Today I am at the office fighting panic attacks and tears. The weird part is I recognize that I am much healthier because of this experience.
*Put down the phone and delete the email to get me help. I will explain.*
First, I’m not enjoying what I am experiencing today. Not in the least. That being said I realize part, if not all, the reasons behind it. The panic attacks are due to stress, lack of sleep, not eating properly and fear. There we go in a nut shell. The stress is tied to the sleep and eating issues. The fear and stress are tied to dealing with Mom. The funny thing is that none of this hit until I sent an email stating that I would not be making group tonight. Suddenly my body freaked out on me and has been doing so for over an hour. It comes and goes in waves.
So how is this healthy? The panic attack probably isn’t, but understanding what is behind it is. This knowledge allows me to ride them out a bit better. I am focusing on my breathing and thoughts. I am consciously relaxing my muscles. I am better able to cope at this point. I am sure that there is more that I could as for, but I am truly happy with this. Having a panic attack you can work with is better than one that pitches you off the cliff. Right?
Peace and blessings.
I have recently come to a similar realization. I have been med free now for long enough to experience some frightening swings and spikes in anxiety. Success in this experiment is a long way from certain, but I have made significant strides in “managing” the fear when it crops up, and making connectios to its source, i.e. lack of sleep. Good for you!
Congrat’s to you Casey! Peace and blessings my friend.