Confused and distressed

[Kirkyboy89]

Hi all,

Over the past 3 years I've experienced panic attacks that have lasted a few minutes and then would dissipate and I would 'snap back to reality'. These seemed pretty standard (increased heart rate, confusion, sweating, light headed and feeling a little ill etc). However 12 months ago I experienced one of these attacks and just felt like I never really 'came back' to reality from the attack. For the last year I've been extremely anxious about things that never used to bother me (i.e. seeing friends, going to the movies, catching trains, playing sport). I feel disconnected from myself and can't concentrate a lot of the time and spend a lot of time sleeping. It's very frustrating knowing how outgoing and confident I was a year ago, compared to how I feel now with fear and confusion around every corner. My GP prescribed medication however I opted not to take it after some research on the medication. Does anybody else experience this kind of feeling, and if so how did you overcome it? Are medicated approaches the best path to take or would people suggest talking to a psychologist? Is there a chance that this could be caused by a physical problem?

Thanks for any help in advance 🙂

[Jayamalah]

Hi

i think it sounds like anxiety and depression! What medication did your dr prescribe? I think meds with seeing a physiologist is the best solution :))

Take care 

[Chris_B]

Hi Kirkyboy89,

I would suggest going back to your doctor and talking through your options again.  Medication has certainly helped many people with anxiety, and so has talking to a psychologist.  Your doctor can help you with both those things.

I'm concerned that you decided not to take the medication after doing some 'research' - not sure what research you did, but there can be a lot of misinformation on the internet about medication, and developing a relationship of trust with your doctor is the best way forward.

If you are concerned about potential side effects, talk these over with your doctor. If you encounter these while taking the medication, again, talk to your doctor as there are lots of different options available.  

Seeing a psychologist is also a great option because you will be able to talk through your anxieties and get to the bottom of what's happening.  As you've said, the anxiety has gotten to a point where you're not able to enjoy life as you would normally.  There is a way through it.

Whatever route you end up taking - medication, therapy or a combination of both, you need to go back to your doctor to get the ball rolling.  

Please let us know how you go.

best
CB

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Online Community Manager

[Mary89]

Hi kirkyboy89,

i have recently started experiencing anxiety and panic attacks as well. I can relate what you said - I am a very outgoing and confident person as well, yet since this anxiety and panic attacks have started I feel so different from my normal self.

I would also suggest going back to your GP and getting a referral for a psychologist. My GP offered me medication and a psychology referral, however I opted to not take any medication at this point. Psychological treatment is known to be the best treatment for anxiety so I am going to try psychology first without medication. That being said, medication may also be necessary in addition to psychology depending on your individual situation. Also, I wouldn't research the medication yourself over the internet as it will most likely come up with all the negative aspects of the medication, whereas in reality most medications prescribed by your doctor will be safe.

I saw one psychologist initially who was very unhelpful and this made me think that no one would be able to help me. However I went back to my doctor and asked her to recommend a different psychologist. The second psychologist I saw is very good and she immediately understood my problems has has been helping me work through the anxiety using a mindfulness approach which is called 'acceptance and commitment therapy.' I'm finding it very effective.

My advice is to continue to seek help until you find the right person who can help you. You may need to see a different GP and try a couple of different psychologists to find one who understands your problem. But don't give up because there is help out there, it's just hard to make yourself go find it sometimes I know!

Hope that helps.

[geoff]

dear Kirkyboy, there have been some good replies back to you, but what I can offer is that although the side effects that you have seen on your research, may not happen to you.

It's like medication A suits person A, while the same medication won't suit person N, so we can't really generalise on any side effects as our body symptoms are all different. Geoff.