Worried

[srh08]

Hi everyone! I have been getting panic attacks a lot lately and stressing over little things and then overthinking them and stressing myself out. I got prescribed anti- depressants but got off them because they were making me feel even worse. I’m worried about why my body feels different even after I have a panic attack it’s hard to explain but like my heart pounds and hurts and I’ve been stressing that it’s not normal and that somethings wrong with me.  

[Flop]

Hello Shr08,

What you're experiencing is something I used to struggle with a lot. I'd say for a solid few years and it tore me apart. I'd always tell people "I can't deal with myself" for that very reason. The constant worrying about everything. It was so exhausting. 

My understanding is that this is also very common and I'm gonna let you know how I solved this issue in particular. It does take some effort, but I promise it'll help. The main thing you have to train your brain to do is have no resilience to your thoughts, accept and allow your anxious thoughts and feelings and they'll have no power over you.

I recommend you check out Therapy In A Nutshell's YouTube channel and have a look at her anxiety related videos, heaps of valuable anxiety tools and coping mechanisms, as well as research how you feel as more understanding will help you remain calm. I also recommend Dare, it's a book, an audiobook and it has an app too. It'll teach you how not to fear your anxiety.

Everything you're feeling is just a sensation caused by your nervous system which caused your body to produce an excess amount of adrenaline and put you in a state of fight or flight. I'm currently also worried of panic attacks, I've not had one for awhile but the thought of them re-occuring makes it hard to get out of my comfort zone, so I understand what it's like to have them and the effect it can have on you.

I feel as though magnesium & calcium tablets have also helped, so look into the best one of those for anxiety if that's of interest to you as well.

Lastly, make sure to check in with your GP, you could have a thyroid problem that's spiking your anxiousness or they could prescribe some other medications that won't make you feel bad.

I hope this helps 🙂

[Sophie_M]

Dear srh08
 
Welcome to the Beyond Blue forums, we can hear that this is concerning for you however we are glad that you felt safe enough to reach out to the online community this evening.

 As Flop kindly suggests srh08, please reach out to your GP to let them know how you are feeling as there may be options for alternative medications, or therapies to help process those feelings you are having right now.  To help further we have included some links below that you might find helpful in the meantime:
 
Information on Anxiety
 
Managing Stress, Anxiety
 
Download this App for Anxiety Management
 
We also wanted to let you know that if ever you feel up to talking, our fully trained counsellors are also here on the other end of the line, on 1300 22 4636 or via our WebChat
 
It’s great to have you here and thank you again for reaching out, it's a brave step to take towards better mental health.
 
Regards 
 
Sophie M
 

[geoff]

Hello srh, by taking AD's they readjust your brain which means that they try and stop these panic attacks as well as your stressing, and can be difficult to accept, because all you are used to is having these affect your life and sort of, feeling 'normal', but this is what your AD's are trying to change your thinking.

If you have been used to these happening for a long time, then it's going to difficult to change, so perhaps go back to your doctor and explain what's happening and they may reduce the dosage so your body/mind can slowly adapt.

Once this can be enabled, then hopefully you will feel much better, but please see your doctor.

Geoff.

Life Member.

[srh08]

This is what my GP said as well but the ADs wasn’t just making me feel stressed they were also making me miserable

[Mark Z.]

Hi srh08,

I'm so sorry for your challenge, I can tell that it must be very hard for you.

You're the one who understands your body and emotion best, if the medication doesn't work for you, it's time to discuss about changing the treatment. 

Moreover, do you want to share, if you asked your GP to refer a psychologist? I think that may lead you to the right track.

Mark

[jaz28]

Hi there,

I am sorry you are experiencing panic attacks, this is probably distressing for you.

It is normal to have a pounding heart in a panic attack, in fact, it is one of the tell-tale signs that you might be having one, along with difficulty breathing. Your body enters "fight or flight" mode even when there is nothing threatening around, it is just an overwhelming feeling of anxiety.

I think a visit to your GP is in order, you may want to tell them how you are feeling, and how the drugs impacted you. They might be able to recommend alternative medications. I found seeing a psychologist the most helpful, so maybe you might want to ask your GP for a referral to one.

I hope things improve soon,

Jaz xx