newly anxious & need some advice.

anxiousgirl97 · ‎03-11-2017

so for the past month i've been suffering from severe bouts of anxiety and panic attacks, and believe this was triggered by a bad comedown from a substance (which occurred almost a month ago), however have seen slight improvements within the weeks gone. However, a few nights ago I had a few cups of black tea before bed (unaware that black tea had caffeine in it) so was up all of the night with insomnia stressing about not being able to sleep, and didn't sleep at all that night and I have slept the past night, but have woken up yesterday and today feeling just as bad as the time of the comedown, with constant rapid heart palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite again. Therefore I reckon i've relapsed, I had started to feel better last week, and i've never felt this bad before and had some panic attacks prior but they never carried on, and would usually disappear. I'm 19, and am also at uni, so times have been stressful and it doesn't help when i'm feeling like death. It feels like there isn't any light at the end of the tunnel, it would be great if someone could help me out.

Kengy · ‎03-11-2017

Hi anxiousgirl97

I’m sorry you’re experiencing such horrible anxiety symptoms. I have had many panic attacks over the years, and suffered from nausea, shortness of breath, palpitations, etc. I highly recommend you see your gp, and let them know what’s going on. Everything you tell them is completely confidential, and they won’t judge you at all. They can prescribe medication to help alleviate the anxiety, and refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist, who will help you implement strategies to assist with your anxiety in the long run. I honestly believe I would not be here today if it wasn’t for my mental health team prescribing me medication, and engaging in therapy. Anxiety sucks, but there are ways to manage it. Hang in there!

geoff · ‎04-11-2017

hello Anxiousgirl, I'm sorry that you are experiencing all of this, but please believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel, maybe just not yet, but you can't get there by yourself, you need to know what your triggers are that cause you to feel this way.
Firstly if tea has been a problem then drink a glass of milk, which I think you already know, but my concern is whether or not you are still using a substance and please don't be embarrassed by answering this question, you won't be judged, but sometimes it helps us to know so don't be afraid.
Going to uni can be more stressful than you originally thought with not being able to gain any new friends or even being ostracised and this will certainly not be good for your MH. Geoff.

anxiousgirl97 · ‎05-11-2017

hey geoff,

thanks for your response. I haven't been using the substance for over a month now, and after a bad experience and it triggering my anxiety I don't ever want to touch anything again.

I haven't even been drinking, I went to a concert last night, a band I have always wanted to see, and I sipped on water all night, and have still woken up feeling anxious, both physically and mentally, as well as extremely drained. My body is physically tired from this whole saga, and I really do hope I improve or get better, because at the moment it seems never ending. The substance I was consuming most weekends obviously triggered the anxiety, as the anxiety is also in my family, my mum experienced a similar bout of anxiety around my age. I don't want this to debilitate me and being social, and the band I saw last night was awesome and I wish I could have felt better to fully enjoy it. I don't want to be prescribed medication, as I believe that is my last option, and I want to try everything to try and better myself. I have been looking after myself the past month, and exercising and eating better. I suppose I just freak out when I don't notice immediate change over night, my mum constantly reminds me that this is something that is only going to heal over time.

I bought a bottle of st johns wort and have been taking other multi vitamins as well. Do you know much about st johns worts or have personal experience with it? it's apparently good for stress and is a herbal vitamin.

geoff · ‎06-11-2017

hello Anxiousgirl, I had mentioned to my doctor that maybe I could try it, but couldn't be taking an AD as well as St Johns Wort at the same time, but suggested it's only good for mild anxiety and/or depression.
It may help you as everyone is different, so I can't say that it's not going to be helpful for you, only you will be able to tell us whether or not it works, maybe you can let us know. Geoff.