I’m struggling and scared

[Lindy77]

Hi all

my panic disorder seems to be getting worse it’s becoming constant all through out the day. My doctor is trying to help me and has started me on a beta blocker it takes the edge off for a little while but then it comes back. It’s becoming debilitating and it feels like I’m having a heart attack. I feel like I’m not breathing in enough and I’m constantly taking deep breaths in to get that feeling I’m getting oxygen in my lungs. I’m constantly checking the ECG and blood oxygen level and heart rate on my Apple Watch… I don’t know what’s happening to me I’m scared. 

[Sophie_M]

Hi Lindy77

Thank you for coming to the forums to reach out tonight, especially whilst in the middle of a panic attack.

I'm glad to hear you've been working with your GP to start treating your condition with meds, but of course, sometimes it takes a bit to get the treatment working - sometimes a combination of time, dosages (clinically lead changes only), sometimes even trialling different meds and/or a combination/s of meds (again clinically prescribed only), whilst also engaging in counselling/psychotherapy sessions at the same time etc can be what's needed... It's exhausting sometimes though, isn't it.

If you would like some support when you're experiencing an attack, please don't hesistate to call one of our counsellors on 1300 22 4636 (24/7), or maybe you'd even prefer webchat? That's similar to typing here on the forums except you get to have someone chat back with you in real time... That way you can not only get supported whilst you're going through a panic attack, it can also help to ground you, and help to move you through the attack with full support.

Another consideration might be to ask your GP for a referral to see an Endocrinologist. Unfortunately the hormonal tests we do with our GP do not always accurately convey a correct hormonal read, as hormones actually fluctuate up and down all day, and one test will not give enough information to ascertain whether our hormonal levels are within range. An Endocrinologist however, can give you a test that will measure your levels at several times during the day and give a more accurate reading. Sometimes for women in peri-menopause (and this can be at any age unfortunately, not just after 50 - however this is a more "average" age to start going through peri-menopause), if hormones have anything to do with your increasing anxiety attacks, getting this test done and being treated for it, could be helpful.

Lindy77, please remember this does not replace proper medical advice however, and if you feel this is an emergency at any time, you should call 000 (triple zero), or present to your nearest hospital emergency department for care.

Kind regards,

Sophie M

 

[Petal22]

Hi Lindy77,

Im so sorry you are getting through this.

I understand that disorders can feel very distressing and confusing to the one who is suffering with it.

Im glad that you have seen your doctor.

If you feel as though it’s getting worse you could go back and see your doctor and let the doctor know.

I have a lived experience of severe anxiety OCD this was a anxiety disorder, and it was very debilitating, scary and confusing to go through.

The good news is I got through it with the help of health professionals I went on a antidepressant and also did therapy at specialised clinic .. it took time but eventually I got through my disorder.

My antidepressant took up to 6 weeks to work to it’s full effect while I was waiting for my medication to kick in I also saw a clinical psychologist who gave me many coping strategies.

Have you tried to slow down your breathing? Try to take long slow deep breaths, you could try to put your attention on your breath when your attention wonders bring it back to your breath….. this will help to ground you.

Please follow Sophie M s advice if you feel this is an emergency.

And please don’t loose hope you will get through what you are going through just stick with your health professionals.

Please come back to us when you can.

[Billy105]

Hey, I am feeling the same too right now. I'm off to the GP on Monday as I've been trying to manage on my own but my anxiety symptoms are getting worse and I feel so out of control. All the usual relaxation techniques just don't work as they make me more aware of my anxiety. Thinking I will ask my doc for beta blockers to see if that works. Hope you can work our how to get some relief from your symptoms.

[Monswa]

Whoa whoa. That breathing issues... I have had that for 3 years now. Constant need for deep deep breaths. I know how awful it is. Dont feel alone. Now I also have palpitations after a ct score of the heart ruling out heart blockages. This just doesnt stop. One after the other, driving me mad. If you wanna chat more. Message me. 

[chris64]

Hi Lindy77

Stop checking the ECG, heart rate, and blood level as this only allows your mind to wander into worst first thinking and makes the panic attack worse! Ok, sorry. Not only was that blunt but it was also unrealistic. When I had my panic attacks I had little/no control of what I was thinking about. My mind was like an unruly dog that ran in whatever direction that it wanted and I was powerless to stop it.

The strategy that I used was distraction. I would breath/meditate in a way that kept my mind too busy to wander. I breathed in......hold 2 sec.....breath out....hold 4 sec.....breath in hold 2 breath out hold 4. I'd then breath in hold 3 breath out hold 6........Gradually work my way up to breath in hold 4 breath out hold 8

The length of time is not important. The objection is to:

1. breath in and hold for x amount of sec

2. breath out and hold for twice as long

3. increase the time duration enough to make it challenging/uncomfortable. I have done this for years. My time duration is breath in hold 24 breath out hold 48. I no longer count seconds. I count heartbeats.

I still count heartbeats do it but in a different way. I instead chant I-CAN-FEEL-THAT-THINGS-ARE-GETTING.-BETTER.

This chant would be at the same rhythm as my heartbeat. This way, one complete chant is equal to 8 heartbeats. I breath in, hold, chant 3 times, (24 seconds) breath out hold, chant 6 times. (48 seconds)

Make whatever chant that you want such as, MY-PANIC-ATTACKS-ARE-BECOMING-MILD