I suffer from anxiety/panic attacks, which has lead to depression.
I was on Aropax but they didn't do anything and now on Citalopram (twice the dose), it helps the attacks but the depression still needs work.
When I first had a panic attack I was sure I was the only one, I kinda of beat it many years ago by telling myself "everyday in every way I am better and better" which actually worked. but end of last year the attacks came back with vengeance, got to a stage where I couldn't ride my bike and even driving the car was a worry. I consider myself a pretty good driver and even raced stock cars for a few years ...
Being a 30 something male I felt pretty stink asking for help, but I did, from the phobic trust (in St Lukes), they were the ones who put me on the drugs and are helping me work through this. I can't find my trigger so am in a catch 22 but have learnt to deal with attacks when they happen. With the meds I am able to ride without worry, I even brought a 600cc bike which after the 250 was a big change.
This may sound really silly, and will feel even worse when you do it, but anyone who gets down, write down the following and read it every day. The idea is to read it everyday even if you dont believe it, after a while the subconscious will start to believe it and your mindset will follow it.
I'm ok just the way I am
I am lovable and capable
I am an important person
I'm already a worthy person; I don't have to prove myself
My feelings and needs are important
I deserve to be supported by those who care about me
I'm strong enough to handle whatever comes along
I deserve to feel free and safe
I deserve to be respected, nurtured and cared for
A mental illness, no matter how small should be something you get help for, it can often be masked by false signals and come back worse. There is nothing to be ashamed of asking for help. 1 in 4 people suffer some form of mental illness and they reckon 1 in 5 people will suffer a panic attack in there life time (maybe only the one). Lots of 'front line people' suffer depression and other illnesses, Mike King for example suffers bad panic attacks.
If anyone wants to know more about anxiety/panic attacks PM me or phone the phobic trust in St Lukes - www.phobic.org.nz
We childproofed our homes, but they are still getting in.
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