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female
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anonymous
writes: HiI would really appreciate some feedback on my proposed charity.I am starting a help line which is for people who suffer from panic/anxiety attacks and I just want to find out if any readers suffer from anxiety and whether they would ring such a phone line.I used to suffer from anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia for 20 years and I learnt how to deal with fear and my emotions and now lead a life so much more fulfilling than the one I had before.I have a degree in Psychology but I think personal experience is essential in which to help others who are suffering.The help line I wish to start up is there to assist someone when they are actually suffering a panic attack. As other sufferers will know, a panic attack is such a terrifying experience, I want to be there to help people when they are suffering the most. Essentially, I will be a panic attack advisor and even though some people may not even be able to speak when they are enduring the worst, I will be able to reassure and support them.I simply wish to know what your thoughts are on this and whether, if you do experience anxiety, you would ring such a support line.Many thanks Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (14 July 2006): I think this is a great idea also!
I feel for those who have panic attacks and genuingly believe a support number could signifigantly help those who either feel a panic attack coming on or need help in understanding and dealing with them. I've had a couple myself in my teenage years and went on to study them from a hypnotherapists point of few with great interest.
It is my understanding that panic attacks are self-fulfilling prophecies, in that the belief one will happen is almost certainly the cause of it actually happening. By being equiped to understand them, and rationalise is the key to suppressing them and an experienced person on the other end of a phone is ideal to give the right words if a situation arises.
Perhaps you should post your idea in our Forums section?
A
female
reader, Elizabeth01 +, writes (14 July 2006):
That is the best idea i have ever heard. I suffered from panic attacks all my teenage years and still suffer from anxiety to this day, (although mild now thank goodness) My panic attacks would happen every morning and night. I had no support from my parents and my doctor at the time thought it was all in my head. but i knew exactly what it was. It wasnt until 4 years after the attacks started that i changed doctors and finally got the treatment i needed. A helpline like you are suggesting is perfect for a person who in a simialar situation to what i used to be in. Being able to talk to some one who understands what is going on and being able to calm them down and think rashionably.
With your experience and education i think it will be a hugh success.
PLEASE go ahead with this idea, it is what a lot of people need!
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female
reader, DrPsych  +, writes (13 July 2006):
 It sounds like a brilliant idea! If you are in the UK and want to start a charity then you would need to look up the charity commission for all the details of Trustees etc. I usually work with young people with mental health problems and their parents, and many report that helplines and support groups are useful. You do need to be careful about the sorts of services you offer on the helpline and the advice you provide (i.e. how far you go with this). Firstly, from a legal point of view any service provider (and a helpline counts as a service) can be sued and this is why psychologists and other practitioners tend to get insurance for private practice. Secondly, you need to do some research on what other charitable organisations are offering so that your service is unique (http://www.ability.org.uk/Panic_Anxiety_Disorder.html) you maybe able to get a grant if you run a voluntary service that is helpful to the community (national lottery, esmee fairbairn). Good luck!!!
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