Aa
panic attacks
my girlfriend just was commited tonight to a psychiatric ward because of her panic attacks. out of no where she started freaking out that she was dying and she couldnt breath and i feel horrible because i thought she was doing it for attention. and im just reading some articles on it and i never realized how serious it is. i feel so horrible for not taking he seriously, are they going to keep her for a long time? last time i spoke with her they were interviewing her for evaluation i guess, and she has suicidal thoughts alot . are they going to lock her away? im so scared for her, and i have no idea what do to
You have recieved alot of good advice here, but I just want to express patience with what she is going through. Many people go through this and she will get help and get better. I know it is scary seeing a significant other go through this, but with your support and understanding it will be ok.
Matter of fact, tryto, she WAS "doing it for attention." To be more precise, it (the panic) was doing it to HER for attention, if indeed panic is what's at work here -and it sure sounds like it.
Since you are now keenly attuned to what a big deal this truly is, it might help to do exactly what you are doing, and learn more about it. I'll come back to that, but for right now let me say that I seriously doubt she'll be insitutionalized because of this -she is probably not "crazy." I'm not sure where her family is on all this, but if they are nearby they no doubt have been talking with folks at the facility. Subjcet to whatever rules of confientiality may apply here, you, yourself, can certainly make "what now" kinds on inquiries -talk to the docs, etc. Go for it.
Now, back to panic. If you go through my journals and those written by others and just sort of scan the various posts here, you'll see pretty much what its all about. But let me hammer a point home here, because it could be useful both for YOU and the g/f.
Panic and anxiety often arise from mental and emotional challenges we faced as we grew up -way back into early childhood. Although at the time we "got by," we carried these unresolved matters ahead into our adult years. And the ways we would deal with them as a child, with childish behavior and thoughts (the only kind we could have back then) don't work in adult life. The problem is, years have passed and we are not even aware that this problem exists. But our brain and mind knows there is a problem and eventually sends up emergency flares -the panic attacks- and fog horn warnings (the anxiety).
Typically, the treatment involves some medication to help the patient be more relaxed and functional. But medication is NOT the cure. The "cure," (defined by ME as the end of significant symptoms and no expectation that they will return) comes about through talk therapy with a psychiatrist or similarly qualified mental health professional. Having been there and done that myself, I can tell you that it is hard work, may go on for a year or longer, and is effective. You mentioned her suicidal thoughts, and this suggests there is some serious stuff in the emotional history. So therapy for her may not be merely "corrective" as to panic problems, but also very enlightening and empowering for her life in general.
It is difficult for someone who has never experienced panic to understand how it feels, but I'll try to give you a hint. Suppose we go "dunking for apples." And suppose that as you dunk, someone holds your head under the water. You try to push back up -and they push you down further. You can't breath. You struggle. You think you are going to die.
Now suppose you are walking down the street, minding your own business, and that sensation of "going to die" hits you, out of the blue.
That work for you?
I admire you, I am proud of you, for having sought knowledge and information instead of brushing it off as just being made up. You will help HER and YOURSELF by having done so. Please read my journal "All in the Head" so you see more about what's going on here. And, at your early opportunity, get HER to join up HERE with us.
We'll be waiting -we know exactly what she's going through.
OK?
Since you are now keenly attuned to what a big deal this truly is, it might help to do exactly what you are doing, and learn more about it. I'll come back to that, but for right now let me say that I seriously doubt she'll be insitutionalized because of this -she is probably not "crazy." I'm not sure where her family is on all this, but if they are nearby they no doubt have been talking with folks at the facility. Subjcet to whatever rules of confientiality may apply here, you, yourself, can certainly make "what now" kinds on inquiries -talk to the docs, etc. Go for it.
Now, back to panic. If you go through my journals and those written by others and just sort of scan the various posts here, you'll see pretty much what its all about. But let me hammer a point home here, because it could be useful both for YOU and the g/f.
Panic and anxiety often arise from mental and emotional challenges we faced as we grew up -way back into early childhood. Although at the time we "got by," we carried these unresolved matters ahead into our adult years. And the ways we would deal with them as a child, with childish behavior and thoughts (the only kind we could have back then) don't work in adult life. The problem is, years have passed and we are not even aware that this problem exists. But our brain and mind knows there is a problem and eventually sends up emergency flares -the panic attacks- and fog horn warnings (the anxiety).
Typically, the treatment involves some medication to help the patient be more relaxed and functional. But medication is NOT the cure. The "cure," (defined by ME as the end of significant symptoms and no expectation that they will return) comes about through talk therapy with a psychiatrist or similarly qualified mental health professional. Having been there and done that myself, I can tell you that it is hard work, may go on for a year or longer, and is effective. You mentioned her suicidal thoughts, and this suggests there is some serious stuff in the emotional history. So therapy for her may not be merely "corrective" as to panic problems, but also very enlightening and empowering for her life in general.
It is difficult for someone who has never experienced panic to understand how it feels, but I'll try to give you a hint. Suppose we go "dunking for apples." And suppose that as you dunk, someone holds your head under the water. You try to push back up -and they push you down further. You can't breath. You struggle. You think you are going to die.
Now suppose you are walking down the street, minding your own business, and that sensation of "going to die" hits you, out of the blue.
That work for you?
I admire you, I am proud of you, for having sought knowledge and information instead of brushing it off as just being made up. You will help HER and YOURSELF by having done so. Please read my journal "All in the Head" so you see more about what's going on here. And, at your early opportunity, get HER to join up HERE with us.
We'll be waiting -we know exactly what she's going through.
OK?
Aww I'm sorry to hear that. My prayers are with you. The thing is, the only reason they took her to the psych ward and not the reg ER is b/c she admitted to having suicidal thoughts, not just b/c of her panic attacks. She did the right thing by telling them the truth, but I just wanted to offer you some consolation that it is not just b/c of panic attacks. I have (had) panic attacks but that doesn't make me think suicidally, thank goodness. Yes, they are very serious, and basically the way I learn to look at it is this: It's a condition, and can be managed, just like high blood pressure etc etc. The meds will definately help her once she gets on the right ones. Each med works different for different people. Continue to be there for her and please, please, don't think she's crazy. She will be ok, and like Barbara said will be home in no time. Please support her, and definately continue to do your research!!!!!! Good luck hun ((((hugs))))
please try and calm yourself or you will end up with her, no they not going lock her up throw away the key, they will find out what meds she needs and start her on them , make sure she does ok than she be back home. good that shes there getting help soon she will be herself. good luck.Barbara
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