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Crippling anxiety attacks

Belinda1986
Community Member

I’m 32 and I’ve suffered from anxiety since I was a child. I had really bad social anxiety in my 20s, and started getting panic attacks when I was 19 which were triggered by social situations.

I had a really severe anxiety attack the middle of last yr. Even though I knew that it was an anxiety attack, I couldn’t help feeling that I was dying. Got my mum to take me to hospital, and I couldn’t sit still. They couldn’t give me anything to help. I get severe nausea, and have to pace for hrs and hrs (I cannot sit still). Some of my attacks have lasted for 24 hrs and exhaust me.

I am still getting these really severe attacks even though I’m on antidepressants and seeing a psychologist. Until my attack last yr I had never told anyone about my anxiety. I could never date and up until a few months ago have never had a boyfriend. I’m really struggling to be in a relationship because I’m so used to being alone, and worry about having an anxiety attack in front of him. I have pushed myself to date and this is something I’ve always avoided in the past due to anxiety. I know I need to face the things that make me anxious but it’s so hard.

i want to try going to an anxiety clinic near me if I can get in as my psychologist is doing nothing for me. We’ve just been talking but haven’t really got any strategies, or ways to challenge my thinking to stop the attacks.

Really feeling very alone and don’t know what to do. I’m having an attack at the moment and just feel so desperate. Wanted to reach out and connect with other people.

 

5 Replies 5

white knight
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hi, welcome

Like all mental illnesses a number of strategies need adopting.

  • Medical professional care
  • Taking prescribed medication
  • Self managed execises.

The last one is for you to implement and if you do consistently, you can rid yourself of most of the anxiety.

To do this use google on this

Beyondblue Topic anxiety, how I eliminated it

Beyondblue Topic worry worry worry

As for your boyfriend we all have our imperfections. I'd inform him of the condition and if he isnt supportive jjust a little, he isnt for you.

Beyondblue Topic they just wont understand, why?

TonyWK

Hi Tony thanks for your reply. I have done a lot of research regarding anxiety and feel like I am trying everything. Meditation, diet, exercise, taking fish oil and other vitamins that are supposed to be good for anxiety and depression, plus medication and therapy

hopefully I will find the treatment that works best for me soon. My boyfriend is very supportive, I am just embarrassed about having attacks in front of people. It’s taken me so long to speak out about this that I know it’s going to take some time, just very difficult

Guest_2496
Community Member

Hi Belinda

Well done for reaching out.

Maybe go back to your gp and see whether meds can be increased, or need changing? Also - did the go refer you to the psych or did you find them yourself? It can take a while to find one you a) click with and b) seems effective for you. It’s daunting to start all over again but maybe talk to your gp about finding another psych?

The fact you’re so proactive about getting help is great. Keep talking about it. You may be surprised who else will understand.

Is the clinic a place you stay in, or has psychs you’d see instead of your current one?

Hi Annie, thanks so much for your reply, I really needed it.

ive just been to my doctor and am starting a new medication and got a referral to the clinic. It’s not a stay in but is run by the uni so I’m hoping it will be ok.

Hi

That all sounds great. Let us know how it goes.

I wasn’t sure if you were in a major city as I know in this one there’s a clinic like that associated with a major hosp and a uni so I hope it’s really helpful for you 🙂