I'm new here: but bad anxiety and panic attacks brought me here. New issue and kind of scary

[OrganizedNotReally]

Hi everyone,

I'm a newbie here. male in my late 30's

in theory everything should be going well but I started a new career just before covid hit and now working from home with a new team and less support - my anxiety cranked up and I am having really bad panic attacks about work (whole body shakes, poor sleep, no appetite).

Feeling guilty because my 6yo is at home so I am trying to help with his home schooling but my anxiety is making me feel useless (and a burden to my wife - who has been amazing, but now I think it's starting to get to her).

I am starting to feel some negative thoughts about my self worth (and a whole impostor syndrome kicking in about being found out and losing the job, and all my self worth).

Sorry about the ramble, but it feels right to just say it. I am taking a mild antidepressant but I don't think it's working and I've booked to see a psychiatrist as well. Feeling quite scared about how quickly this is escalating.

If anyone has any tips on how to cope, I'd love to hear. Thanks for the support

[dadsgripe]

Howdy mate. This Covid thing has really knocked a few of us for a six.

I’m not too good with advice, just wanted to tell you, that you’re not alone. Go easy on yourself, and keep those communication lines open with your wife. My wife always knows when my anxiety is peaking, as I shutdown. KeepIng her in the loop makes me feel better and helps her also. Don’t forget to ask how she is going also, it helps with that connection in your relationship.

Best wishes mate, and the forum is always here if you need to chat. Have a bit of a search too, as there is some great advice in these pages.

Brando

[OrganizedNotReally]

Cheers, Brando!

Thanks for the response. Yes, trying to make sure I am speaking to her and keeping her in the loop. Also want to make sure she is alright.

At the moment, I am really struggling with anxiety (really scary) so the forum here is a great tool to stay connected with others.

Cheers & stay well

[David35]

Thumbs up for recognising your symptoms and booking into to see a psychiatrist. Don't ever feel guilty. If you catch a cold or injure yourself you don't feel guilty for putting your hand up for help. Mental health is no different. Remember, the more you can explain your feelings to those around you the more they can give you some space to sort things out. Hang in there mate.

[OrganizedNotReally]

Thank you for your response.

trying to view it that way. At the moment my anxiety is triggering all sorts of things (eg imposter syndrome, suicidal thoughts, self worth issues etc)

really trying to get myself on firmer mental health footing!

Thanks again for your response - it helped

[Sophie_M]

Hi OrganizedNotReally,
Sounds like you are going through a horrible time, especially when things around us are so challenging at the moment. We’d urge you to reach out for help. With the right treatment and support, things can improve. 
If you'd like to talk these feelings through please, contact us anytime on 1300 22 4636 or get in touch with us on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST here: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport
If you are at any immediate risk please call 000.
We would like to check in with you via email as well. Could you please check your email? You'll have one waiting from our team there.
Take care.


 

[OrganizedNotReally]

Thank you for reaching out!

I really appreciate it

[Freewhale]

You are not alone, and I am experiencing sth similar. I started a new job late last year, and it was going well until the pandemic started. There were a couple changes along with Covid WFH, which shifted the working condition completely. I am losing my confidence rapidly and this has triggered constant negative thoughts and anxiety. I am dreading for meetings weeks away, and losing concentration and get frustrated all the time.

I noticed that it is knocking me back to my dark days when I had my first anxiety attack last year, it all comes down to my mindset that I care so much about other people's opinon of me and the high expectation on myself.

I've started to run, meditate and write journals everyday. And write down my negative thoughts and challenge them. That helps me to calm down a bit, but the thoughts still hit me everyday. I am working on it

Stay strong, what you feel is a lot common and there is a solution for it.