topic Panic attacks in Anxiety

Panic attacks

Lumlo — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 19:00:30 GMT

Hi. I have been struggling with anxiety for a while now. There are lots of stressful things going on and the stress seems to have become constant anxiety. I started having panic attacks recently but didnt know what it was till I saw my Dr. I feel like life is so bad and just out of control I dont want to see any friends or do anything anymore. Its hard to get motivated or function. Does anyone have advise on how to manage or ideas to help.?

Panic attacks

Peppermintbach — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 19:18:48 GMT

Hi Lumlo,

I feel anxiety can be so debilitating. It can take such a huge toll, both emotionally & physically.

You sound so overwhelmed at the moment. I really feel for you, especially to have multiple stressors as you do would be very draining.

I think some people find mindfulness or grounding exercises helpful. I would gently suggest looking up a BeyondBlue thread called, self help tips for managing anxiety.

It is full of ideas by various BeyondBlue members. Though it is rather long, so you might like to skim read or just read the first and last page. If you’re interested, the easiest way to find it is to type the thread title, “self help tips for managing anxiety”, in the BeyondBlue search bar.

Also, you’re most welcome to write in again any time. Sometimes unloading our troubles here can be cathartic. That being said, of course there’s no pressure...only if you’re feeling up to it and want to.

Kind and caring thoughts,

Pepper

Panic attacks

Lumlo — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 06:27:50 GMT

Thank you pepper for your post. I have looked at the website tips and been making a big effort to do something positive. Today walked at the beach and did meditation for 10 minutes on the phone app.

The stresses are not likely to stop any time soon and probly will get worse so I need to try and cope with it all somehow.

I am at my limit now and struggling just hope things improve somehow soon.

Great to talk

Panic attacks

Blusky — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 09:52:04 GMT

Hi Lumlo,

Thanks for your share. I hope you are going ok.

Panic attacks are just awful.

Peppers tips are what helps me, I find writing things down, even jumping on line and reading these blogs ( not even posting) , helps to calm me down. Having support even from strangers is theruptic. Mindfulness and walking are two things that support me daily.

I wouldn't have been able to be where I am today without the help from a psychologist, as scary as that may sound, I was able to identify why these were happening and work through it together.

Remember you are not alone. There is lots of support out there, all different kinds. The first step is often the hardest.

Keep up those beach walks and meditation sessions.

Panic attacks

blondguy — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 10:12:49 GMT

Hi Lumlo (and thankyou Blusky for helping too!)

I understand you as I used to have chronic anxiety for 15 years and it was awful....and scary

Peppermintbach has great advice including the ' self help tips for managing anxiety' thread (thumbs up!)

I have learned that the earlier we get treatment for anxiety the better our recovery
If the anxiety is effecting the quality of your day to day well being then its a problem
Dump any coffee...Redbull...energy drinks etc..Anxiety symptoms do increase with caffeine

Can I ask what your GP mentioned?....Just so we can provide more effective support 🙂

The forums are a Safe and Non Judgemental place for you to post Lumlo. I really hope you can stick around

you are not alone

Paul

Panic attacks

Lumlo — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 19:36:54 GMT

Hi Blusky

Good to hear from you. Yes I agree just reading these posts I feel I am not the only one and there is some comfort in that. I spoke to a mhn last night who is going to try to find a pyschologist I can see a bit sooner than 2 months. I really need some support. I am lucky my Dr has been helping me. As I am now really not coping I have been brave enough to speak to him and found it easier to say than I had feared. Previously I have struggled with depression and chronic pain but this bad anxiety is very different. I am hoping a pyschologist can help me learn to manage it . I am so upset in the stomach all the time and feeling nauseous and my brain feels foggy it make daily fuctioning hard.

Todays a new day so just hoping things improve soon.

Panic attacks

Lumlo — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 19:51:01 GMT

Hi Blondguy

Yes anxiety is very scary and I have not been able to manage my daily life it seems to be getting worse. It was the panic attacks that made me go to the Gp and I was so lucky there was a cancellation so I didnt have to wait weeks to go.

My Gp recommended an antidepressant and said come back if its worse. It was so on the next visit some meds to sleep and a phone appointment with a mhn to try and get into see a psycologist probly not the one I have previously seen but someone.

I am not keen on using more medication after years of working on getting off pain medications on my pain program which was going well till all the major problems with my family caused me months of huge stress with little end it sight. I do understand that at the moment I need help as I am falling apart so I will take medications and hope things improve.

Battling on Lumlo

Panic attacks

Nell13 — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 21:37:39 GMT

Hi Lumlo

I am in a similar situation to you where there are lots of stressful things happening and more to come because of certain situations with family members health that are not going to improve.

Its very exhausting dealing with constant stress as you know and panic attacks are a sign your body is reacting. The first time I had a panic attack I thought I was having a heart attack. From the psychologists I have seen in the past I have learned that if there is a situation that you can't change that is causing stress then the only control you have is how you react to it.

Its hard to change patterns of behavior and that's where seeing a psychologist will help. If the situation is one where you can take some action to change it or take positive steps to improve it taking action gives back a sense of having some control.

I agree keeping a journal can help as well as things as simple as stopping for 5 minuites and just focusing on your breathing to diffuse the anxiety a bit.

I have also been told trying to divert ourselves to other activities to take our minds off the worrying thought can help.

It all takes work and having the support of a therapist will help keep you on the right track.

I know how tiring anxiety is so I hope you find a method for dealing with it soon that suits you.

CBT is another method of controling anxiety. I am new to the forums but would imagine there would be some info somewhere on it as its a method that most psychologists recommend to their clients.

Kind regards

Nell13

Panic attacks

Lumlo — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 21:54:42 GMT

Hi Nell13

Anxiety is so exhausting!!. The situation with one of my family members has been ongoing stress for the last 8 months and although I have done all I can to the point of detriment to myself things are just getting worse and it is out of my control. Yes, I am learning its got to be my reaction to it that changes for me to cope. I will never be able to not care or love them but will need to see they make their own choices and its out of my hands. I can control my actions and reactions to them though. I have to do this as I am not coping now and need to care for myself. Its really hard work but Im starting a bit each day.

I have done CBT before for depression so am hoping being able to see a psychologist again will help get my anxiety under control.

Its a help to talk with people who understand . Thanks for your reply

Lumlo

Panic attacks

Lumlo — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 10:38:04 GMT

Hi Blusky

I have been reading some posts and I agree it does make me feel not so alone. Thankfully I have not had a panic attack for a while now just hope it lasts I am scared it felt so bad last time.

Maybe the medication is starting to help me. I feel exhausted but also more detatched. Spent 4 hrs at the hospital today getting my partners injury attended to plus 100km drive so not much time to help myself but tomorows another day.

Plan to walk and do meditation tomorow and have some me time.

Thanks for your reply.

Lumlo

Panic attacks

lillphilt — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 12:01:26 GMT

Hi Lumlo

It’s so hard i know! If i can suggest a couple of things I’ve found helpful to control my attacks.

Ive recently signed up to an online course “This Way Up!” From NSW St Vincents Hospital I believe - its REALLY good! You can get a referral from your doctor so it gets recorded with them or do it alone like i did. It’s $59. Worth it!

* don’t ignore the symptoms of the attack - accept them as what they are; panic symptoms. That was hugely helpful once my doctor told me that - sometimes fighting it makes the attack worse. Accept and work through. It WILL pass.

* a favourite comedian podcast or something that’s mindless and funny you can switch on even for a little while to try - personal fave “Chris Delia - Congartulations! “so stupid LOL. It just helps me

* I write a journel on my iPhone - even just ramblings of that moment.

* I do breathing excercises. Diaphragm breathing to ensure I’m not taking shallow breaths that promote hyperventilation.

Thats just me - but hope it helps....

Panic attacks

Lumlo — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 22:08:49 GMT

Hi lillphilt

You have some good suggestions it is a help. Panic attacks are really bad it is an awful feeling I am keen to try anything to prevent it happening again.

I have never really liked watching TV but have found binge watching netflix a help its funny and silly frank and grace.

Lumlo

Panic attacks

Lumlo — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 22:28:01 GMT

Hi lillphilt

Im interested in what you said about panic attacks being a symptom and accepting that and working through it. To me it felt like I was having a heart attack and my life was just out of control I think I had reached my limit of managing to cope with all the stress. Im not sure how to work through it except trying different things to calm and relax me.

Nice to talk any ideas are very helpful.

Panic attacks

Lumlo — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 07:20:42 GMT

Hi.

Im feeling overwhelmed today. Too much stress just not coping again. Its all too much!

Had another panic attack my family member making such bad choices its so hard to see and nothing I can do to help. Its out of my hands. I am so scared for them and they are just in a fantasy world where everything is no worries but things with really serious consequences.

Trying to calm down but shaking not sure what to do anymore.

Struggling today very low

lumlo

Panic attacks

blondguy — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 18:32:23 GMT

Hello Lumlo (and lillphilt.....Nell13)

My apologies for not replying to you earlier....Its great that you are a part of the forum family

The shaking is only the adrenaline working overtime Lumlo....I know its easy for me to say.. Anxiety conditions do make us shake sometimes.....It is a very common part of anxiety....I know it feels awful...I hear you

If you want to talk about your GP or meds or anything that is on your mind I hope you can as the forums are a safe place for you to do so!

I understand what you are going through Lumlo

you are not alone with this awful set of symptoms

I hope you can post back when its convenient for you

my kind thoughts

Paul

Note: Lillphilt made an excellent point by mentioning " fighting it makes the attack worse. Accept and work through. It WILL pass"This is brilliant advice Lumlo....Acceptance of these feelings will reduce their severity and thus enable greater peace of mind....In a nutshell....'Acceptance therapy' is gold....It does take time....determination and a strong desire to heal....yet its a great way to have some peace in your life

Panic attacks

Lumlo — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 04:50:44 GMT

Hi blondguy

Thats interesting that shaking is the adrenelin . Today when I found myself anxious and shaking I thought about it and said to myself its ok just adrenelin and it helped to at least not worry about it as much.

Rough day but relaxing now.

Panic attacks

Lumlo — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 10:12:58 GMT

I had another panic attack earlier today it was rely awful. Felt so overwhelmed jumpy shaking and dizzy.

Felt so bad I went into the ER but the wait was nearly 2hrs so ended up going home.

At least I now know what it is so not so scarey.Then I did some meditation and went for a swim.

More relaxed now but still jumpy.

Panic attacks

blondguy — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 17:00:23 GMT

Hey Lumlo

Thank-you for posting back and Im sorry about the ER....Can I ask about your symptoms prior to the ER?

Good on you for meditating as well as going for a swim too!! Feeling jumpy and shaking is very common with anxiety Lumlo.

Finding some peace from these awful feelings does take time...determination and a strong desire to heal.....Can we talk about your GP?

Making a double appointment is always a bonus....even if you print off this great thread and just hand it over to your doc would help you find some peace from these awful anxiety attacks

Great to have you as part of the Forum Family Lumlo (thumbs up!)

you are never alone here Lumlo

Paul

Panic attacks

Lumlo — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 19:54:02 GMT

Hi blondeguy

Good to hear from you. Yes been back to Gp a couple of times. Been on two different meds for a month now. It is some help. Now Gp is trying to help me get a quicker appointment with psychologist but it takes months. I been thinking to try someone new if its sooner.

Prior to ER symptoms were extreme anxiety. Heart racing, panic, nausea, upset tummy, shaking, not able to cope, etc.

There are councillors at hospital but when after triage left in small room alone for nearly an hour it was too much I thought it was better to go home.

I do meditation walk swim and work on my self care but there is a constant stream of major stresses in my life and I am beyond my limit of coping. This anxiety is so debilitating just not sure what to do next.

Panic attacks

blondguy — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 20:10:44 GMT

Hey Lumlo

Thanks so much for posting back!

I really feel your pain with those awful feelings....and yes..they are scary when we first start having them....

Your symptoms/feelings are exactly the same as what I had in my early 20's....
I also take meds Lumlo....I take an anti-depressant every morning which has helped me heaps
If you can make a double appointment with your GP and be super honest...(even if you cry...Its worth it) You may feel terrible at the time yet you will benefit from the unloading/talking/crying
I cried like a baby to my GP and my psychologist Lumlo....Thats why they have a box of tissues there 🙂

Can I ask if you have one or two supportive people that you can lean on during this difficult time Lumlo?

you are not alone Lumlo

please be gentle to yourself

Paul