I have a very stress-filled event coming up this Tuesday. I was assaulted about a yr and a half ago, and have had to wait until now for it to come up for trial. Because of the events leading to the assault and the things that followed, I have been having anxiety and panic attacks. I used to get them when I was younger, and at that time they were controlled with meds. Because of other meds I have to take now, I can no longer take alot of the meds available.

Now that my court date is creeping up on me, I am in major panic mode. I feel dizzy, disoriented, even sick to my stomach to the point where I feel I'm going to pass out.

I want to be able to maintain my composure on the witness stand, but I get panicked at the thought of the whole process, as I've never even been in a courtroom in my life! I have tried some herbal remedies which help some, but not alot. I need some help with trying to relax and stop my mind from racing when I'm contemplating what is going to happen when I'm in the witness box.

I should also mention that I can't do alot of exercise due to the injuries I suffered. If anyone has ANY tips I would greatly appreciate it. Anything from breathing techniques to pressure points, to whatever else there is to offer to keep me calm and focused. As I mentioned, it's crunch time now, so I will take any advice out there!

Thanks so much!

tickle

Anxiety Panic Attack Resource Site - panic attacks and anxiety awareness

This website may be able to help you. It seems to have a lot of information on both anxiety and panic attacks, plus a forum you can join to ask questions.

I have heard that acupuncture is a great help for anxiety attacks and may be an instant assistance to you seeing as your court date is coming up soon.

starbuck8

Thankyou! I'll have a look at the site for sure. Since it's an extra long wkd., and everything is closed here, acupuncture isn't an option right now. I shouldn't have waited this long to ask Thanks so much!

blackblue

When I had a 3 day anxiety attack, I did research and found this supplement called "L-Theanine" Since I've been taking it I have not had a panic attack and my anxiety fades away within 20 minutes of taking it.It's a miracle pill for me( not sure if it would work for all though)

You should try some, you can pick it up at any health food store and they might even a have it at a vitamin store.I take it at night because that is when my anxiety kicks in and my panic attacks usually arise.

Here is some info on it if you are interested:

L-Theanine Unique Anxiety Reducer and Mood Enhancer Increases Alpha Waves and Alertness

Other than that positive thinking,deep breathing and reassuring yourself that everything will be ok will help.

Good luck with everything!

starbuck8

Thankyou! Even though the court date has long passed, and I didn't end up having to take the witness stand, because of a plea bargain, I suffered from anxiety attacks off and on for years. A scary thing to deal with. I will check out the link you provided, and possibly give them a try if I can find them. I'm in Canada, in a relatively small city, and sometimes, either some of the herbal remedies aren't approved here, or they have to be a special order. Hopefully this is one that the health food stores here have in stock. I appreciate the info!

frangipanis

hi Starby, I'm sorry to hear you've been going through so much... I hadn't realised.

This is what I've done for myself in the past, when I was frightened by a panic attack:

Lie down with your hands placed comfortably over your stomach and begin to breath deeply and slowly, raising and lowering your stomach in rhythm with your breathing. Continue breathing like this until you begin to feel more calm and relaxed, then gently remind yourself that it's alright to be feeling completely at ease in that moment. Keep breathing.... continue relaxing....

and keep smiling

starbuck8

Thankyou Frangi, I appreciate that! Actually it was my ex that assaulted me, and he ended up taking a plea bargain, so I never had to take the stand. He ended up walking away with a $500 fine, and a restraining order for a yr. Made me very angry!!

My ex's sister recommended exactly what you've just suggested, and that does help me some. I think when I get into "panic mode", I forget to breathe. I constantly have to remind myself that is what I need to do, otherwise I hyperventilate, and it just gets worse. Thanks for you input!! Nice to hear from you again!

(ps: I now call "M" aka "Franny"..."Batman" I like to change his name every now and then! LOL!)

frangipanis

yowie, that's a bit light, isn't it? No wonder you're angry about it... I sincerely hope you're free of him, at least.

You're a good soul Starby

starbuck8

It was an incredibly light sentence....if you can even call that a sentence. He broke 3 of my ribs, bruised my lung, broke my cheekbone, and made a pre-existing hip injury alot worse. He forced his way into my house, and stole our dogs, that I had taken care of since we had split. I was only trying to protect the dogs when he did this.

He has since plotted his revenge, and has torn apart my vehicles piece by piece. He has broken off side view mirrors, cut battery cables, broken in to my newest vehicle (I had to get another because the other one was torn up so bad) and stolen things. Just a week ago, I went to my vehicle to find that a huge bag of stinky garbage had been dumped inside, and the only thing that was missing was my registration.

The police are useless! I called them 3 days ago about another incident, where "someone" came into my backyard in the middle of the night and stole about $200 worth of stuff, and vandalized my yard. I have yet to hear back from the cops! It's really frustrating. I live alone with my dog, and I'm constantly on guard, wondering what will happen next!

Crazy people hey?!! I can always count on my friends on AMHD to keep me company when I get a little freaked out though!

frangipanis

I'm trying to take that all in, Starby..... that's a lot of fear and violence. If he's already caused you serious harm and there's a restraining order, shouldn't that be enforced? If you live in a small town, is it difficult to ignore each other?