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[Kathleen]

Hello Ladies I am asking this question partly for me and partly for a friend that I was chatting to today and isn't yet a member of the forum.

She has had a whole range of meno symptoms including panic attacks and she felt that being in public either made them worse, even thinking about being with people could bring one on. She said she coped with the anxiety better if she could remove herself from people and relieve the pressure to appear normal. She didn't have any of these issues before the menopause and was infact on her way to a GP's appointment when we met. I said I'd consult you lovely ladies to ask for your comments and I'd pass on any advice you had to offer.

I know she'd be grateful for any help as she is struggling atm.

Take care ladies.

K.

[warwick01]

Hi Kathleen

Yes me all over I had to give up work as I felt very anxious/panicky in public. I only felt ok when in quiet areas. Still not managed city centre or large shops, tend to go shopping at quiet times. Not sure how much help HRT has been, as even now still have periods of light headedness that freaks me out.

I am a 'changed' women 

Wx

[CLKD]

Does HRT help at all warwick01? 

I have had panic attacks since age 3  .  At times I've been housebound.  Psychologists told me to stop avoiding situations, so it was obviously that because that suggestion was written down it must be 'right'.  If I need to avoid in order to remain sane, then I avoid situations.  I shop when it's likely to be quieter.  I never let my pantry/fridge/freezer run down so that we are 'out' of food stuffs.  That way on days I can't face shopping we don't go hungry ;-)

It's about finding coping strategy.  I prefer to shop alone or with Himself, that way I don't have to justify myself to others.  I have stood watching people and they don't watch me as they are busy ............

Maybe your friend should make a list of which symptoms she would like to sort first?  Keep that diary?

[Hurdity]

Hi Kathleen

I would ask all the usual questions - how old is she, and what is her menstrual cycle doing - is it lengthening or shortening, periods changing, is she getting any flushes or sweats, has she thought of HRT? Hopefully her doc will take into account her answers to the above as well as her symptoms before deciding on what to advise.

There are lots of self-help measures to help with anxiety: 3-2-1 exercise ( on this website), nomorepanic website - which has ideas, various books (there was a thread on these....), mindfulness and CBT, all sorts of open air stuff - being outside in the natural world, exercise, regulating blood sugar through diet (cutting out/down on sugar and simple carbs), reducing caffeine, alcohol intake  and many more....

Do encourage her to join the forum....

Hurdity x

[racjen]

Yes, very familiar - I work in a public library and since the onset of full-blown menopause (brought on by chemotherapy so very sudden) I'm finding it a real struggle to go to work, the contact with people sends me into a panic. I've stopped socialising outside work too, just can't cope with it at the moment. Never had that before, I'm normally a pretty sociable person. It's definitely a menopausal symptom - I'd advise your friend to go and get help from someone who knows what they're doing ie probably not a normal GP.

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies and thank you so much for your responses.

I don't know all the details of my friend's situation but we will be meeting  for coffee on the 26th and I  will pass on your comments.  I hope she joins the forum as she clearly needs the support.

Thanks again ladies and take care.

K.