topic When all is quiet, old man panic comes over in Anxiety

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

CJ_stuff_and_stuff — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 10:22:36 GMT

Hi there,

I have been monitoring my panic spells and have noticed that they occur almost always in the evening, at home when I am relaxing...

Does anyone have any experience with panic occurring when you’re not thinking about much?

My fear is a heart attack so I will be laying on the couch watching TV and will have a muscle twinge or perhaps an imaginated pain and old mate panic starts catastrophising.

Just now I realised I was feeling fine and in a moment of habit I checked my pulse and noticed it was calm and not pounding - my immediate thought was that it must be running out of batteries and I was in the early stages of a heart attack.... all of this in a matter of minutes.

I am starting to think that my body isn’t ok with me relaxing. I have been for a long time a super busy person and it seems when I let my guard down the panic comes.

Please tell me I am not alone in this!

Thanks,

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

MrMaturity — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 11:22:33 GMT

Definitely not alone. I am just starting my journey but I already know that my panic/anxiety can occur at the strangest times.

To try and chill out I have started some slow yoga. Just light stretching and slow breathing. Lying down on my back I could feel my body start to freak out. That always gets my mind going. My body tried to have a panic attack from doing yoga, something that is supposed to relax my body.

With me it is usually a body symptom that causes a mind symptom. My mind convinves itself that I am going to die. That there really is something wrong with my body. That the chest squeeze or the nausea has just been mistaken for anxiety. That then starts the spiral.

Sometimes I can catch it. Sometimes I can't and I just need to let it drag me along like a run away horse. I always come out the other side.

Whether I catch it or not doesnt change how shit it is. To feel like my body and mind are letting me down. The lack of control over it.

I am with you mate. Stupid body/mind being stupid and not relaxing when it is supposed to be relaxing.

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

CJ_stuff_and_stuff — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 11:58:23 GMT

Hi Mr M!

Thank you for your message. I am so sorry you also live with this... your message almost made me cry with relief that it’s not just me.

people say to ‘just relax’ but little do they know that relaxing is the worst thing, people also don’t realise that we have absolutely no control over the physical and then mental signs of panic.

rational me knows I will get through each episode but it is just so tiring 😢 and torturous.

If the panic could just give me a schedule of expected arrival I could at least be free to be me in the down time.

if you don’t mind me asking, did you develop panic over time or did you face a traumatic event that has brought on the panic?

Thanks again,

CJ 🤓

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

MrMaturity — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 22:22:15 GMT

I developed the panic and anxiety over time. 5 years of hell with my family, 3 years of my partner battling a debilitating chronic illness, managing a full-time job at the same time as starting my own business to try to get back a little of what she and I lost.

My issue is that I am the kind of guy that tries to be everybody's rock, the one that tries to be strong and keep pushing forwards no matter how hard. The kind of guy that could feel that I was getting more and more stressed but shoved it down and kept on keeping on because I was/am in an impossible situation.

UnfortunatelyI took on too many burdens and am paying the price.

Shoving the stress down caused my mind to develop the habit of avoiding stressful thoughts, which makes it hard to understand what I am stressed about. Which makes it hard to understand what triggers the panic.

I know there is no changing that I have the panic now. But I also know that I can get through it. Just need to clear out everything in my life that is pulling me apart, clean up all the old habits of thinking and clear out all the anxious triggers.

It won't be easy, it will be hell. I know that each time I pull apart the tangled web of thoughts and feelings my body will be convinced that there are tigers in the bushes and that I need to run. But those are the opportunities to sit down with the anxiety and show that there isn't anything to be afraid of.

It will be the worst kind of self inflicted torture but I will regain the trust of my own body.

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

CJ_stuff_and_stuff — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 12:01:53 GMT

Wow, your comment about shoving stress down so far that you don’t know what your stressing about is so very insightful. I too wonder why the anxiety continues to reside in me when I believe I am not stressed or anxious about anything in particular.

Us rock like people do seem to be tje one who must continue ‘business as usual’ purely because there is no one else to heavy lifting.

Through reflection I can now feel the repository in my stomach that has caught years of self imposed pressure, many expectations and sadly an emotionally and verbally abusive relationship.

I am practicing allowing myself to express my emotions freely, including letting out my dissatisfaction or anger. I am also practicing saying no without guilt and saying yes to help and the offer of support - this is possibly the hardest thing because like you I am the ‘strong’ ‘under control’ one.... apparently!! Ha

let me know the key to trusting your body, at the moment I feel like mine is about to give up on me and I’m only 36....

Thanke for your replies, they may a lot CJ 🤓

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

MiloGirl — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 09:51:17 GMT

Hi I’m new. Just wanted to say that that is my fear too. The anxiety over having an heart attack or that my body isn’t ok and it’s going to fail me. When I’m alone and relaxing It begins. I have to stay busy all the time. and I need to know that someone is available if I need them to come watch the kids if I do happen to need to go to hospital (for a heart attack)

I can’t sit and watch tv, I have to multitask. Weather that be knitting, crochet, playing games on my phone/iPad. If I’m not my thoughts begin. And yes one little odd feeling or twinge in my body and it starts.

thanks you for the comfort in knowing I’m not alone!

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

CJ_stuff_and_stuff — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:22:18 GMT

Hi Milogirl,

I am kind of new here too and in the last week since i joined B.B, I have begun to feel so much better knowing this isn’t some torment that only belongs in my head.

It’s interesting how the perception of people with panic or anxiety is that we they/we are not strong but it is so obvious that we are actually some of the strongest people around. We push our minds and our bodies everyday so that we don’t experience panic, as Mr Maturity noted, we are often the ones looking after other people and their needs and we are often the ways carrying a lot of responsibility. It’s no wonder our bodies go a bit whack and shoot off Adrenalin rushes all the time....

all of this is good to know but I’m unsure how this helps when we sit down at night and start the twinge, panic spiral.

I definitely think using the forum and the online chat when you’re having a panic spell is a good distraction!

sleep well tonight x

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

MiloGirl — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:09:37 GMT

Hi CJ

yes what Mr Materity said is completely true. I have 5 children, a husband and 3 step children who visit fortnightly.

That’s 8 kids in and out of our home on fortnightly routine. I’m usually the one holding everything together and I’m a worrier, and a thinker, I think about bigger pictures and I’m more of an organised person rather then the care free ‘it will fall into place’ type. I guess that doesn’t help as I’m also stressing myself out about everyone else.

Im glad I finally reached out and connected with these forums, it’s only day 2 but already I feel like I have the strength to move forward! We can do this, we can get past our fears and our anexity. Together we help each other! 🙂

hope you have a good night to.

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

CJ_stuff_and_stuff — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 07:46:59 GMT

Wowsers Milogirl! That is an amazing amount of work and responsibility- you obviously need to think and worry when you have so many lives to consider.

I have heard or read that if you allow yourself some time during the day specifically for worrying you can reduce the worry later in the day/night. I don’t tend to consciously worry so this wouldn’t work for me I don’t think but perhaps it is something you could try?

im trying super hard to plan and organise all the things that I might find something to worry about, I spend 1-2 hours every Sunday morning to revise my plans so I have some control of things.. I think it’s starting to work for me!

Keep talking here if you’re comfortable, we have got each other’s back 🙂

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

MiloGirl — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 01:42:14 GMT

I think that’s part of my problem at the moment. I actually don’t have a reason to worry, there’s nothing that is stressing me.

I recently had bubba #5 and had a tubal ligation at the same time. My hormones are all over the place and I think that has a lot to do with my recent panic and anexity. The fact my body is completely out of whack. I feel strange and weird and I do t know why but I don’t feel the same as I use to. Right now as I type this I feel light headed and about to pass out. Like there’s not enough blood circulation in my body. My fave and head feel numb but slightly tingling at the same time. I feel ill and I feel like I’m not really alive. Then I begin to panic and it I don’t forcefully hold my self together I get an anexity attack/panic attack where I literally don’t know what to do with my self and I feel like I’m about to die! 😞 it’s the worst I hate it with a passion even though I know it’s adereline I know I’m not actually dying but then I worry what if I actually am how will I know the difference.

i hate living life like this!

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

CJ_stuff_and_stuff — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 02:32:48 GMT

Hi there,

Your numb, out of body feeling is very familiar to me... especially when you feel like you’re not a live so you think you must be about to die.

I agree, it is the worst thing to ever experience. It is far worse than any actual physical ailment I have ever had that is for sure.

my dr has prescribed something for when that feel becomes uncontrollable- it helps to know it is in my purse if I need it. I take a tablet and try to lay somewhere dark - I seem to be affected by light and movement.. I am sure that might not be an option given you have lots of babies to look after.. have you spoken to your GP about something to take the edge off?

i have just weaned myself off long term anti anxiety medication because I am quite convinced that beyond the weight gain it also made my panic spells more frequent. The ‘take as you need’ medication seems better for me...

I know there is nothing anyone can do to make you feel better when you’re in a place like this but know I am thinking about you and hoping this passes soon for today at least!

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

Chloe_M — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 02:40:51 GMT

Hi MiloGirl,

I understand. Living with anxiety sucks, and learning to deal with it can be hard and tiring, but also rewarding. Keep breathing. Focusing on the here and now can be a really good way to banish the anxiety. That's why I do mindfulness meditation every morning.

Just letting you know that I'm here if you need me.

xx Chlo

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

MiloGirl — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 04:14:23 GMT

Thank you CJ.

when I was about 16 I was diagnosed with agitated depression. I have been on and off one medication most of my life. My doctor has put me back on it and today is day 4, hopefully I’ll feel the affects in the next week. I need it as school goes back in 3 and I need to be able to do school runs. I’ll be ok I know!

I have had anexity/panic from about age 14. And have seen a therapist for about a year now working through the reasons I get the panic and anexity feeling. It leads back to my father dying from heart attack when I was 8.

The worst part I think is that I KNOW exactly what’s going on and why it’s happening but I can’t stop it even tho I feel it creeping up. I can usually stop a panic attack but it takes a lot of effort and that can be very exhausting.

thabk you for you replies. It does help knowing there are other who know how/what I feel and go through. 🙂

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

Chloe_M — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 20:52:19 GMT

Hi MiloGirl,

sorry about the late reply 😬 Sometimes lots of new threads appear and others get pushed to the bottom.

By the sounds of it yiu are/have been struggling. Being on and off meds sounds exhausting. One week you're fine, the next week you're not. I'm just imagining I've never been medicated.

Your father's death must have been extremely traumatic, as losing a loved one at such a young age is horrible.

I too know why I have anxiety and depression and I can do nothing to stop it. I can't even stop a panic attack. How do you manage it? Please tell me I am plagued by panic attacks, especially at school.

Have a good day, and remember that we are always here for you xx

Chloe

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

MiloGirl — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 06:24:06 GMT

Hi Chloe,

Yes even now I miss him terribly.

I guess because I’ve suffered for so many years I can feel The starts of an attack and get usually calm myself down before it takes over. I can’t always stop it. And those times I feel as if I need to be hospitalised. I have this massive sense of feeling like I’m about to die right there. It’s not nice.

I try hard to rationalise my thoughts when I feel it creep up. Talk my self through each step I feel.

I’m feeling hot, so open a window/Take a step outside.
im beginning to shake, have I eaten recently
my heart is pounding, count the beats

I guess doing these things allows my mind to focus on one thing and not let it spiral. I’ve paced the hallways at 3 am because I knew my aderline needed to move through my body. If I stay laying in bed I’d end up having a panic attack.

Its exhusting. And it takes all of my energy.

I cant imagine what it would be like at school.

Thinking of u.

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

Chloe_M — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 11:05:18 GMT

Hey MiloGirl,

yeah that feeling like you're about to die? It really sucks.

Rationalising your thoughts is actually a really good way of keeping calm. It has never crossed my mind to do so, but I will try it in the future. Haven't had many panic attacks to deal with though, am on school holidays and not experiencing much pressure, but I expect them to become more frequent when school starts back.

Have a good night and take care of yourself. Thank you for thinking of me also 😊

Chloe x

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

CJ_stuff_and_stuff — Wed, 09 May 2018 07:34:32 GMT

Hi everyone,

ive been managing my panic much better the last few weeks although I am always conscious of it being right there with me all the time...

So annoying, I’ve felt good all day and then I over did it when I got home and the thoughts have started!!!! I took a cushion cover off a cushion and must have inhaled a piece of fluff and now I can stop fixating on it being in my throat! How utterly ridiculous!!!

how is it these thoughts even exist let alone convince you of their accuracy!!

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

Chloe_M — Thu, 10 May 2018 07:26:46 GMT

hi CJ,

Sounds good! I wish panic would leave me alone but nope, not today! Had a panic attack today and I also had one last week. Woop de doo.

Haha it is ridiculous, I get it. It really sucks.

Apart from that, how are you travelling? Good to here from you again 🙂

Chloe

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

CJ_stuff_and_stuff — Fri, 11 May 2018 08:00:13 GMT

Hi Chloe,

thanks for replying 🙂

I think I need to practice perspective more... in reality, I am doing really well. Working every day, doing my PhD and having some social life so I seem to be ok.

i have noticed though that I hit a wall around 4-5pm and if I don’t manage that time through either medication or sleep I have a very disrupted night of over thinking and catastrophising.

do you think blood sugar or sheer mental tiredness effects you and your panic attacks?

thanks again for caring :)!

When all is quiet, old man panic comes over

Chloe_M — Mon, 14 May 2018 00:12:28 GMT

Hi CJ,

I think sometimes that yes, tiredness affects my panic attacks. Not sure about blood sugar though.

what is your PhD in?

x Chloe