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[karenja]

I've raised this before but it's been only mind after a stressful week can this anxiety bring on a heart attack it really scares me x

[Ju Ju]

Stress does undermine your health. It will trigger symptoms of existing health conditions. For me that means IBS flare ups or asthma, when there are other triggers, such as infection. For my husband stress meant indigestion, and chronic pain originally caused by an injury many years before.

Do you have a heart condition already? It's highly unlikely that you can bring on a heart attack if you have a healthy heart. If you have concerns then share these with your doctor, so he can check you over. My experience is the medical profession take heart concerns very seriously. They would rather you go to see them, than worry, because you are scared of making a fuss.

As to the stress; we know hormonal fluctuations can contribute to anxiety and stress,  but what else is going on in your life that causes you stress. What things can you change in order to look after yourself? Do you look after yourself, eat healthily, rest, exercise, take time out to do things just for you? Have you an underlying fear of dying?

[karenja]

Hi ju ju  thanks for your reply I guess I've always been a bit nervy and in the past suffered panic attacks when flying and last year I wouldn't get on the plane!  But it's since I started peri menopause it's got bad, regular panic attacks, palpatations and I've stopped doing things like excersise that made me feel good as I looked better, as I had bad palpatations when running and sometimes now as I don't walk often I get a shaky feeling which scares me, I won't even have a drink for fear it will make me anxious, in answer to your questions have I been told there is a problem with my heart no I haven't, ive had ECG a few times when my attacks have been so bad with chest pain I've called 999 - I suppose I do have an underlying fear of dying yes, my jobs not v stressful though there have been redundancies so it does worry me and I worry about the future as I'm in my 50's with no partner, financially and It would be do nice to have somebody with me when I get these attacks especially in the middle of the night I get scared - sorry for long winded reply x

[Ju Ju]

Hi Karenja,

Have you any close friends that you could comfortably off load to? And they to you? It helps to talk to someone who really listens to you. They don't need to advise you or tell you what to do. Just by talking you come up with answers or reassurance yourself. If in distress, try the Samaritans. I used their service years ago, to great benefit.

Can you do a different kind of exercise, something like yoga, which helps with breathing and taking control. If you do, tell the instructors about your panic attacks before you start, so she/he can support you. Be honest with people. Most people will help. I am spending a few days in London. I have a phobia about height. I don't cope with the long escalators, so I avoid them if I am on my own. Unfortunately the lift was locked, so I asked a kind looking couple if I could travel up with them on the escalator. They were incredibly kind. It took courage to ask, but there are many caring people out there willing to help. Don't be afraid of asking for help or of making a fuss. You're not! You are not alone, so reach out.

What are you interested in doing? I am having singing lessons. This is the most important thing I have done for myself and it's just for me. I feel more complete following up something I have always wanted to do. Doing something just for you will help you in so many ways.

I think most people fear death. It is the unknown. I have taken comfort in reading a book by Anita Moorjani which I think is called 'dying to live'. I haven't got the book with me. She had a near death experience, which is similar to other peoples. Very readable. Maybe this might be a pleasant read for you.

I wish you all the best, Ju Ju xx

[toffeecushion]

Hello,

I am very similar to you, but I am marries, so not alone. 

I have suffered with anxiety since my early 20s, it did get better for a while, but since I have been peri it has returned with a vengeance.  When I was younger and at home on my home and I was feeling anxious I would phone a support group called no panic.  They were brilliant and just let me prattle on.  They also have a recorded night time message, it talks you through a breathing exercise and really helped me.

Hope you feel better soon.

[karenja]

Hi Both

Thanks for your replies, Juju I do have close friends but I don't feel they understand as unless you have been or a going through it you cant really appreciate how it feels, I talk to my work colleagues as if I go in and am stressed I feel I should let them know but again there is only so much sympathy they offer as they don't understand, the fact that when they arrange a night out I cant commit as I don't know how I will feel on that day, that's whats its come to.

As for yoga I have been considering this and will check later what classes are available to me in the area.

Shamed to say apart from shopping, eating out, spa breaks and holidays in the sun (before plane fear) I don't really have interests though saying that I do love animals and there is a charity in my area looking for dog walkers for people who are housebound, but Im afraid again I cant commit, it sounds so silly sometimes, well don't on your signing lessons

Toffeecushion, I did look at no panic site briefly  but will definatealy have a look at that site again x

[toffeecushion]

Toffeecushion, I did look at no panic site briefly  but will definatealy have a look at that site again x

There is also 'no MORE panic', but I found the recorded help line message on 'no panic' very helpful in the middle of the night.

I live with anxiety everyday and I know what you mean when you say that unless you have experienced it you cant really understand. 

[Maryjane]

I am suffering with anxiety at the moment also, meno and long term chronic condition, and by far the best thing for me is to take my dogs on a long walk in the middle of nowhere, I do this everyday and it helps enormously, animals expect nothing of us and just love us for who we are, my two dogs have really got me through some very dark times, so if you can try and do the dog walking volunteering, because dogs really are mans best friend.

[Henrietta]

Hi Karenja
Before I had my hyster I was suffering bad anxiety especially at work and the Dr put me on Citalopram. I could really recomend it although I know it doesn't suit everyone. I had a few of life's large knocks while I was on it , job stress, ill parents, major surgery etc and you just deal with things differently. I'm on HRT now and decided to wean myself off it which I have done successfully and slowly but I recognise I needed it to get me through this phase of life so worth considering. It doesn't mean you have mental health issues, just coping with this meno stuff.

[CLKD]

Being alone in the night is awful.  The Samaritans are there 24/7 and I'm sure if you speak to your local paramedics in the day time they will suggest coping strategies.  Give them a ring and ask?

[karenja]

Hi Henrietta, I tried Citalopram but really couldn't get one with it so had to come off, thanks CLKD I will look into that not sure about the Samaritans but the local paramedics maybe thanks x

[honeybun]

Really not sure how paramedics could help. Unless it's different in England but up here they are for emergencies only. Not even sure how you would get in touch with them as they are the ones who turn up when you dial 999.
I think you would have to look for another help line that had someone you could chat to.

Hope you manage to sort something out. Relaxation exercises are very helpful. Yoga classes could be beneficial. Have a look online for mindfulness techniques.

If we don't have a major health incident then no matter how hard it is our mental health is in our own hands.
It's a case of finding coping techniques.


Honeyb
x

[warwick01]

Yep - I feel so anxious, tense, stressed that I worry it will cause a heart attack.... I do get missed hear beats, dizziness but tests show nothing wrong. I have checked my BP and at times it does go up........

Your not alone!

[karenja]

Hi Honeybun and Warwick 01 I think your right honeybun I cant see the paramedics being somebody I could call, I will have to look at alternatives, I have however enquired about yoga and looks like I will be taking a beginners class in the next few weeks, thanks Warwick that's reassuring x

[honeybun]

Have you looked at Mindfulness. There are some good books about it.

It takes a lot of practice, but can be very very helpful.

I keep trying to learn and do find it very good.

It's "me" time.

My SIL has become a Buddhist, she had breast cancer and says this was part of her recovery process.
I'm not suggesting you take up Buddhism but they have some great relaxation techniques.

It's finding what suits you best.


Honeyb
x