Staying With Terrible Symptoms?

[prayingforpeace]

I'm new here and have been reading as much as possible. Many of you who are suffering speak about "staying with the bad feelings" when you're having a flashback or intrusive thoughts. For me I spend a lot of time with chest pains but when my flashbacks happen I have terrible panic attacks where I'm convinced (for that time) that I'm having a heart attack and I shake and sweat. It's one of the worst feelings I've ever experienced in years. Its so overwhelming that I immediately take my anti-anxiety med and pray I'll calm down. I fear being stuck there forever...

My question is, do you have these types of feelings and are able to work through them without meds? Is this what people do that are farther ahead in therapy? I've been diagnosed since 12/2015 but still trying to come to terms with it. I almost cannot imagine sitting through that feeling but I do want to get better.

I'm sorry if this is a stupid question but I'm just curious. I seriously can't imagine feeling that horrified and working through it. Will it get easier?
Thank you so much for any answers... pfp

 

[scout86]

Not a stupid question!

Different people deal with different stuff. I'm not the best qualified to exactly answer your question because I've never had that kind of panic attack.

But, in general, as you work through this, you can get better at recognizing stuff for what it really is, and you find things that help relieve the feelings. Sometimes things as simple as remembering to breath. You put things together like "oh wait, this is a flashback, that means I'm not really having a heart attack, I need to do X, Y, and Z to help myself relax." I have a tendency to hear something and react to it like it's not the present, it's a situation that happened long ago, and the 2 situations are really not all that similar. I've gotten better at noticing when I do that. I've learned that feelings are just feelings, they can't actually hurt you. That makes it easier to wait for them to pass.

All in all, I'd say yes, it gets easier with practice. I hope you get some responses from people who know more about panic attacks!

 

[There's Only 1]

I'm new here and have been reading as much as possible. Many of you who are suffering speak ab...

Welcome and congratulations for allowing yourself what you need- ask any questions here that you need- you are safe. I am new here too but I have felt connected from the start. I am on anti-anxiety meds and have been for around 5 years now. My symptoms were too difficult for me to deal with at that time and I asked only for the smallest mg of it. Sounds like you are actually having body memory- horrific ones to say the least. It takes time to begin staying with those feelings so be kind and patient with yourself through this very difficult time. Healing from ptsd takes time and it is very slow but it will be worth it! I have been in T for over 20 years so my experience and ability to stay with body memory has improved. It will for you to but try to love yourself through this time. Part of my ability to stay with the feelings is because I am able to remind myself that it is not happening now- separating the past from the present- this is a huge struggle and a work in progress for me.

Your question is not stupid- it is valid. The promising part of your experience is that you are actually feeling something. That is huge! I remember not being able to feel anything for a long time. You are not alone with this struggle now. Hope you also have a T because it will be important for you as you heal. Good luck with your journey.

 

[prayingforpeace]

Thank you both! I have been in therapy since Nov 2015 and I have a good relationship with my T. I'm so grateful for that as I've read about people having not so great experiences in therapy. I'll try to read more about body memory and ptsd. Thank you for pointing that out. I really appreciate the responses... sometimes I feel like I shouldn't ask because it may have already been asked/answered and I can be insecure about being "corrected". Still very sensitive. Thank you for your positive words.

 

[There's Only 1]

Thank you both! I have been in therapy since Nov 2015 and I have a good relationship with my T...

You will notice most of us do repeat questions- I think it is how we are feeling at that moment and need the support right then and there- which is normal. You are normal- ask the same questions as many times as you like- we are hear to support each other- and not to judge

 

[Friday]

Panic attacks haven't scared me since 97 or 98. Painful, annoying, infuriating, etc., but not scared by them. I know what they are, what my body is doing, how to ride them out, & how to both shorten how long they last for & the recovery of them. My body may be freaking the hell out, but my mind isn't. Oh. This again.

Personally, no, I don't stay with terrible symptoms. As soon as I catch myself I start exercising control over them. Grounding. Slowing down. Backing away from.

 

[Deleted member 34424]

Staying with the feelings and thoughts WITH therapy is what's suggested for phobias, anxiety, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, etc.

Dr. Martin Seif would explain it way better than I can and I'e learned a lot from his website, but here's some good info:

http://drmartinseif.com/dms/why-is-the-content-of-intrusive-thoughts-so-awful-part-1/

 

[Deleted member 34424]

Another from him:

http://drmartinseif.com/dms/why-is-the-content-of-intrusive-thoughts-so-awful-part-2/