Extremely anxioua after return of panic attacks

[Gg22]

Hello everyone,

I have been diagnosed with GAD I mainly struggle with health anxiety. My anxiety had been pretty stable the past few months, havent had any panic attacks. I see a psychologist and do CBT, practice meditation, exercise and do activities that calm me.. a week ago i experienced 2 panic attacks and i feel i have tried everything and I am still getting no relief. I feel really upset that there really is something medically wrong with me even though i have seen my GP many times.

My panic attacks start with a big warm rush throughout my body, my heart races, i get hot, dizzy and shake afterwards.. is this what panic attack is? I'm honestly unsure anymore. I can be laying in bed watching tv and this happens. I dont understand. I feel at my wits end with this. This is also started with the traumatic birth of my son 16 months ago and recently i have been wanting another l, i think this is what has started my anxiety and panic attacks again. I have ann app with my psych but the wait time is 4 months so i just don't know what to do in the meantime. Im sick of anxiety stopping me from doing what i want in life but i am so terrified of the thouhht of going through all the birth etc again.

Any advice would be appreciated

[Croix]

Dear Gg22~

I have read some of your other posts and I expect you realise correctly, they are panic attacks. When I have had them it has often been easy to see what brought them on, other times no obvious reason, the only common factor being my stress levels have been higher than normal.

Having a baby is a pretty frightening thing at the best of times. You said that your first was 'traumatic' and only 16 months ago.

Anyone who have been thogh a traumatic birth will be very frightened the same thing will happen again, it's only natural, and I guess those panic attacks are part of the result.

OK, so you wait 4 months for a psych, not practical realy under the circumstances. May I suggest you have a long appointment wiht your gynecologist, and (if you do not know already) find out exactly why it was so hard. Then get advice on how to make it easier.

It does not matter if it was your health, or that of the bub, in either case I would imagine there are precautions or procedures that can be done to make things better.

Anxiety make one think of the worst outcome, well, that's what mine does, and having some reassurance cannot hurt.

May I ask if you have anyone to support you and help, a family member or a freind perhaps? Going though this all alone is not good.

I hope we can talk some more

Croix