Strange or weird feelings/sensations and panic attacks

[Muddlee]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone ever experienced these really strange sensations, thoughts or feelings? I'll give an example. Past few months have been quite good for me as my anxiety is in proportion and actively managed. But the last couple of days have been really strange. I had this tight bladder sensation which makes me want to go to the toilet every hour or so. I've experienced this before and know the symptoms - eg. excessive worrying, tightness in my pelvis, particularly my bladder, general discomfort and mental cloudiness etc). But after this I began to have some very strange thoughts. My anxiety went bananas and conjured up thoughts like the walls were disappearing, people had no necks, I was going to hurt someone and many more. I know I have problems with intrusive thoughts and my brain went right into fight/flight panic mode - i.e what do these thoughts mean, am I going crazy/have schizophrenia, are these thoughts true, will I have more or will they get worse etc. And after that it felt like a wave of confusion, anxiety and a general strange/weird sensation hit me. I felt dizzy, nauseous, very withdrawn and lightheaded. Capped the night off with a panic attack just before bed, but was easily able to manage it with some controlled and calm breathing, gentle thoughts and mindfulness. There's my story and here's my question - has anyone else experienced these really strange or weird sensations and thoughts? If so, describe them vividly please, and if so, what did you do to cope? Thought challenging, acceptance and controlled breathing can only take me so far.

Many thanks in advance,

Muddleee

[BballJ]

Hi Muddlee,

I can't say I've had those sorts of intrusive thoughts but I've had the bladder issue once before which I am assuming was one of my many symptoms of anxiety. I don't have the perfect advice you were after and I hope someone else replies who might have had a similar experience however please remember you can call the Beyond Blue helpline on 1300 22 4636 to discuss those sorts of feelings especially if they are unfamiliar to you. I don't think you're crazy at all, I think its just your mind racing and doing things very quickly.

My best for you,

Jay

[Smittygal]

Hi Muddleee, that sounds just awful! Panic attacks are new to me (yippee!) but I can certainly relate to the bladder sensation you describe. Sorry I can't offer any advice though and will be following this thread out of interest to see what advice others have for you.

[Muddlee]

Hi BballJ,

Sorry for the late reply been tons busy. I think many symptoms of anxiety are really distinct to the individual. However, that bladder sensation seems to be a common one! I used to experience it a lot in my teens and now (3-4 weeks later) it seems to have died down and doesn't bother me as much 🙂 As for my intrusive thoughts, my psychologist said that they're common with anxiety sufferers, especially me! But thankfully they have receded for the time being. Thanks for you're reassurance - I know i'm not crazy, despite my brain keep thinking that I am 😛

All the best,

Muddlleee.

[Muddlee]

Hi Smittygal,

Once again sorry for the late reply been tons busy. Glad to hear that my bladder sensation is common with other anxiety sufferers 🙂 Haven't experienced that much panic since then so I think it must have been a minor setback 🙂

All the best.

Muddleee.

[BballJ]

Hi Muddlee,

That's great to hear it has receded a bit for you. It sounds like you are in a much better spot.

Please feel free to post back if you wish to talk or need more advice.

My best,

Jay

[scottishgirl]

Hi Muddlee

Late reply as i have just joined the forum. Just to say thank you for posting. Although i haven’t had exactly the same thoughts i have had paranoid thoughts and a real fear that I am developing a psychosis or something when i am really anxious. I am actually a mental health professional and sometimes that makes it worse as I know how frightening psychosis can be for people and Im terrified that’s what was happening to me.But the scary/intrusive thoughts freaked me out. I know it’s part of the anxiety but in the middle of it it’s diffuclt to believe i’m not on my way to a full psychotic breakdown.

About to start medication for panic and i’m already anxious about the possible negative side effects even though I really want to take them to help with my symptoms.

Anxiety and panic are so insidious but hopefully strategies, my psychologist and the meds will help me get better soon.

All the best.