Letters

No need to print this or anything but shouldn’t Morag from Manama’s column have a more appropriate title like Morag the Nag or Morag the Moaner from Manama?

I bet at this stage people duck their heads when they see her coming lest they be the next object of her disdain.

At least if she were humorous in her weekly rants, it may make them more palatable.

I don’t think I have ever encountered anyone more negative in my life.

Name and address supplied.

Editor’s note: I am happy to publish the opinion of readers, both positive and negative. Morag has penned her last piece … which at least will make this reader very happy, although she has had quite a few fans too!

British expat, mother-of-three, artist, businesswoman and keen runner Elissa Williamson, below, will be sitting in the hot seat from next week.

With reference to an article about Bahraini lifestyle coach, speaker and columnist Fatima Al Mansoori’s suggestions on handling stress which I read on your website - www.gulfweekly.com/Articles/36238/Passing-on-pointers-after-fighting-fatigue-and-curing-anxiety-attacks.

I work as an editor and freelance writer. For many years, I’ve suffered with crippling panic attacks and accompanying bouts of depression. They started when I worked in a high pressured job in the city – I was under a great deal of stress because of the long hours, with little time for rest or relaxation.

With little-to-no understanding of what a panic attack was, until I actually experienced one, I discovered they’re truly terrifying and leave you exhausted and feeling overwhelmed.

I was lucky to have been able to seek help from a brilliant therapist and have the support and encouragement of my very understanding family.

I’ve recently been able to contribute to, and edit a piece that explains the nature of panic attacks and how they are triggered, to help other sufferers. If you’d like to, you can read it here: www.fixmymind.co.uk/four-triggers-panic-attacks/

Everyone experiences fear and anxiety from time to time. It’s normal to be nervous before a big work presentation or to be fearful when walking in the dark, alone.

Panic attacks are different. A panic attack can seem to come out of nowhere, at least when a person first experiences them. The sudden occurrence of the attack causes a good deal of uncertainty and can make you afraid to participate in everyday life. Over time, several factors can act as triggers for an anxiety attack.

Understanding what can trigger an attack and how to avoid specific situations can help you reduce the number of panic attacks in your life.

1.  Severe stress

In some cases, a stressful event in your life can be enough to trigger a panic attack. The stress can range from having to cope with the illness or death of a friend or family member or having to cope with a job loss or personal injury. A traumatic event, such as an assault, can also trigger a panic attack.

2.  Physical exertion

Sweating and an increased heart rate are two common signs of a panic attack. They are also two things that occur when a person exercises. A person who doesn’t experience panic attacks is usually able to cope with the increased heart rate without issue.

But for someone who has experienced a panic attack in the past that was accompanied by sweating or an increased heart rate, any changes in the body can cause him or her to think that a new attack is occurring. That means that you might start avoiding activities, like exercise, that elevate your heart rate or cause you to sweat, out of fear that you’ll experience an attack.

3.  Repeating an event that caused a panic attack in the past

Just as physical changes associated with a panic attack can be enough to trigger a new attack in some people, certain events or situations associated with a past attack can also act as triggers.

For example, if you suffered from a panic attack while making a speech or while driving on the highway, repeating those experiences might be enough to trigger a new attack.

4.  Anticipation

Fear that a panic attack can happen again, at any time can be another trigger for the condition. In this case, your mind can be your worst enemy, trapping you in a place of fear.

Without treatment, panic attacks can lead to panic disorder. Fortunately, help is available. You can work with a therapist to learn to identify triggers and to learn to train your body to respond in a positive way when you feel your anxiety increasing.

 Jackie Edwards - jackieedwards@writermail.net