2009-10-13

Panic In a Dark Hall

The hallway stretched for miles before her. Darkened shadows loomed up from everywhere. There seems to be thousands of doors between her and the front door. Behind each, one could lurk the lunatic that threatens to kill her. The sweat pours off her like a river running at flood stage. With her stomach tied in knots, she walks softly down the hall jumping at every creaking noise. She knows he is there. If she does not run, she is going to die! Her breath is coming in labored gulps trying to breathe. Her breath so labored her chest feels like it is about to cave in suddenly she bolts running and running. Sadly, every step she takes the door moves farther and farther away, she runs faster! She looks around for someone, anyone that can help her in the darkened hellhole that will be the death of her. Suddenly…

Let me ask you something, have you ever had a dream like this? I do not mean this exact dream but the dream where you wake up drenched in sweat, your heart is pounding and you have never been happier to be awake in your life. Do you know that someone you know or love most likely is living this dream? Except for them, it is not a dream it is everyday life.

This dream is what a panic attack feels like. How do I know? At this point in AA, I would stand and say, “Hello my name is Susan and I have panic attacks.”

Believe me when I tell you for people to admit this is extremely difficult. People with panic disorders already feel like the world thinks they are crazy; why wouldn’t they think that because in fact the person with the panic attack sees them self as crazy.

Tell me this though, “Where do you fit into the fix it picture?” There are different responses to people with panic disorders. One and I think the most common (from my experience) is “Just get over it!”

This witty response is what I want to address.

If someone you loved had heart trouble or some other debilitating disease I hope you would not say that to them. Trust me when I say, “Panic attacks are a debilitating disease.” There is no rhyme or reason for them. They occur for no apparent reason.

Research has found that the possibility exist that they might be hereditary. In addition, panic attacks might be linked to life changing or threatening evens in the person’s life.  One cause of reoccurring panic attacks is chemical imbalances in the brain. There are medications that can help people and there are many good places to look for help in dealing with the attacks.

This is a list of some of the symptoms:

racing heartbeat

* difficulty breathing, feeling as though you 'can't get enough air'

* terror that is almost paralyzing

* dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea

* trembling, sweating, shaking

* choking, chest pains

* hot flashes, or sudden chills

* tingling in fingers or toes ('pins and needles') fear that you're going to go crazy or are about to die APA Association. http://www.apa.org/topics/anxietyqanda.html

Major things for you as the person with the panic attack to realize are:

Although you are sure you are going to die unless you run remember, panic attacks DO NOT kill people. It will pass. The best thing that you can do is (If possible) stay where you are and ride it out.

However, if you cannot stick it out. Do not feel bad about yourself. Just tell yourself, “It was a panic attack” and recognize the fact that you did not die. Then reason with yourself that you would not have died even if you had stayed where you were. Try again next time to stick it out and stay put.

Do not be afraid or embarrassed to seek medical help.

Susan Boston

Sb/2009

2009-10-03

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