At the start of the year my daughter was having weird spells where she said that she felt like she was not in her body, but she said it was like she was floating above her body and felt like she wasn't really aware of what was going on around her.
I thought it was just because it was coming up to the 4th anniversary of her sister's passing. The doctor said he thought it was a panic attack.
Anyway, since then, it still happens to her from time to time and as recent as yesterday. She can go weeks without having one and then she could have a few in the same day. She just feels really weird for 10 mins or so and then she's fine.
Anyone any suggestions or similar experiences?
2007-07-31 09:21:53 · 10 answers · asked by mandy6979 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Aren't our minds just the most marvelous things? This is something that happens when the mind goes into a protection mode.
My psychologist calls it a "dissociative episode"
To dissociate is "to pull away from" or "to not identify with"
Usually such episodes are associated with high stress
or incidents or reactions to trauma.
(For example, if a person is being/feeling attacked or unsafe)
People who do this often can work with a psychologist and learn techniques to purpose to "remain present" and still be safe.
2007-07-31 09:41:04 · answer #1 · answered by Hope 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hope everything gets better. Sounds like shes experiencing something paranormal. If so, it would come to pass. I've had panic attacks but none like that. Thats a totally different feeling right there. You should ask her more questions about how she feels and go into details about whats going on. Just always be there for her when it happens. I sure it will go away within time.
2007-07-31 09:33:30 · answer #2 · answered by Chaoticxkidddd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, sorry to hear your daughter is feeling so bad. It sounds very much like a panic attack. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) her attacks:
1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads online, e.g. http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/counselling/audio_resources/index.html
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. get her to practise the steps every day, not just when she's feeling bad). I hope she feels better soon. Best of luck!
p.s. If your daughter is a child, you can get special CBT workbooks for children. You could try ‘Think Good - Feel Good: A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Workbook for Children and Young People’ by Paul Stallard
2007-08-02 02:07:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your Doc nailed it when he diagnosed Panic.The fact that your daughter is only bothered by these symptoms only occasionally seems to indicate her distress is mild. Mild can still cause distress and your daughter can probably benefit from anti-panic medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is nothing more than talking about...anything with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Strongly recommend action be taken now rather than later,as these things tend to snowball.
2007-07-31 10:42:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Basically she is doing this as a way of dealing with things, she is disassociating instead a dealing with what is going on. People do this when things become overwhelming. I think it is time for her to see a therapist that can help her talk through things and help her come up with better ways of coping, because by doing this, she isn't addressing the issues she is having.
2007-07-31 10:00:04 · answer #5 · answered by *BCD's*Mom* 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm..Is it like a "ghosty" feeling when it feels like ur a ghost? Sometimes that happens to me..when im both tired and nervous/anxious. She should take a break if shes tired..maybe thas what causes it, but im no doctor :( It probably is an anxiety attack.
good luck though, i really hope she gets better!
2007-07-31 09:31:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I knew a littl boy years ago and he would be just playing, then out of the blue, he'd stop and just stare like he was in a stupor. It only lasted a couple minutes, then he was fine. His concerned mom took him to the doc's, they did tests, etc., and was diagnosed as hyperactive. The doc said that his brain needed to catch up!
2007-07-31 10:33:15 · answer #7 · answered by zen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely a panic or anxiety attack. I have them frequently with the same symptoms. I can usually feel one coming on and to control it, I have learned to close my eyes, relax my limbs and breath slowly. This helps my attacks to be shorter and not as intense.
2007-07-31 09:32:12 · answer #8 · answered by Vera C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You were right to take her to a doctor. Only a doctor can make a proper diagnosis. How old is your daughter? What treatment has the doctor suggested?
2007-07-31 09:31:14 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like anxiety or panic attacks.
Are you positive she is not doing any kind of illegal drugs?
2007-07-31 09:29:40 · answer #10 · answered by Starla C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋