Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum, and I wanted to know if it sounds like I have a panic disorder.
I've had trouble with panic attacks since I was a little girl. For example, after my great-grandfather died when I was eight, I was terrified I would die too. I had panic attacks every night for months, though they went away after awhile. After that I used to have them only once and awhile, but then my grandmother passed away suddenly of a heart attack in late August of 2005, and I started having bad ones at least once a month, often times a lot more. Nothing can reassure me that I'm not dying when I'm worried. I tend to have panic attacks about internally bleeding. I have some problems (also from the time I was small) with hemorroids and it really freaks me out when I bleed from the rectal area. This is really, really embarrassing to admit but I tend to avoid going the to the restroom a lot, because that's where they start. I also don't like being alone much anymore, for fear of having an attack. I shake, feel dizzy, get nasuated, I cry, I can't sleep, my abomindon feels crampy because I've convinced myself I'm bleeding to death. I just don't know what to do to help myself get over this. I know what I am doing is totally illogical and dumb, and I feel really stupid after the attacks are over.
I've kept myself awake all night worrying for nothing many times before. [Sigh...] I know I'm fine, I had a physical last April and the doctor said I was the healthiest girl she had ever seen. I still can't stop worrying. My father is prone to panic attacks, as was my grandmother. I couldn't believe it when I read lots of other people have the same problem I have. I really want to break this cycle of worrying and stress. I'm losing to much of my life (not to mention my sleep!) over this. Does anyone have any advice for me? Thanks.
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