Raven

Roger...I used to be a therapist...you've been given some excellent advice.

I have great empathy for anyone that suffers from a panic attack. Usually, the onset is quite sudden and very frightening.

I also agree, that, whilst Paxil and Ativan and other drugs are beneficial for the short term, they are, by no means, the cure all.

There is a reason for this.

If it's an overabundance of stress, physical exercise, even mild, can be very helpful. If there is something else going on, get a physical by a competent doctor, she said, realising that can be an oxymoron.....make sure there is nothing physiological going on inside your biological systems.

There are allergies that can precipitate panic attacks, especially those involving airway passages.

There are foods that can cause a reaction.

There are stressors, certain smells, memories, etc. that can trigger something from the past.

Do something. This is not the way you want to spend the rest of your life. I don't know how old you are; but, as we age, we do become more fearful, as there is more to lose and less time to gain it back. Our own mortality sometimes smacks us, especially when you realise you are going to be responsible for another life, such as your unborn child.

We live in precarious times. The events of 9/11 have caused everyone's stress levels to rise. There has been an increase in heart attacks and other stress induced ailments. Pharmaceutical companies are cleaning up, selling over the counter sleep aids. Doctors are prescribing more and more anti anxiety medications and anti depressants.

It's not enough to think positively, although that's a good place to start. It's important that you find out what's causing this, especially if you have not had these before.

I wish you well.

And, to those who have conquered this extraordinary syndrome, kudos.

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