I have been this way since I can remember. Yes I am in therapy, taking meds. etc. (so please don't say it) I cannot sleep facing my husband because his breathing near me would take up the O2. (I know that it won't, but that doesn't alleviate it) I hold my breath under tunnels in case they collapse.(Like it would actually help) I also hold my breath over bridges in case they fail. Like I said, these are irrational and consciously, I know this, but I cannot stop them. I panic If I am parked in traffic on a bridge. Scuba diving is out, I can't even snorkel without hyperventilating. (I even tried out of the water and started hyperventilating). No masks, Painters, surgical etc. I cannot even stick my head under the covers. Yet I swim wonderfully, and can go underwater holding my breath. I think I may have learned to swim so well because of my fear. Either way, This is ruining my life. Yes, Ive tried hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, Any suggestions or help PLEASE?! I can't see a different one. I'm stationed overseas on a small base. there is only one. There are a multitude of problems for her to help me overcome, and this ones low on the totem pole. I was just hoping someone had ideas. Hi Soldier,
Just goes to show that soldier's are people too! Anyway I'm sure that you recognize or have learned what your diagnosis is ? I'm a psychologist and generally I don't believe labels are necessarily words to focus on (although helpful) because in some cases may prove to be self-fulfilling prophecies.
Anyway it was good of you to share that you are in treatment. That is the first step to wellness, even if your psychologist/psychiatrist is extremely busy ? Secondly it is useful for you to have pointed out 'situational events' that highten your anxiety. From what you describe, your specfic phobia is suffocation/drowning and it is accompanied by panic whenever situational events in your life provide a trigger. Thirdly, possibly through therapy you've wonderful insight into your current condition.
I too empathize as I have recovered from specific intense phobia and panic related primarily to being overwhelmed by course load in college ) and an initially (overzealous church community) which specifically produced panic related to exams and church conflicts I was unable to handle optimally for a period of years. In school the result was that I missed three final exams and forced myself with the help of a family member to take a graduate exam I obsessed about and frantically tried to get out of the next morning. Anyway with the help of faith in God, a supportive family and a desire to excel/succeed I made it through as a part-time student. However, I too was in therapy and on medication but it took several attempts and consistent effort to try new remedies and I never gave up, inching ever towards a cure.
My phobia was pornography as well as panic as well as generalized anxiety with initial depression and very brief psychosis. Indeed I may have been headed for a psychotic breakdown. Regardless of the fact that I had begun counselling during college but did not follow up, my diagnosis was not for another 8-9 years at age 28 wheras I may have gotten help as early as age 21. From age 11, I knew I was anxious but was afraid to tell anyone and over the next 17 years the condition worsened. It has taken me 14+ years with God's help/prayer and faith, a supportive home life and church family and friends to be completely free of any symptoms, loose the acute anxiety, the depression, the psychosis, the specific phobia as well as panic. I credit my faith, determination and persistence, family, well wishers and friends for my recovery and cure.
I tried touch therapy, several different medications under psychiatric supervision, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, talk therapy, systematic desensitisation and flooding techniques for my phobia specifically watching a lot of pornography and changing my negative thinking about myself, improving my self-esteem and self-love and taking charge of my life and wellness, exercising, eating right (most of the time), getting enough sleep, relaxation techiques, positive role modelling, confidence building and taking control of my life based on my own internal timetable and less dependence on external controls for my current state of wellness/health.
As a psychologist and previously psychology student I have revamped my beliefs concerning anxiety and its cure. Formerly as a graduate student I believed that anxiety had to be a life-long pursuit and managed situation without a cure. Today the vast majority of typical mental health issues and conditions can and are being cured although slowly and with few positive statistics in the media at large. Because of recent events in the media greater sensitization to mental health incidence and treatment is I believe occuring. There are powerful medications currently available to relax the brain and target specific neural mechanisms as well as restore chemical imbalance.
What I would strongly advise is:
1. Become an expert on your illness/disorder-read everything creditable particualrly psychological literature.
2. Begin specifc techiques with your doctor the main ones which I mentioned work with everyone to some degree.
3 Monitor your physical health.
4. Be patient with yourself, these situations take time to be overcome. Be positive and filled with expectation.
5. Be willing to try different medications. I will not suggest any because it's best to work under medical supervision for this. (Some minor tranquilizers may be more addictive than others). You will need to 'count that cost' if you wish to go that route. I believe that medication is essential to complete recovery and remission of symptoms.
6. Lean on your family. I now have a wife, a fulfilling and future career and my health back. Sinse age 11 it has taken me a long time (relatively speaking).
Finally, I currently take four medications not many by some counts and I may be addicted to at least one. That's my cost and it's insignificant compared to the level of health I experience today.
Good luck and God speed. Always keep on believeing in everything and keep an open mind. "Everything is possible for him/her who believes" - Jesus Christ AD 24-28. And as they say in the armed services soldier, "Forward March !" I would recommend seeking a different psychologist. If you look around, you can likely find one who specializes in these things.
Good luck,
Paulson |
