Hey everyone!

[plug_iv]

Had my second panic attack this morning (2nd since last June) and so decided to go looking for a forum. I've looked at them before and even just knowing other go through what you are really helps, but today I felt like I could do with joining one.

Basically I had my first panic attack last June after finishing my second year of Uni (philosophy student, I was asking for trouble taking that course ;)) I had a pretty rough summer dealing with the anxiety and what were some very unwelcome thoughts that started to become quite morbid and frightening. I made it through and started Uni again in September which was a great help, but the anxiety didn't stop like I though it would; I thought the anxiety was due to being at home everyday over summer but this was proven wrong.

I saw a counsellor at Uni and that was really helpful and I did start to cope a lot better. Then a month later (November) I went back for a quick catch-up and I said that I'd really improved and wouldn't need it anymore. Then a few days later I started to get a bit bad again. Since then it's been a bit up and down until about two days where it's felt pretty much down, building up to this morning's panic attack.

I woke up this morning and everything looked really grey and pointless. I've got some friends coming over to our house (I'm married) and I just didn't care, but them not coming seemed equally unappealing. Then I started to look at everything and see how rubbish and pointless it looked which caused my panic attack.

I hope you'll excuse the ramble (this is a welcome page and no welcome message should be this negative), it's quite tough to write coherently whilst your shaking.

Anywho, I'm really glad I've finally gotten round to joining one of these forums and I look forward to talking on here with you all.

[alankay]

Plug, yeah that deep, perhaps too introspective philosophy type thinking/stuff might have kinda made for an anxiety provoking time for you. I know it might be for me. Anyway I would consider going back to a/the counselor and get talking more. Often these things can be "defused" by trying to identify what you're anxious about down deep. Sometimes(as in my case a biological predisposition is more the cause) other times it's a combination. If you're feeling depressed("everything looked really grey and pointless") for more that a week or 2, perhaps a visit to your GP telling him/her all your symptoms would be a good idea. If your husband is sympathetic, it might help to confide in him so he understands all and doesn't misinterpret any changes in you to something else. In the mean time, practice progressive relaxation, deep breathing exercises, get aerobic exercise and limit caffeine and alcohol. Your welcome message was fine. It's an anxiety forum!:):( In any case a visit to your GP and/or counselor should help you get on the road to a happier you. Message me anytime!

[plug_iv]

Thanks a lot for the reply alankay. Alas, I'm a male ;). Luckily my wife has been immensely understanding and she's always up to date with my feelings and moods. I'm off to the counsellor again today so hopefully that should help. Thanks again :)