dsanders083
03-18-2013, 02:49 PM
Im not really too sure what I hope to gain by posting this. I more or less want to know if anyone else has triggers for panic attacks that are similar in nature or maybe just to connect to get how much a PITA this can be. Anyway, I primarily react to physiological cues. My body does something that I perceive as odd... irrational fear kicks in, then becoming hyper vigilant. I then proceed to feel impending fear and heightened physiological symptoms, As with most panic disorders, I spent my fair share on medical testing, swearing I was having a heart attack or some other medical condition when in panic- At times I just feel overwhelmed and feel as something bad is going to happen. Impending dread and doom, even though I can rationally challenge my mind( the thoughts that are contributing to the panic), knowing that I can not maintain the symptoms for longer than 20-30 mins tops. However, I'm sure that suffers know that after that time frame your day just isn't back to normal and peachy.
I think that worst part of the matter is I am a trained master level counselor, licensed and all. Which means that I rationalize the anxiety and the attacks. Most clients that I treat with panic or anxiety issues have a trigger, and exposure therapy can be effective. Up to this point, I have trouble triggering my attacks- no external stimuli that will help. I know that stress and lack of sleep contribute to the attacks and I will have them more frequently in a compromised mental/physical state.
I think that worst part of the matter is I am a trained master level counselor, licensed and all. Which means that I rationalize the anxiety and the attacks. Most clients that I treat with panic or anxiety issues have a trigger, and exposure therapy can be effective. Up to this point, I have trouble triggering my attacks- no external stimuli that will help. I know that stress and lack of sleep contribute to the attacks and I will have them more frequently in a compromised mental/physical state.