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Hadlam
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Joined: 14 February 2012
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Topic: Panic Attacks Posted: 21 July 2012 at 12:20am |
Hi All,
I've always had anxiety including being diagnosed last year with OCD which defineatly fits me and some of the "things" I do.
However lately I've been experiencing panic attacks at night, just wondered if anyone else does and how you deal with them. Being night time I don't really wanna ring anyone or wake hubby but they are really freaking me out.
Thanks in advance :)
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Dophy
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Joined: 19 June 2010
Location: Conifer Grove/Takanini
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Posted: 21 July 2012 at 11:20am |
I have anxiety and ocd too. The best way to deal with attacks is to talk to someone (when you are calm) might be a good friend or a specialist. I found doing breathing exercises to help with the attacks worked really well. So basically as you breath in you would count to 5, hold for for 5 and breath out for 5. So breath in for 1..2..3..4..5 hold 1..2..3..4..5 and out 1..2..3..4..5 it works even better when you practise it. Also, dont feel like you will be a hassle to your partner Im sure they will want to help you, it helps to have good support, even if he just holds you when you have an attack.
Talk to someone you trust and maybe see your gp.
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lisame
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Joined: 20 January 2010
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Posted: 21 July 2012 at 1:31pm |
And see if there's a phone line you can use, if you're reluctant to disturb your family. I used to work in an anxiety disorders clinic in Auckland and they ran a 24 hr help line. They may still do, if you are in Auckland? Otherwise lifeline is also used to dealing with panic attacks.
They sound horrible things to have even though logically you know that nothing is really wrong. I've talked people through quite a few.
Have you looked into finding a behavioural psychologist to help you develop some tools to ward them off?
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lisame
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Posted: 21 July 2012 at 1:32pm |
Here it is: it's an 0800 number too so you don't even need to be in Auckland:
The Phobic Trust offers a 24 hour support service - The Phobic Phone Line
Call 0800 14 ANXIETY (0800 14 269 4389)
This national helpline offers instant support for people who are in crisis with a panic attack. Our trained Phobic Phone Line volunteers offer information and support for anxiety sufferers and their families/friends and are available to New Zealand's general public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This service is confidential and free of charge, and is the only one of its kind in New Zealand.
The Phobic Trust's Auckland Clinic is open from:
8.30am to 5pm Monday- Friday
8.30am to 1pm on Saturdays.
During these times all calls are answered by the Support Services Manager or another suitable staff member from the Anxiety Disorders Clinic.
After hours, the phones are manned by trained volunteers, who willingly give up their time to help others.
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Hadlam
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Posted: 21 July 2012 at 2:06pm |
Thank you SOOOOOO much ladies :) You have no idea how much I appreciate it.
I've been to a behaivoural psychologist which helped alot (she was the one who diagnised me with OCD) however the cost got a bit too much $140 per 1 hour session which I needed weekly.
Its frustrating coz they things I panic about I've got simple solutions for its just the actually feeling of the panic attack at 2am in the morning is horrible and makes it difficult to see reason.
I know what my triggers are so most of the time I'm alright but with my current tiredness with a bad cold and preganacy its all kinda taking its toll.
Might visit my GP in the week and see if he suggests anything, everyone I talk to has suggested medication but I dunno!
Anyway, sorry got a bit carried away. Thanks again ladies :)
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Dophy
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Location: Conifer Grove/Takanini
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Posted: 21 July 2012 at 4:44pm |
You are entitled to five mental health sessions to see pychologist. Ive used them plus Im now on the waiting list for therapy for my ocd. All free through gp. Ive been on citalopram for a few years now which helps soooo much hopefully start getting off it this year. But maybe talk to your gp see what they suggest.
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Hadlam
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Posted: 21 July 2012 at 5:20pm |
Thanks Dophy, I've had my free sessions and am seriously considering medication. Its just hard to know whats going to work. :D and coz I go through stages of having no anxiety its hard to know if its worth it.
Think I'll go see Dr this week, see what he thinks. Best to get it sorted asap I guess.
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Dophy
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Posted: 22 July 2012 at 8:51pm |
Good luck hadlam, you wont know what works until you give it a go.
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lisame
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Posted: 23 July 2012 at 11:40am |
If you are in Auckland Hadlam check out the Trust - they have a sliding fee scale depending on your family income, which is all based on self-reporting and trust.
Last I heard they still had a counsellor, behavioural psychologist, and a psychiatrist on staff.
They're just across the road from St Lukes shopping centre.
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Hadlam
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Posted: 23 July 2012 at 1:05pm |
Thanks Lisame, not in Aucklnd uunfourtuneatly.
I've just got back from appointment with my GP. They have sent a referrel for me to take part in a program with mental health nurses basically offering councilling services.
I have not been prescribed meds at this stage as they want to see how it goes with this but obviously takes a couple of weeks for a referrel to go through.
Wish I had a magic wand :/
Ohwell just gotta accept it and get on with it I spose.
Thanks for the communication ladies :)
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tictacjunkie
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Posted: 23 July 2012 at 2:12pm |
I have minor anxiety/ocd issues, used to have a lot of panic attacks when I was a teenager, so I don't envy you. I hated the way they'd always snap you when you're not particularly stressed at that particular moment!
Have you tried chamomile tea? It'd be safe to use while pregnant. It might not help much but every little bit helps.
My husband takes St John's Wort, works really well for him, but I'm pretty sure you can't take that while pregnant.
I've never gone for meds as like you I don't fell that way all the time, and I worry once on them that it'd be hard to get off.
I used wear a beaded bracelet and when I started to feel ansy I'd start counting the beads, a bit like a rosary I guess. Now I count my teeth with my tongue, bad habit, but it helps! Or tap along my fingers with my thumb (same hand), 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4 etc.
Anyway, I hope the nurse sessions help!
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Hadlam
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Posted: 05 August 2012 at 12:24pm |
Hi All,
Just wanted to put an update. I have been in and out of my GP's office for the last couple of weeks as it has been getting worse and worse. I have been accepted onto the Perinatal (sp) Community Mental Health Support group
which includes psychiatrist, social and community support nurse. So things are looking up.
Thanks for all your responses to my original post.
Helen :)
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lisame
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Posted: 06 August 2012 at 10:47am |
sorry to hear you are struggling still, but I'm glad you do have support. That perinatal group you mention is supposed to be excellent - good holistic support and care. I hope things get better for you. xx
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