I have panic attacks that have a very unusual trigger- I need advice?!
Question: I have panic attacks that have a very unusual trigger- I need advice.?
Hi, I have a rather unusual condition that I've been suffering from for almost 12 years now(I'm 19 just to let you all know). I started watching a TV show(I don't feel comfortable putting what show at this point) when I was 8. From the very first time I saw two of the actors(the main actors), I was terrified of the way they looked. Even though I was so scared for some reason I could not stop watching the show. Every episode I watched caused me to have an increased heart rate, and I would start sweating buckets, I also of course had a feeling of fear. I didn't start having full blown panics(sweating, crying, increased heart rate, feeling like I was going to pass out, chest pressure, full blown terror) until a couple of months after the show went off of the air. I still suffer from panic attacks whenever I see or hear of these two actors(or the show). I'm so bad I have to check movie cast lists on IMDB before I go see any movie. I HAVE to see the opening credits for TV shows to make sure neither of them or someone else from the show is guest starring on what I'm watching. I can't work anywhere that I could come into contact with magazines, a TV, or the radio(songs that were played on the show make me flash back to certain episodes, I'm also very scared that I will hear celebrity gossip about one of them.). At times I flash back PTSD style to certain episodes(with no music trigger), I have no control over this, and it's happening so often that I've considered suicide(although I've never developed a plan). The past 6 months have been a nightmare for me. The really odd thing about this all, is it's not just the two above mentioned actors. I'm scared of the way 5 other actors look as well. I have sought professional help, but my psychologist has no idea what could be causing this. I'm beginning to wonder if maybe the part of my brain that controls fear could be going hay wire. That's the only logical explanation I can come up with. I have to take ativan(one mg) whenever I get a panic. Have any of you ever heard of this condition.? I really need answers. Please helpHealth Question & Answer
Answers:
You may need to go on meds. Do you have a doctor actively treating you.? It sounds very much like you said: the part of your brain that controls fear is going haywire. A chemical imbalance. I used breathing techniques to control my panic attacks a few years ago but you seem a bit beyond that. Talk to your doctor and get on some meds quickly before you do something rash and terrible.
There are loads of resources online for breathing and other techniques to help alleviate panic attacks. Do a google search.
I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. :(Health Question & Answer
There are loads of resources online for breathing and other techniques to help alleviate panic attacks. Do a google search.
I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. :(Health Question & Answer
Watch a different show.?...Health Question & Answer
I have never heard of that. I think you should get a new psychologist, one that does something.Health Question & Answer
... i have things like that only much smaller i think its all in my had and yours tooHealth Question & Answer
I think your anxiety is getting out of control. You are starting to generalize your phobia onto other situations. It seems to be growing. It might be a good idea to talk to a psychiatrist to see if medication would help calm your thoughts/fears. I hope you will be feeling better soon. Best Wishes to you.Health Question & Answer
HUGS I would talk to a Dr and maybe look into cognitive therapy. And maybe some meds....? Check out this site. My best advice would be to pray about it. "With God all things are possible" Mark 19:26Health Question & Answer
I just want to say, I cant really answer your question, but I can tell you that suicide isn't going to fix it. It'll just hurt all of your loved ones. normally i'd give the whole "face your fears" speech, but I honestly don't think it will help in this case. You've sought out help, so your on the right track. the only thing I can recommend is trying to seek out another doctor, because obviously the one your seeing now isn't really helping you get over the fears, or learn to deal with them. good luck!Health Question & Answer