33. Panic Attacks

PANIC STATION!!!!!

You’re about to start the peri/menopause journey where the body you (thought you) once knew physically changes before your very eyes, performing the most bizarre tricks, whilst inducing a whole new host of symptoms, including alarming batshit crazy antics, known to wo(man)... whilst conducting Jedi mind tricks!

Could this little box of delights possibly bring on panic attacks? 

Well duh!

No shit Sherlock?!

Even if you are made of the super strong stuff, we’d bet your ass that somewhere along the line, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Your breathing has f*cked off on a rollercoaster ride
• You’re sweating more than a snowman in July…
• You feel more jittery than a caffeine junkie having withdrawal symptoms
• You’re more hyped and fidgety than a toddler in the midst of an epic sugar rush
• Your tummy feels like a washing machine lurching from one spin cycle to another, on a continuous loop

As if we women don’t have enough stress in life, Mother Nature then ever so kindly bestows the great gift of menopause upon us, and that fellow hotties, is the ultimate icing on the cake.

We’ve already endured a difficult period in our adult lives, panicking once a month, every month. And you know exactly what we’re talking about, don’t you ladies? The anticipation and abject terror of waiting for the highly emotional and stressful appearance…of our credit card statements arriving!!!

Let’s put that distressing memory aside, bank it for future reference, and address this month’s symptom: stand up and take a bow - No. 33 ~ Panic Attacks.

Many women report increased incidences of panic disorder/attacks as they start their menopause journey and although the cause of a panic episode can vary as wildly as our mood swings, women at menopausal age are more susceptible to anxiety, which can lead to an attack.

In the words of that great Welsh sage himself - Sir Tom Jones - “It’s not unusual”, if we start to panic about panicking, thus creating a vicious cycle!

Menopause can be an embarrassing subject at the best of times, complete with a myriad of annoying and debilitating symptoms that can and will strike any time, any place, anywhere. It’s no wonder it exacerbates our stress and anxiety causing panic attacks. 

It’s a f*cking minefield!

If you’re worried about panic attacks during the menopause - as with anything related to our bodies and our health - if you are experiencing difficulties, it makes sense to seek advice from your GP or health professional to see if there are any underlying causes, medications or other treatments that may explain the reason for or help your symptoms.

Meanwhile, watch your intake of stimulants like caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. 

Breathing exercises can also help us calm down and remember to try gentler activities like yoga, meditation, a walk outdoors, or massage and holistic treatments.

Create your own personal chill-out zone with a luxurious bubble bath, candles and a calming playlist of songs. There’ll be no panic at the disco on our watch!

My Mind & Me - Selena Gomez
I Don’t Care - Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
Under Pressure - Queen
Say You Won’t Let Go - James Arthur
Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles
Sign Of The Times - Harry Styles
I’m Like A Bird - Nelly Furtado
Girl On Fire - Alicia Keys
Fix You - Coldplay
Yellow - Coldplay
All Of Me - John Legend
Put Your Records On - Corrine Bailey Ray
Weightless - Marconi Union