Re: panic attacks...mental or physical problem?

Most of my panic attacks are emotionally caused too. Infact most of my Depression is emotionally caused! I have taken the path of using an antidepressant to help me function and then working on the emotional problems that have caused all the ups and downs.

Here's an example. For awhile I paniced whenever going out at night, like to the grocery store. I wasn't sure why either! First thing I started doing is telling myself "ggod" stories whenever the panic started. So if it started with looking down a dark alley on the way to the store I'd say (outloud) how I was safe in the car, had a Cell Phone etc until I calmed down. On those times that didn't help I started to sing whatever song came to mind first. The idea is to get your mind off what's frightening and on something safe. At first I just kept things at bay, but then I started remembering things, usually triggered by something I had just seen. My panic attacks from the dark were caused by the "bad men stories" that my mom constantly told. Wherever we were she'd tell what was a danger spot and how men would hurt me etc etc. She meant to make me aware, but instead I became a bit paranoid. Well, I'd take what I'd remebered and tell myself what it was that I knew to do to be safe, and what I knew about who to avoid and who to not worry about. It was hard at first, but I did conquer those panic attacks!!

Start with just the panic attacks as they come. Get your mind on something positive and safe. Then start telling yourself those good stories, to stop the bad story going on in your mind at that moment. As you do this you will slowly start to realise what the emotional triggers are for you.

Here's a good story that might help. You aren't going back to where you were health wise. You know what to do, and who to go to, to keep yourself healthy. You are over the food poisoning and doing well. This IS NOT a restart of what you've been through before!! This is the proof that your body is doing well, you got over the food poisoning after all!!

And never forget, even when things are at the worst, Jesus is always with you! God bless and keep you.