Anxiety flare up

[lelebe]

Hi,

About 5 years ago i had my first panic attacks i seeked therapy and slowly improved but i could never shake my phobias.

Recently my family has had a couple of stressful months and the anxiety has flared back up again. I know anxiety is so individual but has anyone with panic disorder found relief from anti depressants? Or is there any other therapy anyone has found useful?

[Ladyhawke]

Hi lelebe,

Thanks so much for letting us know how yesterday went. I thought about you a few times and was wondering if you were OK.

I totally agree with Jay and Paul - it's excellent that you proved you were stronger than the anxiety by riding out the panic attack and not fleeing. Well done. It would have been easy to walk out, but you stayed, and that's fantastic.

Paul is absolutely correct - an anxiety/panic attack does have a limited time frame. I understand that when an intense panic attack occurs, you can feel as though you will completely unravel, but it will pass- the mind/body can only sustain that level of extreme stimulation for a certain period of time. It's unfortunate that it occurred, but you ended up overcoming it, which is terrific progress, especially at this early stage. Yes, once the dizziness and sleepiness subsides, you will feel more in control.

The first day is over and we'll all be thinking of you, hoping the next few days are tolerable, which I'm sure they will be.

Looking forward to your next update.

Best wishes, LH

[lelebe]

Ladyhawk, Paul and Jay thankyou so much for your continued support you guys are amazing and have really helped me through this stage.

Today went a lot better so that was a positive 😊 I'm trying to take it one step at a time i can't wait for the medication to fully kick in and the side effects to lessen.

I'll check in with you all again soon.

Thanks again guys x

[Ladyhawke]

Hi lelebe,

That's terrific progress in such a short time - I hope this makes you feel more in control. Yes, one step at a time - try not to project your thoughts too far ahead - if you can, just deal with the present.

Kudos to you! Very happy for you and look forward to your next update. LH

[lelebe]

Hello I'm just letting those of you who replied to my post know how I'm getting on.....

I'm now 3 and a half weeks in and feeling a lot better. Its amazing how much clearer i am feeling too. The only downside has been that I've already gained a few kilos which for me is a silly enough a problem. I'm trying not to fixate on it.

Otherwise I'm only seeing positives.

[solabear]

that's great news Lelebe, I'm happy for you. You might have to change your diet in order to stop gaining weight, because the medication is slowing your metabolism down and your body needs less calories.

I hope this helped

hugs from Sola

[BballJ]

Hi lelebe,

That is amazing news and thank you for sharing it with us. You should be very proud of how far you have come in 3 and a half weeks. It shows how committed you are to getting better. I know the weight gain can be annoying but remember you can lose it and keep focusing on those positives.

My best,

Jay

[Ladyhawke]

Hi lelebe,

That's wonderful news and I'm so happy for you. It can be quite an experience when the meds finally kick in - the feeling as though you have greater control and can finally breathe more easily, is such a relief.

Slight weight gain is reasonably common, but as Solabear and Bballj mentioned, making some adjustments to your diet and perhaps a bit of exercise will help to keep your weight stable. You can ask your doctor for tips if necessary.

You've come quite a way in a relatively short time - well done! Many thanks for the feedback; it's always appreciated to know how people are progressing. Don't hesitate to post if you ever need a bit of support or want to chat.

Best wishes, LH

[lelebe]

Thanks Sola, Jay and ladyhawke ☺ yes I've been very surprised at how far i have come in such a short time surely it can only improve from here... don't get me wrong i still have bad times but they are only short lived where as before i was seeing eveything negative which was a bad place to be in. I start my talking therapy sessions at the end of the month too.

Thanks all who have supported me through this it means a lot to me

[BballJ]

Hi lelebe,

It truly is great how far you have come... maybe one day down the track you will be able to assist people who find themselves in a similar position as you were in and your experience will now be able to help them.

My best,

Jay

[Ladyhawke]

Hi lelebe,

Yes, I agree with Jay that what you learn from dealing with your own anxiety issues will eventually enable to provide support to others in a similar situation.

Good news that your therapy sessions start soon. I found that talking about my issues, and being given practical advice on how to deal with them by a professional, invaluable.

Good luck, LH