Reader’s Question

In the past year, I’ve developed a serious issue with anxiety that I feel I can no longer handle by myself. I have a seizure disorder, but it is under control with medication. Nonetheless, I constantly fear that I am going to have a seizure. The seizures can be triggered by going from one extreme to the other, like not eating for a long time, then eating a lot, or being stressed out for a long time then calming down, etc.

I know that my fear is completely irrational because I have not had a seizure while taking the medication regularly. I did have a seizure this past July from not taking the medication like I am supposed to and ever since, I have had anxiety about the seizures. I feel afraid mostly at night, when I’ve always had my seizures, and I live in a constant state of fear that any small thing could trigger one. I don’t know how to deal with this anymore. I associate many things with having one and this only adds to the fear.

I am afraid to let go and just be myself anymore. I feel like no one understands these fears, including my boyfriend, and it is putting a huge strain on our relationship.

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

When anxiety vicious cycles occur, there is usually one underlying dynamic: dread of the symptoms that cause discomfort. And you’re right to think that such fears are irrational because the actual symptoms are generally less distressing than the anxiety reaction itself. Nonetheless, vicious cycles begin with the dread of having symptoms (in your case, a seizure), and anticipation of loss of control.

Fortunately, overcoming your fears and breaking the vicious cycle is relatively straightforward, and a visit to a counselor trained in state-of-the-art techniques for dealing with the anxiety should put you well on the road to a less fretful life. Learning to cope with distressing circumstances and breaking vicious cycles of anxiety also give you a chance to develop an increased sense of self-mastery, coping ability, and self-efficacy. You’ll no longer dread your symptoms and will feel more empowered to cope with the difficulties of life. So, take heart. Your anxiety can be overcome, and you can learn to cope with your seizures without fear and apprehension.