LAC1979
11-10-09, 16:35
Hi,
I'm 29 and from the West Midlands. I had my first panic attack at 20 and since then my whole life has changed. The thing that upsets me most is the profound effect panic has had on my personality. I used to be so outgoing and fun but now it seems like I can only be those things if I am totally in control of the situation. For example, if it's a place that I feel comfortable with, where I can get to a loo easily or can leave quickly if I wish. Not much fun for the people I socialise with! I felt like I was doing really well and panic was still with me but very much in the background for a good few years.
Anyway, in the last few weeks the attacks have flared up again. I'm at the point where every morning I'm panicking on my way to work and having to phone my boyfriend for reassurance and to talk me out of it. I really want to get back in control of things as it's not fair on him either. As a shift worker he's often asleep when I call.
I think the trigger is some sore eyes I've been having. I've got it into my head that I've got an allergy to something and at any moment my throat is going to close up on me. I keep telling myself that it only happens on the way to work, never on the journey home and not at the weekends but I'm still stuck. I think it's easier later on in the day because in my head there are more places I can go for 'help' should the worst happen e.g pubs, doctors surgeries etc.
I'd be grateful for any support that you can offer:D
I'm 29 and from the West Midlands. I had my first panic attack at 20 and since then my whole life has changed. The thing that upsets me most is the profound effect panic has had on my personality. I used to be so outgoing and fun but now it seems like I can only be those things if I am totally in control of the situation. For example, if it's a place that I feel comfortable with, where I can get to a loo easily or can leave quickly if I wish. Not much fun for the people I socialise with! I felt like I was doing really well and panic was still with me but very much in the background for a good few years.
Anyway, in the last few weeks the attacks have flared up again. I'm at the point where every morning I'm panicking on my way to work and having to phone my boyfriend for reassurance and to talk me out of it. I really want to get back in control of things as it's not fair on him either. As a shift worker he's often asleep when I call.
I think the trigger is some sore eyes I've been having. I've got it into my head that I've got an allergy to something and at any moment my throat is going to close up on me. I keep telling myself that it only happens on the way to work, never on the journey home and not at the weekends but I'm still stuck. I think it's easier later on in the day because in my head there are more places I can go for 'help' should the worst happen e.g pubs, doctors surgeries etc.
I'd be grateful for any support that you can offer:D