Please help! Panic attacks/constant panic

[Underwood]

Hi guys, I’ve had anxiety for the past 8-9 years. I was getting awful neurological symptoms like tingling, bad brain fog and a host of other symptoms that have pretty much gone away until recently. I had every test under the sun because I couldn’t believe what my brain was doing to me. To the point where a neurologist said to me you have anxiety and need medication.

Ive been on meds that whole time and went off them for a few months this year - had a massive episode of panic and then went back on. Last sat night, out of nowhere my heart sank, I thought I felt numb in my hands which then lead me to a panic state for hours.now I keep getting random symptoms - sweating, feeling on edge, dizzy, crying.

Im going to the doc this afternoon to ask if I may need a med change. I am just scared this isn’t going to go away. I’m in constant fear I’m going to pass out at the drop of a hat and everyone around me will need to call an ambulance. I almost wish I had a trigger instead of it coming from nowhere. No one at work knows about my anxiety which may make it worse. I just want to know how other people cope with this constant fear of a panic attack and constant overwhelming worry about every cell in my body.

[JessF]

Hello Underwood, panic attacks are incredibly frightening aren't they? And not being able to find a reason why you're feeling anxious just leads to more anxiety. The impression I get from reading your post is that a lot of your anxiety is based around fear of fear, if that makes sense. You're worried about having a panic attack, which makes you anxious, which begets more symptoms. A very vicious cycle, that you can't see an end to.

It's good that you're going back to your doctor to get your medication checked. As to what else you can do, have you tried mindfulness and guided relaxation at all? Anxiety is very much based around fear of what might happen, and mindfulness and relaxation techniques bring you right back into the present, second by second. Focusing on breathing, tensing and relaxing your muscles each in turn, focusing on your senses, what you can see, touch, taste and smell. It can be tricky to learn to do this in an anxious state, because your body becomes overwhelmed with panic, but it's important to keep at it, even if it's only for a few minutes at a time while you're out walking, lying in bed, or sitting on the couch.

8-9 years is a long time to be living with anxiety. I'm wondering if there are times over the years where your anxiety has been less severe, and if you could think about what was happening at those times. How was your life different to how it is at the moment? Some answers might lie there.

[baet123]

Hi Underwood,

Anxiety in particular health anxiety is so debilitating sometimes because you are always thinking there is something wrong with you even though all the test results have come back and it seems like there is nothing "physically" wrong right? I can 100% relate to your experiences and it is totally normal to feel this way. I think sometimes we just need to keep telling ourselves and reassuring ourselves that you have had tests done and just have faith in our medical practitioners.

I know it may be difficult at times to stay on your medication but please do not stop taking medication unless you consult this matter with your relevant specialists/GP. Going off and on your medication often results in many uncertainties and sporadic behaviour and emotions/feelings.

Do you see a psychiatrist/psychologist at the moment? I think seeing a professional on a consistent basis will go along way to improving your situation.

It will get better. Stay as positive as you can. Life isn't meant to be easy but when we all get to where we want to go, it will feel even sweeter because of what we have endured to get there.

Please keep us posted.

All the best,

Your friend Nick.

[Underwood]

Thank you for your reply. It’s nice to know people understand. The doctor wants me to double my dose which I am going to tonight. I have done mindfulness before but definitely need to make that and meditation a priority so I can retrain my mind.

The times when my anxiety has been good, I was on good medication, or maybe I just felt content? For the last 8-9 years I have used food to help ease the anxiety and the last 6 weeks I have been on a diet and have lost 9 kg. I guess cutting out the binge eating has contributed and I may need a new soothing habit.

[Underwood]

Thank you for your reply. I have seen around three psychologists over the years. I had a great one who unfortunately became ill. So I haven’t seen anyone since then. I broke down in the doctors office today, the poor guy didn’t know what to do. He told me to double my dose of medication and meditate daily. He also suggested I have some time off work - luckily it’s school holidays for me. Thank you again.

[blondguy]

Hello Underwood

Thankyou for being a part of the forum family 🙂

I understand what you are going through as I used to get panic attacks frequently in my 20's and they were awful

Having a huge cry with your doctor is huge a sign of strength as it took me 13 years of anxiety (panic) to do what you did today. I just couldnt do it as I felt embarrassed and weak and I was so very wrong

I think you are amazing Underwood....seriously. Sure...you would have felt awkward when you broke down in front of your doctor....yet this is a huge step forward to healing from these awful panic attacks

The fear of passing out is very common....(yet scary).....Nothing will happen to you.

Just my opinion with years of anxiety/depression....The earlier the anxiety is treated on a frequent basis the better our recovery will be. I used to see a psychologist every six months.....I was wrong as the best frequency of counseling is every four weeks.....or even better....every two weeks....The fear of panic attacks will reduce with frequent counseling.

You are not alone Underwood. I hope you can post back when its convenient for you 🙂

my kind thoughts for you

Paul

[baet123]

Hey Underwood,

Like Paul mentioned above (he had so many good points), I think it is actually a good thing to let your emotions out instead of bottling them in. I think it would be extremely beneficial for you to start seeing a psychologist again and upping the dosage of your medication. Try this for a few months and re-evaluate. In times when your not feeling the best try exercise, going out and getting some vitamin D and sunlight exposure, listening to your favourite music artists, playing games etc. Just immerse yourself in something to keep your mind preoccupied and distracted from things that are affecting your well-being.

Please keep us posted and enjoy your long weekend (if your state has one).

All the best,

Nick.

[Underwood]

Thank you so much Paul for your kind words. I am definitely going to seek out another psychologist. I doubled my dose yesterday and today and am feeling a tiny bit better. The symptoms are now coming and going. The only common theme with the worst of the attacks has been I’m sitting and around people which seems so strange as I’ve never felt worried around people before, but maybe sub-consciously I am.

Thank you again for reminding me I’m not alone.

[Underwood]

Thank you so much. I think sunlight is a a great idea as I am deficient in vitamin d. Enjoy your weekend too🙂

[baet123]

Hey Underwood,

Sunlight is great but for people who have vitamin d deficiencies (like me) we must take supplements. I assume you are doing this already but if not go to your local chemist and ask for vitamin d (7000mg) and take one capsule per week. Please consult with your doctor or ask to be referred to an endocrinologist (many of them bulk bill still) and that may greatly assist you. Do you have regular blood tests? I think its worth looking at your hormones to see if that may be affecting your emotions/mood.

All the best,

Enjoy the weekend.

Nick.