GAD & Panic Attacks

[James123]

Has anyone on here read either of the following:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Overcoming-Worr ... ywords=gad
or
http://www.amazon.co.uk/At-Last-Life-Pa ... paul+david

If so did they genuinely help you?

I ask because although after the first 5 weeks of FPIAFW I was definitely starting to see the benefits, mindfulness wasn't really helping when it came to my panic attacks in certain situations. As soon as I am trapped with no escape (any sort of meetings in a room where I can't exit quickly, the barbers chair, dentist or even something as silly as giving a lift to a friend) my panic levels soar through the roof and it's especially bad if I know the person I'm in a meeting room/giving a lift to as they can see how I'm acting.

And after the week I've just had and may have experienced in the past I'm starting to think that maybe it's more likely I have GAD rather than panic attacks. One is a little confused at present!

I'm fully aware that mindfulness is a practice and not a particular tool to conquer any sort of condition and I can't wait to come back to it, I really I can't. I just think that perhaps it would be better to address the core issue first which is bound to have it's own CBT exercises/meditations etc to carry out so I don't want to confuse the issue by doing both.

So if anyone has read either of the above, had GAD, a meltdown or whatever, I'd love to hear your feedback.

Thanks guys & gals.

[Cheesus]

I own At Last a Life. It's pretty good. Worth the money, I would say. I'd send you mine if I was capable of walking to a post box!

I haven't forgotten about your PM to me regarding anxiety. I do fully intend to make a response but it's just been such a huge topic for me I don't know how to start.

I think it's worth mentioning right now, however, that 5 weeks is really nothing in terms of dealing with an anxiety disorder. You can feel better in that time, but if its anything like mine it will take long-term perseverance to make any gains sustainable. Moreover, mindfulness and anxiety is an interesting topic because it is not simply that stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system leads to long-term neural changes, though this is the case. However, it is a process of self-discovery. It is about peeling away the layers, which can sometimes be a painful and unpleasant experience. It is an opportunity to learn as much as it is a means to change.

Moreover, as I mentioned in another thread, people try to think their way out of anxiety which is a little like digging your way out of a hole. You must befriend your anxiety. It must become your ally. Once you truly come to learn deep down that your anxiety is an ally and not an enemy you'll be able to relate to it in a whole different way and that can help you to release all manner of captive energies.

At its heart, the anxiety response is an expression of love for yourself, however the means by which that love is expressed is obscured. When ever an anxious thought or sensation arises for me now, I recognise it as this expression of love, thank it deeply, then hold the frightened, quivering part of myself in my heart. It's a felt, bodily experience - again, the mind must take a back seat.

Don't try to hold onto all of this information and automatically enact it. You must walk the path yourself to learn why these things are true. It's like pointing at the moon: I can indicate it but I can't take you there. To that end, I suggest you seek professional counselling (I waited waaaaay too long to see a professional). I also suggest you try the herbal supplement Ashwagandha. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, be kind to yourself... show yourself some love. Sharon Salzberg's book Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness is an ideal guide to learning how to do this, and I would recommend this book above At Last a Life if you intend to really begin to tackle the root.

Alex

P.s. Don't worry about the label. The anxiety disorders all overlap and intermingle. Just work with the felt experience. Offer it friendship and kindness.

[Cheesus]

I'd actually like to revise that last bit. Whilst you're experiencing acute anxiety, At Last a Life would be a better option. Once you are no longer experiencing acute anxiety, Salzberg's book would prove to be invaluable.

[James123]

Hi Alex,

Firstly, thanks for taking the time out to reply. I genuinely appreciate it and don't worry about the PM. When you are ready and please don't feel you have to because you don't.

Sorry, I should have explained myself better. I'm 39 now and have had panic attacks since I was 16. I can't think of many therapies I haven't tried over that time (even expensive trips to the Priory) so it's just mindfulness which I have, or rather was, practicing for 5 weeks.

OK, I'll get back to basics and buy At Last a Life. Being the negative sod I am sometimes I guess it will just tell me things I have read a million times before and then say at the end "don't fight the fear. let it be" which is all well and good, but not when you're in a meeting being asked to explain something or stuck in a barbers chair and the girl is firing questions at you.

I imagine the book would be a godsend to someone who's developed a recent anxiety condition, but for a season old pro like me..? I better go, I'm depressing myself now!

Seriously though, Alex, you put some great info in that post. I've already read it a few times and will definitely come back to it.

Thanks again,

James.

[natalielouise28]

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum site and I am already so glad I have found this. I have been diagnosed with GAD around 1 year ago. Before being diagnosed with GAD I didn't know what was happening to me and I thought it was 'normal' to feel this way. However I decided to do something about my anxiety disorder, I stopped taking my medication as I found it was doing worse then good. I started tai chi and the use of mindfulness and as an occupational therapist I am aware of the benefits of mindfulness for anxiety etc. This has helped me sooo much! I feel much calmer now and I am more aware of my feelings and thoughts. I have also gone back to the gp who has prescribed me other medication which is working well for me and enrolled me onto CBT training to overcome my negative feelings and low self esteem. I hope this will help me control my anxiety and feelings.

[Gareth]

Glad to hear that mindfulness is helping you Natalie. Welcome to the forum.

[FeeHutch]

Welcome to our community Natalie, lovely to 'meet' you