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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Mental Health > Panic Disorders/Attacks > Panic/anxiety
Expert: caroleena little - 10/28/2009
Question
I'm 63, male and in excellent "physical health." I'm an avid runner - 40/50 miles a week. Have had every heart test known to man and my cardiologist says i'm his healthiest patient. I'm happily married, wonderful family. My resting heart rate is 44bpm and have low cholesterol....everything perfect. I take aciphex for acid reflux and benicar for BP. I have had anxiety/panic attacks for most of my life...it seems the older i get the more i get them..my doctor gave me niravam (xanax) lowest dose to take when needed and i do, usually at night, when the panic seems to be worse. I do suffer from heart skips, etc., which my cardiologist says is benign but they still freak me out. I now find myself having occasional night sweats, cold fingers, etc. My "biggest" problem is that whenever I "feel" something different with my body, I assume the very worst! I start haunting the internet looking for symptoms, causes, etc....sometimes of course that makes me worse. But I can't seem to stop. When I travel I first look for medical facilities nearby "just in case."
I've tried the "self help" things found on the net and in books, but still can't seem to shake this problem. Any thoughts? By the way, most people who know me would never guess I have this problem....I can hide it and have talked about it to very few....Hope you can help....thanks
Answer
Don,
You sound like a very smart man. I am not a doctor but,
I will give you my opinion. Those of us who have this panic
attack thing going on are more than likely BIG worriers.
It took me a long time to not focus on every little thing that
my body did.
I truly believe that this is what you are doing.
For some reason, we check out every beat, every ping!
Body to hot or
to cold!
I think it is just the way our mind works.... overtime!!
I used to really do that a lot but, I knew I had to get a grip on it.
Now, I just let it flow.... I do not acknowledge most feelings
I get simply because I would exaggerate them.
Finally, I quit noticing and thinking myself to death.
You need to look at the stresses in your life. Also,
be realistic in seeing if you are putting to much stress
on yourself.
Personal demands, etc.
Think about it.... If most of your panic attacks are at night...
That is when your body is trying to SLOW down...
(Maybe you are fighting that).
Please rate my answer as it helps me to help others!
God Bless,
Carolina
I hope I gave you something to think about. Please let me know how you are doing.
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