Anxiety keeping anyone else away from meetings?

Pea · Newbie

Anxiety keeping anyone else away from meetings?

Lexie · Senior Member

Welcome, Pea,

I can't say I've ever heard of it as a recovery-related phenomenon. It sounds like a regular panic disorder that you've associated with meetings.

Have you talked to a mental health professional or a doctor about them?

Pea · Newbie

Thanks for the 'welcome' Lexie, and hello to you!
Yes, the anxiety has been addressed in the past, meds perscribed, to no avail. After years of a continuation of the anxiety, I'm scheduled to speak to a Psychiatrist and try meds again under my Dr.'s supervision. Willing again, because anxiety has spilled over into other areas of my life and it's time to rectify if possible.
My sponser was the one who recommended this site, and I jumped at the idea.
I realize how vital to good, healthy sobriety and serenity contact with other recovering alcoholics is. This is such a wonderful opportunity for people like myself, and I hope they get to see this forum, be reminded they're not unique, and if you want sobriety badly enough, help is here!
I will continue to post my progress, and look forward to participating in other forums...to give and take~how lovely!

pinkchip · MIP Old Timer

Panic attacks really should be treatable with meds. You should not have to suffer that way. I will pray that you get the answer..

StPeteDean · MIP Old Timer

Hello Pea, and welcome to our board. Plenty of fellowship here and nice group at that. Plus we have newcomers just about every day that need your E,S,&H. Glad that you found us.

Just Toni · MIP Old Timer

hi Pea,

Welcome to the MIP family....I agree 100% with what Mark said, (Pinkchip) wrote, you should not have to continue to suffer with these panic attacks.

Happy you found us..

Hugs, Toni

Pea · Newbie

Thanks to all...happy to have found you! I'm looking very forward to having a more well rounded sobriety...Everyone here have a beautiful day smile

louisa · Senior Member

Hello ((((Pea))) and welcome.

Oh God, they are horrible aren't they? Horrible.
I am not a medic but I believe meds should be able to help. Even today I keep Beta Blockers on me in an emergency. A friend of mine was prescribed them from her doctor....but she was prescribed 10mg twice a day which didn't help her at all. I was (when I was on them long-term) prescribed 40mg twice a day and they really helped

That said, all the beta blockers in the world would not get me into a tunnel or a lift(elevator) biggrin

That is the horrible thing about panic attacks I find - have one in a certain situation and the fear and anxiety about having another one in the same situation just exacerbates the condition. Mine were nothing to do with just being in public either - I remember having one whilst I looked in the bathroom mirror once (NO smart comments from "the usual suspects" THANKYOU furious

) and for ages afterwards I had to practise calming techniques- I was at home and suddenly just got those terrifying feelings. Horrible. At least at home I can breathe into a paper bag!!!! biggrin

Sending you lots of love and yes I think it can be quite common for this to occur.
I like to think it's cos we're lovely sensitive souls!!!!! aww

Louisa xx

P.S. Something which helped me alot and that I think is what kind of got me to where I am today was a lovely book by the late Dr Claire Weekes. (Self help For Your Nerves)I was astonished at it's simplicity - I borrowed it from the local library - I used her techniques infront of the mirror that time! This link may be helpful - it's about her. (I think I'm OK to post it Dean?) I think she brought out another - but i used the original ! aww

http://www.anxiety2calm.com/Weekes_float_through_anxiety_and_panic.html

-- Edited by louisa on Saturday 7th of August 2010 10:51:56 AM

-- Edited by louisa on Saturday 7th of August 2010 11:04:54 AM

Aquaman · MIP Old Timer

Hi Pea and welcome!
Congratulations on your continued sobriety! I'm just glad tthat we can be here to give you anxiety-free interaction with other recovering alcoholics in AA.

This forum is a great part of my plan and I consider this forum to be "real life" as well. This fourm has heard my shares, given me feedback and helped me through some tough times.

Keep Comin Back...
Rob

Simple · Senior Member

Hey Pea - welcome! I can't say that I have any experience with panic attacks, but I have had many life changes over my sobriety and have had the pleasure of finding a variety of ways to discover AA and the 12 steps and share my ES&H as well. This forum is one way, glad your sponsor suggested it!

I am actually writing this post from the hospital, being evaluated for one day and I'm so happy to have this laptop! (Not to worry about health, just 9 months pregnant and being checked for preeclampsia but pretty sure I'll be home tonight). Anyway, my point is that we all have our life paths and there are lots of ways to find the fellowship. I hope that you can find a solution to your panic attacks, but meanwhile I believe that part of why any of us are sober is that we are willing to reach out for sobriety, so thanks for that reminder. Hope to see more posts from you in the future!