Increasing number of anxiety attacks

[kaydeedoubleu]

Hi,

Iv recently been under quite alot of stress- i study at uni full time work permanent part time, play a sport twice a week and commit to exercise classes 3 days a week. At the moment I have one full day off a week. I am crippling under the stress. Im not getting assignments done on time and feel like im flailing, even though im not. Over the past 3 days I have had 2 panic attacks, one last 1 hour (with the help of medication) and the other 1hr and a half. They are excruciating and the pain in my chest is so unbearable. I am really struggling to control my breathing and keep calm, positive thoughts so not to worsen them. I am so terrified of the onset of them, that even something like heartburn will bring on an attack. I hate them so much and I just cant bear it anymore.

I have had them in the past and they always seem to last for at least an hour. Im trying to actively reduce the stress in my life, trying to exercise more and eat well- trying to time manage better. But I just need some advice on how to possibly work on lessening the severity of the attacks? does anyone else experience this? My last attack i was trying to physically hurt myself to take away from the panic/pain in my chest. I cant keep going on like this.

Thank you

[Magda]

Hi kaydeedoubleu,

I think I can understand how you feel. You seem quite a young and active person who likes being involved in many different things..and this sounds like me as well..some years ago! Have you ever considered the possibility to be too overwhelmed by all your commitments? Maybe panic is a message your body is trying to send you to tell it needs to slow down.

Each person is different in the responses to stress, therefore even if you're young it doesn't mean you are able to manage stress in the same way as your friends. I used to put myself into so many activities, especially sports, just because I liked it but periodically I ened up having anxiety and panic attacks. It took me many years to realise I needed to change my pace. Exercising more could lead to exercising too much and you'll have the opposite effect.

Why don't you try to reduce your exercises classes? It seems the less important of your commitments.Maybe replace them with some meditation or just some time doing nothing on the couch?! Just give it a try!

To manage your attacks better, I felt better if I kept talking to someone meanwhile (I used to call by boyfriend, talk to my mum, to a colleague) and walking  around slowly. Don't hide it or try to fight it, it'll get worst! And don't hurt yourself please...you should work on managing them psychologically instead of physically, it's more important. Physical symptoms are just made up in our mind.

Hope this will help!