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[Cassandrabell]

Hi guys I'm new here and just wondering if anyone can give me some words of encouragement or your story, as I have a panic disorder and I want to start the gym but I'm worried that it will effect my condition with the panic attacks and all....!

Has or is anyone going or gone through this?

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[swanso5]

i don't anything about this...tell me more about your situation...you can pm me of you want

go swans

[Boss Man]

Tell us more, it might help us ot work out possibly what is going on, and how it manifests itself.

[Cassandrabell]

Thanks for your interest in my situation.

I have a panic disorder where I am convinced that something is wrong with me e.g.... I'm not going to be able to breath or I'm going to have a hear attack silly things like that!

Its quiet hard to understand if you haven't gone through it or haven't known anyone with this disorder....

SO in saying that I guess I would like to hear from someone who has gone though this...

Thanks again.

[Boss Man]

Could your panic disorder stem from some kind of confidence issue?

It definitely sounds more psychological than physical. Certainly I wouldn't say it is silly. It's unusual but nothing wrong with that. I'd say that if you start on the weights, obviously you're going to have to adjust to what you're doing so clearly no going for rep maxes, but I would use the time to concentrate on the breathing and focus.

Even perhaps spend time at home working on breathing and focus, and just mimicing the movements you have been shown, without using any weight, and if needs be when you're training, just keep the little voice on in your head, the one that tells you it's going to be okay, and it's going to be fine, and you will be okay, and nothing will happen.

You don't necessarily need to work to full capacity when you've gotten over the first 4-6 weeks, you could quite easily make progress, working about 2lbs below your max limit, at any one time, so if you were doing for example an 8 rep set, you could always push yourself, but as if you're good for 10. You wouldn't get optimal progress, but you'd keep yourself just below that max lift threshold, so you would be less likely to encounter any difficulties, and have an attack.

Then when you're ready and feel confident, you could add that bit more, and go for full rep maxes, feeling that you're going to be okay.

Again, with Cardio, you could do things like Exercise bike, as opposed to Treamill or Rower, so you are in conrol, and you can sit down, and hold the handlebars, rather than standing up to run on a Treadmill, and feeling like you might slip, or sliding backwards and forwards on a rower, and thinking you might fall off the back.

You could also look into something called 5-HTP, which works in conjunction with an Amino Acid called Tryptophan, to increase Seratonin releases, which could help relax your mood or state of mind.

The main thing is, that you take control, and you are in a situation you want to be, but you're calling the shots. You'll have time enough between sets on your weight lifting, to just talk to yourself in your head, and of course try if you can to work a lot infront of the mirror, so you can see what you're doing, without having to tilt your head one way or the other, to check hand position or range of movement, so you're keeping your head clearer to focus and let your head voice, talk to you if needs be.

I know having a panic attack situation is obviously a difficult thing, but I know that as long as you remember YOU are in control, and YOU DO have the tools to help yourself get through a possible moment, you will be fine.

So try not to worry okay, I'm sure with a bit of practice and self control, you'll develop a better ability to stay controlled, and be mroe confident within yourself.

Good luck, and anything else we can do for you, don't hesitate to turn to us for any kind of support if needs be.

.

[everstrong]

I have social anxiety disorder. Actually the most severe form of s.a.d. - which is avoidant personality disorder. I take meds and these seem to help greatly. Any direct questions are welcomed

[Tyler Hawke]

I've had issues with this in the past. It's been a while but they creep up every now and then. What I have donw is essentially shouted it down within myself and out-confidented it. bascially, when it has occurred, I've gotten a modicum of a grip and told myself I was better than this, this situation is ridiculous, there is no need to think this way, this is weak and I am stronger and better than any panic attack.

I don't really know what brings them on but they have happened on and off thru my life and more times than not I have been able to control it and subdue so it doesn't affect my life in a negative way.

Be stronger than it - let the confident stronger you take control. Ask yourself if what you are panic-ing about has any basis in reality? Keep asking and you already know the answer, you just have to let that voice get stronger and not let the panic one be stronger.

Hope this helps - I don't like talking about this as it is my own demon I keep to myself but if this adivice aids you in any way, then it was worth the disclosure.

[everstrong]

[quote=" I want to start the gym but I'm worried that it will effect my condition with the panic attacks and all....!



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Yes, it can and does affect most everything in your life but you have no choice but to fight it. I was somewhat of a late-bloomer when it came to properly dealing with this.
The self denial never worked for me - mainly because my so-called "comfort zone" was to be the opposite of an outgoing, gregarious person.

My advice to you would be to not overanalyze any of your personal behaviors and interactions with others unless you do it objectively and as a learning tool.

[Max181]

Wow I hope I do this right. I have not posted anything here yet and as always I am a bit confused. I just had to respond to your concerns about panic attacks. I am a 51 year old male and suffered many years ago. My heart really goes out to you as it can be very debilitating. I have been a salesman all my life and these attacks really conflicted with my way of life. I thought I was going to lose everything to it. OK enough about that . ..how to overcome and will it affect your workouts. When I got serious and worked out in a gym daily several years ago I was just beginning to overcome my own issues. I must admit it is hard but you can prevail. You need to “allow” yourself to fully “experience” the attack to see that it is just that . . .a panic attack. As you gain control you will find it easier and easier to overcome. We all deal differently. I was one that did not want to be near people when I felt an attack so I would rush to the locker room. I knew of others that would just find a corner in the gym because they felt that “if they passed out they wanted someone to see”. Either way you must find your center and give yourself permission to retreat. Equally important is that you truly understand your body. Learn about your resting heart rate and where you should be during each phase of your exercise. Knowledge in key here. If you can afford it I would recommend a heart rate watch . .I just bought one for around $30. You just put two fingers on it from time to time and it gives you a reading. It’s great for seeing where you are and in your case easing your mind that your body is working fine! There is so much more but this is a start. I wish you the best and if you want to ever talk it out feel free to send me a note.