topic Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out? in Anxiety

Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?

Masked — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 21:03:17 GMT

Ive been up since 4am trying to calm myself down / self care / mindfulness / acceptance - nothing is working. Ive tried 2 helplines and cant get through.

I cant even drink and I feel like im going to throw up. I have PNDA [post natal depression and anxiety] plus a lot of big changes in my personal life. I am pursuing professional help. Okay just writing this all out has helped a bit. Any support out there?

Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?

Sophie_M — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 21:10:37 GMT

Hey Masked,

Welcome to our friendly online community, we are so glad you decided to join us here. We know it can be hard to write the first post, so thank you for having the courage.

We’re glad to hear that you are pursuing professional help. You might also find it helpful to get in contact with the Beyond Blue Support Service where you can speak with one of our friendly counsellors who will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer you some additional support. They are available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport

We hope that you will find some comfort here on the forums. Please feel free to keep reaching out here on your thread whenever you feel up to it.

Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?

Masked — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 21:20:15 GMT

I tried beyond blue and hung up because no one was picking up and I cant bring myself to call now

dont know why 😞

Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?

Sophie_M — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 21:30:39 GMT

Hi Masked,

We're very sorry to hear that, it sounds like it's been a very difficult night for you.
We're sure that a lot of our community members will relate to these feelings and hopefully some of them will pop by to offer you words of wisdom and kindness.
Please know that support is always available to you and when you feel ready we strongly encourage you to try again.
In the meantime you might find it helpful to have a look at some threads in the "Caring for myself and others" forum.

Please continue to update us on what is happening for you when you feel ready

Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?

Masked — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 21:18:11 GMT

Thanks Sophie. My anxiety peaked so bad yesterday I had to speak to the CATT team. Thank goodness I had calmed down by then. I have woken up again with my stomach turning, heart racing and anxious thoughts and now I'm anxious about being anxious. I am so scared it will get really bad again... any tips?

Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?

Sophie_M — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 21:49:45 GMT

Hi Masked,

We're sorry to hear how bad you were feeling yesterday but are glad to hear you were able to reach out for support and speak with someone to help. If you haven't already, you might find it useful to have a look at some of the other threads our wonderful community have posted in the "Caring for myself and others" forums for some tips and strategies they have found helpful to manage anxiety.

We hope that this helps and you are able to get some rest today.

Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?

Gambit87 — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 07:03:45 GMT

My anxiety is terrible today and im feeling on edge!

I find that meditation helps. I have the smiling mind app which has alot of useful meditations.

Its weird at first, you'll think that its not working but once you get used to it, it really helps calm and centre the mind.

Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?

Masked — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 08:01:34 GMT

thanks Gambiit87 for the validation and tip. I wish I could wish my anxiety away.... its so hard to focus and I just pace my house and the thoughts wont leave

Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?

Petal22 — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 08:34:55 GMT

Hello, sorry to hear your anxiety isn’t the best at the moment.... I have overcome my anxiety which I am very grateful for.... I practice meditation, being mindful is great when you feel like your anxiety is there and you are aware of it bring your attention to the present moment... like feel you feet walking on the ground... what does it feel like? How does it sound? Or even washing the dishes what can you hear? What can you smell? It exercises our attention our attention is like a muscle and needs exercise... this takes practice.... so keep practicing.... seeing your gp is great... keep talking... also just getting out with a group of people is great....

Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?

Masked — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 08:37:39 GMT

Thank you Petal22! You gave me the motivation to try that 🙂

Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?

Petal22 — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 08:49:30 GMT

That’s great.... yes try it and keep practicing.... find a meditation app on your phone and do that aswell one that is guided and teaches you that when your attention wonders away from the breath you bring it back to your breath... this exercises your attention.... it’s great it just takes practice... also things like when you are driving what can you notice eg... shadows on the road.... this is exercise for your attention...

also you can learn to be a bystander of your thoughts, you can learn to do this via meditation aswell.. you learn not to get so caught up in your thoughts... and can incorporate everything I have told you in your everyday life 😀 you will get through it.... stay positive 😀

Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?

OrganizedNotReally — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 21:51:54 GMT

Sorry to hear thaf.

i had a whole week like this triggered by some work issues.

try breathing exercises (slow breathing) or repeating mantras (I am here and I am ok - over an over works for me).

make sure you talk to someone - friends/family etc

people who love you - love you for who you are!

you are special and this will pass

I’m in a similar boat so reading your post has helped me

stay well!