Does anyone else suffer anxiety and panic attacks?

Zirach

Zirach

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I suffer from a anxiety condition. I have always been a nervous rider without a great deal of confidence but now anxiety is taking over. I suffer from anxiety and panic attack in day to day life and this also carries into my riding and concerns about my horse. I was wondering if anyone else suffers from this condition and how they manage as I am finding it very difficult to remain calm when riding to the point I no longer enjoy hacking (in particular)and I'm thinking of loaning my horse and giving up. :-(
 
Its so difficult to advise - but I couldn't read and run. Every rider suffers from a loss of confidence at some point or another (or if they haven't yet they will!) But each person's experience is different. The first step is acknowledging the issue and getting help - you have done that so good for you. The second I guess is to know that you are far from alone!

There are books on rider confidence. Some people get a lot of help from NLP or positive visualisation. Some people use things like Bach's rescue remedy. I don't know what help and support you are already getting or what medication you might be using. It is always worth speaking to your medical support team first. Then use the knowledge you have from managing your condition day to day to translate into how to help yourself riding wise. Do you use NLP or a distraction technique day to day to control anxiety? Do talking therapies work best for you or something else?

If you need to take a break thats OK too. No bad thing perhaps with the poor weather coming!
 
Thanks for your reply Shay, it means a lot :-) I'm on medication for anxiety and depression and am hoping to start counselling soon.. I was thinking myself it might be good to give him the winter off and give myself time to get sorted. Our hack this morning ended in me losing it through panic/anxiety as he was very fresh and I ended up getting off in the end. Something I've never done before. Not good for him or me. I haven't really been given any assistance in managing it other than a classroom based course which didn't really help. Where could I find out more about NLP? I'm hoping counselling will help.
I'd posted on here as I know it sounds silly but knowing that there are other riders out that who manage and overcome there fears would give me hope.
 
Hello,

i also have anxiety and have quite a lot of nerves when it comes to riding, my advice is to get yourself a good understanding coach and take it day by day , celebrate small victory's and do not be so hard on yourself
most people would never even get on a horse and that makes you braver than a lot of people !!
Horse riding is about having fun, even if you stick with ground work for a while theirs a lot to be learned for just working with a horse with no tack form the ground

Hope you start enjoting your riding more asap x
 
I have suffered badly from panic attacks, especially when I was out walking with The Ramblers. My doctor referred me for C B T which really helped. I now now why they happen and how to reduce the severity using coping mechanisms. I have progressed really well and very rarely have them now. If I do I handle them a lot better.

It cannot be underestimated how awful they are and specialist help (not drugs) is essential
 
Zirach said:
I suffer from a anxiety condition. I have always been a nervous rider without a great deal of confidence but now anxiety is taking over. I suffer from anxiety and panic attack in day to day life and this also carries into my riding and concerns about my horse. I was wondering if anyone else suffers from this condition and how they manage as I am finding it very difficult to remain calm when riding to the point I no longer enjoy hacking (in particular)and I'm thinking of loaning my horse and giving up. :-(
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I’ve suffered with anxiety and panic attacks for the last 30 years and the only advice I can offer is to get some cognitive behavioural therapy sorted via your doctor. I haven’t had a proper panic attack now since 2009 but I do get anxious and slightly panicky at times, but I just have to remember the techniques I was taught and I’m fine then. Don’t let it rule your life, it’s way too short. Good luck!
 
All the time! ��

You are not alone and getting off mid hack is fine, live to fight another day, always!!!

A combination of sertraline, self awareness, an amazing horse and gritting teeth gets me through
 
yes suffered for years. I just do what I can. some days its just feed hay others its groom others its tack up and ride for 5 minutes. sometimes its a 2 hour hack. sometimes I don't ride for weeks. I've learned its easier for me to go with the flow and not push myself. my horses live out unclipped unrugged and barefoot so at least that's easy. don't worry about getting off mid hack, I do it all the time. the horse doesn't mind at all.
 
yes absolutely ! Its very comforting to find someone else has the same issue !

I always find that I am much more confident when riding something a bit difficult (like my beloved chestnut mare) because I know she expects me to be the 'leader' as it were. When my school master gelding had a freak out the other day it terrified me !

I found taking a little break to calm down and remember why I liked riding, and that it isn't necessary to always be 'perfect' because no-one is, really helped me.

I shall follow that this thread with interest - I hope you find something that works for you ! :)
 
Yep. Raging anxiety at the moment. I am convinced something is wrong. I always worry that something has happened to horse and I’m convinced I will go up to find a big problem. The most useful thing I was told by crisis team (rather than the don’t worry nothing is wrong) was when I go up and nothing is wrong, acknowledge that nothing is wrong.

There are days when I am not in the frame of mind to ride and so I don’t. There is no point in setting up to fail. Some days I’ll tell myself I’ll just go in school for 5 mins.
 
Wow just wow, thank you so much for sharing your experiences, suddenly I don't feel quite so alone. This has helped me realise that I don't need to put so much pressure on myself. You guys that push on and keep going are an inspiration as I know how hard it can be.
My plan of action is to have a bit of a break over winter with a little ground work(I have two young children and a husband who is poorly so this will give me a bit of a pressure break also). I will look into some of the therapies suggested. A friend has suggested lessons on a schoolmaster in the school first then out hacking, in the interim to help build my confidence (my boy can be quite highly strung and seeks confidence from his rider so it's a downward spiral ATM especially as I cannot ride that often due to time so he is fresh) Then the plan will be to restart my boy in the Spring when I have more time, hopefully with a better attitude and help. If not, then after reading some of your experiences I will take each day as it comes and not beat myself up - this will come easier now I know I'm not the only one :-)
 
Just a thought but did you know that food allergies such as wheat or dairy foods can cause really horrific panic attacks and even severe depression? It might be worth looking into and trying some elimination diets.
 
Yes. All the time. I got nervous before my lesson yesterday (at my yard with normal instructor!). I'm currently worrying about taking horse 5 miles down the road for a lesson with someone who is a friend, somewhere I know. What if I get there and my horse escapes and no one helps me?! I'm even worried about hitching the trailer, which I've done many times. All made worse by the fact I had a bad fall in the summer and lost my confidence. Now I worry about even getting on! I have genuinely thought about giving up but it's all worth it once I'm on.

Echo what other people have said about CBT etc, if you can work out how to talk yourself away from the panic and rationalise things it will help.
 
Zirach you are so right in planning to take as much pressure off yourself as you can, and with your horse, your poorly husband plus two young children you have a lot to deal with! I'm nowhere near as experienced a rider as you, but earlier this year I started riding a friend's lovely natured but very timid TB who gradually sapped my confidence and finally ended with me breaking a rib. I went back to my comfort blanket super safe rs horse (rather like your friend suggests) and have come on wonderfully with him. Good luck, take your time, don't pressurise yourself, you are definitely heading in the right direction.
 
Shay said:
use the knowledge you have from managing your condition day to day to translate into how to help yourself riding wise
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Absolutely this^^

I had some (private) counselling for anxiety about child birth which used a mixture of things (CBT, NLP, hypnotherapy). Just one day and a couple of 1 hour session afterwards. There was no mention of horse riding at all, but it was all about staying relaxed physically when scary things happen. I found afterwards (after I had my daughter) I had a big improvement in my riding confidence, particularly hacking which I hadn't realised I was so nervous about until I wasn't.
 
Patchworkpony said:
Just a thought but did you know that food allergies such as wheat or dairy foods can cause really horrific panic attacks and even severe depression? It might be worth looking into and trying some elimination diets.
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Thank you, I will look into this. I suffer from terrible bloating and mild ibs symptoms so it's definitely worth considering.
 
Rumtytum said:
Zirach you are so right in planning to take as much pressure off yourself as you can, and with your horse, your poorly husband plus two young children you have a lot to deal with! I'm nowhere near as experienced a rider as you, but earlier this year I started riding a friend's lovely natured but very timid TB who gradually sapped my confidence and finally ended with me breaking a rib. I went back to my comfort blanket super safe rs horse (rather like your friend suggests) and have come on wonderfully with him. Good luck, take your time, don't pressurise yourself, you are definitely heading in the right direction.
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Very nice of you to say but I'm just a novice really he he! riding for 30 odd years but not done anything other than hack about and do low level rc stuff (mainly due to nerves!) so don't sell yourself short! You are incredibly brave to carry on after injuring yourself and I am so glad you are finding your confidence again. Thanks for sharing :-) I'm looking forward to my lesson on the schoolmaster and I'd never thought I'd say that!
 
Can I suggest you look at mindfulness? I can recommend the book and accompanying CD (or equivalent) by Mark Williams, it doesn't have an annoying voice either ;).
Definitely take the pressure off for a bit, play around on the ground, I found some straightness training lessons quite helpul for considering it while I handled my horse because there are discussions about projection of energy etc.
I'm angsty and I own a welsh cob ;) probably not the best of combos but he is good for a welshie and but I've had him a long time and for the most part we don't wind each other up as he is usually my calm time of the day. If he totally stopped ever being that I would have reconsidered continuing long term.
 
ME! I have always been an anxious person, but for the past 8 years I have at times been on medication and professional help, it improved for a few years and got worse again while I was pregnant and had my little one (now nearly 15 months)

I do have days when I decide the stress is too much and start getting upset and think I should sell my horses. But I realise I am not sure what I would do without them! yes, they are a huge commitment in time and money, but they are part of the family.

Especially now its winter, I put no pressure on myself to ride (I can only ride at the weekend anyway) as I know if I feel too anxious I wont enjoy it and could even have a panic attack. But sometimes I push myself to go for a gentle hack as I feel better getting some fresh air and time to myself.
 
Hope you're feeling a bit better today!

I suffer from anxiety and have tried some courses doctors have sent me on etc but nothing works for me (I'm impatient and fast to give up though).

I've been on a drug called Fluoxetine for 2 years and it really helps me. I would just see what your doctor advises.

Everyone is fast to say that drugs are bad for you but it's whatever works and makes you better!

Please go and see a doctor asap. I hope you get better. Horse riding for me now is anxiety free :)
 
This might sound a little random but keep an eye on your salt intake too.

We had some Nuffield people in the office a couple of months ago to offer dietary advice. They noticed my salt & vinegar flavour crisps and asked if I usually had them. I said, no, it was actually quite rare but I was craving something salty today. They asked if I was having a more stressful day than usual, which I was. They said that stress and anxiety run on testosterone which is powered by salt. I was craving salt because my stressful day had used up my resources and needed more fuel to keep me stressed.

What I'm trying to say is, don't forget the value of a healthy, balanced diet and regular fresh air and exercise, which can be really hard to find time for if you're feeling stressed.
 
Zirach said:
Thank you, I will look into this. I suffer from terrible bloating and mild ibs symptoms so it's definitely worth considering.
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If you do an elimination diet one of the best is the 'stone age' diet but do bear in mind that sometimes you can feel worse for up to 5 days before you feel an improvement. Do consider also candida and parasites. Pinworm is SO common now and will cause bloating, fatigue, internal pain, restlessness at night, joint pain, depression and anxiety. You can also carry roundworm, tapeworm and liver fluke and not know. Unfortunately a lot of salads these days come from risky countries and if not properly washed you can ingest eggs. It's funny how we worm our dogs and horses but not ourselves. Doctors in the West deny there is a problem but a little research on the web will soon reveal that we should all do a natural parasite cleanse at least twice a year. Diatomaceous earth (food grade) is very good as is walnut oil. I would avoid wormwood as this can give people depression. In addition look into food supplements including magnesium - we use www.red23.co.uk and they seem good.

For what it's worth it's my belief that most mental problems stem from physical disruptions. Cannabis oil is also good for depression. This is the legal CBD oil which is without the bit that gets you high - see http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5093031/Cannabis-oil-use-UK-doubles-YEAR.html. Good luck - ignore the medics and get out there yourself. You WILL solve the root cause - it just needs you to be persistent until you discover what you body needs. All the meditation and advice in the world won't help if you have have either toxins or deficiencies, or both, in your body.
 
Well I know my root cause, it isn't solvable and have had to accept that I will at least to some extent struggle as you say for ever and ever and manage it using some of the techniques mentioned, and on the basis that they do help I would presume that I have neither toxins or deficiencies.

Of course do feel free to suggest a super cure for me :).
 
ester said:
Well I know my root cause, it isn't solvable and have had to accept that I will at least to some extent struggle as you say for ever and ever and manage it using some of the techniques mentioned, and on the basis that they do help I would presume that I have neither toxins or deficiencies.

Of course do feel free to suggest a super cure for me :).
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Please note that I was in fact addressing my remark to the OP as she had expressed that she suffer from terrible bloating and mild ibs symptoms which indicates an imbalance in the body - digestive malfunction is very often the root cause of panic attacks etc. I'm glad you know your root cause and I wish you luck but as I said the aim was to help and support the OP, since she had replied to my suggestion, not random posters on this thread.
 
Digestive malfunction is also linked to the causes of my anxiety but is not the cause of the anxiety itself so from the information given I stand by your statement being a bold conclusion to give, albeit a positive one, I would just have added a probably or a likely :). It would certainly be easier if these things were less complicated and less intertwined.
 
My daughter suffers greatly with anxiety and depression. It sounds daft but I think what helped her was telling her riding instructor the extent of her problems. And she hacks with someone who also understands her problems. It's better than pretending everything is ok which just makes you more anxious.

Many times she has considered selling up for the easier life. But, now, even though it brings its own problems, her horse has been her saviour. Bless his heart he now stands still if she has a panic attack on board. He has been a terrible handful at times but he senses her problems now. I think now she has stopped pretending to be fine. Maybe they see through the 'act'.

I know it sounds daft like she has given in to her problems but she now accepts that some days she cannot ride. We have talked long and hard. He isn't the perfect horse. She isn't the perfect owner (but he is always well cared for). She has to accept that she cannot hack alone at the present time. One day she might or maybe not. But he is well cared for and exercised regularly.

Don't know if that makes sense or helps at all but you sound so much like her.

We have also moved to a supportive yard. And, whilst we don't use many of the services offered, it's a relief having them in place.

you are welcome to pm me if you want to chat more.
 
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Thank you every one and sorry for the delay in replying. I have, for the time being decided not to ride until I feel able to manage. Funnily enough, since then I have actually felt an awful lot better. My boy is still well cared for and has fuss but no pressure. I start some counselling next week and I am just concentrating on having a nice, relaxing, stress free (!) Christmas with my family.
Thank you patchwork pony, they are sensible suggestions and I will look into exploring those avenues as well.
Thank you EJJ999 for your kind offer - I share a small yard with 2 lovely ladies who are very understanding of my situation but to be honest there isn't really anyone to hack with and I do sometimes wonder if we were at a larger yard things could be different, sadly in my area the majority of larger yards are full livery only with is outside my reach financially. However I guess a larger yard could mean stress of a different kind!
I'm going to have a break until spring and I am thinking in spring with assistance and more time I will try bringing him back into work and see how I feel. Hopefully I will be in a better mindset then also. Thanks again for all who have commented, it has been a comfort :-)
 
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