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.?

[lillphilt]

Hi Lumlo

It’s so hard i know! If i can suggest a couple of things I’ve found helpful to control my attacks.

Ive recently signed up to an online course “This Way Up!” From NSW St Vincents Hospital I believe - its REALLY good! You can get a referral from your doctor so it gets recorded with them or do it alone like i did. It’s $59. Worth it!

* don’t ignore the symptoms of the attack - accept them as what they are; panic symptoms. That was hugely helpful once my doctor told me that - sometimes fighting it makes the attack worse. Accept and work through. It WILL pass.

* a favourite comedian podcast or something that’s mindless and funny you can switch on even for a little while to try - personal fave “Chris Delia - Congartulations! “so stupid LOL. It just helps me

* I write a journel on my iPhone - even just ramblings of that moment.

* I do breathing excercises. Diaphragm breathing to ensure I’m not taking shallow breaths that promote hyperventilation.

Thats just me - but hope it helps....

[Lumlo]

Hi lillphilt

You have some good suggestions it is a help. Panic attacks are really bad it is an awful feeling I am keen to try anything to prevent it happening again.

I have never really liked watching TV but have found binge watching netflix a help its funny and silly frank and grace.

Lumlo

[Lumlo]

Hi lillphilt

Im interested in what you said about panic attacks being a symptom and accepting that and working through it. To me it felt like I was having a heart attack and my life was just out of control I think I had reached my limit of managing to cope with all the stress. Im not sure how to work through it except trying different things to calm and relax me.

Nice to talk any ideas are very helpful.

[Lumlo]

Hi.

Im feeling overwhelmed today. Too much stress just not coping again. Its all too much!

Had another panic attack my family member making such bad choices its so hard to see and nothing I can do to help. Its out of my hands. I am so scared for them and they are just in a fantasy world where everything is no worries but things with really serious consequences.

Trying to calm down but shaking not sure what to do anymore.

Struggling today very low

lumlo

[blondguy]

Hello Lumlo (and lillphilt.....Nell13)

My apologies for not replying to you earlier....Its great that you are a part of the forum family

The shaking is only the adrenaline working overtime Lumlo....I know its easy for me to say.. Anxiety conditions do make us shake sometimes.....It is a very common part of anxiety....I know it feels awful...I hear you

If you want to talk about your GP or meds or anything that is on your mind I hope you can as the forums are a safe place for you to do so!

I understand what you are going through Lumlo

you are not alone with this awful set of symptoms

I hope you can post back when its convenient for you

my kind thoughts

Paul

Note: Lillphilt made an excellent point by mentioning " fighting it makes the attack worse. Accept and work through. It WILL pass"This is brilliant advice Lumlo....Acceptance of these feelings will reduce their severity and thus enable greater peace of mind....In a nutshell....'Acceptance therapy' is gold....It does take time....determination and a strong desire to heal....yet its a great way to have some peace in your life

[Lumlo]

Hi blondguy

Thats interesting that shaking is the adrenelin . Today when I found myself anxious and shaking I thought about it and said to myself its ok just adrenelin and it helped to at least not worry about it as much.

Rough day but relaxing now.

[Lumlo]

I had another panic attack earlier today it was rely awful. Felt so overwhelmed jumpy shaking and dizzy.

Felt so bad I went into the ER but the wait was nearly 2hrs so ended up going home.

At least I now know what it is so not so scarey.Then I did some meditation and went for a swim.

More relaxed now but still jumpy.

[blondguy]

Hey Lumlo

Thank-you for posting back and Im sorry about the ER....Can I ask about your symptoms prior to the ER?

Good on you for meditating as well as going for a swim too!! Feeling jumpy and shaking is very common with anxiety Lumlo.

Finding some peace from these awful feelings does take time...determination and a strong desire to heal.....Can we talk about your GP?

Making a double appointment is always a bonus....even if you print off this great thread and just hand it over to your doc would help you find some peace from these awful anxiety attacks

Great to have you as part of the Forum Family Lumlo (thumbs up!)

you are never alone here Lumlo

Paul

[Lumlo]

Hi blondeguy

Good to hear from you. Yes been back to Gp a couple of times. Been on two different meds for a month now. It is some help. Now Gp is trying to help me get a quicker appointment with psychologist but it takes months. I been thinking to try someone new if its sooner.

Prior to ER symptoms were extreme anxiety. Heart racing, panic, nausea, upset tummy, shaking, not able to cope, etc.

There are councillors at hospital but when after triage left in small room alone for nearly an hour it was too much I thought it was better to go home.

I do meditation walk swim and work on my self care but there is a constant stream of major stresses in my life and I am beyond my limit of coping. This anxiety is so debilitating just not sure what to do next.

[blondguy]

Hey Lumlo

Thanks so much for posting back!

I really feel your pain with those awful feelings....and yes..they are scary when we first start having them....

• Your symptoms/feelings are exactly the same as what I had in my early 20's....
• I also take meds Lumlo....I take an anti-depressant every morning which has helped me heaps
• If you can make a double appointment with your GP and be super honest...(even if you cry...Its worth it) You may feel terrible at the time yet you will benefit from the unloading/talking/crying
• I cried like a baby to my GP and my psychologist Lumlo....Thats why they have a box of tissues there 🙂

Can I ask if you have one or two supportive people that you can lean on during this difficult time Lumlo?

you are not alone Lumlo

please be gentle to yourself

Paul