I think life would be easier to just give up trying

Hey @Former-Member

You just never know if a plan is going to turn out the way you expected and it sounds like today was just not the day for you or your doctor ( Doctors can have bad days and I am hopeful this is not how she wanted you to feel treated.)

Do you mind if we work backwards? What is a panic attack for you, what are the physical and mental components that make it up and do you get a warning that one is coming? What is it about camping that gives you the recharge you need to go forwards?

We know what you were saying, @Former-Member. I'm saying the same thing. I reach out, and out there - there is no-one I can find who is not looking after himself.

Just keep going, @Former-Member. I know it's difficult. It is for so many of us here. I know you've tried. Me too. Tried everything. But please, just keep going. We're here for you. We understand what you're going through. Just keep plodding, my friend. Sending best wishes and thinking of you.

@Former-Member - yes they are located in Victoria but offer a national service - including a helpline and I think some online support groups.

I also just found this one - a collection of self-help resources for panic disorder. It's actually from a WA clinic by the looks of it. Feel free to have a read through, or ignore it if it's a rehash of stuff you've seen before! Hope this helps.

Hi @AussieRecharger i will try answer your questions but I still feeling foggy

there are two types of panic I get. The usual one is caused by dread, anxiety. One like the bad body shaking, wanting to escape, mind racing, tears, numbness pins and needles. When severe I pass out my throat tightens I can't take a breath in. A couple of times my hands have cramped up and I am unable to open them. I have had my oxygenated levels drop to 80% when taken to hospital.The other type I am calm and concentrating on staying relaxed ie at the dentist. I am not hyperventilating. from my chest down especially from my stomach down into my legs are dead. My husband is with me and says he doesn't see me breath. I am not aware of this. As time goes on I 'zone out' my hands stay in a position on my face etc unless someone removes them. I have no idea of time and what's around me, any noise is painful to my ears any shaking or movement on me by someone is terrifying. In both types I find it hard to walk unaided the second type leaves me feeling spaced out for a day or two

dont get a waning itch the second type until it's too late. First one could be a build up of anxiety for days or more. It can also come on suddenly like with the Dr. through the unexpected. This is why I hate the not knowing and a change in what was expected.

The camping... the escape. Nothing to do, but relax, no appointments, no housework, to forget any problems and guilt for a little while... just absorb and connect with nature.

all I can say is @Former-Member please dont give up as you are someone who gives hope to many on theses forums Im sure that you are Valueable to this community please keep trying as hard as things may feel right now keep trying my friend keep reaching out on here as needed because you yourself are needed and deserve support ,just like youve supported and listened to others concerns

I am sorry you are going through the same situation @Historylover i am exhausted and wish I could stay in bed and sleep. But that's not me, I would have too much guilt as I know it's not the right thing to do. Thank you I will be fine. Just not going down the medical path again. I think being on here is better, no stigma. Sending you 💞🤗

Thank you @Jynx i will look at it tomorrow 💞

That's really lovely of you to say @LostAngel Thank you 💞

Hello @Former-Member what a bad experience you had with the gp, zero empathy and arguable expertise. I'm glad you've had support from @Historylover and @LostAngel and all the others who've replied. I wish you could distil the essence of camping to have as a tonic every day at home.

I took myself off ADs a couple of years ago. I think the tablets were scored and I also have a tablet cutter so I halved and quartered the tablets. It took me 3 months overall as I took several days at each step and started from a high dose.

I reckon you should definitely persevere with getting a referral to a psychologist - Understanding your panic attacks is halfway to finding strategies for managing and avoiding them. Counting my breaths helps me control anxiety at the dentist. If there are sympathetic reception staff at your clinic they might be able to guide you to another gp in the practice. It worked for me. I didn't need to say much, just " well I saw Dr X last time, but..."

It sounds as though your husband is a real rock and strength for you. I hope the weather improves and you can go camping again soon.

Take care @Former-Member . Much love to you and your family.

Dimity.

I have just read of your anxiety experiences @Former-Member. That is beyond my imagination and experience. Just horrific. I can only say I am so very sorry that you have these experiences. I have only had one very major anxiety attack - and it too was caused by a medical environment. Humans are very strong but we can't prevent things building up to the point where our bodies respond to our mental anguish.

It was the giving up trying I was most identifying with. Give yourself rest, @Former-Member, and don't feel guilty. Remove yourself from as much stress as possible. That was what I had to do when I was subjected to too much stress. I just kept going until my body broke down completely and gave me no option but to do so - for many years.

The forum is a refuge for many of us, isn't it? Take care. We are all thinking of you.