Fear of fear

I have so many fears and phobias, to list them off would be pointless. I think it has got to the stage now where i am so fearful that i am simply scared of my next panic attack. I am afraid of fear itself. It really is overwhelming beyond belief. I can't stop this horrible cycle.

I understand how you feel I just recently started getting these feelings. I feel so disoriented, disconnected, and simply afraid of my next panic attack. I sometimes feel like I'm going to lose myself. I have a very supportive family though who is going to help me help myself I guess. Im going to see doctors soon for a physical then maybe a psychological assessment. All I can say is obviosuly others are suffering just as badly or worse than you are. Try to get help from a doctor soon. Otherwise, Im sorry I cant offer you specific advice.

It sounds like you suffer from anxiety/panic disorder, and I know how much of a hellish experience it must be for you, as I'm in a pretty bad state at the moment. I too have a fear of fear - a fear of the next panic attack, which is a pretty vicious cycle to be in. I feel like I have surely experienced pretty much every fear or phobia there is - as soon as I feel I'm getting to grips with one, another comes along, which feels like it's going to be impossible to handle, but somehow you cope with it.

My main problem with the fear of the next panic attack, is that it makes me quite agoraphobic, and has restricted my life quite a bit. I'm still working (part-time), but even going to the supermarket can be quite an ordeal at the moment.

You must never give into it though as people do get better. If a panic attack happens, it happens, and while they are unbelievably overwhelming and terrifying, they will never actually harm you, which is what I try to keep remembering when I can feel those horrible anticipatory physical/psychological sensations begin to kick in.

So much of the problem is complicated with Fear of fear. Get your hands on any books by Dr. Claire Weekes. She address this in her books.
Of all the books I have read current or not Dr Weekes was the most help to me over the years, Usually under $10

Claire Weekes books are dated but sound. there is some good advice in them, but don't forget, most of them were written over 20 years ago, long before any decent research about anxiety was done!

Don't foget what these phobias are... they aren't about ACTUAL fear, they are about the sensation of fear causing you to become fixated one something. Phobias aren't real, they are perceptions of danger. This is just so easy to remove if you know how.

Charles

charles, you are right Claire Weekes last published book was in 1986. There is new data but much of what I have read is a different version of Weekes material, Only not as good. It did work for me when there was nothing else out there.I managed to get get rid of the worst of the panic I suggested it because it has a simple explaination which may helpful. I too am looking at different options to rid me of constant anxiety. I am thinking of your approach.l