Panic attacks?

Yora · ‎12-02-2017

Hi. New here. So I think I've been having panic attacks. Sometimes they are full on and fast (over with in a few minutes)and other times they fluctuate between horrible and not too bad over the course of several hours. My chest feels tight,my heart beats that hard I can hear and feel it, I can't breathe, my throat, neck and shoulders tense up, I lose the ability to control my tongue (talking becomes extremely difficult) and I feel like Im dying. Sometimes I think it happens when I'm asleep but even though I wake up I can't move and that makes me panic more. These started in earnest about 4 months ago while I was moving house. I was okay for a while but recent events have set them off again. I've always been high strung, but have gotten worse over the last few years. I went through a very difficult breakup and now I'm raising 2 kids by myself. I'm working 2 jobs and will be starting a third next week. My son was recently diagnosed with autism. He also has global developmental delay. Early last week I just hit the wall. I'm having issues with one of my jobs (the one I really can't afford to lose) Even with 3 jobs it will be a struggle this year. My ex came to visit the kids with fresh track marks the other day (so I've got that to contend with) Then there's the every day stuff that just gets too much. It really shouldn't be hard but it is. Getting the housework done and working kids appointments around work should be basic scheduling but something always goes wrong. I ended up in tears at work. I've never done that before. I just needed help with something and when I realised my only option was to deal with it myself I broke down even though I've been doing it myself for years anyway. It seems like every time I get a moment to myself I spend it crying. The panic attacks are frightening me and I know I need to go to the doctor but I don't know what to say or what I should even say I need. Just the thought of having to schedule a doctors appointment around work and the kids activities and the things that could go wrong at work to stop me getting there is enough to set off a panic attack (isn't it ironic) Any advice on what to tell the doctor or how to juggle everything efficiently would be great. Thanks.

Zeal · ‎13-02-2017

Hi Yora,

Welcome to the forum!

Whoa, you have a lot going on in your life! What you have described sound very much like panic attacks to me, but going to your doctor is definitely important. I'm glad you want to seek your doctor's advice. In terms of what to say in the appointment, it could help to just start with 'I am overwhelmed and have panic attacks'. Printing out the text of your post to show the doctor is an option, as is taking a notepad with topics/issues jotted down that you wish to discuss. This way, you won't need to worry about forgetting to mention something important. Because these panic attacks have been happening for several months rather than years, you have a better chance of seeing improvements in your symptoms sooner rather than later.

Going through a rough separation, raising two kids alone, your son having Autism, moving house, working two jobs and about to start a third...you have a huge amount of pressure and responsibility. Do you have family members or close friends who can provide emotional support? Perhaps you have a loved one who could look after your kids for half a day each week so you can have some time to run errands without the kids, or even have time for yourself. Virtually everyone needs some form of leisure time for their own wellbeing, and it sounds as though you don't have this at all. If you need to talk to someone at any time of day or night, the 24/7 Beyondblue helpline is on 1300 22 4636.

If you'd like to talk more about your situation, please post back at any time 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

Yora · ‎14-02-2017

Hi Zeal.

I just wanted to say thank you for responding to my post. What you said about taking a notebook with what I want to say written down to the doctors is a great idea. Will definitely be doing that as I'm likely to get in the Doctors office and have a complete mental blank!

Thanks

Yora.

Zeal · ‎14-02-2017

Hi Yora,

You are more than welcome! I'm glad you like the notebook idea and think it will work for you. If you would like, you can keep us updated about how you go with this.

Best wishes,

Zeal