topic I really need advice. It’s all too much. in Anxiety

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

Tori_nawec — Fri, 03 May 2019 12:32:46 GMT

It’s a long read.. but I’d appreciate anyone’s help.

Two months ago, while at work, all of a sudden I felt so short of breath, my chest/shoulders were tight and my head was spinning. no history of mental illness or really no clue what an anxiety symptoms were, i thought i was dying. I left work immediately to try and sleep it off. It didn’t get any better, so off I went to the doctor with extremely high heart rate, and I couldn’t breathe. Emergency Room it was for me. I had two ecg’s, blood tests, chest X-ray, and left with discharge papers saying “Anxiety reaction” .. the first month was HORRIBLE. I laid in bed 24 hrs a day. I hardly ate. (Lost 10kgs) I was too fragile/scared to even walk down my stairs. It’s the worst thing I’ve been through being in constant fear if something will happen to you.

i saw a psychologist. currently 3 sessions in. She is helping me to come to terms with it all. But my symptoms are very on and off and it’s so hard to deal with. My main symptom that started all of this, was my shortness of breath and something I really can’t get over, in two months, my breathing is the same, and tbh it’s becoming normal to me to not be able to breathe

I genuinely feel like my shortness of breath gives me anxiety, and I almost get anxious about getting anxiety symptoms. Sounds a little dumb.

I went back to work today for three hours. It was a STRUGGLE. And has taken me all day to feel semi ok. My coping mechanism is literally to lay in bed.

Im trying to eat and sleep better, exercise more, but I just feel so OVERWHELMED when I’m around people. Like everything is going so fast around me but I’m just, there. The shops, work, around a lot of family at a time, I just wanna go home. (I live alone)

I just want to know if anyone has a similar story with their feelings and symptoms :

- shortness of breath/ tight chest when trying to inhale deep. It’s resulted in me having pain under my left collarbone/shoulder when I take a deep breath anytime now cos I feel like I’m trying to do it all the time but I can’t help it. I just have the urge.. my breathing is the main issue for my anxious feelings!! I feel like I want to break my collarbones just to get a deep breath sometimes. (calm breathing just doesn’t do it for me?)

- dizziness, blurry eyes, dry eyes, headaches, unmotivated, tired all the time, denial, feeling like something is medically wrong still. Can’t concentrate.

I’ve also been thinking about medicine.. Maybe it’ll help me get through the day.

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

YellowPoppy — Sat, 04 May 2019 00:16:44 GMT

Hi Tori,
Firstly welcome to the forums.
So awesome that you're reaching out.

Anxiety symptoms vary, I get the shortness of breath, I feel nauseas and I also feel anxiety about anxiety - I've noticed that that's a pretty common thing so it's not dumb, nothing you say here and nothing you feel is dumb. Please don't think that.

I often get overwhelmed being around people, when I'm in a good space I'm able to move past the feeling, sometimes I can get irritated about the people around me and when I'm at my worst I just want to cry and break down. Cause I can't understand how other people are living their lives so much easier than I am.

I know it would've been hard but good job getting to work. That's a pretty big deal.

Medication is definitely an option but I think you should consider going gp and getting a mental health plan to see a psychologist - if you haven't already.

Feel free to reach out again and hope this is hekpful

YP

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

Tori_nawec — Sat, 04 May 2019 06:46:44 GMT

Thanks for your reply, i really appreciate your input.

its hard not to feel so alone during these times. You said “I can’t understand why people are living their lives so much easier than I am” and it really resonates with me. Because I used to be one of those people that could do anything. But all has changed.. now it’s hard to me to see friends, family, grocery shop and even work.

I have already been to my GP and got a mental health plan, and I’m currently 3 sessions in with my psychologist.. no doubt I’m feeling slightly better, but I almost feel like I’m never going to be myself again and my breathing may stay this way.. I feel like I want to reset my brain sometimes.

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

YellowPoppy — Sat, 04 May 2019 07:12:13 GMT

Hey,

I'm glad I was of some help. But I want you to know that your reply has been so helpful to me!

Currently, I experience this fear that I won't get better or that my psychologist won't be able to help me.

I'm dropping out of my uni course cause I can't attend and the pressure of attending is too much.

I don't go out without my mum and im never without my mum or my boyfriend. But aside from that, I don't see friends or family. Seeing and speaking to strangers is difficult for me.

I want to reset my brain too, which I guess is what a psychologist is for.

It's nice to know I've been of some help, and it's even nicer that I can relate to you and you can relate to me.

YP

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

Tori_nawec — Sat, 04 May 2019 07:57:22 GMT

Wow, it’s just so relatable.. I’m glad my story could help you. I’m just a bit of a desperate gal trying to get some insight. haha.

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this, I know first hand how frustrating it is. 😞

i don’t study, but work is too much for me, and I currently rent alone so I’m needing to made a decision soon to move back home (my family causes anxiety and stress for me, my upbringing was stressful) and I really don’t want that.. I love them, but I feel like being alone is where I feel the most calm and safe. I guess I can’t live like this forever, though. I need to work and earn money, but it is so hard to not get so overwhelmingly anxious when I’m there, if I can’t handle being around people in general how am I supposed to deal with working..

I’d like to know what you do to relieve anxiety?

have you had any experience with medicine? It’s something I’m considering, since the typical mindfulness and grounding strategies work only to a certain extent with me before I’m in my head again.. but I’ve heard of bad side affects.

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

YellowPoppy — Sat, 04 May 2019 08:44:21 GMT

Not being able to be around people is why I'm leaving uni. Just the idea of meeting new people or teachers and trying to stay focused is paralysing and my chest tightens everytime I think about it.

I'm sorry you're family causes you stress and that you're stuck in such a hard predicament. I know I need my mum and partner around but they are postive and supportive influences.

I use mindfulness and grounding but sometimes its only a short relief.
I also use essential oils, one that I apply to pulse points and another that I inhale, both are to levitate stress. I also use lavender oil. And its a bit hippy but I use something called emergency (Australian Bush flower remedy) or another called rescue, which is a bachflower remedy (European) it has actual benefits but for me the strong flavour brings me out of my head. (they contain a small amount of alcohol as a preservative

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

YellowPoppy — Sat, 04 May 2019 08:51:53 GMT

Aside from those, I'm increasing exercise, which my mum keeps up my motivation. And my diet, I've cut out sugar, wheat products, milk and I've increased veggies both fresh and cooked.

I was on medication 7 yrs ago for depression but during that time I was not seeking professional support and I was a second hand victim of a crime. So my experience of medication has multiple factors to consider

A week and a half ago i was having anxiety attacks 10 or more times a day, I was struggling even more with seeing a way out and I was paralysed with fear allot of the day. Since then I have managed to feel a bit better everyday and although I still can't go out on my own I am managing it with my mum and I don't get as over whelmed.

I am not adverse to medication, but I am wanting to put in a fair effort of other methods before I give that a go.

I don't know if any of my remedies will help you but they do help me. And I bring them everywhere.

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

Tori_nawec — Sat, 04 May 2019 09:22:14 GMT

Exactly how I feel about work.. because I just KNOW how I will feel being there..

i have heard of using essential oils, I also use lavender.. and actually purchased a anxiety relief inhaler made from essential oils from eBay and it’s pretty nice. I will definitely have a look into the ones you mentioned.

ive heard exercising and diet is major. Some weeks I walk everyday and eat super healthy. The next week I don’t leave my bed. It’s hard to keep up motivation..

i know how you feel. Although I feel like I’m stuck in anxiety attack. My feelings don’t really climax to a panic attack often. But I more so feel like I’m CONSTANTLY in a state of anxiety. It’s strange.

thanks for your experience. I may talk to my pysch/gp what they think about medication. It’s not an option I really want to be on, but if it helps me to go to work and earn money.. I guess sometimes you do what you have to do.

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

YellowPoppy — Sat, 04 May 2019 09:35:53 GMT

I understand not wanting to be on medications. And I am not against or for because I believe that what works for one person isn't going to work for another. So medication I believe is a choice. And it's neither bad nor good. I guess you could right up a list of pros and cons and take it to your next pysch appointment to go over it

I'm. Fairly certain that in the first week of this if I hadn't have had my mum pushing me to walk I would have stayed in bed all day too. I wish i could provide you with something to keep you motivated.

I'm glad I've been helpful and please keep me updated on how your going - if you want to.

If I think of anything else that can help I'll let you know

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

YellowPoppy — Sun, 05 May 2019 22:52:23 GMT

Hi Tori,
Just wondering how your going?
Hope your doing well!

YP

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

Tori_nawec — Mon, 06 May 2019 03:52:02 GMT

Thanks for checking in!

honestly still pretty much the same. 😞 it’s an effort to get up eat and shower.. spent most of my days in bed sleeping. Today I’m visiting family and attempting to eat better/ go for a walk but trying to find the motivation is so difficult.

Just feel so stuck in this headspace.

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

YellowPoppy — Mon, 06 May 2019 04:42:13 GMT

Hi Tori, do any family or friends know whats going on for you. You've already said that you don't want to move back with your family cause that brings on anxiety, but maybe they could support you in other ways? Not sure what the situation with them is though.

I wouldn't have been able to even have a psych appointment or a gp appointment without the support of my mum so it's really awesome that you managed to get appointments done considering how unmotivated you feel.

I hope you can find a friend to talk to about what's going on and that that gives you some relief.

Glad you're trying to get things done today, that's such a huge thing. I managed to tick a few things off today too so, go us!

I've really found writing stuff down really helps me, I'm able to get out of my head and it makes me feel like I achieved something.
I do it in a journal but you can download apps to record your thoughts and emotions.

Do you have a pet? Are you an animal person? Sometimes it helps cause they are a companion but there's no pressure to be a certain, in saying that I wouldn't recommend getting a pet without thorough consideration.

I'll keep in touch and you can respond or not as you please.

Thinking of you

YP

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

Katyonthehamsterwheel — Mon, 06 May 2019 04:52:58 GMT

You're lucky you have some support. I don't have anyone (except my dog). I also find it hard being around people. I study uni online but last week I had to attend a week on campus as it's compulsory. The first day I had an anxiety attack and couldn't stop crying so they sent me home. The other days I somehow managed to get through, but boy I'm glad it's over! Today I'm just feeling uber lonely. Anyway, just wanted to say you're not alone. There are lots of us that understand what you're going through. Glad to hear you're trying some stuff today. It's hard x

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

Tori_nawec — Mon, 06 May 2019 05:38:51 GMT

Hey,

my family do know what’s going on. But I think they find it hard to understand why I was fine 2 months ago and now I don’t want to see anyone(even I can’t understand). They are trying to be supportive, but especially my mum doesn’t really “get it” if you know what I mean. So I tend to hide my feelings while I’m around them..

i didn’t want my family to come with me or help me with anything because I guess I don’t want them to see me struggling. Even my friends. I really prefer to be alone and do everything I have to do alone. As I said, being around anyone is a lot for me.. Not sure if other people feel like this, but I was very sensitive about talking about this to my family and friends so I didn’t want to get upset about it in front of them. Problem solved if I just go to my doctor and pysch alone.. the only reason I have been going to appointments is because I want to feel better. It’s scary to feel like this all the time..

I have a few friends that know. But I genuinely feel like no one gets it unless they’ve been through something like this, which is why I love to make threads and talk to people that I KNOW feel the same..

so proud of you! I know it’s not easy. I managed to go to the shop and buy myself some lunch, no doubt my chest was tight the ENTIRE time, but I done it. haha.

i might try that. I like drawing but sometimes I feel so out of breath I just want to lay down.

i don’t have a pet but I would LOVE a dog!! Since I live alone it would be amazing to have a little puppy with me. But that’s when finances come into play, at this point I’m not paying rent, barley can afford petrol/food. So it’s not a good idea yet. 😞

Thanks for caring, honestly.

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

Tori_nawec — Mon, 06 May 2019 05:40:48 GMT

I’m sorry. You have support here with us. 🙂

thanks for your post. It’s reassuring to know there are other people who know how I feel.

hooe things get better for you

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

YellowPoppy — Mon, 06 May 2019 05:51:52 GMT

Hey, don't have time to respond to a satisfactory extent, but responding to let you know I'll be posting a reply tonight

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

YellowPoppy — Mon, 06 May 2019 07:02:05 GMT

It's kind of a double edged sword isn't it?
Don't want to be alone but can't be around people.

I'm messaging friends daily, talking about anything. My problems, their problems, today I spoke to my friend about her laptop. It's just to feel that social contact without having to look at anyone.

Good job getting lunch!! It's awesome that you did that, even though it was hard and uncomfortable.

I hope journaling works for you, or that you find something that does.

I'm sorry your financial situation is so stressful! I wish there was a therapy where you could sit in a room full of puppies! No people!!

You're so welcome, my friend! This thread has helped me, you've helped me. It's something I look forward to every morning. And I hope you do too.

Be in touch!

Your friend,
YP

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

Tori_nawec — Mon, 06 May 2019 10:30:42 GMT

It definitely is. But I just returned home from seeing my family and I’m feeling quite okay. There was a couple moments when I was overwhelmed but I always try let it pass..

i definitely get that. I enjoy talking to my friends on social media too, because you can still enjoy their company but kinda without the commitment.

drawing seems to be my best mindfulness task at this point so I’m going to try to keep that up..

Oh that would be amazing!!! 🙂

thank you. I’m so glad I’ve helped you aswell. It makes my heart happy! I’m always here if you ever need to express how you feel, and I know you’ll be here for me too 🙂

Tori

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

YellowPoppy — Mon, 06 May 2019 11:02:57 GMT

Hey,

I'm so glad today went okay for you! That's pretty great.

I have this saying, maybe you can relate,
I'm okay but I'm not better.
Cause I have days where I'm doing really well and I feel fantastic and like I can take on the world, but I also know I have allot of work to do to get better.

I wish I could see one of your drawings, I know they're often personal but it sounds like you get to clear your head when you draw.

I'm glad your heart is happy, and I hope you are too 🙂

Talk tomorrow

YP

I really need advice. It’s all too much.

Tori_nawec — Mon, 06 May 2019 15:35:42 GMT

That is such a great saying! I love that. I definitely will use that.

my drawings are a good way to express feelings when you feel like you can’t put it in writing. I’m not the best but practice makes perfect! wish I could post some here!

have a great sleep!