Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures

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Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« on: May 25, 2006, 08:16:19 AM » by still*learning

Hello Everyone!

My husband has been suffering from stress and panic attacks. He does not feel stressed but obviously these attacks are letting him know that he is.

Does anyone have any recommendations on anything that I can give him to assist with relaxation?

I would certainly appreciate it. These attacks happen when he is just about to fall asleep and it is very scary for both he and I.

Thanks so much!

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2006, 08:23:27 AM » by Dewbear

This may sound weird, but have you ever read the book Wild at Heart? It is changing so much for us . . . I haven't read the female counterpart book yet, but we do have it. If it's anything as good as the men one . . . I can't wait!

Anyway, maybe he needs to get away & go conquer some of the wild? Wink

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2006, 08:29:12 AM » by lovemyman

My husband and I have both taken Valerian Root to help with sleep. I take it more than my husband because I suffer from unexplained panic. It is supposed to be a calming herb. I take two or three a night and don't wake up until morning. My husband has taken three and felt no difference. He, being bigger, may need a larger dose. I've also read that it may take up to six weeks for users to notice a difference.

Kirsha

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2006, 10:27:58 AM » by healthybratt

I've been known to suffer from anxiety attacks before bed on occaission. Catnip tea generally does the trick for me. Also, avoid stimulants after supper as these tend to worsen the attacks.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2006, 11:04:04 PM » by Helen

hmmmmmm I used to get panic attacks I cured it with chamomile tea, that sounds so confident, I have no clue why it helped but i drank like a quart or more a day, but i had them during the day, not at night................. but neither of us has a problem sleeping either, My husband has complained a little bit of the same thing, has your husband ever had a seizure when he was small or in his teens?

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2006, 11:48:12 PM » by PurplePen

When it happens is he partly asleep? Or is he fully awake and just gets an attack before he falls asleep? I'm asking because my hubby will often have muscle jerks and mini-nightmares (for lack of something better to call them) right as he's about to fall asleep. He'll sometimes wake up screaming, too. Usually his nightmares are always related to stresses in his life, even the stresses that he isn't consciously aware of at the time.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2006, 03:22:37 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: Helen on June 04, 2006, 11:04:04 PM

Chamomile has sedative qualities very similar to benedryl.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2006, 07:16:52 AM » by kwalcott72

Hi,
My 11 year old daughter is experiencing severe anxiety attacks. The attacks seem to have started with puberty. I've also noticed that about 30 minutes after we eat at most restaurants she suffers these attacks: rapid heart rate, tingling and numbness in fingers, toes and on tongue, irrational behavior, and uncontrollable crying. These attacks have never been a problem before. Our home environment is calm and loving, so I don't suspect the anxiety is from her home life.

Looking forward to your help.

kwalcott72

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #8 on: August 30, 2006, 07:37:37 AM » by WithLoveAndJoy

Almost immediately after I started BC pills I began to have SEVERE anxiety issues, so bad that it landed me in the Emergency Room once before I knew what was going on. I definitely believe that it was/is at least partially hormone related.

But if she is under a great deal of stress it could make hormonal induced anxiety even that more difficult to overcome. The best thing I can recommend is to have some Tension Tamer tea by Celestial Seasonings on hand, because 1. It tastes good and 2. It really calms you down!

Women's hormones can do strange things, and with your daughter going through major changes could definitely trigger anxiety. Also, thyroid issues can contribute to anxiety...if she has other signs of thyroid issues, that could be possible (although thyroid issues in young people are less likely than in adults).

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #9 on: August 30, 2006, 07:54:54 AM » by kwalcott72

Thanks. Good advice. She has already had a complete blood panel. Everything checked out fine: no thyroid issues.
kwalcott72

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #10 on: August 30, 2006, 08:05:51 AM » by KatieMac

You mentioned eating at restaurants...does she drink caffeinated soft drinks? I noticed recently that caffeine gives me terrible anxiety. I also am suspicious of red dye #40. I drank a highly caffeinated beverage with red dye a few weeks ago and completely went off the deep end a few hours later.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #11 on: August 30, 2006, 08:16:12 AM » by Mama Sita

Hi kwalcott,
Sorry to hear about your 11 yo daughter. I have a son the same age.

The first thing that comes to my mind would be MSG--Chinese restaurants are notorious for using the stuff. Not sure it causes all the symptoms you described, but I know some people are highly allergic to it. AFter all, it's an excitotoxin and the FDA classifies it as a drug, not a food. Can you believe that? Also, the FDA allows MSG to be under about 14 different labels.

I have an entire folder of info on the stuff. I think I will dig it out today if I have time.

Hope we can get some answers for you.
God Bless,

Lisa

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #12 on: August 30, 2006, 08:43:32 AM » by KristenA

Quote from: kwalcott72 on August 30, 2006, 07:16:52 AM

Hi Kwalcott72! I have some questions... before I give my opinion.

Is your daughter home schooled?
Is she a normal weight?
Does she seem overly concerned about her weight or appearance?
Does she have any other difficulties (i.e. social, large groups)?

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #13 on: August 30, 2006, 11:35:35 AM » by healthybratt

Does she have any other symptoms of illness or unusual behavior?

My first guess would be an allergy to the fast foods - which could be a number of things, but it would depend on whether or not she eats any of these same things at home. Soy is a biggie, homogenized milk, hydrogenated fats, msg and yellow and red dyes.

The first thing I would do is stop eating out and watch for attacks. If she continues to have them, I would see if they are related to food at home as well and then pay close attention to exactly what she eats and the ingredients contained in it. You may have to put her on an elimination diet in order to figure it out.

If she has any other symptoms, I'd be looking into candida and leaky gut. Anxiety disorders and many other "neurological" disorders can be caused by one or both of these problems.
Even if the attacks are a reaction to a food intolerance, candida and leaky gut may have been the cause of the food intolerance as well. To treat for these and heal the gut may reverse the food intolerance and therefore heal the anxiety attacks and any other symptoms she may have (ie fatigue, insomnia, memory loss, irratic behavior, digestion problems, etc.)

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #14 on: August 30, 2006, 01:54:57 PM » by kwalcott72

Hi KristenA,

She is home schooled and is at a very healthy weight. She doesn't seem to be overly concerned about her weight or appearance. She does comment about how she doesn't want to be overweight because it isn't healthy. She's a perfectionist, but no other "issues".
Kwalcott72

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #15 on: August 30, 2006, 02:13:18 PM » by KristenA

Quote from: kwalcott72 on August 30, 2006, 01:54:57 PM

I am glad that she seems okay psychologically.

The reason I asked is b/c of this:
I went to Government schools and would see/hear girls in the bathroom after lunch acting very strangely. For example, they had serious anxiety if they had to eat in front of the boys the liked. These girls would stuff their face with their in the bathrooms after lunch (so they wouldn't have to eat in front of people). WEIRD huh! Also, I knew people who are bulimic and would have anxiety attacks if they didn't have a place to purge after eating (i.e. restaurants).
I was kind of a loner in HS and observed many terrible things. Undecided

Poor souls.

Anyways... I would agree with HealthyBratt--look for Allergies!! Grin

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #16 on: August 30, 2006, 02:48:26 PM » by Mrs. Dugger

sounds like an allergy to me. In fact I would be very careful to find out what it is because it could escallate into life-threatening anaphylaxis quickly. This happened to me. Severe anxiety and a sense of impending doom and tingly fingers/toes. These are all symptoms of your body going into shock. I had a wheat allergy that didn't appear until puberty. Next time it happens, if you haven't seen a doctor yet, you may want to give her liquid benadryl.

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Moderate anaphylaxis may be diagnosed as "panic attacks" because of the fight-and-flight arousal accompanying the immune response. Psychiatrists may prescribe tranquilizers without inquiring about allergenic triggers which are usually foods, drugs, or airborne chemicals. Many food allergic patients end up in the wrong department of the hospital, investigated for heart or neurological problems, or they get trapped in a psychiatric ward under sedation and suspicion.

http://nutramed.com/asthma/anaphylaxis.htm

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #17 on: August 30, 2006, 03:20:05 PM » by healthyinOhio

Does she only get this at restruants? I would think it would be food related if this is only when she has it. But I remember as a teenager I started having these awful chest pains. It felt like a heart attack, like tight squeezing around my breastbone. Like someone was stabbing me with a knife. I noticed mine were usually around menstrual cycle time.
This went on for months and months before my parents took me seriously and I had an EKG done. Turned out completely normal. But I had these pains on and off until around the age of 18 when I must have outgrown them. It probably was hormonal. They sure did scare me for a time, though.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #18 on: August 30, 2006, 03:50:31 PM » by kwalcott72

Hi Healthy in OH,

It happens more often after we eat out. Less often when I cook at home. I am keeping a food journal for her. Maybe I can narrow it all down to a preservative or something.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #19 on: January 14, 2007, 12:24:50 AM » by Grace

What exactly is a panic attack? Lately I have had a weird feeling 4 different times in the past 2? weeks. My stomach feels like I feel when I am really nervous. Sort of nauseated and tense feeling. Is this a mild panic attack or what?

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #20 on: January 14, 2007, 11:20:09 AM » by healthybratt

Quote from: Grace on January 14, 2007, 12:24:50 AM

It's possible, but it sounds like nerves.

I think most people would associate panic attacks with fear and anxiety. Shortness of breath, feelings of doom, paranoia. Symptoms often even resemble a heart attack.

I've had anxiety attacks in the past and these just feel like I have tons of energy but my body won't work, so my brain is racing but my butt is glued to the sofa. It's a very strange feeling and I'm glad I don't get them any more.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #21 on: January 14, 2007, 11:22:24 AM » by healthyinOhio

The artificial sweetners in Diet soda's and such cause panic attacks. My sister had panic attacks and was a huge consumer of diet sodas. She does not get any when she does not consume them. Just some suggestions.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #22 on: April 28, 2007, 07:49:19 AM » by MamaJ

I have this problem that's cropped up recently, and I have no idea what it is. Whenever my husband leaves, be it for work, or a men's breakfast, or whatever, I seem to get these panic attacks. However, they seem to be only mental and emotional symptoms, not physical, with the exception of mild nausea.

My two children are less than a year apart, the oldest being 25 months, and we've been married 33 1/2 months. We've had job changes, moved 4 times, major illnesses, and a ton of stress. I am assuming this is what is causing the problems. The thing is, I'm really worried that I'm driving my husband away a bit with these emotional attacks. I honestly just feel like I can't handle things on my own when he's not here.

I've started a study with four other married girls on "Created to be his Help Meet", but we've only gone through the first chapter. Am I overreacting about life in general? Is there something wrong with me? My doctor wanted to put me on antidepressents, but I didn't want to. My husband agreed with my decision, but now sometimes feels that if I don't find another alternative, he's going to make me go back to the doctor to get them.

Can someone please, please help me with this? Any sort of suggestions or anything, I'm reaching the end of my rope on this, and I know my husband is beginning to as well. He feels like he doesn't know what to do with me anymore.

Mama J.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #23 on: April 28, 2007, 07:58:59 AM » by mishy

What are you panicked about? Are you afraid he is going to die? I was like that when we were first married and freaked if dh didn't answer his cell phone.
He asked me to quit it, so I did. Sometimes I still think, what if.... (my hubby climbs towers frequently, so a slip is deadly), but I know God will take care of me if something should happen.
I would suggest that when you feel "attacked" you start praying and saying (even out loud) Thank you Jesus for.... and for..... and for...... and for....... and gather your kids together and sing a praise song to the Lord- The Solid Rock or something that is upbeat, strong about the secureness and steadfastness of God. Then pray for Daddy that God will keep him safe and bless him today and then get busy with your work on that note.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #24 on: April 28, 2007, 08:07:37 AM » by MamaJ

Quote from: mishy on April 28, 2007, 07:58:59 AM

What are you panicked about? Are you afraid he is going to die? I was like that when we were first married and freaked if dh didn't answer his cell phone.

I did that for a little while, but that's not it anymore. I honestly just feel unable to cope if he's not here with me. He runs his own business out of his parents' basement, and the nature of the business is one where the hours can be very unpredictable. I am thankful that so far he's not had to work too many evenings and weekends. The situation is further complicated by the fact that he does work with family, and so the lines defining work and home are fudged. It's just a matter of feeling utterly overwhelmed and unable to cope. I'm so afraid that I'm a failure as a wife and mother, and that I'm going to ruin the lives of my family members.

On another note, I realized a little while ago that I'm relying too much on my husband, and not enough on the Lord. I am trying, I really am. But every so often I just feel like I'm hitting a wall and I can't try anymore. That's when these attacks happen.

Mama J.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #25 on: April 28, 2007, 08:22:53 AM » by healthyinOhio

Are you ingesting any form of diet soda or food? Food and drink that contains aspartame and splenda foods cause anxiety attacks. If you are not, then it may just be a spiritual thing that you will have to work through. Keep reading your Bible and CTBHH book and lots of prayer! Wink

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #26 on: April 28, 2007, 08:29:17 AM » by his.silly.wife

It sounds to me like you could use a good cry, and your husband's shoulder to do it on. Trust me, it helps. My nerves didn't completely relax this week until after I had my dh's full attention and could cry without the children seeing me.

Is it possible for the two of you to get away together for a couple of days? We don't get to do this very often, but when we do, it is very refreshing.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #27 on: April 28, 2007, 08:58:46 AM » by EverLearning

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." "Rebuke the devil and he will flee from you."

My sister taught me this principle and I have used it many times. I would suggest you talk right out loud to the devil, rebuking him in the name of the Lord and quoting some good scriptures to him. Send him running off with his tail between his legs. Then take some time to memorize and meditate on some good verses, like I Cor. 10:13 and Phil. 4:13. God will not give us more than we can handle and he promises us the strength we need to do what needs to be done.

On a very practical note, write a list of things you want to accomplish for the day (with your verse/promise of the day written at the top so you can read it often). Start simple, with things like dress the children, read them a story, make the bed, etc. Crossing things off the list is a tremendous inspiration. I realize that with little ones a whole day can fly by and we feel as if we just barely kept our heads above water getting the basics done. With a list, you can look back and at least see what did get done. MOST IMPORTANTLY, make your "to do" list a journey. Lately I have been loving this quote:

Live in the moment. Treasure the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.

Smile at your babies, laugh with them, sing to them, and talk to them all day long. Enjoy your time together as you work around the house.

Most importantly, take one day at a time. God "daily loadeth us with benefits." Enjoy today!!

I'll be praying for you today,
Amy

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #28 on: April 28, 2007, 09:10:08 AM » by mercy

When reason tells me I have no real reason to feel anxious or depressed, I suspect two things: nutritional deficiencies and enemy attack.

Stress to your body or your life (like having babies, nursing, major illnesses, job changes, and 4 moves) can deplete your body of much needed vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins, a.k.a. the stress vitamins because they help our bodies handle stress of any kind. Deficiencies in them can have a huge effect on your sense of well-being.

Here's what the How-To Herb Book has to say about taking vitamins and minerals:

Quote

Take a natural multiple vitamin and mineral supplement as a foundation for vitamin taking and then if one has the need add extra single vitamins and minerals. This also applies to the B Vitamins, a B Complex should be taken and then any extra single B's can be added with it. We need the whole circle of vitamins for them to be as effective as possible. A multiple also helps in assimilation of the extra single ones.
Space water soluble vitamins by taking them at different times throughout the day. This was the body is able to use more of the vitamin rather than just excreting the excess.

I have taken a multi-vitamin/mineral (SuperMom is my favorite) for quite some time, but recently added a B6/B9/B12 complex after a major illness and great life stress had left me feeling overwhelmed and somewhat depressed and unmotivated. It made a huge difference, and in a short period of time too--just a few hours, really! Now I have energy and feel ready to tackle just about anything!

The enemy loves to attack when we are already down. But he has no power over us unless we give it to him--so take it back! Cry out to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you! Our God will save you with a mighty out-stretched arm. Read Ps. 18 to get a picture of what is in your future when you look to your Saviour...

Keep us posted on how you are doing; we care.

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Re: Panic Attacks (Stress & Anxiety): Causes & Cures
« Reply #29 on: April 28, 2007, 09:20:33 AM » by freshisbest

Any one of your issues ( marriage, job changes, babies) on its own can be overwhelming, but all at once can be devastating without a lot of experience under your belt. Sometimes I have to narrow down EXACTLY what I am anxious about....ticking off a mental list. Then handing the final verdict down to the Lord ... You-know-who ( our adversary) knows your weak points and operates in the darkness ... (our minds can be our worst enemy!)......by talking out loud and repeating scripture when you can't think of anything else you will feel better ! The simple " to-do " list suggested above, with a short scripture, and a small goal like " I will use the next anxiety attack as an opportunity to prove to myself that I can come against it !" And yes, make sure you are eating well, drinking lots of water, and practice speaking what you don't necessarily feel. Finding the one positive thing to dwell on even if its only " I haven't been anxious at all in the last 2 hours!" You might only be into chapter One of " Help Meet" but instead of thinking about all the answers that lie in future chapters you can't get to, go back and study the principles in Chapter One knowing there is a lot there you might be missing.

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