irc333 Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 Past couple of times I went out with women that said they get "panic attacks". One revealed it to me right away, another was when I was involved with. Can this cause problems with a relationship or can it be worked around? Link to post Share on other sites
Arieswoman Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 irc333, "Panic attacks" are very common and are treatable. The sufferer needs to be aware of their condition and what triggers these episodes. Then they can be treated with medication, therapy or avoidance behaviour - depending on how the sufferer wants to deal with them. They can be transient (if the person is under particular stress at a particular time in their life ) or a permanent part of someone's life. They can be terrifying and debilitating for the sufferer ;- What is a panic attack? - Stress, anxiety and depression - NHS Choices I have suffered with claustrophobia/panic attacks all my life (which is why I don't fly or use lifts/elevators). I cope by avoiding the triggers, which, I believe is what most people do if the condition is mild. Communication is the key here, to get the necessary information from the sufferer, to deal with the problem. Link to post Share on other sites
Author irc333 Posted October 8, 2014 Author Share Posted October 8, 2014 Yeah, the problem was the one I was dating, she wasn't taking medication for it. Though, I think there's some people of the belief they shouldn't take "happy pills" to make them feel out of character either. irc333, "Panic attacks" are very common and are treatable. The sufferer needs to be aware of their condition and what triggers these episodes. Then they can be treated with medication, therapy or avoidance behaviour - depending on how the sufferer wants to deal with them. They can be transient (if the person is under particular stress at a particular time in their life ) or a permanent part of someone's life. They can be terrifying and debilitating for the sufferer ;- What is a panic attack? - Stress, anxiety and depression - NHS Choices I have suffered with claustrophobia/panic attacks all my life (which is why I don't fly or use lifts/elevators). I cope by avoiding the triggers, which, I believe is what most people do if the condition is mild. Communication is the key here, to get the necessary information from the sufferer, to deal with the problem. Link to post Share on other sites
Author irc333 Posted October 8, 2014 Author Share Posted October 8, 2014 Wanted to note, intimacy had been one of the things affected her panic attacks. Apparently, she had a history with an abusive ex and it affected our relationship. Her past affected our relationship. Link to post Share on other sites
Arieswoman Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 irc333, Yes, unresolved past traumas can be a contributary factor for panic attacks. Panic attacks are not a disease in themself, they are a symptom of an underlying problem. In order to treat them the underlying cause must be diagnosed by a qualified professional. Once that is identified and treated then progress can be made. Many people, like myself, have had these attacks off and on throughout their lives. As long they are not impinging on the sufferer's quality of life then they can be managed with coping strategies. It sounds like your girlfriend's past relationship has had a very significant impact on her relationship with you. I feel very sorry that she has had those negative experiences. It sounds to me like she is suffering from PTSD. She should be encouraged to seek help for this. However, "you can lead a horse to water " etc...... Link to post Share on other sites
Mirages Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 Ahh, I knew one (not romantically) for a few years that has the panic attacks/anxiety. When viewed in light of other common disorders and mental illnesses, I'd say it is among the least disturbing of them. This lady came from a ghetto and ended up making a person of herself. As with all things there are probably variations in intensity and cause amongst different people. Link to post Share on other sites
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