explation greatly needed

[sunnyspice]

could some one please explain 2 me the difference between

1) A PANIC ATTACK

2) AN ANXIETY ATTACK

have tried 2 ask my doctor but he never seems 2 have time 2 listen or explain things 2 me ..just pats me on the back and sends me out with tablets

if some one could explain would greatly appreciate it as i am sure it would give me a better understanding of wot is happening 2 me xx

wendy

[Meg]

On a scale of 1 - 10.

Asleep is a 1
Calm is a 3
Everyday life is a 5
Anxious a 7
Anxiety attack an 8
Panic would be a 10 .
Most people with panic attacks when they start to heal can talk themselves down from a potential panic attack to an anxiety attack which doesn't involve a large whoosh of adrenaline. Then often plateau there a while and then learn to diffuse any situation so they don't even escalate to an anxiety attack.

I hope that helps.

[nomorepanic]

Ok Wendy - this is how I see it ...

An anxiety attack is whereby you feel edgy and anxious about something but do not necessarily suffer any physical symptoms.

A panic attack is where the anxiety gets so great that the body goes into a "fight or flight" situation so you end up with the physical symptoms such as hyperventilation.

Some people (myself included) can suffer anxiety attacks that don't result in panic attacks but the feelings are still intense.

Hope this helps.

Nicola

[mulder]

That was a very good question. Great responses too. I have often wondered the difference myself. Reading the above has sort of sorted it out now.

Was wanting to ask though (but didnt want to start a new post) where does "anticipation" come in? Is this a symptom itself or just the mind working overtime.

Also. Anyone any ideas on how to beat the anticipation problem. this seems to be my hardest battle at the moment.

I know I`ve got a journey tomorrow, so I`ll accept that it will be hard and I`ll do it, but the anticipation (ie, the sleepless night before, the visualisation of all the "worst things that can happen on this journey", the trembling and nausea just thinking about the journey.) of what it`ll be like is usually what holds me back. Is there any way to overcome this?

[Peanut61]

WELCOME, Wendy: It's nice to meet you. You got some really good answers to your question = I'm glad you asked, and I hope you will post again.

Hi, Mulder: Tis nice to meet you, too!! I think that CBT, ('Cognitive Behavioral Therapy' techniques), helps with that anticipation feeling, (which I definately experience, too!). Also, it helps to be able to identify where you are on the scale of anxiety, (by checking in with yourself frequently), and then taking steps which are commensurate with that level of anxiety to, hopefully, alleviate/decrease it, in the hope of preventing the ultimate escalation of the anxiety sensations to full on panic. The cognitive techniques help up to a certain level, then the breathing and perhaps distracting oneself, (like a mini-timeout), when it gets higher, to good drugs - [][:I][:0], when it gets to the very worst of the panic. Just some thoughts... Take care.

HI FROM PEANUT!

[Meg]

Hi Mulder,

Anticipatory anxiety..... The bane of all anxiety. It starts the whole cycle off.

Without anticipatory anxiety we'd just do the activities calmly as they came along until we came across a real danger when we'd panic - appropriately !!

As you rightly said - it is the mind working overtime - negatively. This then tells your body that you have concerns about something and it prepares itself (you) for the worst .
So accept that your journey will be a challenge but it will be fine and as for visualization of the worst things... Immediately those thoughts arrive into your conciousness do not entertain them at all. Switch them to a more positive realistic thought. Don't simply deny the thought or try to push it out. It will then stay and battle and most likely keep the thought there much longer

ie : I'm afraid of driving all this way on the motorway alone as I'm afraid I'll feel faint. What if I faint en route ?? How long will I be stranded for ?? etc

Instead some alternatives may include:

I've only driven shorter distances recently so it's Ok to feel nervous about this journey. I know I will be fine as I always am fine and the feelings of nervousness cannot harm me and always pass. I know I am a good, safe driver and will in time get to enjoy this journey. If I should feel faint, I know that these sensations will pass and that the sooner I relax , the sooner the faint feeling will pass.

It is also possible to use my mobile to talk to a friend if I want to, so in essence I am not alone.

I'm starting to feel nervous which is fine so I'll distract myself and start planning a birthday party for XXXX , now who shall we invite, where shall we go, what games shall we play etc.

Planning a book, what to spend a windfall on, DIY projects are all useful too. Ensure you need to think about the details of whatever you think about. Talking books are great especially if you have a favourite subject/ author , lively radio - not just music works too. Singing is terrific , it makes you breathe correctly- especially the musicals and opera.

You may need to start this thought replacement long before your journey and may need to try several distraction options out before you find the one that works for you.

Other useful aids : Keep water with bach essences nearby, keep slow deep breathing with the out breath longer than the in breath, strong mints- mind the suger content if your're sensitive to sugar swings or it could make you worse. Sugar free are best.

I hope this helps somewhat. Let us know how you do.

Best wishes

Meg.

[bishop]

hi meg
sugar free,what about all the people on insulin you will have them all going into highpo no sugar thats dafted plus i love chocolate.
bish

[nomorepanic]

Thanks for the info Radar - I may borrow some of your advice for the website if that is ok - put it under my coping techniques page? Is that ok with you?

Nicola

[Meg]

Hi Bish,

Yes, chocolate is wonderful, I agree - but a large concentration of sugar will often put an anxious person into an attack.
Many anxious people have hypoglaecaemia which is chronic low blood sugar where you either produce too much insulin or it's very efficient - the opposite of diabetes if you like- and keeping your blood sugar steady is paramount in keeping the shaky, fearful, tachycardic feelings at bay.
Sugar just sends your blood sugar way high one minute so the body produces more insulin which brings it crashing down , more sugar sends it way up again and the whole thing is a viscious circle.
These people should be eating small and often and mainly complex carbs and protein like seeds ,pulses , nuts, grains, eggs, fish etc. This is especially important for those who have adrenal exhausion through huge stresses or constant panic. Most often these people feel worse in the mornings and usually go without enough breakfast..
Incidentally
Type 1 diabetics on insulin should not have pure sugar apart from in an emergency, all the fats, carbs and proteins they eat get digested down into sugars for energy. Most diabetics are on tablets - Type 2 - and also should not have pure sugar as the tablets are designed to deal with XX amount of energy over a few hours and eating pure sugar sends this all to pot - quite apart from all increasing risks of infections, retinopathy, neuropathy as well as the cardio vascular issues.

I'm sure you weren't wanting or expecting an impromptu teaching session but I'm afraid its inbuilt in me. Sorry.

Of course it's Ok Nic.

Meg

[nomorepanic]

Radar - I have added the coping techniques to the website. Thanks for them :-)

Nicola