Question

Hello

I am 32 years old, and diagnosed with chronic anxiety and panic attacks.

I'm on medication: Cipralex 10mg, ALZAM 0,5mg and Beta-blockers. My husband works in Saudi-Arabia and I'm constantly worried about him, he's 50 years of age, very stressed, swears alot, loses his temper quick, and refuses to go and see a doctor.

I also have 2 children, ages 3 and 7 years. Our household is very stressful and my 7 year old cries easily and the 3 year old is aggressive, actualy both are.

In Aug'07 I had bacterial meningitis, and before I got sick I had my first panic attack. My problem now is that I constantly think there's something wrong with my health although the doctors tell me everything is fine. I continuously think I have a heart problem, blood clots or going to have a stroke and have lots of aches and pains everywhere in my body.

The moment I get a sharp pain in my chest or leg or arm I immediately get palpitations and then it feels like I can't get enough air.

My brain won't switch off at night, I have to read so that I can fall asleep, I feel uneasy in shopping centres and driving and I'm tired throughout the day.

6months ago I was fine, I was myself, happy and had no worries, but now I'm too afraid to enjoy life, my children, because I'm scared something is going to happen to me.

I'm closer to God now, I pray more and sometimes I feel strong, but then there's days when I'm down and I would go through the day being very careful/afraid.

I just want to feel myself again, I have been to a psychiatrist, but it's as if he doesn't take me serious and doesn't understand me, after visiting him I did not feel better, I was still confused and worried, it was as if he did not ask me the right questions.

I smoke and want to stop immediately, luckily I don't drink any alcohol. I'm continously surfing the net for heart problems, symptoms, any medical thing.

What can I do? I feel like I'm in an internal battle with myself (my mind, body and soul).

How do I balance myself again and how can I really relax? I just can't do anything by myself, I feel very tired and feel as if i don't have the strength.

Who can help me, because I need someone who can help me personally step by step every day.

I'm from Ellisras, Limpopo Province
Thank you for listening

Answer

In your area there are not many cognitive behaviour therapists, but this is what you need. Is there any chance of coming to JHB for a few weeks? SADAG have a list of such therapists, you can give them a try; there may someone close enough for you to drive to. They also have psychiatrists on their data base; if you don't benefit from the sessions, we need to find you another, who will help. SADAG are at 011 783 1474.

- Colinda Linda