Anxiety and/or Depression

Avenger · ‎18-01-2017

Hi All,

I am new to this forum and looking for support and help. My anxiety attacks started 5 years ago due to extreme stress. Since then i have never felt a 100%. In the beginning i went to various GP's and cardiologists to get examined. It came back good and there were no obvious signs of any physical problems. The panic attacks didn't stop for about 12-18 months and went on daily. Somewhere these feelings were so ugly and not pleasant that i began trying to find ways to avoid the feelings. Over the years not knowing i began to hide from these feelings and started battling the thoughts that came with it. It lead to extreme hopelessness and the anxiety/fear didn't seem to abate. I have gotten to a point where i do continue my daily life but hardly have any enthusiasm in the things in loved doing. I still anxiety attacks almost everyday but not as severe.

I got so fed up at one point that i began fighting with the mental thoughts as i couldn't find any other way to relieve myself of anxiety. As anyone would expect it got worse.

This year i have started on a journey by eliminating processed sugar from my diet completely. Also i have begun exercising daily. What i struggle with most is the voice in my head going on all day 24/7 and that leads to severe fatigue.

I look around at people and i realise people don't focus on their anxiety/panic like i do and live a normal life. I want to do the same but somewhere i get dragged into this as soon as i feel anxiety/panic.

Any help/suggestions/guidance anyone can provide will be of great help.

Starwolf · ‎18-01-2017

Hi Avenger, welcome to the forums.

It is true that anxiety will affect every area of life. Being so intense, it is exhausting indeed. 5 years is a long time... no wonder battle fatigue has set in.

Being an ex sufferer, I remember how awful and scary it feels, the trips to hospital, check-ups etc...not easy to forget even after many years.

Anxiety and depression are medical conditions that ought to be regarded and treated as such. Your post doesn't mention whether you are undergoing treatment or have just been struggling with this alone...

If the latter is the case, I suggest you book a GP appointment ASAP. You may need to go on a mental health plan. Did previous visits only focus on physical symptoms ? Those conditions do not improve/disappear on their own. They can in time deteriorate to the point where all quality of life and peace of mind goes out the window. You deserve much better than that. With help and support, mental/emotional issues can be managed and control reclaimed.

Do you have family support ? Can you open up to loved ones ?

Doing the K10 test (see the Facts section, top left of this page) will give you a better idea of what you are up against. But getting a professional diagnosis is the first step towards healing. So please take good care of yourself. No need to suffer alone and in silence. Please keep in mind that-like any other illness- this is something happening to you, not caused by you. You are not alone in this, though many sufferers are initially embarrassed and keep it to themselves. Doctors are familiar with this common issue. You will be heard and understood.

You have already taken a courageous step by reaching out via these forums. Well done !

Good to have you on board.

Avenger · ‎19-01-2017

Hi Starwolf,

Thanks for your reply. In the past 2 years i haven't gone for any professional help. At times i still feel that i can make a change by myself. In my opinion i believe a lot of avoidance has let to this state. Managing thoughts is not the solution as far as i understand. Thoughts are rather symptoms of anxiety and without eliminating the anxiety they will always be there.

I have taken on the challenge to live my life the way i always did. No avoidance at all.

Starwolf · ‎19-01-2017

You nailed it, Avenger...intrusive thoughts are only a symptom. Anxiety -different to feeling anxious- is a medical condition that must be addressed.

The root cause is not always easy to pinpoint but it is of course what must be figured first. If obvious to us, it can be addressed without a practitioner's help. But if it is entrenched in the subconscious mind...it can become complicated.

Kudos to you for taking the "no avoidance" approach. It shows your courage.

Best wishes.