Anxiety really bad

[OllieB]

Long story short I had a version of a panic attack yesterday in a very public space I had to sit down for ten minutes with heaps of people walking by and honestly it was horrible and has left me feeling very emotional and physically drained. I'm just wondering what people do in this situation as I didn't feel safe at all but was unable to get away from people like in a bathroom or anything like that any advice for management especially when you are out alone?

[OllieB]

Hi Tayla,

How are you, thanks for checking in sorry it took me so long to reply. I have been doing okay I have been quite emotional lately due to stress and anxiety, but have been fortunate to not have too many panic attacks. I have also been trying some exposure therapy which has been quite difficult, but I'm hoping in the long run useful.

ollieb

[Guest_4643]

Hi Ollie, no worries at all, take your time.

I'm sorry to hear that you've been quite emotional, I hope things get better and I'm thinking of you. That's good that you haven't had too many panic attacks though.

Yes, I agree, exposure therapy is difficult, that's something my Psychiatrist told me I need to do aswell, so I understand. Best of luck with everything and I hope, as you said, it's somewhat helpful to you. It takes time but you'll get there, I believe in you. Baby steps and you'll be okay.

Take care, thinking of you.

Tayla

[OllieB]

Thanks for being here I hope you are well and half to know exposure does work. it is totally baby steps foward and unfortunately at the moment I feel like big steps backwards. I finally felt like I had some direction in dealing with anxiety and the way I have been feeling and now this virus has come and exposure is not possible so neither is counselling and now I'm back to waiting while these feelings grow. I feel terrible as whilst most people panick about the virus I am happy to have a reason to stay away from people (which is an awful way to think) I know my anxiety is going to be way worse once all this social distancing stops

[Guest_4643]

I understand, the whole virus stuff is crazy and over the top. Take care of yourself, baby steps like I said, it's all an achievement.

I'm always here, so thank you. Thinking of you, hope you're alright.

Tayla

[Hope4tomorrow]

Hi OllieB,

This may sound a but crazy, but try practicing acknowledging your anxiety when it rises. Say to it "hello anxiety, yes I know your there". Imagine yourself giving it a hug. Consoling it. It may not cure you of anxiety or panic attacks, but it definitely helps me a lot to lessen the severity and duration of my anxiety when it flares up. Treat it as a scared friend and console it.

Our feelings need to be acknowledged. I find that they are like children. The more I ignore mine, the louder they get.

Maybe a crazy sounding reply but I hope that you get something out of it.

Take care and best of luck with it.

[Guest_4643]

Hi Hope4tomorrow and others, hope everyone's well.

Was just scrolling through my threads and found your reply, that's an interesting technique that I've never thought of and may have to try, thanks!

Take care everyone.

- Tayla.

[Betternow]

I have been using this technique for 12 months now and I find it very useful. You'll see me refer to it at the beginning of this thread.

I need to point out that "acceptance therapy" may not be for everybody and even those who are helped, it should only be seen as one modality among others.

As Hope4tomorrow writes, it is exhausting trying to fight anxiety and panic. Yo can't beat it by pushing it away. It's easier to let it settle over you and accept it (even welcome it) and then it begins to lose the power over you.

Again, make sure you okay it with your health professional.

[OllieB]

Thanks everyone for the support in this thread your ideas have been very helpful, as I'm sure you are all experiencing it is a very tough time at the moment and this is why my replies have been delayed, but I thank you for being there!

Hoping everyone is safe -ollieB