Panic attack help…?
I am having a major panic attack right now..my heart is pounding and ever negative thing i can think is being pushed into my head..i am a single mother of 2 boys and im trying to go to college, pay bills ect..im 24 and i just feel like i will be a single mother doing this all on my own for the rest of my life..i feel so sick to my stomach right now and i feel sooo low..thank god my kids are in bed right now..anyone have some words to uplift my spirit? I am even feeling blue about studying to go to college i have to take a test im just sooo blah!!
Lisa! Hold on kiddo! First of all … take some really deep breathes. Try to erase the negative thoughts from your mind for just a minute and just breathe. In through your nose … out through your mouth. This is a proven technique when needing to calm down.
Now, you are telling the story of my life let me tell ya! I could go on for days, but I am thinking God put me here right now to lift you up a bit. I am a single mother, full time teacher (meaning I work no less than 60+ hours a week when all is said and done), and I spent the last year getting a Masters degree – of all things – all by myself with no family any closer than an hour away to help me. I felt exactly like you for most of the last year. We had serious financial problems and I have been trying not to lose my house because of the awful housing market and being on my own trying to afford to live. Luckily, I am a strong woman and refuse to give up no matter what comes my way. You mind is a powerful weapon in the war on depression.
First and foremost, you MUST focus your energy on positive thoughts. I know money is tight … but go and get the book "The Secret". It is changing my life and the lives of 100′s of others at this very moment. I have done a complete 360 since reading that book – I have been so negative because of all my problems and was focusing my energy on all the wrong things. If I made it through this past year .. SO CAN YOU!!
I can tell you have depression … just by what you are saying …. you sound just like I did last year. There is always the option of going to a doctor and getting an anti-depressant – these have saved thousands of lives – but I for one do not like to take medication and had a bad reaction to many of them. I had to realize that no matter how selfish it seemed – there MUST be some "me’ time. This is hard for a single parent, but ESSENTIAL. Exercise and eating as healthy as possible will help greatly with your depression. They have worked miracles for me.
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Never be ashamed to say you are a single parent – as long as you don’t abuse it – people will step up to the plate and help you if you just ask. You can do this … and getting a college education is extremely important. That too has changed my life tremendously for the BETTER! You will not be doing "all this on your own for the rest of your life" unless you focus on that. STOP the negative thinking. You can do this … many other single parents have as well! Going to college also tells your boys that education is IMPORTANT and it matters … believe me as a teacher – I wish more parents would get that!
Hang in there girl … one thing you can do is to take a minute and make a list. On one side list all the "bad/negative" things you are feeling or what is depressing you … then on the "good" side write down all the blessings you have in your life. You are here and alive for one … that is pretty darn significant!
This exercise will help you to see that the good really does outweigh the bad!
Lastly, if you are a believer turn to Christ. He will never leave you or forsake you. Ask for help … pray for strength. He will give it to you when you need it most. Make time to get involved in church if you are not … many people will be glad to help you out. I know they have for me. If nothing else… have faith in God because when all else fails … his love will not! Never forget that …
You can do it … God has already given you 2 beautiful little boys. You must be a role model to them and teach them to succeed in life. He has entrusted you with their care … you will NOT fail! Think of them and gain strength from knowing they love you and need you unconditionally! Stay POSITIVE … stay STRONG!
Peace and Grace to you Lisa … you will look back on all this one day and smile ~ grateful for all the tough times taught you and thankful you have them to remind you how lucky you really are!
In Him,
Christee
Comments
Comment from jacko
Time January 17, 2010 at 12:02 pm
See panic attacks at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 8, and practise one of the relaxation exercises on page 2, daily, and when needed.
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Comment from Douglas T
Time January 17, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Panic attacks are really scary. You can breathe into a paper bag as you are prpbably hyperventing. Good luck!
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Comment from *totallyprissy*
Time January 17, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Breathe!!!
in
out
in
out
lol
now laugh..who cares if you look pathetic or whatever; they say that laughing (whether real or not) release good chemicals in your body which helps you relax
Now whatever is bothering you…STOP thinking about it.
Refuse to it is all in the mind…if the negative thoughts try to come along..(i’m going to be alone forever…i’ll never pay off these bills….i’m hopeless…) think the opposite of them and RELAX…you might even just take some time off for you where you can go and do something you really like…it doesn’t have to be long..and you can leave your kids with a babysitter..there is so much you can do!
xoxoxo
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Comment from maryannandgilligan
Time January 17, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Panic attacks are common for people going through stress and you definitely seem like you are going through alot right now. College is a great way to improve yourself and you are being a positive role model for your boys. Don’t borrow more trouble by worrying about things that are not even there yet. Take one step at a time and think about one class …one test and only one thing as you can take it. There is medication you can take for panic attacks if you continue to have them you might need to see someone about getting something. Maybe your doctor can give you something so you can rest at night and then you will feel refreshed and able to look ahead with a more positive outlook. Just think how much your education is going to improve your life and your children’s lives. No one can take away your education and you will see that it is worth the struggle. Maybe you could get together with some friends at college that also have children and study together and create a support group. As my mom always says "this too shall pass".
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Comment from get right
Time January 17, 2010 at 1:36 pm
BREATHE, CALM DOWN, EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE O.K. , REMEMBER ALL THE GREAT THINGS, ALL THE LOVE U HAVE FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND LIFE. YOU HAVE MAJOR POTENTIAL AND KEEP ON MOVING. THIS IS SOMTHING I USE TO HELP ME GET THROUGH THE ROUGH TIMES:
"If I can endure for this minute whatever is happening to me
No matter how heavy my heart is or how dark the moment might be…
If I can but keep on believing what I know in my heart to be true,
That darkness will fade with morning and that this will pass away, too…
Then nothing can ever disturb me or fill me with uncertain fear,
For as sure as night brings dawning, my morning is bound to appear…"
U’RE GOING TO BE FINE. BREATHE!!!!!!!!
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Comment from mopvt
Time January 17, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Oh man. It may sound quarky, but pray. Pray that God will be with you through these tough times. Pray that he will give you the strength and the faith that it will be ok. I have had panic attacks the past couple of days- just depressed about where I am in my life right now. We’ve got so much on our plate and we’re overwhelmed. You can’t focus on everything at once. Your kids are the most important. Doing your work and college stuff – just one at a time. Remember too to BREATHE. oh does that help! Yup, you will cry and you might have an attack again. But God is there to help you through. Though you feel horrible, God won’t give you (or I) anything we can’t handle! You’re a great mom trying to better your life as well as your kids. Though I don’t know you, I’m proud of you. I’m just a single person and it’s a struggle. I’m sure your kids are proud of you too in what you are doing.
It will be ok. Read Psalm 42. My favorite.
Good luck!
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Comment from Peaches
Time January 17, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Try to place your thoughts on something positive.
Think of something that makes you happy like your children.
I know what you are going thru, been there and still go there some days.
If you want someone to talk to drop me a email.
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Comment from Lulu O
Time January 17, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Honey, my goodness i hope your panic attack has passed, because if it is a panic attack, deep breathing and very little action or relaxing with sometimes a short cursing fit in the closet may help. panic attacks pass….Alot of people mistake anxiety and heart ache/ stress with panic attacks (if you can manage, see a doctor) usually if i start to feel my chest cave in or my head wonder, or just feel out of control, i remember it is fear. usually I’m too busy to realize anything, but i learned being a single mom with no education that everything is either about love or fear. fear nothing my love, but fear itself. i always say, love your fears, know your fears face your fears than give it away, write them and burn them one by one, lock them in a box, give them to God, but whatever you do just remember, you can go lay next to those boys and cry your heart out or sleep better, just knowing that they love you no matter what, you are the best person,most important person, to them and everything you do and say will always be the right thing. you are lucky to get the chance to get an education, good for you, these days will pass. i promise
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Comment from xNocturnex
Time January 17, 2010 at 3:13 pm
First of all I want applaud your efforts in all that you are doing for your family, it shows an incredible amount of spirit and determination to persevere, tremendous courage on your part. I suffer from panic attacks from time to time and I know they can be disorienting and frightening however, anyone that has come as far as you have has an amazing amount of willpower and a love for not only their family but a desire to better themselves, and a commitment that shines true with honor… what strength of character to have at 24…….
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Here’s something that no one can ever take away from you and I give it in the spirit of friendship and compassion,
I BELIEVE IN YOU!
Comment from christee68
Time January 17, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Lisa! Hold on kiddo! First of all … take some really deep breathes. Try to erase the negative thoughts from your mind for just a minute and just breathe. In through your nose … out through your mouth. This is a proven technique when needing to calm down.
Now, you are telling the story of my life let me tell ya! I could go on for days, but I am thinking God put me here right now to lift you up a bit. I am a single mother, full time teacher (meaning I work no less than 60+ hours a week when all is said and done), and I spent the last year getting a Masters degree – of all things – all by myself with no family any closer than an hour away to help me. I felt exactly like you for most of the last year. We had serious financial problems and I have been trying not to lose my house because of the awful housing market and being on my own trying to afford to live. Luckily, I am a strong woman and refuse to give up no matter what comes my way. You mind is a powerful weapon in the war on depression.
First and foremost, you MUST focus your energy on positive thoughts. I know money is tight … but go and get the book "The Secret". It is changing my life and the lives of 100′s of others at this very moment. I have done a complete 360 since reading that book – I have been so negative because of all my problems and was focusing my energy on all the wrong things. If I made it through this past year .. SO CAN YOU!!
I can tell you have depression … just by what you are saying …. you sound just like I did last year. There is always the option of going to a doctor and getting an anti-depressant – these have saved thousands of lives – but I for one do not like to take medication and had a bad reaction to many of them. I had to realize that no matter how selfish it seemed – there MUST be some "me’ time. This is hard for a single parent, but ESSENTIAL. Exercise and eating as healthy as possible will help greatly with your depression. They have worked miracles for me.
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Never be ashamed to say you are a single parent – as long as you don’t abuse it – people will step up to the plate and help you if you just ask. You can do this … and getting a college education is extremely important. That too has changed my life tremendously for the BETTER! You will not be doing "all this on your own for the rest of your life" unless you focus on that. STOP the negative thinking. You can do this … many other single parents have as well! Going to college also tells your boys that education is IMPORTANT and it matters … believe me as a teacher – I wish more parents would get that!
Hang in there girl … one thing you can do is to take a minute and make a list. On one side list all the "bad/negative" things you are feeling or what is depressing you … then on the "good" side write down all the blessings you have in your life. You are here and alive for one … that is pretty darn significant!
This exercise will help you to see that the good really does outweigh the bad!
Lastly, if you are a believer turn to Christ. He will never leave you or forsake you. Ask for help … pray for strength. He will give it to you when you need it most. Make time to get involved in church if you are not … many people will be glad to help you out. I know they have for me. If nothing else… have faith in God because when all else fails … his love will not! Never forget that …
You can do it … God has already given you 2 beautiful little boys. You must be a role model to them and teach them to succeed in life. He has entrusted you with their care … you will NOT fail! Think of them and gain strength from knowing they love you and need you unconditionally! Stay POSITIVE … stay STRONG!
Peace and Grace to you Lisa … you will look back on all this one day and smile ~ grateful for all the tough times taught you and thankful you have them to remind you how lucky you really are!
In Him,
Christee
References :
Comment from Moonface
Time January 17, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Hey! Sorry to hear about you’re so down and stressed.
Breathing properly will control your panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better. Once you start practising, it’ll become second nature.
Also I would really advise a course of Cognitive Behavioural therapy. CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks. It takes a bit of work, but if you put the effort in it’s super effective. You can speak to your doctor about doing a course, or you can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/elear...
I also do relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. This site has instructions on how to do it without the tapes (and other useful info): http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resource...
Also remind yourself of all your wonderful achievements! I hope you start feeling better very soon.
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Comment from Jess
Time January 17, 2010 at 11:29 am
ok right know… just start breathing very slowly and calmly…take it slowly with studying and with anything that is stressing u.
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psychology major