trin
Posts 224

@beachymaria:

What you are referring to is adrenal fatigue or adrenal exhaustion. I posted a couple of weeks ago about that in the "Losing Fat" thread (sorry, I don't know how to copy that link into this one)

I agree completely with your points. Some excellent supplements are licorice root to help stimulate the adrenal rhythm, as well as DHEA

And IMO, someone like a naturopath is so much more tuned into the body than GP's who, in my experience, tend to focus only on the symptoms and not the cause, and they are often quick to prescribe pharmaceuticals, whereas a naturopath or holistic health practitioner will usually try to look at natural remedies to address the root problem as well as the symptoms. I'm not saying there's not a time or place for prescription meds, but I would far rather try a natural approach to minimise possible side effects that ALWAYS accompany prescription meds

DesertRose1958
Posts 1925

Jupiter, the thing with panic attacks is that one can lead to another, then another, then other - and is it can go on and on and on. It can get to the stage that even if you get over whats caused them in the first place, that years down the line you can have them again just because its what your body does as a response to stress. And perhaps not that much stress as you had years earlier.

I would go and see a Dr., even if its just to have a chat about them.

And Congratulations on your forthcoming marriage.

MDM Mom
Posts 284

Jupiter, please follow these ladies' advice. I was also hard working, lots of stress, nasty boss, etc and when I got pregnant (and the boss treated me even worse) it almost cost me my pregnancy. You are just getting married (congrats!) and you might want to have children too. Take care of yourself, you don't want to be in the situation where I was. Good luck!

Jupiter
Posts 498

Thanks so much for you're encouraging posts, you've genuinely made me feel better about how I'm feeling already!

I'm off on holiday later today (to also get married!) so I'm hoping to return refreshed and ready to sort this out for good.

wikkid
Posts 3367

ceese
Posts 1610

Jupiter, can I also add to the other posters and say that stress can derive from a positive event, such as getting married or going on holiday, and it often feels a bit counterintuitive to feel stressed about something that you are looking forward to!

I use to suffer from anxiety attacks, at one point they bizarely manifested themselves as my not being able to drive along roads with guard rails! Very strange and made it hard to go on highways!! These things come in waves, you may just being going through a vulnerable period, physically, and that combined with work and wedding stress are leading to attacks. The best defense is good health, a positive attitidue and with the internet there are so many resources available to you. Perhaps try a website that is geared specifically towards Anxiety Attacks.

Best of luck!!

beachymaria
Posts 775

SueB
Posts 10934

/beachy, she is a Naturapath but not a GP as well. she is very qualitified in her field though....I am going to make an appt.

beachymaria
Posts 775

oh and just to say that the ladies here are right - St Johns wort, Evening Primrose oil and Essential fatty acid oils (Omega 3&6) and Rescue remedy are all excellent for the nervous system and very effective. I definitely operate a little better when I remember to take all my oils.
Dr Eade at the Dubai Mall is an EW favourite here as she is both a GP and a naturapth and did some very effective treatments & acupuncture to rebalance my hormones again.

Jupiter
Posts 498

Wow beachymaria, that sounds very similar to me right now and like you, it doesn't help that I am great at putting on a brave face so no-one has a clue what's really going on - probably why I'm where I am right now!

The detail you go into is actually really interesting - not boring or scary at all. It's good to know what is really going on inside, as it is a physiological reaction.

I will definitely get this sorted - I need to and have to!

Thanks so much for your post! x
edited by Jupiter on 15/09/2010

beachymaria
Posts 775

Hi Jupiter
Your post struck a chord with me as I had a lot of stress related problems over the past two years. Its very serious and that part of us which says that we should always be strong and resilient feels guilty for admitting that things arent going well, and so we ignore stress. My mentor always tells me to watch for the yellow light warning me to slow down and I never do - I jump through yellow, and then jump red and then... it all gets messy. 2 years back I had a lot of stress at work and people think I dont get stressed as I put on a calm face and forge ahead, usually whilst others are losing their heads around me. But of course something has to give and its usually the health that is impacted. If you feel it in your body, thats a very important awareness as stress IS in the body and has a big impact. Unfortunately I meet too many people (mostly bosses) who believe that stress is a state of mind, something optional. I went and saw Dr Brenda at the Dubai herbal treatment centre about all my health problems which became associated with stress and she told me the following : That when stress hormones are released into the bloodstream (adrenaline or cortisol) they are meant to help us either run away or fight (primitive dangers !) But when we have this happen when we are sitting at a chair and the body doesnt process the hormone, it can remain in our body's, and then an hour later we are stressed again and .... whoom... more hormones pumped into the blood stream. Finally the body cant process the hormones properly and some systems are affected. For me what happened is that when the cortisol was released, my insulin production was affected (not sure of the details but think that insulin was used to dissipate the hormones) and increasinly my insulin resistance got worse till it reached pre-diabetes stage. The first sign that this is happening can be a problem with eating during stress, especially carbs, and those fats get dumped often around the waist (some online meds call it the Hurry Tummy - the stress belly) My hormone production was affected to the point that my oestrogen levels went awry and also the endocrine system was affected and I developed Hypothyrodism. All because of a nasty client, bad boss and long hours !! I am an A type personality - always go go go and upbeat and quite full on, and seem to be particularly suspeptible to how stress impacts on the body.
I didnt mean to bore you or scare you but to urge you to Stop and take good care of yourself. This is important and can have long term impact on your hormones, insulin production, fertility etc etc. Other people have stress take hold in the muscles too and stiffen up the back, neck and create bad headaches. Beat some cushions, go for runs and shout out loud to enact the 'fight or flight" action that the stress hormone is there for.
What I do is carry with me Chamomile homeopathic tablets which are one of best things to help dissipate cortisol if there is an oversupply in the blood stream. The tea isnt strong enough but a few chewable pills into the mouth and I actually feel myself calming down. They sell the best ones in Boots UK but that little health shop opposite Carefour in MOE have them too. Yoga, meditation, and exercise is important and dont eat any sugar, pastries etc when feeling stressed.
I got a great book from the Kinokuniya bookshop in Dubai Mall called "The relaxation & stress reducton workbook" which provides practical help.
Good luck and hope you can get this sorted out ! xxx

Jupiter
Posts 498

Thanks very much for the encouraging posts! I still feel rather pathetic, but better for being proactive about resolving it.

Sue R
Posts 2244

Hope you manage to overcome these episodes. If you've heard of Bach Flower Remedies, the Rescue Remedy may help you at work when you think things are about to fall apart. Good luck.x

Posts

emmess
Posts 587

emmess
Posts 587

Posts

Bjoerg
Posts 14

If you want professional help with the anxiety attacks I can help you. Just email me at bjoergw at hotmail dot com

emmess
Posts 587

SueB
Posts 10934

Those of us who want absolute control over everything and think we can handle it all on our own...............get ticked at ourselves for our weaknesses But think of it this way. the strong know when to get help and get it. Nothing wrong with an emotional tuneup now and then and there is not a darn thing wrong with going to a professional or even taking some meds for a short term to help get over it. Anxiety can become debilitating if not taken care of quickly. So, go have a chat, you might want to start with your Dr. and if you dont have one ask here

maxindubai
Posts 1404

I reckon a lot of us here have to stop and take a deep breath on occasion here. It's a tough place to live at times and there's nothing to be ashamed about it you're not always able to cope. Do try to see either a good GP for a start and perhaps counsellor/psychologist if your doctor thinks it is appropriate. (you could ask for recomendations here) Good luck, at least your DH is supportive.

Jupiter
Posts 498

Thanks guys. I guess I'm just a bit embarrassed because I'm not a wilting wallflower in the slightest!! Hence can't bring myself to speak to friends and family about it back home.

I've tried relaxation techniques, but do feel I need something else, hence seeking professional help I think - which makes me feel even worse about the sitch because I can't handle it myself!

trin
Posts 224

Emmess, I totally agree. Sometimes it's easy to minimise how stressful and disruptive moving to and living in Dubai can be. Jupiter, the fact that you posted your concerns in spite of being concerned about people being flippant indicates that this is a real concern for you. Don't minimise your feelings!

I would also go see someone, if I were in your position, especially since you feel like it is getting worse. Good luck, I hope you feel better, as I know that anxiety isn't fun

Posts

Hi Jupiter, Sorry you are feeling so low. Things away from home always seem so much worse and can be blown right out of proportion. Finding friends (especially ones you can trust) are difficult and you sometimes only have your OH for support, but try to concentrate on the good things in your life (like getting married - congrats) and try to imagine putting all the bad things in a box and shutting them away. I hope you aren't at the seeking professional help yet, have you tried any herbal remedies like St John's Wort this works for some (but not everyone) it's available in the pharmacies and you need to give it a couple of weeks (it's not a cure all) Try to relax have some "ME" time massage, manicure etc. I am sure others will post first hand advice on coping with panic attacks and hopefully will give your strengthto cope. Hugs x

emmess
Posts 587

I can't say that I've been in this position, but I can see how it would happen. You've been through a lot of changes just by moving to Dubai, not near family, friends, etc from home, and you're getting married now as well, and you've had some terrible jobs here - so there is a lot going on in your life. If I were you, I would go see someone before it gets worse. It certainly can't hurt anyway! Good luck!