Help with panic attacks

[Drumond30]

My Dad is suffering with panic attacks. He is highly stressed at the moment, not sleeping, not eating. The problem is he won't take medication. Everything they give him he says gives him side effects and he refuses to take it. Wondering if anyone has tried anything more natural or any techniques we could try as alternative? It's having a huge impact on his quality of life and I think is contributing to his quick decline.

[JamesW]

Hi Drumond,

Sorry to hear that your dad is suffering from anxiety attacks. If he is not happy to take medication would he be agreeable to trying relaxation techniques to help manage stress?

Apologies if this is not suitable or relevant.

James

[denise]

I've been having problems with my husband. I've been waiting for medication to help relax him since January. Thursday during daycare he wouldn't calm down he wanted to know where I was and wouldn't sit down. The fear is he will fall. Yesterday, Friday, he just kept walking backwards and forwards. Would sit for a few minutes then he was off again. This went on all day. I didn't know what to do with him. Then he'd sit and stare at me. Its like he is over stimulated and cant calm down. I even spoke to his doctor and she wouldn't help. The doctor had originally phoned because she wanted me to take him in for a blood test for prostrate cancer. I said surely the community nurse can do this as I am struggling to cope with him. She didn't know we had a nurse and asked why? I don't think she even realized he has mnd and ftd. I find coping with GP surgery very difficult.
😐

[DeeH]

I personally as a carer, have at times of extreme stress used Bach Rescue Remedy Spray. (on myself)

It does have alcohol in it. But a wee spray shouldn't have any adverse effects.

You feel like you are doing something, to help yourself.

Mum with dementia uses lavender smells and calming music but we both have experience in meditation, so have "muscle memory" of it working.

denise

everytime I think the professionals can't get any more clueless, you pop up with more tales of idiots at the surgery.

My dad is going for swallow tests tomorrow, Sunday. I can't get respite or even a hint of respite at the moment.

Don't know what to do if the results are bad?

Can't get the social work or MND nurse to realise, that this is serious!

I asked if he (Thomas ) could go to hospice for the day, appartently they don't do that.

I am going the route of direct payments but I need respite now. I am prepared to pay short term.

Everyone is looking at me, like no one has very asked for help before. Been asking for a year.

I want to stamp my foot and scream.

Sorry for hijacking the thread.

Happy Saturday

[denise]

Donna have you thought of daycare centres? They might have someone who can visit. I use my direct payments for that. Age UK have sitters. No harm in phoning and asking. The daycare centre I use do evening and overnight.

Think I could do with the rescue remedy spray.

😘

[DeeH]

denise

I will do the Age UK route, for info.

Recommend the the rescue remedy.

Hugs

[Ellie]

My Dad is suffering with panic attacks. He is highly stressed at the moment, not sleeping, not eating.

Oh that must be so distressing for you all Drumond30 Have you or your Mum any idea if there is a specific reason as to why your Dad is highly stressed atm, or maybe it's just everything?

Would he talk to a counsellor? I had counselling and it really helped me sort out my head - things often feel overwhelming, even hopeless a few months after diagnosis, and it's impossible to see the wood for the trees.

I never got into mindfulness but some people find it good. I like putting on headphones and listening to books, dramas, podcasts and music.

Sending you hugs 🤗🤗😘😘