know it’s not the solution but it gets worse for me at night and I just needed sleep. Hope your day is great 😊 xxx

[jimmyg23]

Yes I was the same about a year ago but respirate nurse put me on oramorph and lorazepam and now I am feeling good knowing that have back up medication if feel panic coming on it has made difference to me hope it does for you please ask your dr or respiratory nurse about the medication

[Pingpong_1 in reply to jimmyg23]

Thanks Jimmyg23, that’s the second recommendation for oramorph so will ask gp for some. I had diazepam last night for some respite as they were in waves yesterday and relentless. Thanks for the recommendation, every bit of sharing and advice helps! X

[JANET127]

HI Pingpong...I am Janet127 and I also have COPD PLUS...... I USED TO LEAD A GROUP CALLED HEALING THE CHILD WITHIN. Some people hear this and freak out. For me..it works! Pretend there is a little girl in you(inner child) from the past. Maybe a 7 year old. Now she is having problems breathing and it goes into a panic attack. YOU as the Adult must comfort her! What would you say to a child of that age? Its ok Honey, I am here with you, I am not going to let anything happen to you. Honey...just take small pursed lips breaths..It will be ok. Reassure her! Get good at this and you'll love it in many situations! I would have my group of men and women bring in a doll/stuffed animal that looks like them. That way we all learned to nurture our child within ....not beating them up! HOPE this helps! JANET127

[Pingpong_1 in reply to JANET127]

Hi Janet127 that sounds like a great idea to try! 👍 I’m open to anything at the moment and it sounds like you’ve had success with it. Is there anything else to this technique I need to know? As I said, I’m prepared to try anything as they are ramping up in frequency and duration and I’m having a lot of trouble coping. Thanks so much for your suggestion, I really appreciate it 🙏🏼😊

[JANET127 in reply to Pingpong_1]

I had 50 people come in for a meeting one night! Scared me! LOL All you have to do is know that's your little child within yelling for you to help her! She is scared! Thinks she's going to die and stop breathing! Guide her and comfort her...she needs you! Even write down things ahead of time you can say....have it ready! She will learn to trust you! Then Bingo! Your panic will stop! Hugs! Janet127

[Pingpong_1 in reply to JANET127]

Thanks Janet 🙏🏼 I’ll take this on board and work with this strategy. Will keep you posted 😘

[Ergendl in reply to JANET127]

It's a great way to deal with some issues. I've used similar helping people deal with deep issues from the past, teaching people to love the child that they were so that they can come to love the adult that they are.

[JANET127 in reply to Ergendl]

Yes Ergendl !!!! We are on the same page! Great! To find another person ,across the Ocean, that knows Inner Child Work is a BLESSING! We are far and few in between! Now that makes me happy! Janet127

[Ergendl in reply to JANET127]

I didn't realise we are so rare. I read about it in a book a long time ago, and it has really helped me. So when appropriate, I suggest it to others too.

[JANET127 in reply to Ergendl]

Rare...yes! I wish more people would understand the concept! Years ago when I had a group at a church here in Michigan, everyone that came..went away with more knowledge. My kids say Mom..Start another one up! People out there need it! I have thought about it for sure! But my health holds me back! Great! Now I have someone who gets it! Hugs Janet127

[Pingpong_1 in reply to JANET127]

Hi Janet I tried it out during a recent panic attack and it certainly minimised the length and intensity. I’ll keep trying to using it and keep you posted! Xxx

[megshafer]

If you can....I believe all her books are available on Amazon....Dr.Claire Weekes...."Hope and Help for Your Nerves "....yes, it's from 1962....but it helps panic so very much. Also. "Peace from Nervous Suffering"....you will think I can't read now....the book will describe how you feel and you keep reading....they helped me get over panic years ago. The only thing that did. That I know for sure.

Meg💐💐

[Pingpong_1 in reply to megshafer]

Thanks Meg! I’ll check these out ASAP! I feel I’m running from the panic and need more strategies on how to cope. Big hugs 🤗 😘

[megshafer]

The most help for panic attacks, I ever got!! Its like she's sitting there with you....and she knows...because she a doctor....actually suffered from panic....

Wishing you well....with no panic!!