View Full Version : Panic / Anxiety Attacks
Well......it has happened to me also!!!
After a few years of high stress levels, difficult work situations, loss of a family member at a young age due to C..............I had my first panic attack while on holiday about a week and a bit ago :(
We had a weeks holiday booked and after some issues at work just before we went and a complicated trip I woke up with all the syptoms that "I'm going mad".....heart racing, difficulty breathing, dizzyness, lightheaded, nautious.
After a week and a few days I am a lot better!!! I certainly did not have the full scale, long term panic / anxiety attacks other people have and I am so very greatful about it.
Now in the last 2 years this is the 2nd "alarm bell" my body has raised and although I reduced the pace after the first one it slowly picked up again. I'm just that type of person, a do-er, a finisher at all costs!!
At only 29 I have discovered that there are quite a few others that are experiencing stress related health issues. And this from some of my friends. I have been contemplating whether I should write this topic for a few days and have decided I will, simply because it makes me feel better and also because I feel the need to shout out to all people my generation that "IT IS NOT WORTH IT".
To all of us that work hard to achieve and achieve and always achieve. To all of us that see ourselves as always wanting to be perfect or as close to that as possible. To all of us that always try to help everyone with a detriment on our own health.
IT IS NOT WORTH IT
I'm sat here in my office at a new role I started on Friday just gone. The people around me are friendly and always have a laugh. They made me feel welcome and part of the team from the first minute. Mentally though I'm not able to enjoy this and many other things in my life currently. I am not hungry to learn and wait to be spoon fed.
WHY?? Why have I brought myself to this stage and I wish I knew how hard it would be to get out!!
So folks take it easy, enjoy what you have and try to be good enough not perfect. You will definitely live longer and with less health issues that really you have brought upon yourself because of high stress levels.
DSGMATT
12-07-10, 01:11 PM
Well said and an honest post. I am in exactly the same position, tho some of the factors are due to other circumstances. Not many people like to admit these conditions and as they are mental health related - its a tough one to speak openly about. I ended up at the quacks earlier this year with the same type symptoms. I have sat down with my other half and discussed about as much as you have, which helped a lot. A large factor which will change in my life is getting enough excercise and fresh air, going from hands on role 6yrs ago to office/ car has made a big impact on my weight and ability to excercise. I used to road ride up to 90mls a week and also run when possible, 18months down the line with a partner that works nights and shifts and a 2yr old to look after - excercise all but ceased. I am now making a massive effort to get fit and this will help me massively to cope with work and home pressures. Particularly when riding I can de stress and make mental goals about my work and plan some home life stuff too.
Matt
Matt,
I'm sure there are plenty of people that experience these feelings. Without meaning to turn this thread into a self-help guide for the mad I have also started
Exercise - mainly Yoga
Dancing lessons - very effective for me as they focus your mind at the task in hand
Horse back riding - absolutely loving it and if you are an animal person again very successful.
Other options are Therapy (Counseling) and Hypnosis.
But again we should not be bringing ourselves to this point!! Life is short!
DSGMATT
12-07-10, 01:45 PM
'Life is Short'.
This is a true statement - however in today's fast paced society - the expectation to suceed and cram as much as possible into our lives has added to the melting pot. Lets not get carried away - we aren't in a trench dodging bullets or working in a sweat shop for a pittance. In my case I have a high pressure service/ sales role like many other org users. After a heavy day with the usual **** ups with engineers and sales targets - my head is battered. I have no degree or formal business training, but I suceed greater than my university educated rival in the South - purely from experience in the industry and knowing how to deal with people.
It sounds like you are taking the right steps to recognise the signs now and take action. For me - spending as much time enjoying my son and family time balanced with hobbies is were I am at. Work is important but not my life - it used to be, but not anymore. I would actually give up my current lifestyle to live a simpler less stressful version given the right oppourtunity.
beabert
12-07-10, 01:55 PM
The doctors say this is my problem, but i dont see mine as anxiety personally.
For the past 2 years I have had constant slight dizziness, brain fog, light headedness and now tinniutus and i cant concentrate on anything without discomfort/worsening symtoms. If it is anxiety its truely a horrible thing to have.
I am glad you're are feeling better!, id advise you to avoid stress and keep active! be happy :D
I can relate to this... although never really know what to type.
I worked hard at uni and got a decent job, I then worked my **** off at that job with lots of promises of a good career and prospects all of which never really came. Partly due to the attitude of the people I work for, and partly due to the recession.
I got extremely depressed/stressed, and in the end found another job. I started the other job after 1 month, straight away I knew it was not for me and I was in a much worse situation. It paid about 50% more but the people were horrific, my new director did not turn up for 3 days and did not bother telling anyone else I was starting. There was no car for me on day one, no desk, no computer and no work. They eventually gave me some work on day 4 which was absolutely unrelated to anything I had done in the past or indeed what I had applied to do.
I was seriously at bursting point right then, uncontrolably upset and unhappy... after lots of discussions at home on the evening of day 5 I left the car I had been issued with in the firms car park and left. They were a complete bunch of cowboys.
This left me with the unfortunate scenario of going back to my old employer, who were more than willing to take me back as I worked hard for not a lot.
My confidence had taken a massive knock and the job market was non-existent which got me down even more.
I was now in a job I hated again, I had no money to spend and was constantly depressed and stressed, watching every penny, I was also really horrible to be around and live with... this resulted in some massive fallings out with my partner that I have been with for 10 years which very nearlly ended it all.
It was at this point I decided there was more to life. I just wanted a job that I knew I would enjoy so that I could start enjoying life.
Right now things are not a whole lot better although I may just about be getting there, I have managed to secure a new job with a proper company which I start next month, they have been super organised and really helpful, my confidence is still very low and I still feel sensitive and fairly insecure.
Hopefully this time it will all go well.
Not sure why I posted all that, but its god to get it off your chest.
G - sounds like you escaped from the "attacks" situation which is brilliant.
I think the better approach would have been NOT TO CARE!!! work is not everything and depending on how bad it was maybe you could have stayed there, done your best and got paid 50% while looking for a better job.
But doing all this without stressing yourself :)
custard
12-07-10, 02:42 PM
fair play to you, glad its not just me.
couple of things that help me,
steer clear of coffee and other such stimulants.
try "grounding" is a meidtation exercise thing
put your hand on your hip bone if you start to panic (works for me, snaps me back into reality )
G - sounds like you escaped from the "attacks" situation which is brilliant.
I think the better approach would have been NOT TO CARE!!! work is not everything and depending on how bad it was maybe you could have stayed there, done your best and got paid 50% while looking for a better job.
But doing all this without stressing yourself :)
The problem is/was I really do/did care what people think of my work and their opinion of me as a person in general. It's hard to get out of that frame of mind. All through school teachers used to say 'Graeme does just enough to get by' and it was true, and I hated that hanging over my head.
This time around I made sure what the role was before I took it, but I will be doing exactly as you have said previously...just doing my best, not killing myself to please anyone.
Chobblington
12-07-10, 03:08 PM
My dad had a breakdown about 10 years ago after being made redundant from a job he had been doing for about 30 years so I am well aware of the mental effects work can have on you. In the end it largely boils down to whether u live to work or work to live. I for one know that I would rather be on less money and live longer and enjoy myself. However, I'm sure its possible to have a high pressure job and still remain in good health, but it depends how you handle the stress and whether you can find a way to combat it e.g. yoga or other exercise
maviczap
12-07-10, 03:14 PM
One of my team had exactly the same symtoms as you describe, he went down the counselling therapy route, after the pills didn't work.
As his manager I was there to support him.
Some of his colleagues found his behaviour quite strange. Very difficult in a small tight knit team
But he got through it and is back on fine form.
The moral of this and your story, don't sit there, go and get some help and don't be afraid or ashamed to do so
I think your method of doing horse riding, yoga & dancing are very worthwile. My colleague took up cycling to help him and it does help.
I too have my dark days, cycling helps me to escape it all.
We all work too hard these days
The doctors say this is my problem, but i dont see mine as anxiety personally.
For the past 2 years I have had constant slight dizziness, brain fog, light headedness and now tinniutus and i cant concentrate on anything without discomfort/worsening symtoms. If it is anxiety its truely a horrible thing to have.
I am glad you're are feeling better!, id advise you to avoid stress and keep active! be happy :D
are you sitting down?
my wife had the exact same symptoms as yourself coupled with the occasional 'frozen shoulder' and experiencing bouts of euphoria.
they kept telling my wife that she was suffering from this unusual virus and that unusual virus until one night she was rushed into hospital with the symptoms of a stroke. turns out it was a subarachnoid haemorrhage which has left her paralysed on the entire left hand side of her body coupled with dysphasia.
now the good part. a cat scan will show up if you have any problems and if you do its a simple operation to sort it. its basically an angiogram and they stick a 'stent' in where the 'artery/vein' is bulging in and out of hospital in a couple of days.
if you dont go and ask for a cat scan then what they will do is smash your scull open with a scar that resembles being kicked with a horse then bridge the vein then scoop out some of the brain where it has been damaged then stitch you up and put a swelling measurement bolt in your scull keep you in a drug induced coma till the brain stops swelling. all this usually takes about 3 months then you get sent to rehab. this assumes that you dont just keel over and die on the spot.
yes its a daunting thought and i hope that your symptoms are non related. but its better being safe than sorry.
fair play to you, glad its not just me.
couple of things that help me,
steer clear of coffee and other such stimulants.
try "grounding" is a meidtation exercise thing
put your hand on your hip bone if you start to panic (works for me, snaps me back into reality )
have not had coffee for more than 2 years now or any other stimulant type of drink:) As you can probably tell I'm stimulated enough by myself LOL.
Grounding is something I have been looking into though not being very successful as I work in a busy office with people around me. I will try the hip bone though!!
The problem is/was I really do/did care what people think of my work and their opinion of me as a person in general. It's hard to get out of that frame of mind. All through school teachers used to say 'Graeme does just enough to get by' and it was true, and I hated that hanging over my head.
This time around I made sure what the role was before I took it, but I will be doing exactly as you have said previously...just doing my best, not killing myself to please anyone.
G - same here!! Always taught that only perfect gets reward and progression. I have worked myself to the ground for the last 7 years with a couple of holidays per year.
After last week this has changed! I now work to live not the other way round and I'm trying to teach myself not to give a flying F about what other people think of my work. I do the best I can without stressing myself.
My dad had a breakdown about 10 years ago after being made redundant from a job he had been doing for about 30 years so I am well aware of the mental effects work can have on you. In the end it largely boils down to whether u live to work or work to live. I for one know that I would rather be on less money and live longer and enjoy myself. However, I'm sure its possible to have a high pressure job and still remain in good health, but it depends how you handle the stress and whether you can find a way to combat it e.g. yoga or other exercise
That is a very strong example you had there mate! Sometimes such experiences work wonders and certainly help to focus on the more important things!! As you say ofcourse it depends how you also handle stress. I for one don't do it well. Although I can cope it has an effect on my health pretty much straight away. Still I've not learned not to stress but now I am going through the process of teaching myself not to care about things that don't matter to ME :)
One of my team had exactly the same symtoms as you describe, he went down the counselling therapy route, after the pills didn't work.
As his manager I was there to support him.
Some of his colleagues found his behaviour quite strange. Very difficult in a small tight knit team
But he got through it and is back on fine form.
The moral of this and your story, don't sit there, go and get some help and don't be afraid or ashamed to do so
I think your method of doing horse riding, yoga & dancing are very worthwile. My colleague took up cycling to help him and it does help.
I too have my dark days, cycling helps me to escape it all.
We all work too hard these days
I have not mentioned anything to my new line manager. I only started in this role Friday and feel slightly uncomfortable.
I am very interested in the way you were advised and how you supported your member of staff
However, I'm sure its possible to have a high pressure job and still remain in good health, but it depends how you handle the stress and whether you can find a way to combat it e.g. yoga or other exercise
My partner manages it, she is a complete perfectionist and is classed as senior management at one of the largest banks in the world at 25 years old, she gets paid very well and has a very fast moving high pressure job... but she enjoys her job and gets to see the results at the end of it.
She is quite keen on retail therapy when she does get down a bit though lol
After reading some of the coments i recognise some of my symptons, time to see the doc i think
fizzwheel
12-07-10, 05:17 PM
I then worked my **** off at that job with lots of promises of a good career and prospects all of which never really came. Partly due to the attitude of the people I work for, and partly due to the recession.
I got extremely depressed/stressed.
Sounds alot like my first job. Manager was a git, directors were both rip off merchants, salesmen would tell the customers whatever they wanted to get the sale, i.e. make stuff up and lie.
I ended up one morning physically not able to get out of bed. I Went back into work after a week sleeping and said I coulndt go on like this and they swapped my role around, but it was only a temporary repreive and I ended up leaving.
Next job company was on the verge of going bust and so I found another job, run by another idiot who didnt care about his staff or being honest with people who then handed control over to one of the worst managers I've had the mis fortune to work for.
I withdrew into myself, didnt talk to anybody at all. They really were a pair of bullies. I managed to find my current job whilst not perfect, when I think back to what I put up with makes me realise I am actually in a good company and I work with people who in the majority are decent and good to work for and with.
Whilst I dont think I had panic attacks. I can quite clearly recal the phone ringing at home and me almost ripping it out of the wall socket and throwing it out the nearest window. I would loose my temper at the drop of a hat and lash out at the nearest available box or door. I put my fist through a car windscreen one day. All down to stress and what were intolerable working conditions, I suspect I ended up with depression but never went to the Dr about it. One place had a culture that if you spoke out you were singled out and given all the awful jobs to do or they just made hell till you left. I was glad to get out of there.
I've been feeling abit like I did before again recently and havent been very nice to be around. But I know when its coming now so I will off load work or just take a few days off. Like somebody above said, cycling is a really good way for me to deal with it all...
derail... fizz yer a curent.. everytime i read one of yer posts it comes with a moss voice.
beabert
12-07-10, 05:30 PM
are you sitting down?
my wife had the exact same symptoms as yourself coupled with the occasional 'frozen shoulder' and experiencing bouts of euphoria.
they kept telling my wife that she was suffering from this unusual virus and that unusual virus until one night she was rushed into hospital with the symptoms of a stroke. turns out it was a subarachnoid haemorrhage which has left her paralysed on the entire left hand side of her body coupled with dysphasia.
now the good part. a cat scan will show up if you have any problems and if you do its a simple operation to sort it. its basically an angiogram and they stick a 'stent' in where the 'artery/vein' is bulging in and out of hospital in a couple of days.
if you dont go and ask for a cat scan then what they will do is smash your scull open with a scar that resembles being kicked with a horse then bridge the vein then scoop out some of the brain where it has been damaged then stitch you up and put a swelling measurement bolt in your scull keep you in a drug induced coma till the brain stops swelling. all this usually takes about 3 months then you get sent to rehab. this assumes that you dont just keel over and die on the spot.
yes its a daunting thought and i hope that your symptoms are non related. but its better being safe than sorry.
Poor woman :-(
Im fed of doctors it took them two years just to get them to do routine blood test, they said to me last week
'i dont know whats wrong, what would you like me to do'
Im not the doctor FFS, so i said i want to speak to a neurologist, he said 'No' because he needs to give them something to look for?
So he wants me to try antidepresants again! been there tried them already.
tell him you want checked for possible rupture of blood vessel in brain and if you die of it without being checked then your family will sue the practise.
Geodude
12-07-10, 05:41 PM
Im fed of doctors it took them two years just to get them to do routine blood test, they said to me last week
'i dont know whats wrong, what would you like me to do'
Im not the doctor FFS, so i said i want to speak to a neurologist, he said 'No' because he needs to give them something to look for?
So he wants me to try antidepresants again! been there tried them already.
I have been treated for well over 10 years for anxiety, panic attacks and depression and was fed up of pills and potions which didnt work. Then last year finally got a brain scan and a neurology consultant told me that i had reduced blood flow to my brain which caused the symptoms but was untreatable apart from taking asprin to thin my blood to help with the flow! So im stuck with my odd behaviour for the rest of my days with no idea if it will get worse. Worst part of it apart from the mood swings is that it can somtimes take me hours to get my leathers on because of the panic attacks grr.
fizzwheel
12-07-10, 05:41 PM
everytime i read one of yer posts it comes with a moss voice.
:D
beabert
12-07-10, 05:46 PM
I have been treated for well over 10 years for anxiety, panic attacks and depression and was fed up of pills and potions which didnt work. Then last year finally got a brain scan and a neurology consultant told me that i had reduced blood flow to my brain which caused the symptoms but was untreatable apart from taking asprin to thin my blood to help with the flow! So im stuck with my odd behaviour for the rest of my days with no idea if it will get worse. Worst part of it apart from the mood swings is that it can somtimes take me hours to get my leathers on because of the panic attacks grr.
Soory to hear that.
Yes, i want the blood flow checked too! any idea what i need to say to get them to do it, doctors just do not listen or care, its so annoying. Im switching to another surgery tomorrow.
The thing is when i name things that id like the screen for you can see what they are thinking...hypercondriac.
I wish i could inflict what i am feeling on them for a few weeks!
£300 an hour to chat to private neiurologist :-(
Geodude
12-07-10, 05:57 PM
Soory to hear that.
Yes, i want the blood flow checked too! any idea what i need to say to get them to do it, doctors just do not listen or care, its so annoying. Im switching to another surgery tomorrow.
The thing is when i name things that id like the screen for you can see what they are thinking...hypercondriac.
I wish i could inflict what i am feeling on them for a few weeks!
£300 an hour to chat to private neiurologist :-(
It took me years of treatment, pills, councillours, social workers and non listening brickwalls etc mate to get that scan. I think i ended up getting it in the end because they were sick of me TBH but low and behold after years of zombie pills they find the answer. So all i can say is if you know somthings not right keep at them until you get an answer. Just keep at them mate. Im no happier in myself but at least i know im not mad.
I also have Panic attacks on a daily basis. It started from a whole lot of stress and berievement all in one go about 8 years ago but now manifests itself due to the trouble I had with the bank.
If I even pick up an envelope with a bank statement in it, never mind open it the panic attacks start. In fact, I get them if I *think* about going to the door to pick up an envelope. And strangely I get them from smelling plug in air fresheners and deodorant sprays! :) No idea why.
Being a proud and stubborn man of course I refuse to address this and pretend everything is OK but it's always bubbling away just under the surface.
Its wierd what long term increased stress levels can do to your body without you even noticing until its too late.
If I completely block out all the trigger points then every thing is fine but I know its a temporary fix. But I ain't taking any pills for it, thats for sure. But I'll have to do something 'cause 80 fags a day isn't doing me much good! :)
C
Jayneflakes
12-07-10, 06:04 PM
There is some uplifting stuff here folks, thank you for sharing with us.
I have been through some major mental illness and came close to being sectioned in 2001. Stress related illness is horrible and sadly is looked at occasionally rather poorly by society.
The biggest thing I had to learn is that there is no shame in being mentally ill and I was very lucky in that I had a good and dear friend who helped me to find my feet again. He is more of a brother to me than a friend and I love him dearly as a member of my family to this day.
I did not enjoy medication or being sedated, but therapy was extremely helpful. I still have days that are better than others, but I am two years off of meds and have not seen a therapist since 2007.
There is hope dear friends and with care and a safe place to be, the anguish will fade. It takes courage and being bikers, we have that in abundance. Funny, I use my bike gear as armour for my heart as well as my body.
beabert
12-07-10, 06:04 PM
It took me years of treatment, pills, councillours, social workers and non listening brickwalls etc mate to get that scan. I think i ended up getting it in the end because they were sick of me TBH but low and behold after years of zombie pills they find the answer. So all i can say is if you know somthings not right keep at them until you get an answer. Just keep at them mate. Im no happier in myself but at least i know im not mad.
Thats it, its not knowing thats the killer, i wish i knew a doctor, i know some accident emergency staff, hell i live with one. Its also how i discovered the hospital doesn't pass provisional notes back to your GP from tests done, just a yes or no. I couldnt believe it! whats the point in noting it!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the advice, ill keep on at them, im suprised by how many ppl have mental issues on here, i suppose it hard for people to talk about, people cant see the problem so assume you making it up or it isnt that bad. That and the fact some people fake depression to get some time off, i know a few.
the_lone_wolf
12-07-10, 06:13 PM
To all of us that work hard to achieve and achieve and always achieve. To all of us that see ourselves as always wanting to be perfect or as close to that as possible. To all of us that always try to help everyone with a detriment on our own health.
IT IS NOT WORTH IT
Sorry to hear of your health troubles dude...:(
Not much to add, only that achievement and success aren't measured in monetary terms
Only when people realise this do they truly begin to live their life
:cool:
7755matt
12-07-10, 06:59 PM
I had my first breakdown when I was 17. I was predicted 3 A's at A level but never took them as I 'developed' agoraphobia for the next year.
Eventually got fed up with doing nothing and feeling like death so I went to the doctor. Anti depressants didn't work (I love that song to this day) but I finally found a youth drop in centre. Counselling worked wonders.
Since then I've always had issues. I haven't been away properly abroad for 18 years. Feel uncomfortable round new people and strange places. Prone to serious depression and lethargy.
My current job is a mobile grade meaning some travel. A few years ago that became horrendous travel, I'd leave on Sunday afternoon stay in sone awful hotels and then get back late on Friday only to repeat it.
I had my second breakdown as a direct result. I knew I'd cracked, I was properly depressed. Time off work, counselling and taking time to do things for me got ne back to the job I was doing and then to a promotion.
With the things that are going on in public sector cost cutting I can feel the symptoms coming back. I'm having to travel again to make sure my post is covering everything I should.
I'm trying to get fit, and cycle to fit it. In training for a triathlon so things to do.
It's an incredibly emotive subject and there is such a horrible stigma surrounding mental health issues.
If anyone thinks they have problems, talk to someone sooner rather than later. It's impossible to get back the time I've 'lost' and I don't think I'll ever be fully 'better'.
Apologies for the headmess ramble
Edit:
I find breathing exercises really really good for controlling panic attacks
What an honest and open bunch you are, and from roughty toughty bikers as well.
I saw this thread yesterday but couldn't bear to read it because I knew it would bring things into view that would be like looking in the mirror.
Stress can be a terrible thing (as well as sometimes a source for good). I'm currently on a disciplinary at work because of some things I said, when in truth I was just totally panicking inside. They think I'm tough and strong and stroppy so the only reaction I could have was verbal, when inside all I was doing was trying to stay alive.
1 in 4 people have a diagnosed mental disorder. Many more don't get the diagnosis.
Actually, I don't consider I have a mental problem. I do have a BIG stress problem and that stress has a direct cause. As soon as the cause has gone, I'm sure the panic attacks will dissapear immediately. It'll be a HUGE weight off my shoulders and that'll get rid of the stress.
I'm working on that fix now and hope to have it sorted in the next few months.
I'm not detracting from those that do have other issues though as having been at the brink, it must be a terrible thing not to be able to do something about it.
C
Well......it has happened to me also!!!
After a few years of high stress levels, difficult work situations, loss of a family member at a young age due to C..............I had my first panic attack while on holiday about a week and a bit ago :(
We had a weeks holiday booked and after some issues at work just before we went and a complicated trip I woke up with all the syptoms that "I'm going mad".....heart racing, difficulty breathing, dizzyness, lightheaded, nautious.
After a week and a few days I am a lot better!!! I certainly did not have the full scale, long term panic / anxiety attacks other people have and I am so very greatful about it.
Now in the last 2 years this is the 2nd "alarm bell" my body has raised and although I reduced the pace after the first one it slowly picked up again. I'm just that type of person, a do-er, a finisher at all costs!!
At only 29 I have discovered that there are quite a few others that are experiencing stress related health issues. And this from some of my friends. I have been contemplating whether I should write this topic for a few days and have decided I will, simply because it makes me feel better and also because I feel the need to shout out to all people my generation that "IT IS NOT WORTH IT".
To all of us that work hard to achieve and achieve and always achieve. To all of us that see ourselves as always wanting to be perfect or as close to that as possible. To all of us that always try to help everyone with a detriment on our own health.
IT IS NOT WORTH IT
I'm sat here in my office at a new role I started on Friday just gone. The people around me are friendly and always have a laugh. They made me feel welcome and part of the team from the first minute. Mentally though I'm not able to enjoy this and many other things in my life currently. I am not hungry to learn and wait to be spoon fed.
WHY?? Why have I brought myself to this stage and I wish I knew how hard it would be to get out!!
So folks take it easy, enjoy what you have and try to be good enough not perfect. You will definitely live longer and with less health issues that really you have brought upon yourself because of high stress levels.
Good post, thank you!
I moved to another country last year. Not exactly for the reason you are describing here but to change my life at age of 45. Now I am living 1500 km from home and yes my horizon has changed.
Here in Spain I learn that other things in life are more important then what we are used in "the north" (I am dutch)
By the way: I´d like to add one important way to distract yourself from the daily stres: You motor! Caressing my bike helps me a lot. Going out for a ride, just go where ever you want without a purpose other then feel the freedom and the power of making your own decisions because on a motorbike we are highly responsible for our own safety and well being. In holland I have had many Moto Guzzi´s, those motors are very easy to maintain and the older ones require each 2000km adjusting valve clearence or balancing the carbs etc. I sat down and made love to my 1100 sport, V50, LeMansI or 850T3. I have to say that my recently bought first motorbike here in Spain, my SV650, is a little more complicated to work on but still I find the satisfaction to touch it ( "He is mending it with his own hands!" or "See how he uses these spanners!" In my previous life I owned a bicycle shop :) )
custard
14-07-10, 03:13 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54CpPlCnM4I
maviczap
14-07-10, 03:30 PM
Here in Spain I learn that other things in life are more important then what we are used in "the north" (I am dutch)
+1 We all ought to learn ' work to live, not live to work'
Work is fine, it keeps me busy and buys me the things I want.
But I do not live to work.
My car is 17 years old and still going strong, and I don't need to change it, so what if its not the latest model
+1 We all ought to learn ' work to live, not live to work'
Work is fine, it keeps me busy and buys me the things I want.
But I do not live to work.
My car is 17 years old and still going strong, and I don't need to change it, so what if its not the latest model
I think your analogy using the car is a valid one, for your personal ambition but what if you are in a job/company that has/needs different ambitions? Its easy to say change but that need won't be recognised till after the 'beast' has climbed on your back.
timwilky
14-07-10, 03:45 PM
Oh what bunch of soft **** gits we are!
My parent/ grand parents did not fight wars for you lot to moan. FFS get a grip, a punch on the nose will soon make you forget your insignificant problems.
Man up, stiff upper lip and carry on, what what!
maviczap
14-07-10, 04:02 PM
I think your analogy using the car is a valid one, for your personal ambition but what if you are in a job/company that has/needs different ambitions? Its easy to say change but that need won't be recognised till after the 'beast' has climbed on your back.
Agreed Bri, this just my personal outlook, I don't crave the latest car, phone, Tv. But sometimes image is important for your work/company
I'd rather save the money. If I want something, and before I hit the buy button, I just double check 'do I really need it'?
maviczap
14-07-10, 04:04 PM
Oh what bunch of soft **** gits we are!
My parent/ grand parents did not fight wars for you lot to moan. FFS get a grip, a punch on the nose will soon make you forget your insignificant problems.
Man up, stiff upper lip and carry on, what what!
Ah stoneage management style #-o ;)
Oh what bunch of soft **** gits we are!
My parent/ grand parents did not fight wars for you lot to moan. FFS get a grip, a punch on the nose will soon make you forget your insignificant problems.
Man up, stiff upper lip and carry on, what what!
Ah stoneage management style #-o ;)
Ssshh! His eyebrows meet in the middle. He's from the other side of the hill where they don't even give sympathy away.
timwilky
14-07-10, 05:21 PM
Better than you lot on wrong side of t'hill don't cry over spilt milk, cry about how much it costed in the first place.
I thought I would put a small update on this thread seeing as quite a few people have sufferred or are suffering from these attacks.
During the past week and a bit I've met a number of strangers who are actually going through similar or have been in the past few years. Seems like a trend of our times!!! Majority of people are between 25-35 as well that have met.
About a week and a bit ago I had a major attack that went on all night! Next morning I was absolutely knackered and still experiencing the effects of it. I decided I was torturing myself and it was time I took some medication to help me get through it.
I went to see my GP again and was prescribed some form of very light relaxants and also sleeping tablets. I have been taking them now for about 2 weeks and all the syptoms have gone!! There are no attacks and no physical syptoms. It seems the key is having a good nights sleep, something which the tablets help with. I am now in the process of reducing the dosage so that I can completely come off them in the next couple of weeks.
I have had no side effects from the medication and in fact they helped me immensly. To all out there who are suffering from this, medication helps but it needs to be alongside other things that make you feel good and positive. On their own they will not do much.
BernardBikerchick
27-07-10, 09:30 AM
What an honest and open bunch you are, and from roughty toughty bikers as well.
I saw this thread yesterday but couldn't bear to read it because I knew it would bring things into view that would be like looking in the mirror.
Stress can be a terrible thing (as well as sometimes a source for good). I'm currently on a disciplinary at work because of some things I said, when in truth I was just totally panicking inside. They think I'm tough and strong and stroppy so the only reaction I could have was verbal, when inside all I was doing was trying to stay alive.
1 in 4 people have a diagnosed mental disorder. Many more don't get the diagnosis.
sooo glad its not just me messie they are trying to dothe same at my work now t%ats!!!!! !!!!!!!! my work since moving to london has nearly always been the main trigger for stuff like this although burying half my family didn't help much ! Now a days all mainly ok tend to be more of a cry baby than flipping but I remember back in 1999 after my Mum had died a hideous death, some poor bloke accidentally tripped over my foot in a bar and before i knew it I had him by the scruff of his neck and pasted him across the bar !!!!!!!!!! thank god it was over a decade ago !! I am wonderfully happy outside of work which makes everything else fit into place - still flippin stressful though being micro managed and scrutinsed for everything single thing i do or say - even got told I was not actively listening because I had my arms folded in a meeting WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But all that said having been at the very very bottom of the barrel before I am sure never to return there again and once again feel I owe my happiness to one very special individual xx
hindle8907
27-07-10, 10:42 AM
my OH has just had an ECG as she has been having these type off attacks alot lately but she was given the all clear and been told its down to stress mostly due to events over the past year which haven't been good to say the least.
jans1971
27-07-10, 11:26 AM
i started getting them when i was a big super skunk user and i was suffering from depression which was all to do with the drug use, so went to the doctors and got some help and iv not had a panic attack again or touched cannabis again
Miss Alpinestarhero
27-07-10, 12:11 PM
Although I don’t post on here anymore, I felt compelled to reply to this thread. I haven’t read it all, just the last few pages – whilst medication is a great thing, its important to remember that it can eventually lead to dependence with repeated and long-term use. It could come to the point where you feel anxious and think ‘I better have my pill’ rather than riding it out.
‘Riding it out? Are you barking mad!’ some of you might say. Well no. I work therapeutically with people who have anxiety, depression, panic attacks and phobias using the Cognitive-Behavioural framework and use (as the name says) cognitive and behavioural methods to help treat, or at least minimize the impact that it has on their daily lives.
Back to the whole riding it out comment – it all stems from he way our bodies are adapted to deal with threats. I’m only going to speak in relation to panic attacks here but the basic idea is that the maintaining factor in keeping panic attacks going is behaviour. Something makes you feel panicky so you avoid it. And it becomes a vicous cycle. By gradually exposing yourself to the situation that makes you feel panicky, the physical symptoms and thoughts will subside. The thoughts accompanying panic attacks tend to be rather catastrophic & unhelpful in nature i.e. ‘im going to die’.
My statement here is based on a simple case of panic and I know that everyone is different and has different causes, life situations, events etc etc and that panic attacks are different for everyone. And that is why im going to say that none of this should be carried out without the advice of your GP or CBT therapist. Particularly if you happen to be someone with heart problems.
Maria you are very right in all you are saying! I am one of those that have started with therapy and because the results are not immediate I decided to take medication as well.
CBT or any other therapy in general is very helpful and will assist you in dealing with phobias and the underlying cause of the panic attacks.
For example today is not a great day for me......though VERY much better than any other previous "bad" day. The reason for it is that I decided to try and reduce the medication last night but it was too big a reduction:)
So since I woke up at 4:30am I am now feeling cr@p and knackered. Simply want to go home and sleep hoping that when I wake up I will feel much better. Sounds simple and stupid that I get anxious because of not sleeping well but this is just to show you how the body interprets wrongly certain messages.
454697819
27-07-10, 01:07 PM
I didnt want to post up on here the first time this thread was started as doing felt as though I had admitted defeat...
I am struggling massively at the moment with some fundamental issues in my life which are causing me restless nights and massive bouts of anxiety, I am trying desperately hard to avoid pills but I am seeking someone to talk to about my issues to help me deal with them. I do not want to be diagnosed with depression again as I do not like the stigma that goes with that here in my work place... for whatever the reason..
Proper sleep is a massive key to this I am sure, when this returns without the aid of alcohol then I will be happier for now though I have to talk some of this **** out of my head one day soon,
the sooner the better you do it!
the problem is with how our brain interprets situations and that in turn causes the stress and anxiety. If you can change the way your head works then all goes away
Miss Alpinestarhero
27-07-10, 01:47 PM
today is not a great day for me......though VERY much better than any other previous "bad" day. The reason for it is that I decided to try and reduce the medication last night but it was too big a reduction:)
Yup that can happen as well. I did CBT with someone who had insomnia and there was a big issue of 'shall i stop the mediction before or after therapy' because reducing during therapy meant we wouldnt know if her insomina was improving/worsening due to CBT ro the medication. Similary, doing it at the end meant that if things went downhill, she wouldnt have the support of the theapist (i.e. me) and possibly end up being back at square one.
I didnt want to post up on here the first time this thread was started as doing felt as though I had admitted defeat...
I am struggling massively at the moment with some fundamental issues in my life which are causing me restless nights and massive bouts of anxiety, I am trying desperately hard to avoid pills but I am seeking someone to talk to about my issues to help me deal with them. I do not want to be diagnosed with depression again as I do not like the stigma that goes with that here in my work place... for whatever the reason..
Proper sleep is a massive key to this I am sure, when this returns without the aid of alcohol then I will be happier for now though I have to talk some of this **** out of my head one day soon,
You wouldnt have been admitting defeat at all. The first and biggest part of the battle is recognising that something is up and then taking the appropiate steps to deal with it. Mental Health is no different to other problems but you are quite right, there is an unfortunate stigma which surrounds it still. However I think that times are changing and depression and anxiety are becoming more widely accepted compared to other mental health problems such as psychosis and schizophrenia.
Are you using alcohol to help you sleep at the moment? Although it is initially helpful, its actually not because it can dehydrate your body and disrupt your sleep during the night because you end up thirsty or wanting to go to the toilet!
Hope you find someone to talk to, if you arent sure where to go then see your GP who should point you in the right direction.
Could add a lot of personal experience, post accident, which included some very dark thoughts. From very very very fit(and slim) athletic sporty 47 yr old, to an old fat cripple of 52 is a road with lots of pot holes.
CBT has grounded my views on who I am now, what I can realistically expect and with the coping tools its given me its given me a life I can enjoy. Its also given me the ability to look back on those pre accident days and enjoy the memories of my achievements without the frustrations those memories used to bring on. Yes, there's lots of pain and physical limitations but the glass is half full, not half empty.
CBT isn't a holy grail. But with the support of professionals, family and friends the dark days are very beatable. It doesn't come wrapped in pretty paper, tied with a bow but there is a choice of dark days or an enjoyable life through some hard graft.
If given the opportunity take it but don't give up on it just because there aren't any instant results.
*runs off and hides from revealing too much of himself*
what so Compulsory Bike Training makes you feel better. must go do my CBT again.
i'll get me coat and not slam the door on my way out
I wanted to put an update on this thread as there seems a few suffer from similar problems.
My situation worsened in August and I was put on medication. This type of med didn't agree with me and had 2 weeks of hell really! Finally it was changed on the 24th of August and things have improved.
I have to say that I was diagnosed with primary anxiety and secondary clinical depression there and then.
Now 3 months on and with the correct combination of antidepressants, relaxants and CBT therapy I'm a lot better than I was. I get no panic attacks at all, just anxiety snippets. The depression is still here though and in the last week and a half I have been experiencing a dip.
The recovery is an up and down process really which with time flattens out and you are back to your good old self.
Today I am putting this update on as I am seeing the consultant to discuss a possible return to work. I am really bored doing nothing and feel my life has no purpose anymore.
Saying this though I am unsure if it is the right time to return. With no solid facts to base a decision on I can't make up my mind of what to do.
Folks..........I'm tired of this situation and I wouldn't wish it to my worse enemy!!! There is nothing anyone can do for you, to get you out of this situation and all I want is OUT!!! The time is dragging on and I've run out of patience...which I don't have enough anyway.
I wish you all well and make sure you do not get this illness!! Read about the types of people that are prown to get it and if you identify yourself in them START CHANGING THINGS.
believe it or not, being bored is a good sign. It could well mean that you need something to fill a gap that opened up as some of your problems go away. But the decision to go back to work is going to be a hard one and you are right to say there are no solid facts. But trust your instinct, go with what feels right. Think around the issue maybe in terms of part time or just for one week or short days or something like that. Wanting OUT is the best tonic. Good luck xx
And 'anxiety snippets' is the best expression for lessening panic attacks that I've ever heard!
Messie I hope the consultant agrees with you.
What I mean with "anxiety snippets" is that I become anxious over something like a normal person but just a tad more. Certainly not panicky or having attacks.
You sound like you know first hand;)
I wanted to put an update on this thread as there seems a few suffer from similar problems.
My situation worsened in August and I was put on medication. This type of med didn't agree with me and had 2 weeks of hell really! Finally it was changed on the 24th of August and things have improved.
I have to say that I was diagnosed with primary anxiety and secondary clinical depression there and then.
Now 3 months on and with the correct combination of antidepressants, relaxants and CBT therapy I'm a lot better than I was. I get no panic attacks at all, just anxiety snippets. The depression is still here though and in the last week and a half I have been experiencing a dip.
The recovery is an up and down process really which with time flattens out and you are back to your good old self.
Today I am putting this update on as I am seeing the consultant to discuss a possible return to work. I am really bored doing nothing and feel my life has no purpose anymore.
Saying this though I am unsure if it is the right time to return. With no solid facts to base a decision on I can't make up my mind of what to do.
Folks..........I'm tired of this situation and I wouldn't wish it to my worse enemy!!! There is nothing anyone can do for you, to get you out of this situation and all I want is OUT!!! The time is dragging on and I've run out of patience...which I don't have enough anyway.
I wish you all well and make sure you do not get this illness!! Read about the types of people that are prown to get it and if you identify yourself in them START CHANGING THINGS.
I'm glad things have improved with the medication and cognitive behaviour therapy.
Regards to work, it will be hard to decide if returning will bring you a step forward or back. Maybe volunteering for a charity will give you a some purpose, or a change in career if it was your work environment that was the main cause of your anxiety. Messie's advice is very good. So long as you don't dread going back then returning part time to begin with might be a good choice. Good luck.
Well some good news. The consultant believes it is time to return to work on a graded return.
So I'll be speaking to occ health and my boss to arrange this:)
elsie350
16-11-10, 10:50 PM
I have read the thread through and have found it very helpful and encouraging to know that I'm not on my own.
I realise now that it's better to tell someone and get help early on. I didn't at first but it just got worse. After meeting my GP he directed me to http://www.2gether.nhs.uk and I'm currently reading through some books that they gave me. After the books I can contact them and discuss further help should it be required. The first thing I did after realising there was a problem was try to identify it. That's when I realised that it wasn't just that I was afraid of riding around corners, but also riding in the dark, riding in the wet, or riding in the cold - and that's just the bike. It seemed uphill but I'm dealing with each, one at a time. I realise that it will take time (wish it was an overnight thing) but I'm determined to crack it. After all I realised that the alternative was to give up the bike but what then, give up the car or sit in the back in case I panic in the front of the car again?
I am very fortunate to have helpful and supportive people around me and wish you all well and thank you for your honesty and humilty in starting this thread in the first place.
I look forward to riding with you some time in the future.
beabert
16-11-10, 11:00 PM
Great news mate :)
Well some good news. The consultant believes it is time to return to work on a graded return.
So I'll be speaking to occ health and my boss to arrange this:)
Terrific!!!!!!!!!
I have read the thread through and have found it very helpful and encouraging to know that I'm not on my own.
I realise now that it's better to tell someone and get help early on. I didn't at first but it just got worse. After meeting my GP he directed me to http://www.2gether.nhs.uk and I'm currently reading through some books that they gave me....
Prozac and cigarettes for me:rolleyes::rolleyes:
I suffered with Panic attacks for years. to the point where I couldnt fly, I really struggled to drive on motorways and could send myself into a panic attack while simply trying to get to sleep. It ruled my life and I started to become deppressed because of that effect. I tried all sorts of drugs from teh doctor but none really worked long term. While in a really depressed state, I happened to here someone explaining similar experiences to me on Radio 2. This chap through his own experiences, had developed a non medical way to deal with panic attacks/anxiety and I must admit I was very sceptical but had got to the point where I would have tried anything.
I went to the website http://www.panic-anxiety.com/ and saw that to purchase the method it was about £70, bitting the bullet I did it fully thinking that this was a scam. after downloading I immediately started the course and I must admit it was the best £70 I have ever spent and I mean that sincerely. Within a month my life was transformed, within 2 months I was regularly driving on motorways and within 3 months I had took my CBT to get back into biking. it took a little longer, just over 4 months, to break my fear of flying but I conquered that as well.
I cannot recommend this method highly enough.
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