Sunday - 2008-0629-2130 - Rain - Gandhi in the Rain; Urinary/Prostate Infection; Depression / Panic Attacks; Panic Attacks; Recommendation

Rain - Gandhi in the Rain Larger Image Gandhi walking under the rain after landing at Folkstone (UK), September 12, 1931. (More info on Gandhi at Wikipedia - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.)

I complained of a severe headache last week. Thursday evening I became suspicious that a urinary/prostate infection might be the cause. Friday morning, I went to the clinic, and my suspicions were confirmed. I think this is the third one in six weeks. However,this was by far the worst, marked by nausea, headaches, fever, dizziness.

For more details, look through the past entries; I'm fairly certain there are several hundred that deal with the same problem.

June, no doubt because of the urinary/prostate infections has been one of the worst periods for depression and panic attacks. The infections trigger depression and panic attacks which circle around to make you feel worse.

Another problem was that it came at the worse possible time financially. Three times during the month, I've returned items for cash or credit because of my diminishing funds. In this case, I had to resort to going into overdraft. Which adds to the depression level.

"Panic attacks and panic disorder"

Definition

"A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that develops for no apparent reason and that triggers severe physical reactions. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.

You may have only one or two panic attacks in your lifetime. But if you have panic attacks frequently, it could mean that you have panic disorder, a type of chronic anxiety disorder.

Panic attacks were once dismissed as nerves or stress, but they're now recognized as a real medical condition. Although panic attacks can significantly affect your quality of life, treatment — including medications, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques to help prevent or control panic attacks — is very effective. "

Symptoms

"You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides. One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you'll have another panic attack.

If you have frequent panic attacks, you may have a condition called panic disorder. Panic attacks can greatly interfere with your life — and perhaps even endanger you or others.

Panic attacks can strike at almost any time without warning — when you're driving the school car pool, at the mall, sound asleep or in the middle of a business meeting. And you may fear having a panic attack so much that you avoid situations where they may occur. You may even be unable to leave your home (agoraphobia), because no place feels safe."

Source: "Panic attacks and panic disorder"
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"Allergies Linked to Panic Attacks"

NEW YORK CITY—"Panic attacks occur more often in people with hay fever than in those without, new research demonstrates.[1] This finding supports previous studies, which suggested that in the general population, allergy sufferers have higher rates of anxiety and depressive disorders. A reason for the association between allergies and mental disorders remains unknown."

Source: "Allergies Linked to Panic Attacks"

On my way out, I happen to bump into the doctor with whom I've had the most discussions about depression and related aliments. Several months ago, he had recommended a specialist who deals with depression. I'd not done anything about calling. However, several weeks ago, I decided I might try her. But I could only do that if she were part of my insurance plan.

The people who devise "insurance plans" should be condemned to a special ring of Dante's Inferno. The plan has a listing of providers by categories. I looked under psychologist, and she was not listed. However, I've just discovered, she appears under Licensed Counselor.

When I bumped into the doctor on the way out, I mentioned how depressed I'd become. And that I was not sure if his recommendation was part of my plan or not. He said he had another recommendation, and he zipped off to get a business card. This individual is a clinical psychologist (Ph.D.). And as I just discovered is part of the plan.

(In Sunday - 2008-0629-2130 / Out - 2008-0630-1330) This entry was written in multiple settings.

Pax! Erin go braugh! Je accuse...