Constant feeling of impending doom? Good distractions?

[Monkeysss]

How does one distract themselves from impending doom?

Ive been having an increase in panic attacks and I had the worst panic attack I’ve ever experienced yesterday and ever since I have a constant feeling of impending doom. i woke up anxious about having another panic attack and the thought hadn’t left my mind I had another mild panic attack today but nothing compared to yesterday.

I constantly feel like something bad is gonna happen to me. Like I’m gonna pass out or die. Which makes me start having a panic attack.

What are some distractions or ways people have stopped these thoughts? Or both impending doom and the fear of having another panic attack?

Btw I’ve recently been put on medication, which my dr said should help but can take 6 weeks to take effect. So I need ideas until then

[Rabbit33]

Hi Monkeysss

Thank you for reaching out. You've done a great job coming to the forum for support!

Have you mentioned these panic attacks and your worry's that you are having at the moment? Is their something significant that has recently happened in your life?
I think this should be address with your GP as he would know best. It may be a reaction to the medication that you have just started. Sometimes there are unwanted and unpleasant side affects while our body adapts to them and they do tend to subside after a couple of weeks.
Until then, i think the best thing would be to practice your breathing exercises. Deep Breath in, hold it for 3-5 seconds and then exhale. Do this 3 - 4 times and then just remind yourself that everything is okay and there is nothing to worry about.
A distraction to keep your mind from worrying, could be anything.. What are some of your hobbies? Force yourself to do one. Go for a run and exercise, or maybe chuck on a comedy and sit down, relax and let yourself zone into the movie and forget about what's happening around you.

Definitely make an appointment to see your treating Doctor though. He will know best and i think he needs to know this is happening.

Best of luck! Please let me know how you go. 🙂

[Rabbit33]

Sorry Monkeysss, It was meant to say 'Have you mentioned these panic attacks and your worry's that you are having at the moment to your Doctor?'
:)

[Monkeysss]

Hi thanks for the reply! Nothing has happened in my life recently. It came out of no where. I have an appointment with my dr tomorrow where I will talk to him about my panic attacks and worry 🙂

[Birdy77]

Dear Monkeysss,

I can relate very much to your post.

I experience this as well and it is absolutely awful!

You are not alone.

I conjure up frightening scenarios and my mind becomes convinced they are likely to happen.

I do it with my health as well, I can go from minor issue (headache, pain in my side, something on my skin) to worst case scenario in the blink of an eye.

It happens mostly when I am in an anxious cycle anyway, or when I have stress happening in my life and my reserves of calm are running low.

Something that has helped me lately is to try to identify any triggers, and this can then help me to rationalise to myself why I am feeling this way.

It still means I need to ride it out, and trust that it will eventually pass. That's when strategies like Rabbit suggested with the breathing comes in really handy.

I am glad you are seeing your doctor and I hope they can help you.

You are always welcome to write here, it can help to calm yourself and feel less alone at the very least.

Wishing you a calm day Monkeysss 😊

🌻birdy

[Monkeysss]

Hi Birdy;

thanks so much for your reply 🙂 it makes me feel so much better knowing someone else has gone through it and I’m not alone.

I also think of scenarios, I think and think and think until I panic.I think my main triggers are my health. For example my anxiety gives my skin a burning feeling and my anxiety has been so high the last few days (I think it’s from the start of my meds but will confirm with the dr tomorrow) and I always think it’s something more even though it’s a symptom I’ve had for as long as I’ve had anxiety.

Thanks again for your help!

[Birdy77]

Dear Monkeysss,

You are most definitely not alone!!

I have heard from quite a few people here on the forums who have experienced what you and I call impending doom.

I will probably be writing on my own thread soon, it's called Sense of Impending Doom (you are welcome to write there too) ... I had the feeling very strongly about 3am this morning for a couple of hours.

This time of year is not fun for me, and I think my anxiety is just coming up to a rolling boiI, ready to go nuts at any moment.

I was feeling all sorts of terror about a quite impressive array of things in the early hours of this morning. Fun times!

I completely understand about your health anxiety. Definitely ask your Dr tomorrow about the burning feeling on your skin. I get a prickling feeling on my skin sometimes.

You're so not alone.

🌻birdy

[Monkeysss]

Hi Birdy,

ill look out for your thread!

Im feeling a lot better today. I’m seeing the doctor this afternoon. I’ve read and talked to a few people who are on the same medication as me; and I found out they experienced increased anxiety and panic attacks and the burning sensation too at the beginning of treatment.

Thanks so much for your help at putting my mind at ease, I hope you are doing well and I hope you enjoy the holidays.