1. < Depression & Anxiety

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Posted by ainsleigh @ainsleigh, Apr 14, 2018

So many of us have suffered for anxiety and panic and I would like to share something that has helped me . In my Recovery group I learned that
nervous symptoms are " distressing but not dangerous i.e." NO DANGER." If I ever feel myself getting anxious I repeat those in my mind-
it is a "secure thought " and helps me to relax and avoids the escalation of symptoms. It takes a little practice but can make a big difference. I would love to hear if any of you find it helpful too.
Ainsleigh

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

JK | @contentandwell | Jul 7, 2018
In reply to @mattie "i just want to say I have lived 74 years with depression. after all these years..." + (show)
@mattie

i just want to say I have lived 74 years with depression. after all these years this should be unnecessary. Any one know a good dr in se michigan/

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@mamasitalucita great philosophies.
JK

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 8, 2018
In reply to @parus "@gailb Thanks again for the encouragement. I had a horrific experience with a therapist that I..." + (show)
@parus

@gailb Thanks again for the encouragement. I had a horrific experience with a therapist that I trusted at first. I won't go into the details. I can say it was terrifying causing the PTSD to be worse. I did not sue or file charges, but did testify as a resident of the state. I was the only one that took action. I still have nightmares. She did get a 99 year suspension. A very disturbed person that continued to harass and stalk me. It has been nearly 2 years since she last appeared at my door. Odd how the villain can cause the victim to feel guilty. Perverse. Hoping to get some help with this nightmare as well.
My flowers help me. Marigold portrait.

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@parus The marigolds are beautiful! One of my favorite flowers....Teresa

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 8, 2018
In reply to @mattie "Also had an abusive mother ....a husband who showed no affection at all and I did..." + (show)
@mattie

Also had an abusive mother ....a husband who showed no affection at all and I did try and try. My kids ...oh I cant go on.

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@mattie If talking is difficult have you ever tried keeping a journal and writing about your life, experiences and feelings? Teresa

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 8, 2018
In reply to @gailb "@parus I'm so happy that you are going to give therapy a try despite your fears...." + (show)
@gailb

@parus

I'm so happy that you are going to give therapy a try despite your fears. Is this person a new therapist for you? If so, how did you locate the new therapist? My last therapist was the one I had after a long time of fear about seeing a therapist due to my mistreatment by one I completely trusted. I saw her for several years and learned a great deal of good things from her. But at a point where my husband and I were getting divorced, she crossed the line. I was extremely vulnerable and she said I could live with her for awhile. That was a huge mistake for her and devastating for me. She ended up threatening me with a lawsuit for $$ she said I "owed" for her "help." The change in her and her viciousness shocked me and shook my world to the core. I had totally believed in her and had accepted her "kindness" during a very bad time in my life. I nearly succumbed to a breakdown, but was determined not to let her control my life. I moved to California shortly after theses incidents (9 months), and began living again. I still felt paranoid and questioned my own judgement constantly. I didn't trust anyone in the mental health community at that time. It was the most frightening thing I've ever experienced.

About 5 years later, I was at a wedding in Marin County, California, and friends of the couple stood up one at a time and talked about their love for different aspects of their relationships with the couple. The man who participated in the wedding along with the priest, sat with me at the reception and as we talked, he revealed that he was a therapist, and he gave me a signed copy of a book he had written. I read the book, and there began wonderful therapy work and eventually my becoming a Support Group Network Full Facilitator after 7 years of working and training. I am so thankful that I didn't give up completely on talk therapy and support groups!

By the way, I found out from a friend that the unscrupulous therapist in Tucson was sued for malpractice by three of her former patients and lost her license a few years after my experience with her. I was too intimidated and messed up by her to sue her at the time. Plus, I thought it was MY fault that she was angry (PTSD kicked in).

I hope you find an excellent therapist who can help you regain some equilibrium in your life and emotions. You deserve to be loved and happy Parus. I'm holding you in my mind and heart as being healthy, happy and at peace.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

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Such a good observation, @contentandwell. Gail, @gailb gives a wonderful example of "keeping-on" and not stopping until you find the answers. Some problems are not easy to solve but there is usually an answer is we persist and don't give in to discouragement!

Teresa

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 8, 2018
In reply to @mattie "i called my dr and asked for help after having such horrible nervous and panic attacks..." + (show)
@mattie

i called my dr and asked for help after having such horrible nervous and panic attacks can barely talk at times. He said I dont know how teo help you . Isnt this illegal or something?

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@mattie Have you considered looking for a geriatric psychiatrist? I understand that your depression started early-on in your life, but geriatric psychiatrists deal with all sorts of problems - even life-long. A large hospital system in your area might be able to help you find one and large hospital systems usually have doctors that accept Medicare which is important when you are over 65.

Teresa

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mbabkk | @mbabkk | Jul 8, 2018
In reply to @mattie "Also had an abusive mother ....a husband who showed no affection at all and I did..." + (show)
@mattie

Also had an abusive mother ....a husband who showed no affection at all and I did try and try. My kids ...oh I cant go on.

Jump to this post

That is indeed a very relevant and valuable suggestion. I am a trained SMART RECOVERY facilitator and one of the key suggestions we give in our group sessions is journaling - it tells yourself when and what trigger anxiety evdnts and can help you much better understand - then if you have anxiety mecication like I do you do not need to take it 2 or 3 times a day my prescription “ take as needed”
- it gives me a personal feeling of control which my neurologist encourage but my former psychiatrist disagreed with - he wanted to keep me on anti depressants the rest of my life ( I am 68 ) and did not like that idea. But many doctors will not agree with this degree of patient power particularly in the US where it is so easy to sue your doctor - well I found the solution that is right for ME - out with the daily anti depressants and only use anti anxiety drugs when needed and I know now when I need to take a low dose Ativan and when my day will be fine with no medication. Good luck
Michael in Bangkok

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mattie | @mattie | Jul 8, 2018
In reply to @mattie "Also had an abusive mother ....a husband who showed no affection at all and I did..." + (show)
@mattie

Also had an abusive mother ....a husband who showed no affection at all and I did try and try. My kids ...oh I cant go on.

Jump to this post

yes...did it years ago....cant concentrate now and can get depressing.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 8, 2018
In reply to @mattie "Also had an abusive mother ....a husband who showed no affection at all and I did..." + (show)
@mattie

Also had an abusive mother ....a husband who showed no affection at all and I did try and try. My kids ...oh I cant go on.

Jump to this post

@mattie You might try very small notes of journaling. Take a small index card and write a few sentences to yourself, your parents, etc. and just drop it in a shoe box. After a few months, take out the cards and see how you have changed in your writings. It might be very helpful. I wish you well.

Teresa

REPLY
mattie | @mattie | Jul 8, 2018
In reply to @mattie "Also had an abusive mother ....a husband who showed no affection at all and I did..." + (show)
@mattie

Also had an abusive mother ....a husband who showed no affection at all and I did try and try. My kids ...oh I cant go on.

Jump to this post

Mamacita you are so right. Never have been huggedlike that always my fault and still is, no matter what. I say it to myself...make a mess, it is my fault...and so it is. I have kids...one doesnt bother with me...he lives close. Never see him or ...his . Another out of state and wouldnt help ...self cenetered. Another get angry all the time. she is under much stress and doesst know how bad i am...sorry cant type fingers arthritic.

REPLY
GailBL, Alumni Mentor | @gailb | Jul 8, 2018
In reply to @gailb "@parus I'm so happy that you are going to give therapy a try despite your fears...." + (show)
@gailb

@parus

I'm so happy that you are going to give therapy a try despite your fears. Is this person a new therapist for you? If so, how did you locate the new therapist? My last therapist was the one I had after a long time of fear about seeing a therapist due to my mistreatment by one I completely trusted. I saw her for several years and learned a great deal of good things from her. But at a point where my husband and I were getting divorced, she crossed the line. I was extremely vulnerable and she said I could live with her for awhile. That was a huge mistake for her and devastating for me. She ended up threatening me with a lawsuit for $$ she said I "owed" for her "help." The change in her and her viciousness shocked me and shook my world to the core. I had totally believed in her and had accepted her "kindness" during a very bad time in my life. I nearly succumbed to a breakdown, but was determined not to let her control my life. I moved to California shortly after theses incidents (9 months), and began living again. I still felt paranoid and questioned my own judgement constantly. I didn't trust anyone in the mental health community at that time. It was the most frightening thing I've ever experienced.

About 5 years later, I was at a wedding in Marin County, California, and friends of the couple stood up one at a time and talked about their love for different aspects of their relationships with the couple. The man who participated in the wedding along with the priest, sat with me at the reception and as we talked, he revealed that he was a therapist, and he gave me a signed copy of a book he had written. I read the book, and there began wonderful therapy work and eventually my becoming a Support Group Network Full Facilitator after 7 years of working and training. I am so thankful that I didn't give up completely on talk therapy and support groups!

By the way, I found out from a friend that the unscrupulous therapist in Tucson was sued for malpractice by three of her former patients and lost her license a few years after my experience with her. I was too intimidated and messed up by her to sue her at the time. Plus, I thought it was MY fault that she was angry (PTSD kicked in).

I hope you find an excellent therapist who can help you regain some equilibrium in your life and emotions. You deserve to be loved and happy Parus. I'm holding you in my mind and heart as being healthy, happy and at peace.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

Jump to this post

@contentandwell

Thank you for your comments. Yes, it was horrible and my self confidence was already shakey. It took many years for me to trust my judgement again. But, it was a valuable experience because I eventually learned not to trust another person more than I trust myself. I learned how to listen to and heed my intuition when it speaks to me. I had a feeling that I shouldn't move to live with my old therapist, but I ignored my intuition. When I looked back I realized that every time I ignored my intuition, I ran into a problem later. Needless to say, I listen to others ideas and opinions now, and then I check those with my intuition. If they differ, I choose my intuition. A hard lesson to learn for me.

I appreciate your understanding.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

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