Severe anxiety attacks.

[Mal50]

Hi everyone, this is my first post. For most of my life ( since childhood) I've had depression and anxiety disorders. Now in the 'severe' range. In the past few years the anxiety/panic attacks have gotten much worse. No type of medications have helped to relieve the symptoms. I despise myself because of how my disorder had affected my children in the past. I've tried to talk to my GP about it, but get nothing more than a blank stare. Can anybody suggest anything? Thanks for reading.

[angelic09]

Hi. Have you tried counselling? I'm sorry I have no explanation why medication has not worked for you. Its a difficult situation to go through, I know as I also suffer with 'it'. But thats no help to you at thus time. Relaxation, meditation and yoga are all helpful if you are able to do it.

[Mal50]

Thanks angelic09 for your reply. I've had counselling in the past but didn't continue because of the negative stigma that followed. My family, except for my sons, belittle me and say very hurtful things. A 'get tough or die' attitude is their motto. Seeking help from counsellors is viewed as weakness. I've been called "a mental retard" by those supposedly nearest to me.

[topsy_]

Hi Mal,

I'm sorry you are suffering at the moment.

On this site there is a list of GPs who take an extra interest in depression & anxiety. Perhaps you could see if there are any listed for where you live. It might be worth trying another GP if your present one is unhelpful.

I hope something changes for the better in the near future, Lyn.

[Mal50]

Thank you Lyn. I appreciate your reply.

[Jessme]

I found That a good GP can mean the difference between recovery and relapse. I went to one in my first year of Uni and told him my OCD and anxiety had come back and he Wasnt particularly helpful.... I now have a great GP who specialises in mental health and he treats my anxiety as he would any other serious condition. Im not saying you should switch if you are comfortable and trusting of your current GP, it's just that some are a little more prehistoric in their views on mental illness, while most are moving ahead with evolving treatments. Also I found sometimes ssri medication can reach its lifespan and a person may need to start a new one or incorporate more treatment into their current plan. Hope this is a bit helpful.

[Mal50]

Thanks for your reply Jessme, I'm not particularly happy with my current GP, but we've been going to him for 23 years. I just don't have the motivation anymore to seek a new GP. I have no motivation for anything anymore.

[angelic09]

I'm sorry you have very little support. People usually condemn or belittle things they dont understand. Remember its you who is going through this and you only need positive people near you. Dont concern yourself with any negative words they say. Go for the professional help and change your GP. You are actually showing you care about you & your family & are prepared to attempt to mend things. All the best

[awesomenesstocome]

Hi, Ive had anxiety/panic attacks since I was 19 so over 30 years. I do take an antidepressant, but it took me awhile to accept taking it and then for it to work, its not a magic cure and I find that if I sleep well, have a positive attitude, I fair much better. I practice meditation, distraction, mindfulness. I always face my fears head on. My son and daughter have anxiety also and I used to believe it was my fault, but that is not the case. I would give anything to take it away, but at the end of the day they are going to be stronger for having to go through it. Anxiety is an opportunity to look at your life and make positive changes. You do need a good gp, I havent found one yet or a good counsellor. One of my biggest turning points was joining an online group for anxiety support, practising meditation, sleeping well, I use rescue remedy when anxiety is high, distraction and mindfulness. I also downloaded an app from play store called stop panic and anxiety. I find it informative and helpful. You will find what works for you best.

All the best, keep going you will come out the other side.

big hugs

Tracy

[Mal50]

Thank you Tracy. *thumb up*