PANIC STRICKEN! Taking control of anxiety.

"Those of you who have never suffered a panic attack will have no concept of the quiet anguish suffered, the time lost, the despair, the feeling of inadequacy, the constant fear that you are slowly going mad, the incapacity to complete the easiest of tasks…. but most of all the loss of faith in oneself to overcome this illness."

Rosa lived with these feelings for 7 years.

Almost 10% of the population is suffering from depression, and more than 10% is battling some type of anxiety disorder. Yet only a small number of these people seek treatment. Many suffer silently and secretly for years, too ashamed or guilty to reveal their problem to anyone. Others turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to ease their symptoms.

Because anxiety is an emotion common to everyone at some time, mild anxiety is considered normal. The familiar ‘butterflies’ can even help us perform well by heightening our concentration and efficiency.

A person suffering a panic attack, however, is gripped by a sudden burst of acute anxiety, usually accompanied by a number of physical symptoms. Panic attacks occur out of the blue, at times when most people do not expect to be nervous or frightened, and the speed and intensity of the symptoms adds to the fear.

Some people may not realize that they are suffering from an anxiety disorder, believing they have developed some other illness, like heart disease or stroke. This is an understandable reaction as the physical symptoms can be so severe and persistent that they become disabling.

Rosa describes her experience as being "immersed in my own nightmare". She describes being overwhelmed by a sensation sweeping through her body causing her to hyperventilate and perspire. She suffered violent palpitations, mental confusion, pins and needles in her fingers and toes, nausea and diarrhea. All the time the feeling of fear intensified until she would start to shake uncontrollably.

She says, "I could not stand to be comforted, touched or crowded. I would get angry if someone tried to talk to me, or if my kids asked me questions. ‘Couldn’t they see I was dying?’ I would think."

Rosa’s experience is by no means unique. The intensity of the physical symptoms often leads people to avoid situations where they fear experiencing further attacks. A self-perpetuating cycle is created – a fear of fear.

While such a strategy might relieve the immediate crisis, it leaves the underlying problem unsolved, with little chance of coping with future difficulties. Severe anxiety and avoidance ultimately interfere with work, studies, family relationships and social life.

Sufferers of recurrent panic attacks will identify with Rosa’s position. "My future looked bleak and any plans were put on hold. I became a recluse, a prisoner in my own home, with my thoughts being my captor and the paralyzing uncertainty (created by my thoughts), being my cell."

But what makes a person susceptible to inappropriate anxiety? Some studies suggest there may be a genetic vulnerability. Early nurturing problems, abuse or trauma may predispose one to future problems.

For example, a significant event, such as a near drowning, suffocation or severe asthma attack, may sensitize the nervous system to changes in blood gas levels. If that person becomes anxious or hyperventilates in later life they may develop full-blown panic attacks.

Because the brain’s automatic nervous system response is crude and primitive (fight or flight), it doesn’t make fine judgments on possible dangers and humans can become ‘conditioned’ to react in an anxious way to otherwise harmless situations.

A traumatic event or health crisis may trigger such a reaction. In Rosa’s case, events surrounding the birth of her first child robbed her of control over the situation, and an insensitive attitude to her distress caused her anxiety levels to spiral.

The effects of this trauma lay dormant, however, until her second pregnancy when she was hospitalized because of severe morning sickness and dehydration. While in hospital she experienced her first panic attack and sedatives were prescribed.

Under the care of a psychiatrist, Rosa continued on medication and practiced relaxation techniques throughout her pregnancy. Although she coped well with the birth of her second daughter, the panic attacks continued and she began a desperate search for relief.

"I sought the aid of a naturopath, psychologists, iridologist, breathing specialist, anxiety clinic…. I left no stone unturned."

Rosa’s quest finally brought her into contact with Thought Field Therapy (TFT) and she made the mammoth effort to attend a two-day seminar run by Eugene and Karen Piccinotti. The results amazed her.

"Not only does it work but it’s natural, it’s quick, it’s pain-free and it’s effective. Once you learn the technique you don’t need to rely on anyone else to help you, you help yourself."

"Even though it’s a gradual process for me… I can feel the changes… I am more tolerant, less negative, more understanding and more approachable. I have a feeling of hope."

Whatever therapy you choose, it is important to take care to maintain physical health.
One of the most important physical factors contributing to anxiety in panic sufferers is the misuse of alcohol, drugs or other stimulants. People may attempt to comfort themselves by smoking, drinking coffee or strong tea, but in reality they are provoking their nervous systems with strong stimulants. Excessive use of these stimulants can lower the panic threshold and make it more likely that further attacks will occur. Panic attacks can be triggered or made worse by the use of marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and other stimulant drugs.

Experts recommend lessening stress and boosting the nervous system with
· good nutrition
· regular exercise
· relaxation and slow breathing techniques
· making time for activities you enjoy
· getting sufficient sleep
· replacing negative thought patterns

Perhaps you will share Rosa’s victory: "A change from despair and fear to one of hope, peace and gratitude for life and its uniqueness and beauty."

Our thanks to Rosa Urso for sharing her story.

Resource
Overcoming Panic, by Derrick Silove & Vijaya Manicavasagar
Robinson Publishing.