How to battle anxiety?

[Caladon]

My girlfriend suffers from terrible anxiety. It has been recognised that she has an over active thyroid which can add to anxiety, and she is on medication for this which should help over time.
She has panic attacks when driving and even when reading to her class (she is a primary school teacher).
She has tried CBT which didn't help... so does anyone have any suggestions at all?
Thanks, Cal

[wolf63]

She really need to work out 'why' it is happening.

I don't get panic attacks but tend to have an anxiety about a particular thing for a couple of years before I get to grips with my brain's actions. I try to work out the worst case scenario and use logic to reduce the problem.

Try this link - maybe you will be able to find a leaflet that will help in understanding what is happening. http://www.rcpsych.ac...s/anxietyphobias.aspx

The anxiety feeds on itself and the symptoms are horrendous. Your girlfriend needs to talk about what is happening to her - to friends, family or yourself Her attitude to what is happening is crucial - she has to accept it as an illness and not as something that she should be embarrassed about or hide from other.

Best wishes to both of you.

Susan

[boxtops]

I have had panic attacks in the past and they do still happen - and they are the most scary thing. Is the doctor prescribing medication for this, as well as for her thyroid? My GP referred me for counselling and hypnotherapy, which was what I needed, to help me find coping mechanisms when I feel one coming on.

[emablondie]

iv heard the linden method is the best way to get over them i was trying to do it b4 a bad time in my life but they have started again so as soon as i can concentrate il b bk 2 it.hope this helps. drugs only mask the problem

[coli05anna00]

This is such an awful condition to suffer from no one can see it like you would a broken arm. i have had the same condition for many years and still struggle with it. im on beta blockers and anti depressants. i too have to deal with the public, im a stylist, and i used to have tremors with my panic attacks where i would shake uncontrolibly whilst with a client just could not face being around people, just wanted to shut myself away with my family and stay away from everyone else. i couldn't bare it if my husband was at work, he's a shift woker, i needed to know he was right beside me if i needed him. not easy for him im sure but he never ever complained and my god am i thankful. not easy for someone to feel so dependant on but i haveto say with the right support and medication things will get easier, i do still struggle at times and i hate that. just remember if your partner the choice it wouldn't be this. and just keep tong

[coli05anna00]

sorry meant keep strong

[coli05anna00]

wolf 63 if only it was that easy to work out why this is happening to her. it isnt to some, i can wake up one morning and feel absolutely fine the next morning i could wake up thinking 'i really dont know how i will get through the day' there is no reason for it, nothing differen happned from the day before i just cant cope with this peticular day ahead.

[coli05anna00]

hey caladon, what im trying to say is just be as strong and supportive as you can to her, she will be in such turmoil right now, dont take any snapping personally, or her going into her own little word.

[DEN53]

I sympathise with your girlfriend - I suffered from an over active thyroid from the age of 10 years old - which in itself causes anxiety symptons. The Doc can prescribe beta blockers to help with anxiety caused through the thyroid problem, along with the medication to bring the thyroid under control.

This is just my opinion, but I would say the over active thyroid is causing the panic attacks. Make sure she has regular blood tests, as the meds may need adjusting until the right dosage is achieved to bring it under control.

[Buenchico]

Here are the treatments which are normally offered by the NHS:
http://www.nhs.uk/Con.../Pages/Treatment.aspx
Your girlfriend might like to look through them to see if there's anything which she hasn't yet tried, and then discuss it with her GP.

And here's the NHS suggestions for self-help:
http://www.nhs.uk/Con.../Pages/self-help.aspx
Again, your girlfriend will need to decide what might be best for her but something as simple as joining a social badminton club (i.e. one that plays purely for fun between members, rather than against other clubs in leagues) might help her. (Doing exactly that probably helped my sanity when I was teaching!)

[Sqad]

I would first of all check that the she is on the correct dose of thyroxine........as too high a dose could well bring on panic attacks.

If that has been checked and is fine, then follow the advice of the other posters.

[Sqad]

Sorry....ignore my answer........I have just realised that she is being treated for an over active thyroid. Apologies.

[echokilo]

Homoeopathy and Bach Flower's Rescue Remedy ....see a qualified therapist for Homoepahis guidance.