--- In teenagerspanicsupport@yahoogroups.com, Whitney Sabbatino
<wms52289@...> wrote:
>
> Hey...
> Thanks for your words of encouragement, it's so great to have
to oppurtunity to be able to talk to people who understand and can
relate to how I'm feeling, because lately, well... I've basically
felt like a total mystery to everyone I'm close to. It's hard, and
I'm glad to see it's gotten better for you. So... you mentioned
you've learned to prevent most of your attacks before they start, do
you mind telling me how? I'd love to get some input. Oh, I'm
Whitney, by the way...
>>
Hi whitney, im monica. Im almost 16 years old and i am going
through the exact same thing you are. Being a recovering
agoraphobic,which means i couldnt leave my house for about 2 months,
I can now almost do anything BUT go to school. I try talking to
people about like my family and my friends, but the only response i
get is, "why dont you just tough it out.. its not THAT bad monica."
Well in the words of prince belair, "parents just dont understand."
Panic attacks are a lot worse then they seem to be, basically
because when you have one you show no signs of discomfort, you look
normal. I have also started to stop the panic attacks before they
start. The way that I think is, "I can leave anytime I want to..
theres a door right there, im not exactly TRAPPED here. If i
absolutely had to leave i could." An di keep repeating that to
myself until I believe it. Basically, and i know its wrong, I
always try to plan out an "escape" everywhere I go. I almsot NEVER
have to use the escape because im pushing myself not to, but it
really helps to have that in the back of my mind. Also, sometimes
just getting up in class and getting a tissue or going to the
bathroom to take a break is another way to relax, and think about
your problems. Walking really helped me, so i would always randomly
get up and get a tissue, lol.
Well i hope that helped, you can email me anytime if youd like :]
Monica