Panic attacks

[Lumlo]

Hi. I have been struggling with anxiety for a while now. There are lots of stressful things going on and the stress seems to have become constant anxiety. I started having panic attacks recently but didnt know what it was till I saw my Dr. I feel like life is so bad and just out of control I dont want to see any friends or do anything anymore. Its hard to get motivated or function. Does anyone have advise on how to manage or ideas to help.?

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Lumlo,

I feel anxiety can be so debilitating. It can take such a huge toll, both emotionally & physically.

You sound so overwhelmed at the moment. I really feel for you, especially to have multiple stressors as you do would be very draining.

I think some people find mindfulness or grounding exercises helpful. I would gently suggest looking up a BeyondBlue thread called, self help tips for managing anxiety.

It is full of ideas by various BeyondBlue members. Though it is rather long, so you might like to skim read or just read the first and last page. If you’re interested, the easiest way to find it is to type the thread title, “self help tips for managing anxiety”, in the BeyondBlue search bar.

Also, you’re most welcome to write in again any time. Sometimes unloading our troubles here can be cathartic. That being said, of course there’s no pressure...only if you’re feeling up to it and want to.

Kind and caring thoughts,

Pepper

[Lumlo]

Thank you pepper for your post. I have looked at the website tips and been making a big effort to do something positive. Today walked at the beach and did meditation for 10 minutes on the phone app.

The stresses are not likely to stop any time soon and probly will get worse so I need to try and cope with it all somehow.

I am at my limit now and struggling just hope things improve somehow soon.

Great to talk

[Blusky]

Hi Lumlo,

Thanks for your share. I hope you are going ok.

Panic attacks are just awful.

Peppers tips are what helps me, I find writing things down, even jumping on line and reading these blogs ( not even posting) , helps to calm me down. Having support even from strangers is theruptic. Mindfulness and walking are two things that support me daily.

I wouldn't have been able to be where I am today without the help from a psychologist, as scary as that may sound, I was able to identify why these were happening and work through it together.

Remember you are not alone. There is lots of support out there, all different kinds. The first step is often the hardest.

Keep up those beach walks and meditation sessions.

[blondguy]

Hi Lumlo (and thankyou Blusky for helping too!)

I understand you as I used to have chronic anxiety for 15 years and it was awful....and scary

Peppermintbach has great advice including the ' self help tips for managing anxiety' thread (thumbs up!)

• I have learned that the earlier we get treatment for anxiety the better our recovery
• If the anxiety is effecting the quality of your day to day well being then its a problem
• Dump any coffee...Redbull...energy drinks etc..Anxiety symptoms do increase with caffeine

Can I ask what your GP mentioned?....Just so we can provide more effective support 🙂

The forums are a Safe and Non Judgemental place for you to post Lumlo. I really hope you can stick around

you are not alone

Paul

[Lumlo]

Hi Blusky

Good to hear from you. Yes I agree just reading these posts I feel I am not the only one and there is some comfort in that. I spoke to a mhn last night who is going to try to find a pyschologist I can see a bit sooner than 2 months. I really need some support. I am lucky my Dr has been helping me. As I am now really not coping I have been brave enough to speak to him and found it easier to say than I had feared. Previously I have struggled with depression and chronic pain but this bad anxiety is very different. I am hoping a pyschologist can help me learn to manage it . I am so upset in the stomach all the time and feeling nauseous and my brain feels foggy it make daily fuctioning hard.

Todays a new day so just hoping things improve soon.

[Lumlo]

Hi Blondguy

Yes anxiety is very scary and I have not been able to manage my daily life it seems to be getting worse. It was the panic attacks that made me go to the Gp and I was so lucky there was a cancellation so I didnt have to wait weeks to go.

My Gp recommended an antidepressant and said come back if its worse. It was so on the next visit some meds to sleep and a phone appointment with a mhn to try and get into see a psycologist probly not the one I have previously seen but someone.

I am not keen on using more medication after years of working on getting off pain medications on my pain program which was going well till all the major problems with my family caused me months of huge stress with little end it sight. I do understand that at the moment I need help as I am falling apart so I will take medications and hope things improve.

Battling on Lumlo

[Nell13]

Hi Lumlo

I am in a similar situation to you where there are lots of stressful things happening and more to come because of certain situations with family members health that are not going to improve.

Its very exhausting dealing with constant stress as you know and panic attacks are a sign your body is reacting. The first time I had a panic attack I thought I was having a heart attack. From the psychologists I have seen in the past I have learned that if there is a situation that you can't change that is causing stress then the only control you have is how you react to it.

Its hard to change patterns of behavior and that's where seeing a psychologist will help. If the situation is one where you can take some action to change it or take positive steps to improve it taking action gives back a sense of having some control.

I agree keeping a journal can help as well as things as simple as stopping for 5 minuites and just focusing on your breathing to diffuse the anxiety a bit.

I have also been told trying to divert ourselves to other activities to take our minds off the worrying thought can help.

It all takes work and having the support of a therapist will help keep you on the right track.

I know how tiring anxiety is so I hope you find a method for dealing with it soon that suits you.

CBT is another method of controling anxiety. I am new to the forums but would imagine there would be some info somewhere on it as its a method that most psychologists recommend to their clients.

Kind regards

Nell13

[Lumlo]

Hi Nell13

Anxiety is so exhausting!!. The situation with one of my family members has been ongoing stress for the last 8 months and although I have done all I can to the point of detriment to myself things are just getting worse and it is out of my control. Yes, I am learning its got to be my reaction to it that changes for me to cope. I will never be able to not care or love them but will need to see they make their own choices and its out of my hands. I can control my actions and reactions to them though. I have to do this as I am not coping now and need to care for myself. Its really hard work but Im starting a bit each day.

I have done CBT before for depression so am hoping being able to see a psychologist again will help get my anxiety under control.

Its a help to talk with people who understand . Thanks for your reply

Lumlo

[Lumlo]

Hi Blusky

I have been reading some posts and I agree it does make me feel not so alone. Thankfully I have not had a panic attack for a while now just hope it lasts I am scared it felt so bad last time.

Maybe the medication is starting to help me. I feel exhausted but also more detatched. Spent 4 hrs at the hospital today getting my partners injury attended to plus 100km drive so not much time to help myself but tomorows another day.

Plan to walk and do meditation tomorow and have some me time.

Thanks for your reply.

Lumlo