Question:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Minime wrote….. Hello fellow sufferers. A little of my history. I am 48, and have suffered from panic attacks since I was 17. After unbearable suffering for many years, and no useful support or diagnosis from the medical profession, I resolved to control the problem on my own. I have done this by forcing myself to think of other things when I feel a panic attack coming on. The more I did this the better I got at it and life is good now, EXCEPT when I have to give presentations to my peer group or upper management. Having to do this brings back all the PANIC that I worked so hard over the years to rid myself of. I manage a team of about 20 people and run a daily meeting. This is stress full for me, but I can handle it. I just can’t take presentations in any FORMAL form. I am wondering if anyone suffers from a similar situation, and if so what have you done? Please reply to the NG Hi, I think fear of public speaking is a very common one. You might want to look into "Toastmasters", it`s a club that helps people overcome their fear of public speaking. If you do a search on the net, you will find some info. Take care and good luck 
Jackie ~~*Tears spill out, only because I feel so much, it can’t all fit inside*~~
Thank’s for your reply… To e-mail minime, lose the two in 2minime-at-ripnet-dot-com
Response:
Hi and welcome to ASAP, You are doing a very good job handling your anxiety, and have learned to change your thinking when you start "what iffing". This is great. It seems that the words "presentation" and "formal" are your anxiety triggers now…you have diminished the anxiety in other aspects of your life….but this situation is still getting to you. You have very clearly pinpointed your triggers, and if you could find a good cognitive behavior therapist in your area, these last triggers could be defused. You are a very strong person and sending you lots of good wishes that you can tackle the last few anxiety situations. Take care, Liz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello fellow sufferers. A little of my history. I am 48, and have suffered from panic attacks since I was 17. After unbearable suffering for many years, and no useful support or diagnosis from the medical profession, I resolved to control the problem on my own. I have done this by forcing myself to think of other things when I feel a panic attack coming on. The more I did this the better I got at it and life is good now, EXCEPT when I have to give presentations to my peer group or upper management. Having to do this brings back all the PANIC that I worked so hard over the years to rid myself of. I manage a team of about 20 people and run a daily meeting. This is stress full for me, but I can handle it. I just can’t take presentations in any FORMAL form. I am wondering if anyone suffers from a similar situation, and if so what have you done? Please reply to the NG To e-mail minime, lose the two in 2minime-at-ripnet-dot-com
– Problems are only opportunities in work clothes. –Henry Kaiser
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Minime wrote….. Hello fellow sufferers. A little of my history. I am 48, and have suffered from panic attacks since I was 17. After unbearable suffering for many years, and no useful support or diagnosis from the medical profession, I resolved to control the problem on my own. I have done this by forcing myself to think of other things when I feel a panic attack coming on. The more I did this the better I got at it and life is good now, EXCEPT when I have to give presentations to my peer group or upper management. Having to do this brings back all the PANIC that I worked so hard over the years to rid myself of. I manage a team of about 20 people and run a daily meeting. This is stress full for me, but I can handle it. I just can’t take presentations in any FORMAL form. I am wondering if anyone suffers from a similar situation, and if so what have you done? Please reply to the NG
Hi, I think fear of public speaking is a very common one. You might want to look into "Toastmasters", it`s a club that helps people overcome their fear of public speaking. If you do a search on the net, you will find some info. Take care and good luck Jackie ~~*Tears spill out, only because I feel so much, it can’t all fit inside*~~
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello fellow sufferers. A little of my history. I am 48, and have suffered from panic attacks since I was 17. After unbearable suffering for many years, and no useful support or diagnosis from the medical profession, I resolved to control the problem on my own. I have done this by forcing myself to think of other things when I feel a panic attack coming on. The more I did this the better I got at it and life is good now, EXCEPT when I have to give presentations to my peer group or upper management. Having to do this brings back all the PANIC that I worked so hard over the years to rid myself of. I manage a team of about 20 people and run a daily meeting. This is stress full for me, but I can handle it. I just can’t take presentations in any FORMAL form. I am wondering if anyone suffers from a similar situation, and if so what have you done? Please reply to the NG To e-mail minime, lose the two in 2minime-at-ripnet-dot-com
Hi You are one determined guy to have worked so hard at controlling your anxiety and panic, I salute you. The scenario you describe is one of the worst. I’ve had to do , and I turned red every time, I loathed it. In fact it helped me in not deciding to take another higher positon at another location, when I worked. The only advice I can give is, compare talking to some acquantices in an informal setting to a formal one. Whats the *real* difference? None really, except at the formal one, everyone is doing their duty and following your every word. They may not be taking it all in, and the point is, they may actually be less attentive than listenng to a funny anecdote at the hotel. If you can get those formal meetings into a less threatening perspective, you may then lose that *self consciousness* thats screwing you up. Thats the key, concentrate on the group, not yourself. If you’ve come this far, you’ll go the whole way.
Response:
Hello fellow sufferers. A little of my history. I am 48, and have suffered from panic attacks since I was 17. After unbearable suffering for many years, and no useful support or diagnosis from the medical profession, I resolved to control the problem on my own. I have done this by forcing myself to think of other things when I feel a panic attack coming on. The more I did this the better I got at it and life is good now, EXCEPT when I have to give presentations to my peer group or upper management. Having to do this brings back all the PANIC that I worked so hard over the years to rid myself of. I manage a team of about 20 people and run a daily meeting. This is stress full for me, but I can handle it. I just can’t take presentations in any FORMAL form. I am wondering if anyone suffers from a similar situation, and if so what have you done? Please reply to the NG To e-mail minime, lose the two in 2minime-at-ripnet-dot-com
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey guys. I’ve been sending chapters of my book on overcoming anxiety and depression to people in my life and in this group. I am really surprised by the reluctance to believe I actually overcame the disease. I thought it was tough overcoming my own reluctance but I am encountering strong resistance from the counselors who are reading the book as well. I had my last session with my counselor last week. She is the only one I’ve ever met who believes it possible to cure GAD and panic. I asked her why no other counselors believe GAD and panic can be cured. She said it is kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy. They don’t believe it so they convince their patients as well. So here is my question, do any of you believe in a cure? If not, why not? If yes, then why? My process was difficult and deep but I have been off meds for over a year and no panic. Only appropriate levels of worry and concern. Steve
I believe that in some people, just like the anxiety came from seemingly nowhere, it can also leave you again if your body’s chemistry changes, for what ever reason, back to how it was before being afflicted. I find it difficult, to say the least, that at this point in medical history, we have any say in the matter. We have help, but not a cure. Consider yourself a very lucky man. Tono
Response:
Hey guys. I’ve been sending chapters of my book on overcoming anxiety and depression to people in my life and in this group. I am really surprised by the reluctance to believe I actually overcame the disease. I thought it was tough overcoming my own reluctance but I am encountering strong resistance from the counselors who are reading the book as well. I had my last session with my counselor last week. She is the only one I’ve ever met who believes it possible to cure GAD and panic. I asked her why no other counselors believe GAD and panic can be cured. She said it is kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy. They don’t believe it so they convince their patients as well. So here is my question, do any of you believe in a cure? If not, why not? If yes, then why? My process was difficult and deep but I have been off meds for over a year and no panic. Only appropriate levels of worry and concern. Steve
Response:
I am not sure if it is danagerous, but I don’t think it is a good idea to mix meds that way. Even though Kava Kava and St. John’s Wort are herbal, that does not mean that they are mild, or that they don’t have long term side effects or withdrawal, just like other medications. One of the problems with herbal remedies, is that you don’t really know the dosage of the active ingredients. This can vary with the season the herbs are havested in, and the processing methods. The same amount of extract can have a widely different potency from one dose to the next. If you are medicating daily with any kind of herb, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor about the most effective use of this kind of medication. The latest studies on St. John’s Wort suggest that it works in much the same way as SSRI’s, only it affects the levels of all types of neurotransmitters. (Margrove is probably much more up to date on this than I am) This may or may not be the best way to treat your difficulties. If Kava Kava works in a different way, the two herbs could cancel each other out. It is works in the same way, they could enhance each other to the point of exaggerating unwanted side effects. Without knowing exactly what the two drugs are doing for you, taking them together is only guessing with your body chemistry. I don’t like that idea. If you are seeing a pdoc, be sure to tell her what you are taking, and how it is (or isn’t) working for you. This is information your doctor should have so that you can work together on your situation. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not exactly sure if this is the right place to ask this but here goes anyway. Is it safe to take st. john’s wort and kava at the same? Anyone have any success with either or together? I’m not taking any other meds. I would primarily use them for mild depression and social anxiety.
Response:
Not exactly sure if this is the right place to ask this but here goes anyway. Is it safe to take st. john’s wort and kava at the same?
I don’t know. The problem is that SJW has about 400 chemicals in it, Kava over 1,600. Very few of them have been studied. Anyone have any success with either or together?
SJW does seem to be an effective mild depression treatment, but probably won’t help much in anything severe. There are only a few anxiety studies so its hard to comment. But I’d be surprised if it could control panic disorder and any but mild forms of the other anx disorders. Kava is IMO, almost worthless. But YMMV. I’m not taking any other meds.
Good!! The probable active chemical in SJW, hyperforin, is known to affect the metabolization of many medications, including over the counter ones. This paper gives a lot of details: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/97/13/7500 I would primarily use them for mild depression and social anxiety.
I suggest you discuss this with a pharmacist at the nearest psych hospital. They, IME, know much more about interactions etc of these things than do GPs or even psychiatrists. Ian
Response:
I am not sure if it is danagerous, but I don’t think it is a good idea to mix meds that way. Even though Kava Kava and St. John’s Wort are herbal, that does not mean that they are mild, or that they don’t have long term side effects or withdrawal, St John’s Wort and Kava Kava are often sold as a "complex" with each capsule containing some of each. I could be overestimating the herbal industry here, but given that they are sold that way, I’d assume they are a safe combination. Jen
I’d like to believe that this was so Jen. But there are almost no regulation of the herbal industry. Anyone can set themselves up as a manufacturer, no expertise required. In much of the world you can formulate, package and sell these products from your garage. Nor is there much known about many of the chemicals in these products. Its all being done by trial and error. And no doubt a great deal of luck. Ian BTW-the FDA/CFSAN maintains the Special Nutritionals Adverse Event Monitoring System which records adverse effects of OTC products reported to them. You can access this information at: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/aems.html
Response:
I am not sure if it is danagerous, but I don’t think it is a good idea to mix meds that way. Even though Kava Kava and St. John’s Wort are herbal, that does not mean that they are mild, or that they don’t have long term side effects or withdrawal,
St John’s Wort and Kava Kava are often sold as a "complex" with each capsule containing some of each. I could be overestimating the herbal industry here, but given that they are sold that way, I’d assume they are a safe combination. Jen
Response:
Not exactly sure if this is the right place to ask this but here goes anyway. Is it safe to take st. john’s wort and kava at the same? Anyone have any success with either or together? I’m not taking any other meds. I would primarily use them for mild depression and social anxiety.
Definetetly call your local pharmacist as they have all the herbs interactions listed in their computer data base. Also go to DrKoop.com. He has a drug interaction check where you can type in the herbs, vitamins and medications to see what possible reactions could happen. Better to play it safe. Check this out first. All my best,Julie
Response:
Not exactly sure if this is the right place to ask this but here goes anyway. Is it safe to take st. john’s wort and kava at the same? Anyone have any success with either or together? I’m not taking any other meds. I would primarily use them for mild depression and social anxiety.
You should find the answer at www.drkoop.com. Just check in the medicine interaction data base. Take care, Liz — Snowmen are blessings that fall from heaven unassembled…..
Response:
Hi! From what I know they are indeed safe to use together. Talk to a doc or better your pharmacist about it first though. Start with a low dose, one at a time incase by some chance you have a reaction to one. I used SJW for quite some time with good results but not nearly as good results as pharmacutical SSRI’s. In the end I stoped taking it because it began to cause a flare up of my seasonal allergies. I didn’t notice anything with Kava, good or bad YMMV. Jess – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Not exactly sure if this is the right place to ask this but here goes anyway. Is it safe to take st. john’s wort and kava at the same? Anyone have any success with either or together? I’m not taking any other meds. I would primarily use them for mild depression and social anxiety.
Response:
Not exactly sure if this is the right place to ask this but here goes anyway. Is it safe to take st. john’s wort and kava at the same? Anyone have any success with either or together? I’m not taking any other meds. I would primarily use them for mild depression and social anxiety.
Response:
Not exactly sure if this is the right place to ask this but here goes anyway. Is it safe to take st. john’s wort and kava at the same? Anyone have any success with either or together? I’m not taking any other meds. I would primarily use them for mild depression and social anxiety.
I would ask a Dr. If you don’t have one to ask I would find one. Herbal remedies are drugs without regulation and can interact with other meds and herbs… — Ronnie Ruff Please visit: http://www.diabeticnet.com Also: http://www.freespeech.org/ronnieruff The opinions expressed here aren’t even mine… To err is human…to really foul up requires the root password.
Response:
Thank you John! I’m really hoping that it has less power and I have more! I think I feel more in control than I used to. I have more good days than bad, but sometimes I almost get anxious waiting for the bomb to drop and the bad days to start again. {{{{{John}}}}} Love, Di
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Di, I think there is a meaning of strength in your ability to say Help in a stronger voice. I think you are right in seeing it as a positive step towards…I hate to say closure because I don’t think a trauma like the one you endured every gets ‘closed’…but it does sound like you are moving in a direction where the trauma may not have as much power over you. John Hi Everybody! I’ve been debating posting this question for about a week now, but here goes. Just a little background first. Most of you know that I was raped when I was 14 years old, a long time ago, either in January, February or March. I’ve had nightmares on and off since then mostly about pushing a back door or a garage door closed on either a lion, tiger or bear. (Oh my! Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.) I can’t remember which animal was in most of my nightmares. I usually try to yell *help* in my dreams, but sometimes it comes out softly, not loud like it should. The other night I had the same nightmare and couldn’t yell help loud enough in it, but did say it out loud in my sleep. I NEVER said it out loud before in my life! I always lean toward February as the month because my first whopper PA and agoraphobia started then. Does anyone think this is progress for me because I was finally able to say help out loud? Maybe I’m finally finding some closure for it? I hate to analyze myself, but it shocked me that I said that in my sleep. I always just moan or whimper when I have a nightmare like that. Sorry this is so long! I hope it all means that I’ve come to grips with it, finally!!! Thank you for any answers/opinions you can give me. I hope that everyone is having an anxiety-free day. Love, Di
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everybody! I’ve been debating posting this question for about a week now, but here goes. Just a little background first. Most of you know that I was raped when I was 14 years old, a long time ago, either in January, February or March. I’ve had nightmares on and off since then mostly about pushing a back door or a garage door closed on either a lion, tiger or bear. (Oh my! Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.) I can’t remember which animal was in most of my nightmares. I usually try to yell *help* in my dreams, but sometimes it comes out softly, not loud like it should. The other night I had the same nightmare and couldn’t yell help loud enough in it, but did say it out loud in my sleep. I NEVER said it out loud before in my life! I always lean toward February as the month because my first whopper PA and agoraphobia started then. Does anyone think this is progress for me because I was finally able to say help out loud? Maybe I’m finally finding some closure for it? I hate to analyze myself, but it shocked me that I said that in my sleep. I always just moan or whimper when I have a nightmare like that. Sorry this is so long! I hope it all means that I’ve come to grips with it, finally!!! Thank you for any answers/opinions you can give me. I hope that everyone is having an anxiety-free day. Love, Di it is progress if you "think" it is-and that’s what is important-closure on trauma is when you fully accept the event with no emotional attachment except regret and sadness rather then panic and anger and guilt-when you reach that point you have attained progress-simply by publicly divulging this which you were so embarassed about is progress-see you didn’t panic LM
Thank you LM! No, I wasn’t embarrassed this time <smiling. I’m not really sure if I can think about what happened without getting angry. I don’t think about it, though, and get very panicky. Well, for the most part I don’t. When I hear about a rape on TV, my back goes right up, but I guess that would be a normal reaction for anyone. {{{{{LM}}}}} Love, Di
Response:
Di, It would seem you are gaining some control over the issue by giving yourself permission to say "help" aloud. Do you think you are becoming stronger over your pd? When I was little I used to have a dream (same dream) where I was unable to walk due to anxiety/panic. To this day when I become scared and get that "stop in your tracks" feeling, I always visualize myself in that same dream where I couldn’t walk any further. But lately I have found myself talking myself through this and moving my body onward. Usually tell myself "courage is walking through fear" – maybe it is partly due to becoming stronger and striving for the will to be free of anxiety/panic. smiles, elise
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Di, A long time ago, I saw a neat guy on PBS once who says that when analysing a dream, take all of the stuff out of it and just view the situation and how you feel and react. If you are dreaming you are controling a situation, then you are controlling it and if you feel you are not controlling a situation, then you aren’t. Where you found the strength to actually speak this time, I think it shows you are gaining more control in a situation that has been out of your control. Just my two cents! Take care, Liz Hi Everybody! I’ve been debating posting this question for about a week now, but here goes. Just a little background first. Most of you know that I was raped when I was 14 years old, a long time ago, either in January, February or March. I’ve had nightmares on and off since then mostly about pushing a back door or a garage door closed on either a lion, tiger or bear. (Oh my! Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.) I can’t remember which animal was in most of my nightmares. I usually try to yell *help* in my dreams, but sometimes it comes out softly, not loud like it should. The other night I had the same nightmare and couldn’t yell help loud enough in it, but did say it out loud in my sleep. I NEVER said it out loud before in my life! I always lean toward February as the month because my first whopper PA and agoraphobia started then. Does anyone think this is progress for me because I was finally able to say help out loud? Maybe I’m finally finding some closure for it? I hate to analyze myself, but it shocked me that I said that in my sleep. I always just moan or whimper when I have a nightmare like that. Sorry this is so long! I hope it all means that I’ve come to grips with it, finally!!! Thank you for any answers/opinions you can give me. I hope that everyone is having an anxiety-free day. Love, Di — There is always music amongst the trees in the garden but our minds must be very still to hear it. ASAP Gardening Site: http://www.chickadee.com/asapgardens
Response:
Thank you Jeannie! I always had the same dreams where nothing or little came out of my mouth. Those kinds of dreams are very scary to me. I really hope I’m stronger now. {{{{{Jeannie}}}}} Love, Di
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Di…well, in my humble opinion, I do think it is progress that you could "HEAR" yourself cry for help. I have frequent bad dreams or nightmares where I am trying so hard to scream for help and no sound will come out of my mouth…how powerless is that? I know that many people here try not to get to freudian or analytical, but I do believe our dreams and our pasts do have a lot of bearing on our present states. The fact that you yelled "OUT LOUD" could very well indicate that you are in a place in your life where you are ready and able to be HEARD. At any rate, choose to take it as a meaningful indication that you do have a strong, powerful voice and you CAN use it!! {{{{Di}}}} Hi Everybody! I’ve been debating posting this question for about a week now, but here goes. Just a little background first. Most of you know that I was raped when I was 14 years old, a long time ago, either in January, February or March. I’ve had nightmares on and off since then mostly about pushing a back door or a garage door closed on either a lion, tiger or bear. (Oh my! Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.) I can’t remember which animal was in most of my nightmares. I usually try to yell *help* in my dreams, but sometimes it comes out softly, not loud like it should. The other night I had the same nightmare and couldn’t yell help loud enough in it, but did say it out loud in my sleep. I NEVER said it out loud before in my life! I always lean toward February as the month because my first whopper PA and agoraphobia started then. Does anyone think this is progress for me because I was finally able to say help out loud? Maybe I’m finally finding some closure for it? I hate to analyze myself, but it shocked me that I said that in my sleep. I always just moan or whimper when I have a nightmare like that. Sorry this is so long! I hope it all means that I’ve come to grips with it, finally!!! Thank you for any answers/opinions you can give me. I hope that everyone is having an anxiety-free day. Love, Di Jeannie
Response:
Thank you Liz! I was hoping it showed that I have more control now. I relate what happened to me to anx/pan attacks and I had no control over them for the longest time. Unfortunately, I can’t remember most of the dream now, but I won’t worry about it. {{{{{Liz}}}}} Love, Di
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Di, A long time ago, I saw a neat guy on PBS once who says that when analysing a dream, take all of the stuff out of it and just view the situation and how you feel and react. If you are dreaming you are controling a situation, then you are controlling it and if you feel you are not controlling a situation, then you aren’t. Where you found the strength to actually speak this time, I think it shows you are gaining more control in a situation that has been out of your control. Just my two cents! Take care, Liz Hi Everybody! I’ve been debating posting this question for about a week now, but here goes. Just a little background first. Most of you know that I was raped when I was 14 years old, a long time ago, either in January, February or March. I’ve had nightmares on and off since then mostly about pushing a back door or a garage door closed on either a lion, tiger or bear. (Oh my! Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.) I can’t remember which animal was in most of my nightmares. I usually try to yell *help* in my dreams, but sometimes it comes out softly, not loud like it should. The other night I had the same nightmare and couldn’t yell help loud enough in it, but did say it out loud in my sleep. I NEVER said it out loud before in my life! I always lean toward February as the month because my first whopper PA and agoraphobia started then. Does anyone think this is progress for me because I was finally able to say help out loud? Maybe I’m finally finding some closure for it? I hate to analyze myself, but it shocked me that I said that in my sleep. I always just moan or whimper when I have a nightmare like that. Sorry this is so long! I hope it all means that I’ve come to grips with it, finally!!! Thank you for any answers/opinions you can give me. I hope that everyone is having an anxiety-free day. Love, Di — There is always music amongst the trees in the garden but our minds must be very still to hear it. ASAP Gardening Site: http://www.chickadee.com/asapgardens
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Di, A long time ago, I saw a neat guy on PBS once who says that when analysing a dream, take all of the stuff out of it and just view the situation and how you feel and react. If you are dreaming you are controling a situation, then you are controlling it and if you feel you are not controlling a situation, then you aren’t. Where you found the strength to actually speak this time, I think it shows you are gaining more control in a situation that has been out of your control. Just my two cents! Take care, Liz Hi Everybody! I’ve been debating posting this question for about a week now, but here goes. Just a little background first. Most of you know that I was raped when I was 14 years old, a long time ago, either in January, February or March. I’ve had nightmares on and off since then mostly about pushing a back door or a garage door closed on either a lion, tiger or bear. (Oh my! Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.) I can’t remember which animal was in most of my nightmares. I usually try to yell *help* in my dreams, but sometimes it comes out softly, not loud like it should. The other night I had the same nightmare and couldn’t yell help loud enough in it, but did say it out loud in my sleep. I NEVER said it out loud before in my life! I always lean toward February as the month because my first whopper PA and agoraphobia started then. Does anyone think this is progress for me because I was finally able to say help out loud? Maybe I’m finally finding some closure for it? I hate to analyze myself, but it shocked me that I said that in my sleep. I always just moan or whimper when I have a nightmare like that. Sorry this is so long! I hope it all means that I’ve come to grips with it, finally!!! Thank you for any answers/opinions you can give me. I hope that everyone is having an anxiety-free day. Love, Di — There is always music amongst the trees in the garden but our minds must be very still to hear it. ASAP Gardening Site: http://www.chickadee.com/asapgardens
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everybody! I’ve been debating posting this question for about a week now, but here goes. Just a little background first. Most of you know that I was raped when I was 14 years old, a long time ago, either in January, February or March. I’ve had nightmares on and off since then mostly about pushing a back door or a garage door closed on either a lion, tiger or bear. (Oh my! Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.) I can’t remember which animal was in most of my nightmares. I usually try to yell *help* in my dreams, but sometimes it comes out softly, not loud like it should. The other night I had the same nightmare and couldn’t yell help loud enough in it, but did say it out loud in my sleep. I NEVER said it out loud before in my life! I always lean toward February as the month because my first whopper PA and agoraphobia started then. Does anyone think this is progress for me because I was finally able to say help out loud? Maybe I’m finally finding some closure for it? I hate to analyze myself, but it shocked me that I said that in my sleep. I always just moan or whimper when I have a nightmare like that. Sorry this is so long! I hope it all means that I’ve come to grips with it, finally!!! Thank you for any answers/opinions you can give me. I hope that everyone is having an anxiety-free day. Love, Di
it is progress if you "think" it is-and that’s what is important-closure on trauma is when you fully accept the event with no emotional attachment except regret and sadness rather then panic and anger and guilt-when you reach that point you have attained progress-simply by publicly divulging this which you were so embarassed about is progress-see you didn’t panic LM
Response:
Hi Di, I think there is a meaning of strength in your ability to say Help in a stronger voice. I think you are right in seeing it as a positive step towards…I hate to say closure because I don’t think a trauma like the one you endured every gets ‘closed’…but it does sound like you are moving in a direction where the trauma may not have as much power over you. John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everybody! I’ve been debating posting this question for about a week now, but here goes. Just a little background first. Most of you know that I was raped when I was 14 years old, a long time ago, either in January, February or March. I’ve had nightmares on and off since then mostly about pushing a back door or a garage door closed on either a lion, tiger or bear. (Oh my! Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.) I can’t remember which animal was in most of my nightmares. I usually try to yell *help* in my dreams, but sometimes it comes out softly, not loud like it should. The other night I had the same nightmare and couldn’t yell help loud enough in it, but did say it out loud in my sleep. I NEVER said it out loud before in my life! I always lean toward February as the month because my first whopper PA and agoraphobia started then. Does anyone think this is progress for me because I was finally able to say help out loud? Maybe I’m finally finding some closure for it? I hate to analyze myself, but it shocked me that I said that in my sleep. I always just moan or whimper when I have a nightmare like that. Sorry this is so long! I hope it all means that I’ve come to grips with it, finally!!! Thank you for any answers/opinions you can give me. I hope that everyone is having an anxiety-free day. Love, Di
Response:
Hi Everybody! I’ve been debating posting this question for about a week now, but here goes. Just a little background first. Most of you know that I was raped when I was 14 years old, a long time ago, either in January, February or March. I’ve had nightmares on and off since then mostly about pushing a back door or a garage door closed on either a lion, tiger or bear. (Oh my! Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.) I can’t remember which animal was in most of my nightmares. I usually try to yell *help* in my dreams, but sometimes it comes out softly, not loud like it should. The other night I had the same nightmare and couldn’t yell help loud enough in it, but did say it out loud in my sleep. I NEVER said it out loud before in my life! I always lean toward February as the month because my first whopper PA and agoraphobia started then. Does anyone think this is progress for me because I was finally able to say help out loud? Maybe I’m finally finding some closure for it? I hate to analyze myself, but it shocked me that I said that in my sleep. I always just moan or whimper when I have a nightmare like that. Sorry this is so long! I hope it all means that I’ve come to grips with it, finally!!! Thank you for any answers/opinions you can give me. I hope that everyone is having an anxiety-free day. Love, Di
Response:
Hi Di, A long time ago, I saw a neat guy on PBS once who says that when analysing a dream, take all of the stuff out of it and just view the situation and how you feel and react. If you are dreaming you are controling a situation, then you are controlling it and if you feel you are not controlling a situation, then you aren’t. Where you found the strength to actually speak this time, I think it shows you are gaining more control in a situation that has been out of your control. Just my two cents! Take care, Liz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everybody! I’ve been debating posting this question for about a week now, but here goes. Just a little background first. Most of you know that I was raped when I was 14 years old, a long time ago, either in January, February or March. I’ve had nightmares on and off since then mostly about pushing a back door or a garage door closed on either a lion, tiger or bear. (Oh my! Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.) I can’t remember which animal was in most of my nightmares. I usually try to yell *help* in my dreams, but sometimes it comes out softly, not loud like it should. The other night I had the same nightmare and couldn’t yell help loud enough in it, but did say it out loud in my sleep. I NEVER said it out loud before in my life! I always lean toward February as the month because my first whopper PA and agoraphobia started then. Does anyone think this is progress for me because I was finally able to say help out loud? Maybe I’m finally finding some closure for it? I hate to analyze myself, but it shocked me that I said that in my sleep. I always just moan or whimper when I have a nightmare like that. Sorry this is so long! I hope it all means that I’ve come to grips with it, finally!!! Thank you for any answers/opinions you can give me. I hope that everyone is having an anxiety-free day. Love, Di
– There is always music amongst the trees in the garden but our minds must be very still to hear it. ASAP Gardening Site: http://www.chickadee.com/asapgardens
Response:
Dear Di…well, in my humble opinion, I do think it is progress that you could "HEAR" yourself cry for help. I have frequent bad dreams or nightmares where I am trying so hard to scream for help and no sound will come out of my mouth…how powerless is that? I know that many people here try not to get to freudian or analytical, but I do believe our dreams and our pasts do have a lot of bearing on our present states. The fact that you yelled "OUT LOUD" could very well indicate that you are in a place in your life where you are ready and able to be HEARD. At any rate, choose to take it as a meaningful indication that you do have a strong, powerful voice and you CAN use it!! {{{{Di}}}} – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi Everybody! I’ve been debating posting this question for about a week now, but here goes. Just a little background first. Most of you know that I was raped when I was 14 years old, a long time ago, either in January, February or March. I’ve had nightmares on and off since then mostly about pushing a back door or a garage door closed on either a lion, tiger or bear. (Oh my! Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.) I can’t remember which animal was in most of my nightmares. I usually try to yell *help* in my dreams, but sometimes it comes out softly, not loud like it should. The other night I had the same nightmare and couldn’t yell help loud enough in it, but did say it out loud in my sleep. I NEVER said it out loud before in my life! I always lean toward February as the month because my first whopper PA and agoraphobia started then. Does anyone think this is progress for me because I was finally able to say help out loud? Maybe I’m finally finding some closure for it? I hate to analyze myself, but it shocked me that I said that in my sleep. I always just moan or whimper when I have a nightmare like that. Sorry this is so long! I hope it all means that I’ve come to grips with it, finally!!! Thank you for any answers/opinions you can give me. I hope that everyone is having an anxiety-free day. Love, Di
Jeannie
Response:
panic disorder has a way of sticking around from the little you say panic disorder would fit what you describe it can go for no apparent reason it can return for no apparent reason death _is_ a known trigger for initial panic attacks for some death _is_ a known trigger for panic to recur for some any personal trauma is it can just be part of the pit work hard as you must have before and kick some panic and depression butt good luck I went through the depressed and panic attack thing maybe 6 years back. I had been panic free for almost 3 years and was starting to get a life back till lately. Has anybody here ever got back into the panic spin because of a
death?
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I went through the depressed and panic attack thing maybe 6 years back. I had been panic free for almost 3 years and was starting to get a life back till lately. Has anybody here ever got back into the panic spin because of a death? Maybe I should not say of a death but because of death period. I remember in college learning about the existential crises and could not understand that till now. BTW reason I am here is clear. I kicked this last time and did it while off the meds. Now I am back on meds again just so I can sleep and make it through a day. I do not like the use of meds for any long length of time as it seems to mess up my memory but for now they are what keeps me sane. I picked this sig because it goes to the root of it all. Last time when I went off the meds and got panic free I did so by facing my fears a few baby steps each and every day. I hope to that again but last time Death did not seem to be what I had to face. — Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond’s glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush. I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die. Anonymous (attributed to Mary Frye – 1932)
I love your signature poem. I attribute at least part of my "breakdown" last year to the death of my grandfather, whom I was very close to, and my sister-in-law’s diagnosis of cancer (she was 26) in the summer of 2000. Both occured within three days of each other and that, combined with some physical factors and an already tenous mental state, sent me into a spiral. So, yes, I do believe a death, or any traumatic event, can cause panic/anxiety. Heck, they cause anxiety in "normal" people, let alone those of us with anxious tendencies to begin with. I am so sorry that you are dealing with a death. Please take care of yourself, and feel free to email me if you need to talk. I have had the shadow of death hanging over my head for two years now (my sil is still sick and now undergoing a radical treatment that could kill her, and my grandmothers are both very old and in poor health), so I am familiar with it, more so than I want to be. Dawn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Response:
I remember in college learning about the existential crises and could not understand that till now.
Hi, You might find Ernest Becker’s book "The Denial of Death" helpful and supportive. I know I did. See also http://faculty.washington.edu/nelgee/ -David-
Response:
** Has anybody here ever got back into the panic spin because of a death? Maybe I should not say of a death but because of death period. I remember in college learning about the existential crises and could not understand that till now.
This was my major problem, to phobic proportions, and if this is your particular nemesis you have my sincere sympathy. It nearly drove me to insanity. I did the usual at university and sought the meaning of life, at a time when I was not really aware of my own mortality. That only came to me many years later while on active service in the armed forces. I subsequently suffered what I later learned to be Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for 32 years. I tried to cope with the horrifying symptoms with every type of AX/AD medication, sleeping tablets and alcohol in binges but nothing worked. I had several attempts with CBT which only made me worse. Finally I devised a system of my own, which briefly meant teaching myself not to think about it. It’s rather ‘ostrich like’, with head in the sand, but if you don’t think about it then you calm your own anxieties – which is what it is all about. Today I have been free of all medication for 2 years. I gave up alochol for 4 years and now only drink occasionally for pleasure. I am pleased to tell you that I am completely cured, although I still view death with great suspicion – I just refuse to think about it. The only other way as far as I can see, is to have a profound belief in a God – and life after death. I haven’t been blessed with the joy of faith, so I have to continue doing it the hard way. As I always told my children, don’t ask the questions to which there are quite clearly no answers!! I hope this helps and that things improve for you. If I can be of any further help do let me know. Kind regards, John ** – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I went through the depressed and panic attack thing maybe 6 years back. I had been panic free for almost 3 years and was starting to get a life back till lately. Has anybody here ever got back into the panic spin because of a death? Maybe I should not say of a death but because of death period. I remember in college learning about the existential crises and could not understand that till now. BTW reason I am here is clear. I kicked this last time and did it while off the meds. Now I am back on meds again just so I can sleep and make it through a day. I do not like the use of meds for any long length of time as it seems to mess up my memory but for now they are what keeps me sane. I picked this sig because it goes to the root of it all. Last time when I went off the meds and got panic free I did so by facing my fears a few baby steps each and every day. I hope to that again but last time Death did not seem to be what I had to face. — Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond’s glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush. I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die. Anonymous (attributed to Mary Frye – 1932)
— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Response:
If it is false it is false! Boyd — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." (Ellen Parr- author)
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true?
Response:
Why am I getting the impression somebody has been sharing out a monster bunch of bodacious weed? Boyd — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." (Ellen Parr- author)
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? If a man speaks in the forrest, and no woman is there…. is he still wrong ?? Yes.. Jeff. -Steven Wright
Response:
Are’nt there any here? <aghast, agape and agog that you’ve never heard "Donald where’s yer troosers" Sandra’s probably got it in her record collection <sigh.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — TC3 Noooo, it’s a song, ask a Scotsman LOL. Donald Trump? Probably being lined with silk and money. LOL — TC3 Donald where’s yer troosers????? Do your ears hang low do they wobble to and fro Can you tie them in a knot can you tie them in a bow can you throw them over your shoulder like a continental soldier do your ears hang low? — TC3 I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight? If your mother says don’t chew it do you swallow it in spite?
Response:
LOL yes there is one that I know of on here….. He prefers that haggis stuff…… She probably does! — TC3
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are’nt there any here? <aghast, agape and agog that you’ve never heard "Donald where’s yer troosers" Sandra’s probably got it in her record collection <sigh. — TC3 Noooo, it’s a song, ask a Scotsman LOL. Donald Trump? Probably being lined with silk and money. LOL — TC3 Donald where’s yer troosers????? Do your ears hang low do they wobble to and fro Can you tie them in a knot can you tie them in a bow can you throw them over your shoulder like a continental soldier do your ears hang low? — TC3 I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight? If your mother says don’t chew it do you swallow it in spite?
Response:
I am not sure but it is smokey in here….. — TC3
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why am I getting the impression somebody has been sharing out a monster bunch of bodacious weed? Boyd — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." (Ellen Parr- author) I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? If a man speaks in the forrest, and no woman is there…. is he still wrong ?? Yes.. Jeff. -Steven Wright
Response:
Somebody has been feeding their head with logic altering substances. I think, therefore I think : ) Tony — Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.
| Why am I getting the impression somebody has been sharing out a monster | bunch of bodacious weed? | Boyd | | — | "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." | (Ellen Parr- author) | | | | I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: | | If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? | | If a man speaks in the forrest, and no woman is there…. | is he still wrong ?? | | Yes.. | | Jeff. | | | -Steven Wright | | | | | | | |
Response:
Tony Banana wrote… Somebody has been feeding their head with logic altering substances. I think, therefore I think : )
I dunno, I find it all very Zen: I can just imagine the original poster trying to come up with these profound statements in order to start threads wherein questions get answered that he hasn’t even asked yet.. ermm…is this making any sense yet? : ) Vashti
Response:
Somebody has been feeding their head with logic altering substances. I think, therefore I think : )
I think therefore I am?? I thing therefore I stink??? It stink therefore I think.. I stink therefore I am?? Jeff.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tony — Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. | Why am I getting the impression somebody has been sharing out a monster | bunch of bodacious weed? | Boyd | | — | "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." | (Ellen Parr- author) | | | | I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: | | If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? | | If a man speaks in the forrest, and no woman is there…. | is he still wrong ?? | | Yes.. | | Jeff. | | | -Steven Wright | | | | | | | |
Response:
Tony Banana wrote… Somebody has been feeding their head with logic altering substances. I think, therefore I think : ) I dunno, I find it all very Zen: I can just imagine the original poster trying to come up with these profound statements in order to start threads wherein questions get answered that he hasn’t even asked yet.. ermm…is this making any sense yet?
Yup.. A visitor from tomorrow is coming to be with us today to ask yesterdays questions and get tomorrows answers.:-) Jeff.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : ) Vashti
Response:
If it is false it is false! Boyd
What if it’s truly false? Carol. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." (Ellen Parr- author) I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true?
Response:
I think, therefore I worry. I worry, therefore I feel anxious. I feel anxious, therefore I avoid social situations. I avoid social situations, therefore I become more anxious. I become more anxious, therefore I worry more. I worry more, therefore I become even more anxious. I become even more anxious therefore I become agoraphobic. I become agoraphobic, therefore I seek a psychiatrist. I seek a psychiatrist, therefore I change the way I think. I change the way I think, therefore I worry less. I worry less, therefore I feel less anxious. I feel less anxious, therefore I enjoy social situations. I enjoy social situations, therefore I have no time to think and worry : ) Tony — Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.
| | Somebody has been feeding their head with logic altering substances. | | I think, therefore I think : ) | | I think therefore I am?? I thing therefore I stink??? | It stink therefore I think.. I stink therefore I am?? | | Jeff.. | | | Tony | | — | Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. | | Why am I getting the impression somebody has been sharing out a monster | | bunch of bodacious weed? | | Boyd | | | | — | | "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." | | (Ellen Parr- author) | | | | | | | | I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: | | | | If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? | | | | If a man speaks in the forrest, and no woman is there…. | | is he still wrong ?? | | | | Yes.. | | | | Jeff. | | | | | | -Steven Wright | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Response:
Some phenomena are yet to be proved true or false. They can be merely classified as unknown. Is the existence of Bigfoot true or false ? Is the existence of heaven true or false ? True or false has a gray area in the middle. Right or wrong has an even bigger gray area in the middle. Tony — Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.
| | | If it is false it is false! | Boyd | | What if it’s truly false? | Carol. | | — | "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." | (Ellen Parr- author) | | I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: | | If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? | | | | | | |
Response:
The problem is that some of this sounds like it belongs on another support group. Boyd — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." (Ellen Parr- author)
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "Vashti" says… Tony Banana wrote… Somebody has been feeding their head with logic altering substances. I think, therefore I think : ) I dunno, I find it all very Zen: I can just imagine the original poster trying to come up with these profound statements in order to start threads wherein questions get answered that he hasn’t even asked yet.. ermm…is this making any sense yet? Unfortunately for me – it makes perfect sense;) — Sloopy:) "What makes life worth living? To be born with the gift of laughter and sense that the world is mad." –Searamouche
Response:
writes Do your ears hang low do they wobble to and fro Can you tie them in a knot can you tie them in a bow can you throw them over your shoulder like a continental soldier do your ears hang low? —
It has changed from "do your balls hang low" etc. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -TC3 I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight? If your mother says don’t chew it do you swallow it in spite?
– Mark Brown
Response:
— TC3
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Noooo, it’s a song, ask a Scotsman LOL. Donald Trump? Probably being lined with silk and money. LOL — TC3 Donald where’s yer troosers????? Do your ears hang low do they wobble to and fro Can you tie them in a knot can you tie them in a bow can you throw them over your shoulder like a continental soldier do your ears hang low? — TC3 I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight? If your mother says don’t chew it do you swallow it in spite?
Response:
I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true?
Response:
I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true?
Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight? If your mother says don’t chew it do you swallow it in spite?
Response:
Do your ears hang low do they wobble to and fro Can you tie them in a knot can you tie them in a bow can you throw them over your shoulder like a continental soldier do your ears hang low? — TC3
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight? If your mother says don’t chew it do you swallow it in spite?
Response:
hjklhlkjh" says… I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: LOL! If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? If it’s true, will you come over and fix the widgets I have that came with lifetimes guarantees?
Is the guarantees for your lifetime or the lifetime of the widget?? If the widget were designed to last say, 5 years, would the guarantee last for 5 years??? Jeff.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Sloopy:)
Response:
Donald where’s yer troosers?????
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do your ears hang low do they wobble to and fro Can you tie them in a knot can you tie them in a bow can you throw them over your shoulder like a continental soldier do your ears hang low? — TC3 I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight? If your mother says don’t chew it do you swallow it in spite?
Response:
It’s in the book. The book is on the back of your seat! Boyd — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." (Ellen Parr- author)
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true?
Response:
Donald Trump? Probably being lined with silk and money. LOL — TC3
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Donald where’s yer troosers????? Do your ears hang low do they wobble to and fro Can you tie them in a knot can you tie them in a bow can you throw them over your shoulder like a continental soldier do your ears hang low? — TC3 I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight? If your mother says don’t chew it do you swallow it in spite?
Response:
I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true?
If a man speaks in the forrest, and no woman is there…. is he still wrong ?? -Steven Wright
Response:
I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? If a man speaks in the forrest, and no woman is there…. is he still wrong ??
Yes.. Jeff. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – -Steven Wright
Response:
Noooo, it’s a song, ask a Scotsman LOL.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Donald Trump? Probably being lined with silk and money. LOL — TC3 Donald where’s yer troosers????? Do your ears hang low do they wobble to and fro Can you tie them in a knot can you tie them in a bow can you throw them over your shoulder like a continental soldier do your ears hang low? — TC3 I was wondering if someone could verify this idea for me: If something is permanent, it is permanent. Is this not true? Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight? If your mother says don’t chew it do you swallow it in spite?
If you like this post and would like to receive updates from this blog, please subscribe our feed.