Panic Disorder is a life threatening sickness

[luckyDan]

Psychologists claim that panic disorder is just "disorder" that can be treated fairly simply (afterall, "it's all in your head" they say). In fact, Panic Disorder is a life threatening mental illness (in my opinion). Majority of patients who get admitted to ER thinking they have heart attacks, in fact have panic attacks. I suffered from panic disorder for more than 10 years. I had shortness of breath, in fact, there were times when I could not breathe at all for about 10, 20, 30 seconds. There were times when my body crushed under intense psychological and physical pressure caused by anxiety and panic attacks. Not to mention my hearth blood pressure was extremely high and doctors had to give me special emergency vaccines just to save my heart from possible heart attack. My experience with Panic Disorder was horrible, there is no words in English language that could describe the suffering that I went through. It was hell multiplied by 1 billion times. I could not walk, when I attempted to run or exercise, I was subjected to intense heart beat and lack of oxygen. That combined with 'usual' symptoms of extreme fear, extreme stomach butterflies, extreme emotional distress, absolute lack of control over my emotions, and other symptoms - just to name few... Panic disorder is not a 'disorder'. It's a very serious, life threatening illness. I thought I was going to die, and I was dying slowly melting in endless amounts of fear, emotional misery, physical weakness, I had no control over anything. I knew that my fears were irrational, I knew that everything was "in my head" (as doctors liked to point out), I implemented defensive anti-anxiety strategies on a daily basis, I used prescription pills, I had intensive counselling and guess what? Nothing, absolutely nothing worked. I even asked Muslim and Christian priests to help me, and they did their best, however, there was no results, my condition was getting worse and worse. Even under extremely intense emotional and physical pain, I never thought about 0119. I wanted to live and I fought for my life with every bit of energy that I had. And the energy reserves were getting lower and lower, because Panic Attacks found another way to torture - in my sleep. I remember being woken up as a result of extreme panic attacks with my heart pounding my chests and my lungs fighting for oxygen. Panic attacks stroke on their own convenience, without warning - re-destroying every bit of emotional and physical strength that I had, attacking my heart, my lungs,  even my throat which prevented me to swallow food or water or medicine. It was absolutely devastating experience which CANNOT be put into words. This absolutely devastating life threatening serious mental disorder cannot be described by words, unless you can comprehend spending over 10 years iin hell multiplied by 1 billion....

And, all this is behind me. I am healthy now. I beat anxiety, I beat Panic Attacks, I can finally breathe and walk and spend time alone and go places of choice and control my emotions efficiently. There is truth in the saying: What does not kill you, it only makes you stronger.

I am 25 years old now and I graduated College 3 or 4 months ago. Because my employment history is filled with gaps as a result of my devastating struggle with anxiety and panic attacks, I am having difficulties finding a job. And regarding dating - I never had a girlfriend. How could I ? I was fighting to breathe. And I remember some painfull memories in highschool when girls told me that they like me and stuff, and I just did not have strength or courage to tell them that I am sick and can't go with for a coffee or drinks. I was hiding my panic attacks from other people, because I was ashamed of devastating effects that this terrible illness had on me. I was pretending to be fine around friends and people, but in reality, I was dead man walking. But that is behind me - I don't think about those things anymore, but I brought them up because I wanted to quickly share my story with you.

I am very, very, very lucky to be alive and healthy today.

I wish all people who suffer from Panic Attacks and anxiety related illnesses to get well soon. Nobody deserves to suffer that much, nobody.

[GreyGoose]

Yes, it can be pretty bad at times but definately not all in your head. Panic disorder affects real people who have real symptoms and these symptoms need to be taken seriously. I'm sorry you have had to wrestle with this for so long. I know it's no picnic. Welcome and I hope you'll find the support you need here :)

- GreyGoose

[nicknacks]

In beginning I never understood what was heppening to me I used to phone the ambulance all the time thinking I was dying they linked me up to the heart machine and you could see with each spasm my heart was up and down. When we arrived they done all the test and turned around and said it was only a panic attack. I have fainted loads of times. I have felt so dizzy I have feel in the street. Im forgetfull and leave ciggies in the astray the lot. I agreed with the above. ITS NOT JUST ALL IN YOUR HEAD. For a while I thought that was my new name, folk though I was being dramatic or wanting attention. The doctors and hospital just palmed me off with a white bag sorry two white bags and I spent the next week with it attached to my face and that dose not even work.Iam so glad that your better now and you are enjoying life and I know you will get a job. Just you wait and see  :)

[Tristan]

How did you defeat it? You say you are better now, but you also said you tried everything and nothing worked. So what happened?