Freezing response to anxiety

[askignquestions]

I've been dealing with crippling anxiety for a long time, but its gotten much worse the past few weeks. I'm once again in a freeze mode, where I can't seem to do much. I dont' know if part is depression too, since those thoughts are popping up too. But I need help. I am supposed to be working, but I didn't manage to make it in today. I just don't feel safe anywhere, like I need to curl up, hide, disappear. I've been nauseous and shaky and not breathing right for weeks now.

Are there techniques for anxiety when you get frozen in place? I haven't been able to leave my room today because I'm too anxious. I'm trying to work from home, but my mind goes completely blank. And I have to report on my work progress Tuesday, but I've been frozen all week.

I know the techniques for when you are in an energy panic attack- grounding, breathing. But what if you are stuck in place?

[blondguy]

Hello askignquestions

Good on you for the great thread topic

I understand the anguish and frustration that you are experiencing and it is debilitating after having chronic anxiety for 13 years.

When anxiety begins to effect us on a daily basis its no different to a physical illness...like diabetes or heart disease.

Im unsure if you have been seeing your doc but I hope can make a double appointment with your GP as soon as you can. Its not your fault that this condition has become worse. We have to gather our strength and seek medical help. I really hope you can.

Anxiety is a massive drain on both our mental and physical energy with all that adrenaline working overtime.

At present you would be exhausted thus bringing about being 'frozen' all week.

Super regular counseling is crucial as it will decrease the severity of you anxiety greatly.

If your GP recommends meds they will provide you with a solid platform on which all the various coping techniques will work more effectively thus providing more peace of mind too

You are not alone in your struggle. There are many gentle people on the forums that can be here for you.

In hope you can post back even if you just want a chat 🙂

Please be gentle with yourself

Paul

[askignquestions]

I have a Dr, and I have the ability to call her to set up an appointment this week, but I'm worried that I'm making a big deal of nothing. I honestly don't know what she can even do anymore. I'm already on meds, but even the "rescue" meds aren't working well. I'm just so tired of this. But I don't know what more can be done. I'm on meds, I'm seeing a therapist, but it got really bad anyway. It just feels hopeless...

[solabear]

Hello, I really feel for you, i had terrible anxiety about 7 years ago when I couldn't leave the house and couldn't breath properly, I was frozen like you until the doctors finally found the the right medication for me. There are so many different meds out there and you have to find the one that suits you. sometimes it takes a while before they find the right one for you. I would go back to the doctors and ask for another one to try, because you shouldn't feel this bad if you were on the right ones.

Sola xx

[blondguy]

Hi askignquestions

Thanks heaps for posting back!

Solabear has great advice in her thread above....

Solabear mentioned "I would go back to the doctors and ask for another one to try, because
you shouldn't feel this bad if you were on the right ones"

I promise you are not making a big deal out of nothing.

Your health is paramount. They can treat this....Yes it does take time and determination but there is light at the ned of the tunnel. You dont have to go through this....Anxiety symptoms will reduce if you really nag your GP and let her know whats on your plate.

you are not alone here

Paul

[askignquestions]

Thanks, I guess I'll call on Monday.

[solabear]

How are you feeling? I hope you're coping ok. I'm here to listen if you need to talk. I'm concerned about you ...you can talk about anything here.

hugs

Sola

[askignquestions]

My mind is blank. I'm trying to read and do work for Uni, since I haven't done much of anything the past few weeks. But I keep disappearing and going blank, just staring off, freezing up.

I don't really have much to say. Thanks for checking in though, I appreciate it.

[solabear]

oh...I'm so sorry to hear that. Sending hugs your way.

Don't put pressure on yourself about work, the most important thing right now is to help yourself and get better. I know it's impossible to talk, read and write when you feel this way.

Have you tried breathing exercises and meditaion? When I'm really panicky I practice being in the present. It's important to breath through your stomach ..not your chest. And focus on your breathing, watching or feeling your stomach rise and try to be thoughtless. It's a very effective relaxation technic. Or try to walk around in the house and just keep focusing on your breathing. It works for me. Also high dose of Magnesium and vitamin B helps with relaxation. You can also find guided meditation on YouTube.

My thoughts are with you

[askignquestions]

I haven't been doing meditations, but I've been trying to breathe. Like breathing through the nausea, trying not to get sick- is where I'm at today. Yesterday was a lot of sitting, but I got through. Today I just feel sick and want to cry because of it...

Thanks for reminding me about the breathing.