Panic attacks/ heart racing/ fear of the worst happening

[Chicky11]

Hi I’m new to all of this and would appreciate any advise. I’ve been suffering from panic attacks on and off since about two years ago when I Randomly got really sick then my vision started playing up only for me to start googling and thinking I had a brain tumour. I had so many tests done, MRI, brain scans, eyes tested several times and no one could find what was wrong with me. I feared dying and it got to me so much, I found out I have an open valve in my heart, which scares me to think I’m going to have a heart attack every time my heart races also my neurologist put me on my first antidepressant after suffering chronic headaches and neck pain which seemed to block the neck pain but after 6 weeks it started to me with my head, I stopped taking the antidepressants then found out I was pregnant. As my pregnancy progressed everything seemed to be starting to ease a little, I was a lot happier, turns out I needed glasses for my eyes even though no one could find that. I’m now 4 months postpartum, yes I did suffer the baby blues at first then a panic attack here and there, my biggest fear is the heart pulpitations and my body seems to trembling when it happens which makes me think the worst is about to happen. I struggle to sleep when this happens and feel as every time I close my eyes and just get to sleep I’m going to choke or stop breathing and wake in a panic. I do struggle with this. I recently got the merina put in and since Sunday I have been suffering panic attacks everyday, trembles at least 4 nights and during the day, lightheadedness and crying a lot, it’s getting taken out on Wednesday, one of the doctors swears it’s nothing to do with what’s happening but I think it does. I feel like I’m losing my mind right now and I just want the help to get back to my happy self for my family and my beautiful baby.

[uncut_gems]

Hi Chicky11,

Welcome to the forums. I'm so sorry to hear how difficult and scary things have been for you recently. I am not a mental health professional, but to me it does not at all sound like you are losing your mind. It sounds like you might be dealing with some pre-existing anxiety and panic attacks that have some scary physical symptoms, and that pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood (a famously stressful time!) have complicated things further. I can tell you are juggling your own health while trying to be the best new mum that you can, and it's taking an emotional toll.

I gather from your post that you have been given the all-clear by medical professionals for your concerns about your heart, eyes, and headaches, and that on some level you believe these to be symptoms of panic attacks. I'm wondering if you've ever talked to a doctor about it in those terms, and might consider discussing it with a counsellor or a GP?

Once you can identify the anxiety and understand where it comes from, I really think you'd be well on your way back to that happy and health self that you talked about.

Warmly,

Gems