Panic Attacks

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I got baptized in February 2024. I truly hope God helps me and cures me from my illness. God bless you all on here abundantly

I want to feel and know Gods presence. I am Christian. I love Jesus Christ and hope he is always there for me. I know God is good and he is the one that makes anything possible. God bless you all on here. I hope the lord is always with all of us guiding us to our best lives. I just feel like sometimes I don’t always feel or understand God. I want to know God fully and for him to always grant/hear all my prayer requests! It would mean the absolute world to me if God always listens to me and hears me right away instantly

#CheckInWithMe #Disability #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #MightyTogether #ADHD #MajorDepressiveDisorder #Depression #Bipolar2 #BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #Anxiety #Trauma #PostTraumaticStressDisorder #PanicAttacks #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #Schizophrenia #PanicDisorder #Selfharm #SuicidalThoughts #Suicide #GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder #SocialAnxiety #SocialAnxietyDisorder #Psychosis #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Addiction #SchizophreniaSpectrumPsychoticDisorders

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Fear of Flying: Is It Helpful or Hurtful to Watch Airplane Videos?

This is a question I receive quite often from people, and it's actually not a simple answer. While sometimes it can provide some comfort to see videos of planes flying, or pilots talking about flying, and it can at times help normalize the experience a bit if the videos are benign enough, I find they can often be more harmful than helpful to people's fear of flying.

Not All Normalizing Experiences Are Created Equal

People sometimes hope they can provide themselves with some form of exposure therapy when watching airplane videos. However, exposure therapy has never been great for fear of flying for a number of reasons (some of those being limited access to exposure, graduated exposure, and repetition that you'd find with CBT). Fear of flying doesn't seem to follow the same rules as other phobias, and it has meant that traditional phobia treatments have never really done a great job with resolving people's flying anxiety. This is why I studied this phobia and came up with a different way of approaching this issue many years ago now that has worked well to help people overcome this issue.

Within this approach, there are four major components that need to be addressed when working to overcome fear of flying and flying anxiety: normalization, underlying causes, emotional regulation, and passenger flying education. I've discussed these components in depth in many articles and interviews in the past (and a book will eventually be on the way). So I won't go into the latter three here.

Understanding Normalization

Creating normalization is a bit more complex than it sounds (and no, it's not the same as what's known as "exposure"). The idea behind a normalization-based approach is that you're trying to make the experience of flying feel indifferent (or even fun and exciting in some instances). Kind of like the indifference you may feel when you get in the car if you drive every day. You likely just don't think about it because you're so used to it.

In order to create normalization, the basic concept is that you have to be taking in (to your mind and body, consciously and unconsciously) more of the routine elements of flying than anything else. If you end up taking in more negative or anxiety inducing flying elements, even unknowingly, it can result in "reverse normalization" and actually set your normalization meter the other direction, leading to increased anxiety instead of calm. This reverse normalization happens when people are taking in more negative than positive, and for every person, how "negative" and "positive" flying elements are experienced depends on their own emotional history and current place. Some people will be impacted by elements that others are fine with.

A Video of a Calm Flight Can Still Be Triggering

It can be tempting to think that a helpful or benign flying video is watching a plane flight where no bad turbulence happens and everything runs smoothly. However, sometimes hearing certain sounds may be more triggering than expected, or seeing various airplane movements, seeing people moving around the plane a certain way, seeing the plane full of people, and more that shows up in videos can actually unexpectedly hit the reverse normalization button. While some might say, "Well, you have to get used to all this before flying, don't you?" There is some truth to this line of thinking. However, if what you're watching becomes unexpectedly too overwhelming or overstimulating for any reason it can actually create anything from panic attacks in response to a significant setback that doesn't easily resolve with repetition. I have had people show up to their sessions clearly impacted after they decided to watch live flight videos that they weren't ready to encounter.

Different Types of Airplane Videos and Reverse Normalization

There are a lot of different types of airplane videos online nowadays, more so than just videos of planes flying that passengers put online. There is also an ever-growing pool of pilot-made videos for the sake of teaching the public about planes and flying, and explaining incidents that come up. And while these maybe are intended to be helpful -- sometimes it is really unclear -- I would venture to say that many more videos lend to reverse normalization, as opposed to normalization. When you're afraid of flying, it is much easier to be stimulated the wrong way than the helpful way. The interaction between the fearful flier's brain and content that highlights things going wrong, or that shines a light on the exceptions to flying, or shows the mistakes (even if things turn out okay, in the end) only leaves most people who fear flying feeling less good about flying and more worried. Even if the pilots are explaining why you shouldn't be nervous, it is the interaction with the anxiety and flying that ratchets up the fear.

The Less Obstacles to the Fear of Flying Brain, The Better

In my approach, stemming from my work as a therapist, I created the normalization exercises I use when working with people specifically to be sure that what you're taking in is most likely to lend to normalization and not the opposite. And this never includes videos. There are times that people have brought videos into our sessions to watch with me so their reactions can be monitored and understood. But I would not specifically point people towards any videos you'd find online for the purposes of normalizing flying. There are too many variables that can work against you. In fact, it is really the opposite. I would normally tell people not to watch videos they find online (including flying news videos). It doesn't mean certain video have never helped people -- I'm sure some people will respond to this article and say how watching videos was helpful for them. But it isn't a reliable approach.

The mind of the fearful flier can be delicate when it comes to anxiety and flying and easily impacted the wrong direction. If you're wanting to overcome the fear, the less obstacles the better. This is why the more flying related content that pops up online these days, the more care is needed around what you're taking in.

It is also the case that if there is something in the underlying causes area that is blocking normalization from being internalized that trying to push too hard on the normalization button can actually increase flying anxiety as well. So if you're watching videos hoping it's going to desensitize you, but something underlying is in the way, it can actually increase the block and you may start to feel more anxious. (This is why overcoming fear of flying has always been complicated. The needs aren't the same from one person to the next and the process needs to adjust for the person, not the other way around).

Overcoming Fear of Flying, and Handling Videos

If you enjoy watching airplane videos, passenger videos, or pilot explanation videos, just keep in mind that while they certainly can be interesting, don't be surprised if you're noticing yourself wanting to fly less as you watch more of them. It doesn't really mean that flying has become notably more dangerous or higher risk (I know this is a hot topic right now), but it more likely means that you're experiencing reverse normalization if you're finding yourself backing away from flying or becoming more uncertain about it. This may be a sign it's time to put the videos aside or scroll past them in your feed for a while.

#fearofflying #Anxiety #Phobia #PanicAttacks #Claustrophobia #flyinganxiety

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Just got fired from my job

So, as I've posted, I recently got in a very traumatic car accident that left me with three fractured in my hip. I'm learning to walk and live again. I'm working every day to heal from the trauma and the injury. But I just received a call today that my job, which is at a church (I was an administrative assistant) literally fired me because they couldn't wait until August 1st and the person training me didn't want to work anymore and wanted to retire. The pastor, my boss, just called me to tell me. I let him know that it wasn't a Christian thing to do, and that it felt like a slap in the face. As I write this, I'm filled with anger, sadness, and pain. But I will lean on God and give it to Him. I think I have every right to feel angry and upset. I know God will show me a better way, but it felt like a fucked up thing to do, and I'm not sorry for saying that. What the hell?

#MightyTogether
#CheckInWithMe
#Trauma
#SocialAnxiety
#PTSD
#PanicAttacks
#ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder
#MajorDepressiveDisorder
#Grief
#ChronicIllness

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Awake by night, sleep in the day! Any ideas how I can turn this around?

I'm in the middle of moving house, which has increased my anxiety and stress ten fold. Unfortunately, this has really affected my sleeping patterns and I'm completely turned around.

I find that I have hallucinations and panic attacks at night, that just sit with me and when I close my eyes, all I see is a horror show of flashbacks. I don't tend to have this issue during the day but need to be awake to deal with Solicitors, removal companies, utility companies, Broadband companies etc.

This is leaving me with a maximum of two hours to three hours sleep (normally after eating my evening meal, whilst it's still light). As soon as it get's dark, I'm awake for the rest of the evening.

I've tried meditation, relaxing music, reading, medication and nothing is breaking the cycle.

Does anyone have any sage advice for me or ideas on what I can try next? I'm absolutely exhausted!

#Insomnia #PTSD #Anxiety

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Anxiety around travelling

Hello, Mighties. I have booked a holiday with my mum (who is aware of my anxiety, chronic fatigue, ibs and other issues), leaving on Sunday. Initially I was looking forward to it as a chance to have a decent rest, but I have started worrying about the travel to get there (a train journey for 40 mins, a 3-hour flight and a coach for 40 minutes at the other end). I've woken up the past two days with thoughts of how I might have a panic attack on the plane, or have a bad stomach... and this has ended up with me having a bad stomach and feeling panicky already 🤦🏻‍♀️ I wondered if anyone has any advice on how to manage these thoughts and feelings? I think if I manage to get there it will be great and I can relax... but I'm feeling so nervous about the getting-there. It's cost a reasonable amount of money, and as we booked last -minute I don't think we can cancel or defer. Thanks in advance for any advice or tips at all. I've been doing some breathing exercises and meditation, but still feeling pretty horrible 😔 [Picture of a bee because I've started embroidery in an attempt to calm my mind , it does help but doesn't get rid of the anxiety altogether unfortunately!] #MentalHealth #Anxiety #IBS #ChronicFatigue

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Help! I’m Losing Control

I have primary progressive MS and I feel like I’m spinning out of control. I just got diagnosed but haven’t started treatment so MS is behind the wheel and has the pedal to the floor. I’m not in control of my body so how am I supposed to have control over anything else. I have a full time job and two kids and am constantly in survival mode. I don’t feel any joy right now. I’m having panic attacks every day, sometimes all day. Please tell me life gets better. Please tell me I’m not doomed to suffer for the rest of my life with this pain that’s consuming me from the inside-out. My friends are losing patience with me. They think my memory problems and mixing things up are intentional, one recently called me a liar when I was actually just confused and said the wrong thing. I feel like such a burden. Will I ever get through this?

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Tricks to partner despite PTSD being happy together

Hi everyone,

I’m new here and grateful to have found this space.

I’m looking for ideas and shared experiences that could help my girlfriend and me grow together while navigating the effects of her PTSD.

We’ve known each other for over four years with strong mutual attraction, but our relationship deepened last August. But after about three months of closeness, a panic attack to realize being in a relation shifted things — she began to feel overwhelmed by the intensity and developed strong urges to pull away.

Since then, it’s been a cycle of connection and distance. She’s actively in therapy, which I deeply respect, but during more intense phases, she becomes emotionally withdrawn, sometimes reactive — even humiliating me in public or dismissing any gentle reflection I try to offer. Still, when we’re connected and calm, we share beautiful moments full of warmth, laughter, and safety.

I want to emphasize: this isn’t about blaming. It is so much caring. I’m aware that trauma expresses itself in ways that are protective, even when it seems hurtful. I also bring my own patterns into the relationship. I grew up with a mother who had her own unresolved trauma — which left me with self-worth challenges and a tendency to overthink. So, while I get emotionally shaken at times, I’ve also developed strong coping skills. In some ways, I think we understand each other’s pain.

Now, I’d love to ask you — both those living with PTSD and those supporting a partner — a few questions based on where we are now and what will work well according to your experience - such a kind of partner experience exchange:

Would it be helpful to move difficult conversations into a written form (like email or messages), rather than trying to solve things live in person? I feel it might give us both time to reflect and reduce the emotional charge — preserving our precious “hygge” moments together. Has anyone tried this?

Have any of you had positive experiences with joining a partner’s therapy sessions from time to time? Her therapist seems to be someone she respects and who challenges her in a constructive way. I don’t want to intrude, but I wonder if sharing one or two sessions could build understanding on both sides?

Any thoughts, advice, or personal stories would be appreciated.

Thanks for listening — and sending a smile to whoever needs one today. 😊

Cheers Happy2Gether

#PTSD #ptsdpartners #PTSD -together-healing #PTSD -tricks

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Speaking out (again) as a disabled US citizen fearful for the future and really struggling

I haven’t said much here. But I have had a lot going on in my head. So I guess here are some of the things.

Last time I tried to speak out about my fears on the mighty, I felt mostly supported but sometimes dismissed in the comments. I have been hesitating to talk about it again here, because it is hard. However I need support and I don’t feel like this is about politics.
I am more concerned for my future. As someone who uses my health insurance multiple times a week, at places that receive some funding from Medicaid and Medicare- I am terrified. If you haven’t been watching- there are proposed significant cuts to Medicaid and Medicare that will affect anyone who uses these services (even if you are disabled). These cuts will have system wide impacts (think of the places you receive care- they will likely have to shift things around with reductions). Oh- and also cuts proposed to SNAP/food benefits. I have been actively calling my Representatives and Senators. It’s a really scary time right now. When I talk to some people in office, they lie to me on the phone and I have to correct them. They do not argue with me, and usually end up providing me with clearer answers. Which is alarming, to say the least. Not only that, people who receive benefits are being called things by “leaders” in the government that are demoralizing to say the least. They say they are protecting vulnerable populations while calling us names on social media or interview clips. And cutting our benefits and putting more obstacles in the way that have been proven to fail and make citizens sicker when adopted on a state level.

My boyfriend has to change jobs because the place he works cut pay “as an experiment” for just a few branches of a national company. At a time when financial insecurity is even more greater, I am experiencing a significant increase in my trauma symptoms and my flight response has been kicking in hard. But there is no sense of normality anywhere I go.

I’m having a lot of emotional flashbacks from previously being unhoused. We are working through things in therapy, but again- I don’t feel safe even with knowing I will be covered by my insurance.

I think it’s hurting me more than I realized that I cannot access my old places and friends that I used as coping mechanisms since I ended up being displaced. Of course I can still go back and visit, talk to them on the phone or online (and I have done all of these) but we all know that is much easier said than done for people who are also managing chronic conditions.
When I panicked before, felt constrained, needed a safe place- I had them. I grabbed my dog and we went a few minutes down the road and looked for fossils or shells. I played pokemon go with casual friends. I had built up a net of accessible options. I was familiar with people there and it was a smaller town.
I live in a much bigger city now. I have tried to do things here, but the panic attacks got way worse when I moved. I have a list of a few places I can sometimes go, but no friends to just hang out with. And I have tried many ways to make new friends. I just don’t have close ones. It takes time, you know? Especially when so much of your time is managing your chronic illnesses.
The thing is- I’m doing the things most people will say to do. But being displaced really has been hard on me. And the benefits to being in this bigger city (my amazing boyfriend and my great care team) feel like they are getting further from me. I am feeling terrified of losing my health insurance and my care. The political climate is making things feel tense and uncertain. And for the first time in some time- I feel like the future might be worse. I do not hope for things anymore because I am so scared.

I know this feeling will pass. I just also know the things I am saying are also very true. My fears are valid, just as they were four months ago.

#Agoraphobia #PanicDisorder #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder #Disability #ChronicVestibularMigraine #Migraine #ADHD #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome

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