Anxiety induced panic

[Mazing]

Hi

I have BPD but lately suffering a lot more depressive episodes than manic ones. Anxiety is through the roof. I am on medication and have weekly consults with my GP and am about to start sessions with a new psychologist. It's worst at night when I'm alone, and I feel totally overwhelmed by panic and fear. All that's going on in my life seems like it's actually physically suffocating me, leaving me at times in extreme distress, difficulty breathing, sleeplessness, agitation, inability to relax or sit/lie still, racing thoughts, elevated heart rate... it's awful and there's been times I've thought I was dying. These times are usually preceded by a trigger moment.

Does anyone else experience anxiety on such a scale and what have you found effective to calm or settle the anxiety? It is honestly one of the worst feelings I can say I've experienced in my life. 

Many thanks in advance.

[white knight]

Hi mazing, welcome

Anxiety, like many illnesses isn't easy to get rid of. It, again like many illnesses takes a number of actions to remedy it and it wont happen overnight.

Proper diagnosis is critical, correct medication and the right dosage you will need to work closely with your doctor to obtain and other factors that cause triggers you need to get rid of or learn to cope with. For example-

Take up relaxation classes

Evaluate your home and working environment. eg the people in your life are they effecting you adversely? Your living location is it calm and relaxing? Is your workplace a happy place? and so on.

It took me 25 years to totally rid myself of severe anxiety. Measures taken were- a move to a country town of 250 people only, ridding my life of several trouble makers, finding a better workplace, working towards better financial security, relaxation methods and so on. It might not take you as long but you see the picture.

Cheers

Tony WK

[joeljoel]

Hi Mazing 

I know how debilitating panic attacks can be at times, I certainly have had my fair share. It can be something very difficult to overcome, especially when I my case the triggers were small things that were hyped and exaggerated by my anxiety. 

When you are having frequent panic attacks, as hard as it sounds, try and not to think about the fact that you keep having them because that will often cause more stress and make the situation worse. Take each one as it comes.

Personally I meditate to help to cope with panic attacks. I know that isn't for everyone but for me it helps to cleanse my brain of stressful thoughts that cause panic. It can be an effective way of centring yourself and helpful in calming your heart rate, inability to breathe and racing thoughts. 

Hope that helps. Joel.