Panic attacks

RE: Panic attacks

Robyn — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 12:35:06 GMT

Making sure there's nothing else contributing to your stress and getting your self-care sorted can help massively! Has it been too long since you've had a holiday? Do you need more quiet time to yourself during the day, or more time around friends/family outside of work? In work, is there a protocol or anything which is a cause of worry for you and is contributing to taking things home? Maybe a discharge protocol, or a way that a vet handles a certain type of case that you think you could be doing something more/different for? I know you say there's no issues, but sometimes a wee niggle like that can snowball like nothing else!

Making sure everything is happy outside of work can have a massive impact too, but that's maybe more of a personal experience than anything else. I'm the type to get upset by lots of little things snowballing, and if something outside of work is bothering me it can really contribute.

I would chat to a friendly GP too - it's intimidating as heck but worth it if you get someone really understanding!

As far as sleep, the Webinar Vet has a *fantastic* sleep series available. I think it's a little pricey now, but it's 6 hours of CPD right off the bat, and the speaker is really amazing. When he was doing the course live, insomnia bc people can't switch off was a big concern (not surprisingly!) so he spent most of those 6 hours tackling how to start switching off. He does cover things like writing down worries/stresses too. He also has the most soothing voice ever (in my opinion!), so having them on live just before my bedtime was fab ;) I really recommend checking it out - honestly I'm going to rewatch it soon.

RE: Panic attacks

Tania Ford — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 09:14:47 GMT

[quote user="Alison Clare Hickman"]There's likely people reading this thinking I am a bit of a fruitcake. Why thank you. I like a bit of fruitcake, me![/quote]

Yes you are a fruitcake Ali, but a very good, tasty and satisfying fruitcake! LOL

We all take work home with us - that's what makes a good nurse. The nurse that forgets about work as soon as the back door hits their behinds, is not the type of colleague i would wish to work with. Try to prioritise things and try to concentrate on things not work related when you are home. Good luck x

RE: Panic attacks

Alison Clare Hickman — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 08:28:35 GMT

hi there,

it's natural to worry a little about not coping and by thinking through a problem/list of jobs to do we comfort ourselves we've got it covered. We feel safer. If the thinking thru becomes obsessive, as u hv identified, it leads to an unhealthy outcome.

I found by turning down the volume of my thoughts that instead of my brain shouting at me (and keeping me awake, for example) I was able to function better. This is how *I* do it... perhaps it will work for you, or adapt for your own needs.

I recognise when I start to overthink/worry. I say to myself, "Enough bulls*hit brain. Set it aside". I then picture the thought being screwed up (like a piece of scrap paper) and throw it over my shoulder. It's behind me. I move on.

I have a lovely hot shower and sing. Well neither is pretty but, hey, both make me feel great, lol. Then I select a comfy pair of pj's and settle down to watch a nature programme or read my latest book (I know how to partaaay, me). All if this has re-directed my thoughts away from what I was previously obsessing about and has relaxed me ready for sleep. If I do find the thoughts creeping back, I return to stage 1 and throw them behind me again, take three very deep breaths and think about hammy the hamster on his little red treadmill...(cheers hammy, you'll be doing all the going around in circles for me). He's a good mate, is hammy.

There's likely people reading this thinking I am a bit of a fruitcake. Why thank you. I like a bit of fruitcake, me!

Peace.

Hope this might help you create your own oasis of calm. Let it go!

Ali h

RE: Panic attacks

Anne Watkins — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 08:15:54 GMT

Not a nice feeling at all :( if you're feeling that anxious, speaking to your dr would be a very good idea as they may be able to make some suggestions. Hopefully you've got an understanding GP as can make all the difference :)

RE: Panic attacks

James Colver Cert. Ed, RVN — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 23:18:53 GMT

If you find yourself thinking about work all the time I guess try to work with it and channel it into something good like studying / writing rather than try to change it :)