Hello everyone,
I finished the program about two weeks ago and I must say I feel so much better than when I begin back in Aug.
The one thing I can't seem to get control over is this intense feeling that I'm about to pass out. It's so overwhelming and it hits me hard out of nowhere. I'm beginning to get sooo upset b/c I'm doing all my steps I've learned from the program and I've over-come all of my other symptoms. Why can't I get a hold on this.
If it wasn't for the "about to faint" feeling I really do believe I could function as well as drive completely again. What's really irrating is that when this feeling happens I can't concentrate on anything else and I have to sit b/c my lages get weak. The only reason I can't drive is b/c when this hits me it also zaps me of all energy.
I was just wondering if anyone else has had this feeling as well of fear of passing out? How did you function when it happened? I don't want to get on meds but if I have to I will. All help is greatly appreciated b/c I have to go back to college in Jan. and I need to be able to focus in class as well as be able to drive myself to college. As I mentioned earlier I've come so far I just can't get pass the "fainting feeling as well as the fear of it!" Help..

Amanda....when I read your post I thought did I write this? Its exactly how I feel and what I struggle the most with. Like you it upsets me so and I know the coping skills and I do the tapes and yet it still comes.

I keep waiting for it to just stop...like the tapes say that if you keep pushing through the feelings and gain the confidence in the fact that nothing happens that it will stop but mine keep coming.

I wish I had the answer as to how to stop it....but I dont and if you ever do figure it out please let me know too.

Hang in there and I hope that this stops for both you and I.
SOON!
Dodger

Thanks for the response. It's always nice when you're reassured that you're not alone. I'm going to try this natural supplement Suntheanine. It's suppose to help your sertonin and dopamine levels and calm you but yet keep you alert. I'll let you know how it goes.

quote:

Originally posted by Amanda527:
Hello everyone,
I finished the program about two weeks ago and I must say I feel so much better than when I begin back in Aug.
The one thing I can't seem to get control over is this intense feeling that I'm about to pass out. It's so overwhelming and it hits me hard out of nowhere. I'm beginning to get sooo upset b/c I'm doing all my steps I've learned from the program and I've over-come all of my other symptoms. Why can't I get a hold on this.
If it wasn't for the "about to faint" feeling I really do believe I could function as well as drive completely again. What's really irrating is that when this feeling happens I can't concentrate on anything else and I have to sit b/c my lages get weak. The only reason I can't drive is b/c when this hits me it also zaps me of all energy.
I was just wondering if anyone else has had this feeling as well of fear of passing out? How did you function when it happened? I don't want to get on meds but if I have to I will. All help is greatly appreciated b/c I have to go back to college in Jan. and I need to be able to focus in class as well as be able to drive myself to college. As I mentioned earlier I've come so far I just can't get pass the "fainting feeling as well as the fear of it!" Help..

Hi Amanda, not sure if I'm doing this right, but I am just beginning the program, after having several panic attacks at work, making ne feel as though I am gonna pass out, it is the worst feeling in the world. Who da' thought it was related to anxiety, I thought it was my heart or something, it's like this faint feeling in your chest, it is absolutely horrible! I haven't had one in a long time, byt believe me, I know what you're going through! HOpe thinjgs continue to get better for you! Keep me posted! Happy holidays!

Hi Amanda,

I've had similar symptoms. It is an awful feeling. When do the symptoms occur? Is it just when you're driving? Or at other times?

Have you been checked out by a doctor? Always good to rule out another medical cause.

If its an anxiety symptom, its probably an obsessive scary thought. Then the question becomes what is it that you're avoiding by focusing on the body symptoms?

I guess in the meantime, if its happening in the car only, I'd start with small steps. Go around the block when no one is up and practice. If your symptoms happen use your 6 steps to stop panic attacks. You're not going to pass out.

Another thing that helped me in the car was to listen to the first CD. The one about common symptoms. This is a very common fear. Awful, but common. It's really effective at distracting you if you're afraid of passing out in the car.

Best wishes,

Deb

Hi Amanda...Just want to let you know that this is a normal feeling. I was so afraid to pass out all the time. I finally got over it when I read that it is impossible for you to pass out from a panic attack. Fainting is a lack of blood flow to the brain, so in this case... you will not faint, you have plenty of blood flowing from all the adrenaline. You need to breathe, do the breathing exercises. It will help. You will not pass out I promise!

Amanda - The next time this "feeling" occurs (if you are in a car driving - please pull over and stop for a few minutes - altho, in my opinion since nothing is going to happen this action is up to you) and invite passing out to occur. "C'mon", tell it. I wonder what it is like to pass out? Welcome it and encourage it to happen. Use your breath work to keep you out of your head and to slow yourself down. You're putting yourself in the observer mode now. Now you are going to see what happens.

When you hear from "headquarters", just tell it to shut up for a minute you are performing an experiment. Continue to invite it in until you finally realize that nothing bad is going to happen. When you no longer fear this feeling, you will no longer have it.

Amanda,
Have you listened to Carolyn's tape "Driving With Comfort"? It's awesome and really helps with eliminating that scary "passing out feeling" that comes with anxiety. I listened to this tape many, many times before and while driving, along with completing the program.
In the past, for several years, I couldn't even drive less than a mile without a major panic attack and the fear of passing out. I never did pass out, by the way, never. But, oh my gosh, the panic was intense. The fear, ouch.
Now, I drive all the time, completely comfortable. Amazes me to this day!!!
Take baby steps. Make yourself go out into the car every day. You CAN do it! Listen to one of the tapes from the program every day before you go driving - #3 seemed to work best for me. The positive self talk is essential to build up your confidence. Pump yourself up with positive self talk before you even walk out the door. Get Carolyn's tape and listen to it any time you get the chance and while driving. She'll cheer you on and be a wonderful friend with you while driving. The more you listen to the driving tape, the more you'll appreciate her sense of humor and understand exactly why she can now laugh with us about the discomfort of driving. Nothing like a little stress relief with humor. Wonderful medicine for overcoming our fears.
Every day, every week, you get a little better with the comfort while driving and it'll also help to build up your confidence in general, since this is one of your major concerns that you'll be conquering. You WILL conquer this!
If I can do it, anybody can. Believe me, I was a mess with panic attacks and anxiety.
Huge hugs to you.
Grab the keys!!!

Forgot to mention- get the program out again and go for round two. It's recommended to complete it twice through and strengthens our coping skills more. Most of us need to do this. Keep working every day on the positive self talk and everything else will come together for you. Great book to help with the self talk is Shad Helmstetter's book What To Say When You Talk To Yourself. Easy read, powerful words!
hugs again.

Amanda,
Are you doing your breathing exercises regularly? I had this same experience during my worst bouts with anxiety. My counselor reminded me that I might be holding my breathe without know it . She reminded me to do my breathing ex regularly and it has helped me. I know it may sound too simple, but it did help... along with the program of course!
Stacy D