topic Re: Struggling to go to work because of panic attacks in Anxiety

Struggling to go to work because of panic attacks

Huntrix — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:31:50 GMT

Hi there,

I've been struggling alot with my mental health. I've currently been off work for 4 weeks from weaning off one anti-anxiety medication to another. I've now just was successful to go back to work for one day this week. Which I was so happy and excited about. But the following days the panic attacks that ive been experiencing have come back again. I am currently seeing a therapist and we are trying breathing techniques but these panic attacks have coming from work that i used to have anxiety for. Now im at a job I really like and im still facing the same anxiety. Its extremely difficult for me and I feel incredibly lost. These panic attacks start in the morning before work and last untill I call out sick for the day. Im terrified of losing my job as every job has a limit and ive been fired before because of these panic episodes. I've been on this new medication for 2 weeks now and I really hoped it was going to be my saving grace. I've been generally happier and able to move around more which is why i started putting in the steps to go back to work. But now im scared that everything is going to repeat itself again and im going to be back at square one. There is alot of pressure for me to work as both my husband and I are paying the bills. Because ive had this time off he has been covering my half and he has informed me that we wont be able to afford doing so if this keeps happening. Which is understandable as I should be working. But when im in this state of panic I dont think of anything other than the fear its creating. Once its over the amount of guilt that I feel is overwhelming to the point where it makes me incredibly depressed. I dont know what to do anymore I feel lost.

Re: Struggling to go to work because of panic attacks

Canopy — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:07:57 GMT

Hello,

I used to have severe panic disorder and anxiety. I also lost one or two jobs due to it.
What I found was the breathing techniques were only beneficial before panic started to debilitate me. I had to use medication at the times of panic and only then could I practice the breathing techniques and then they assisted. I then started doing the breath exercises and also meditation up to 4-5 times a day to avoid any reliance on meds.
What you're going through is really difficult.
Is your therapist a psychiatrist who engages in various psychotherapy models or are they simply a medication dispenser? The roots of the anxiety/panic need to be addressed, but mostly right now it's about supporting you to function in the world without crippling fear and pain. And do the medications help you right now?

Re: Struggling to go to work because of panic attacks

Huntrix — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:56:13 GMT

Thank you for sending me what helped for you i will definitely try doing tbe breathing techniques before the panic episode/ generally. My therapist is a psychologist who specialises in depression and anxiety. Because shes a psychologist she can't provide medication referrals. I've been guided from my GP and from my therapist providing her insights.

The new medication has definitely helped. Before I started back at work again this week I was actually super happy with how I was going about life.

Finding the root causes is definitely what's causing alot of issues as ive been struggling pin pointing what is causing this fear. From what ive spoken about with my therapist ive built up this fear from previous places of employment where I didnt feel safe and comfortable. But now I've built this habit and fear because of the previous experiences

Re: Struggling to go to work because of panic attacks

Canopy — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 23:33:11 GMT

Have you started the new job you're excited about?

Rumination is a terrible thing. You may find, if you haven't already started, that it's the rumination and the ghosts from your past experience at a workplace, but your new job is not that place - which you sound like you've insight into.

Our mind-bodies from past stress and troubles can cause us to be on the lookout and will write a script for us before we've begun a new endeavour.

Are there other things that can help you modulate the trepidation and fear? Do you have things that you do, a hobby, walking, drawing, writing, exercise that you can do in an attempt to pull yourself into your physical body to get relief from the ruminations?

Re: Struggling to go to work because of panic attacks

Sophie_M — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:39:53 GMT

Hi Huntrix,

It sounds like things are pretty hard, and you’re coping with a lot. We’re sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. Well done for opening up here. It’s really difficult to be open, articulate and vulnerable about how you’re feeling and what might be aggravating your symptoms. People on the forums find that sharing is an early step on the journey towards feeling better. We’re sure we’ll hear from them on your thread soon.

Our free NewAccess coaching program helps people experiencing anxiety and panic symptoms, and our podcast Not Alone has a great episode on panic attacks. Here are some resources you could take a look at:

If you would like to discuss this further with a Beyond Blue counsellor, please call the helpline on 1300 22 4636 or use the webchat to speak with them.

Thanks again for sharing. Our community is genuinely kind and understanding, and we believe they’ll offer some valuable advice and perspectives.

Kind regards,

Sophie M