Does this make sense?

First off... Hello to all!

I've been bouncing around the web hoping somebody could help shed some insight into an anxiety/panic attack problem I have developed.

Here's the story.

I'm a level 3 technical rescue (rope rescue) technician, and a firefighter. During my years with the department, I have climbed, and dangled from just about every skyscraper, bridge, and other tall structure in my city with no problem.

Last May, I was on a flight across the country to attend a conference. I've never liked flying, but was generally ok with it. Some time, mid-flight, I felt as though I was falling. My chest went very tight, I could barely breathe, and I could feel myself having a full blown panic attack. The flight home was even worse and I was forced to sedate myself heavily.

On a 1 to 10 scale, I would say the severity of the attack was a 6. However, ever since that occurance, I can no longer get on a plane, look at a plane, climb a tall building, look at a tall building, look at pictures of tall structures, or even think about being up high without going into a full blown panic attack. Yesterday I looked at a drawing of skyscraper height comparisons between major cities, and had an attack.

It has now progressed to the point of being unable to watch television because anything from a high angle shot, to a skyline, can trigger this panic. Yesterday, driving home in traffic I was stopped at a light, and looked ahead of me at a 7 storey building and went into full blown attack. I actually had to pull over, focus on breathing, and look down at my lap until the feeling passed.

The attacks have gone from being moderate to being so severe that I honestly feel as though I am having a heart attack.

I have noticed however, that I can decend into the ground without problems. I had a chance to go cave exploring this summer and had no problem climbing 150feet down a rope into an underground chamber.

I guess my questions are, can a severe phobia turn up like this in such a short time?
Is it normal for people to suddenly develop this level of panic and anxiety?
Is it normal to have such a reaction to one thing but not another that are in essence the same thing?
Why do I have these feelings even though I know I am totally safe where I am?

I'm considering seeking professional help for this but I fear what will happen to me career wise when my employer finds out I can no longer function properly on anything higher than ground level.

Even as I typed this I had a slight feeling of panic as I recalled certain events and visions of being up high.

I am really desperate for any help anyone can offer.

Thanks so much.

M
Sorry for the long post :)

M

This makes perfect sense actually. Anxiety disorders can develop very quickly indeed... in an instant actually. You have reprogrammed your subconscious using what is called an 'anchor'. These anchors can provoke an anxiety response just by thinking about an anxiety creating stimulus.

Your anchor is 'heights' related. You have developed a resultant anxiety disorder around this anchor point which isn't actually a phobia. Sure, the reaction is a phobic reaction, however, the underlying cause seems to be your generally increased anxiety level since the panic attack you had on the flight.

The key is to eliminate the anxiety M. By doing so, you 're-set' your benchmark anxiety level back down to an appropriate level. This must be done in a structured way in order to create permanent change in the part of the brain which controls the anxiety response.

This situation is not permanent M. If you eliminate the inappropriate anxiety which fuels this, you can be anxiety free again without using inappropriate drugs or visiting a therapist, that I promise you.

Take care.

Charles Linden

Hey. Everyone that I have ever talked to with panic attacks said it come on out of no where. Including myself. I have suffered for nearly 12 years now. So I would say it is perfectly normal for this to develop so suddenly. Over the last 12 years I have had some very strange problems develop. Once I get over one I guess my brains finds something else to freak me out. One of those strange things was walking past buildings. Didnt' even have to be more than two stories. If I looked up at it I got the sensation that I was falling. I got very dizzy, and felt as though I couldn't breath. I was terrified. I still get a little dizzy when I look up at them or even lay down and look at the sky. I think what helped me was pinpointing what about the buildings it was that actually scared me. You know like the being up at the top and falling, or the building falling on me. That kind of thing. Then you have a place to start. Just remember not to let it overwhelm you. You can overcome this. You just have to have faith. You are in control. You're a firefighter so you have to do for yourself what you normally do for others. When it comes time to go in and save lives, that's all that's on your mind. Nothing but helping them. Now it's time to help yourself. You face the fire headon put it out. This is just one more fire for you to put out. You're smart, brave, and strong you can do this. When you feel the sensations coming on stop, recognize that you are having an attack. Take long deep breath. Talk to youself. Remind yourself that you are not in any danger, you are safe on the ground. I wouldn't recomend forcing yourself to go up on any buildings until you feel comfortable with it. If you are afraid it will affect your job, talk to your boss. It's a medical condition that you will have to learn to control and it will take some time. Personally I think it is better to let people know than to hide it. The more people know the more they can help and support you when you need it. Alright, well I'm sure you're sick of me talking by now. I hope this helps you. You're going to be ok. If you need to talk again let me know. I'd love to hear how you're doing.
God Bless