Hi Everyone
I have been for my first weekend away since I was officially diagnosed with Panic/Anxiety 2 months ago. We went to Eastbourne and Beachy Head where I even stood on top of the cliff and took a photo of the light house! Overall I had a great time and even had a couple of meals in restaurants. I have 10mg of Propranalol three times a day and 10mg of Citalopram per day to help me. I was not symptom free of course, but I have been practicing Dr Weekes techniques and have tried to accept the symptoms - the first wave of fear without adding the second fear (what if I'm having a heart attack etc) which just keeps the nerves sensitised, then floating through my tasks and letting time pass. It works, but it can be tiring especially in my arch nemesis - the car. I was OK until we got stook in a traffic jam which went on for some time. I did start to panic but practiced the techniques and got over the first wave quite quickly. I then stopped myself tuning in to the panic again by doing the crossword. I wanted everyone to know that out of the whole weekend I probably spent maybe 10 minutes wrestling with this very scary illness at various times (and no, I would not wish those ten minutes on my worst enemy) but I have gained a bit of my life back. It was well worth it.
Take care all
Veronica H