Scared of panicked people

Hello everyone

So I have a question that might seem weird. Since my childhood my grandmother used to have panic attacks where she cries and screams out loud. I remember running away when I hear her doing that and when I come back she would be back to normal I avoid her and try to keep away from her. After that whenever people argue and scream where I'm present I always try to distance myself and even get out of the house. Now i'm 28 years old and I still have the same feelings. My mother is depressed and has those panic attacks which are worse because she screams and hits her head against the wall and I feel frightened just by seeing that. I tried to stay away as much as possible but now I'm obliged to live with her in the same house and I feel so scared. My question is : is it normal to have this kind of fears ? is there a possible cure ?

Thank you

[QUOTE=BlueDaisy1211;5664078]Hello everyone

So I have a question that might seem weird. Since my childhood my grandmother used to have panic attacks where she cries and screams out loud. I remember running away when I hear her doing that and when I come back she would be back to normal I avoid her and try to keep away from her. After that whenever people argue and scream where I'm present I always try to distance myself and even get out of the house. Now i'm 28 years old and I still have the same feelings. My mother is depressed and has those panic attacks which are worse because she screams and hits her head against the wall and I feel frightened just by seeing that. I tried to stay away as much as possible but now I'm obliged to live with her in the same house and I feel so scared. My question is : is it normal to have this kind of fears ? is there a possible cure ?

How frightening and stressful for you. I've not heard of panic attacks with screaming and hitting one's head against something. I've had my share of panic attacks and my experience is vastly different. I'm not an expert on panic attacks though. This probably triggers your fears from when your grandmother did it.

You need some support so you don't lose your sanity. The next time your mom goes to the pdoc can you go with her and directly ask the doctor what is happening and how to resolve it? Also, please consider seeing a therapist for yourself to take good care of you. You're under a lot of stress.

You are not alone. My own anxiety heightens when I sense people - even strangers - around me are feeling just that. I feel helpless too.

That sounds scary - I think it's normal to be scared! I would feel very uncomfortable around that, too

I actually came on here to post something similar. A few days ago I was waiting patiently for the bus for about half an hour (I was in Italy, where buses don't exactly stick to any schedule). I was enjoying the sunshine, still had plenty of time to get to the airport so I was feeling quite zen. Until this guy, who had been waiting for maybe 10-15 minutes, started acting really impatient and anxious. Suddenly I felt wildly uncomfortable, even started getting a bit nauseous. Had to put on some music on my headphones and actually close my eyes to try to shut him out. The minute his bus arrived and he left, I started feeling better

When anyone is like that around me, I go into "rescue" mode. Afterwards is when everything hits the fan.

If your mother isn't seeing a doctor she probably should. In the meantime, you can find help from a therapist who does prolonged exposure therapy. That would help you not be so uncomfortable when it happens.

Excellent advice. I agree.