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Taking that First Step

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Taking that First Step

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 41

Sorry, but there is something wrong with my profile and I don't seem able to put it right.

I am female and from the UK

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 41

Hi
I'm new to this forum. I am half way through the program but I am now having trouble with panic simulation. I've tried it once and it almost triggered a panic attack so I'm scared to try it again. Has anyone had the same problem as me? And how did you manage to get round it?

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 538

HEllo Reebarks,

Welcome. I think you got great advice from jhori. That is exactly how I managed to get over my agoraphobia, one little baby step at a time! And lots of rewards! Now I go out all the time, I work, I study and I take the bus during rush hour. There was a time I couldn't not even leave the appartment. So it does get better!

Hello Lavanda,

I think Karla is right. Make sure you are hydrated and your blood sugar isn't low. Also, breathing is a factor. I know I get dizzy if I hyperventilate. But firstly and most importantly, go see your doctor and have it checked out. Once you have ruled everything out, you will feel better!

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 52

i think keeping yourself from not being dehydrated is a good one, so make sure you have enough water in the day. also are your blood sugar levels low at all?maybe keeping hard boiled sweets on you. but yes i would definately consult your doctor to see if there are any underying disorders and just to keep your mind at rest.

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 955

lavanda,

It would be best to consult your MD. Although dizziness is a listed symptom associated with panic disorder, you should be evaluated further to rule out other potential causes.

In the meantime, try taking 30 seconds between each shift in position.

For ex: Going from lying to sitting, take a 30 second pause before getting up to a standing position.

Hopefully this works for you.

Members, what has your experience been with dizzy spells? What have you found helpful?

Sarah, Health Educator

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 52

hey

maybe taking each step at a time, like make yourself a new goal and reward yourself each time you do it. like maybe the first 1 can be just stepping out of your drive buy a foot and then youll be making posotive results and when you come to the next one youll be like well i can do this nothing bad happened last time!!! its not going to be easy but just take it 1 day at a time. were all hear for you.

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1

I'm dizzy almost all the time - what works for this. I understand the not fainting but boy its hard to walk around like this. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!anybody.

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1693

reebarks,

Welcome to our wonderful support community, you have come to a great place

We are here to help, support and encourage you in whatever you need. Please take the time to read through the program and to explore the tools and resources that are available to you through this site. As for your troubles with leaving the house, session 4 discusses exposure work, so you will probably find it very helpful. However, all of the sessions are related to your fears and anxieties, so please read through each session. You will also find that there are many members who have or who are going through the exact same thing as you.

Stay close, and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Breanne, Bilingual Health Educator

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 123

Welcome to the site, reebarks!

I definitely had this problem before. Taking baby steps is a good start, for instance: Choose to go out to the driveway, hang around for 5 minutes, then go back...then to the lightpost down the street a little, etc., etc. Keep making these small goals until your at the end of the street, and then as far as you want to go! (And don't forget to congratulate yourself for each step) If you don't make the step, which happens, rather then beat yourself up, tell yourself that you will go at it again tomorrow.

It's a slow progress that we each take at our own pace. But come back and let us know how you do, or if you have anything else you want to add/comment to. The Health pro's here are great, as well as the members.

Look forward to a great year!

Cheers

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 4

I am having trouble taking the first step in leaving the house. I have been homebound for about 6 months. I can only make it to the front of my drive way before my heart starts to race and a turn back. Has anyone else gone through this? Do you have any suggestions or encouragement that may help?

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