Aa
anxiety question
Dr. Gould,
I am a 34 year-old male. Back in 1994, I suffered a panic attack on a golf course where I worked as a caddie. As a result of that episode, I developed agoraphobia and was too scared to travel too far from home. I started and quit several jobs, and suffered much emotional distress. At the urging of my parents, I received help from a psychologist with whom I developed an excellent rapport. The talk therapy turned out to be very successful, and I've since finished college, played much golf, moved away, gotten married and started a successful career.
A few weeks ago I had another panic episode on a golf course, and it has caused me to feel anticipatory anxiety on an almost constant basis, even at home. In response to this, I have reactivated the old relaxation and deep breathing techniques that I worked on with my old therapist, and this has allowed me to feel more calm in general and to function at work, however I can't seem to shake the racing thoughts (what if i have constant panic attacks, what if gets so bad that i can't work, etc). It feels as though my mind wants to go back to the state of panic, as if there's some unresolved business there. I've made an appointment with local psychologist to sort through all of this. I guess what I'm looking for is some reassurance that talk therapy can help me overcome this latest bout of anxiety. Also, any thoughts that you might have on calming the "racing mind" problem would also be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
I am a 34 year-old male. Back in 1994, I suffered a panic attack on a golf course where I worked as a caddie. As a result of that episode, I developed agoraphobia and was too scared to travel too far from home. I started and quit several jobs, and suffered much emotional distress. At the urging of my parents, I received help from a psychologist with whom I developed an excellent rapport. The talk therapy turned out to be very successful, and I've since finished college, played much golf, moved away, gotten married and started a successful career.
A few weeks ago I had another panic episode on a golf course, and it has caused me to feel anticipatory anxiety on an almost constant basis, even at home. In response to this, I have reactivated the old relaxation and deep breathing techniques that I worked on with my old therapist, and this has allowed me to feel more calm in general and to function at work, however I can't seem to shake the racing thoughts (what if i have constant panic attacks, what if gets so bad that i can't work, etc). It feels as though my mind wants to go back to the state of panic, as if there's some unresolved business there. I've made an appointment with local psychologist to sort through all of this. I guess what I'm looking for is some reassurance that talk therapy can help me overcome this latest bout of anxiety. Also, any thoughts that you might have on calming the "racing mind" problem would also be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes, I believe that talk therapy can help you immensely, and your intuition makes me believe that very strongly. It is insightful of you to understand that at different times of your life different issues have to be resolved, and your racing mind is telling you that there is now something new for you to think about. You are pushing back against that recognition, and that is why you are having these obsessive worries. Starting to talk and explore with the right person will fix all of that quite quickly. The early thirties is the time in life to start reaching down into the deeper parts of your soul...it's an opportunity to enrich and deepen yourself.
Dr. Gould,
Thank you very much for your response. I take great comfort in your insights on my situation.
Thank you very much for your response. I take great comfort in your insights on my situation.
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