Waking in Panic

[blackholebegone]

I suffer from depression and while being treated for that the label PTSD was thrown in (as a result of a gang assault a few years ago). Over the last few weeks I wake up filled with fear and panic. It takes all my effort to get up and going. My suicidal thoughts persist but I fight them off as well. I would like to know how to get rid of tis feeling of gloom that I facs each morning. Any suggestions!

[Colin]

Firstly, I would inform the professional who is treating you for depression of these recent experiences. I have found that the psychiatrist is primarily focused on getting your medication correct to a point where you have a foundation of reasonable mental stability. The psychologist who I’m seeing attends more to providing strategies on mood/behaviour adjustment/management. If you’re not receiving the support from these professionals enquire as to how you might from your GP.

As for waking up with fear and panic you might try the following. In the first instance be aware of your breathing and heart rate. If these appear to be racing then attempt to bring them down to a normal rate by focusing on slowing your breathing down and trying to relax your muscles. Once the physical symptoms are attended to you can now address the mental aspects. Your mind can only hold one thought at a time. This thought can be either positive of negative. Like a garden if you don’t attend to planting positive thoughts then the weeds, negative ones, will soon occupy the space. You might try writing positive affirmations such as ‘I am cool, calm and collected.’ ‘I am poised and proficient in all I do.’ Whatever they are they need to strike a cord with you. You can then apply these when you feel fear and panic trying to take a hold.

I hope this is of benefit for you and that you get the professional treatment to address this glitch.

[blackholebegone]

Thanks Colin. I frequently do affirmations, mindfulness and gratitude diary. Things are worseninf. My psychiatrist keeps pointing out I need to stop ruminating, but being off work on workcover and being physically unable to do what I used to. 

I cant see a future, cant set goals etc. 

My life just seems useless.

[ModeratorC]

Hi there,

Colin has given you some great advice here. Definitely talking more with your treating team about what has been happening for you is very important. It can take time to form a productive working relationship with treating professionals and as Colin suggested if you feel it isn't working you can always go back to your GP to discuss a second opinion. With the right treatment and support things can get better.

We are all here for you. 

If you need more immediate support you can also always call a helpline to discus things and get them off your chest. Lifeline 13 11 14 is aways a great support.

take care and let us know how you are going

Beyondblue Moderation Team

[Colin]

In response to: 'stop ruminating....cant set goals'

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. The point is whether you feel a benefit from affirmations etc. with respect to managing your mood. If you do, stick with your opinion.

I have frequently met with people who are considering a change of work and upon enquiry they’ll label themselves as an electrician, draftsperson etc. What they are missing is that beneath those titles they have probably amassed a broad range of skills that are sought in a number of different jobs. You might not be able to do what you used to do but the skills you have, or can acquire, might make you aptly suited for a different job. It would be worth enquiring with WorkCover as to whether you can access assistance in exploring this. If you’re interested, I’ll give you the title of a book which involves you undertaking a number of exercises to discover your skills etc. I love the statement –

It’s the set of your sails, and not gales that determine your destination.

I wish you well.

[blackholebegone]

Yes I agree Colins advice is good - and I appreciate it. I am trying all that I can. I feel I have a good relationship with my psychiatrist, pschologidt and GP, but despite everything the black hole gets deeper and I feel such a disappointment to them all. 

I have moved my appt with my psychiatrist forwad, I generally see him fortnightly and attend  a group for depression on a weekly basis. 

When I wake in the morning worrying my friends will no longer want to be around me, work wont accept me and my life is futile.I came on here hoping to communicate wih others who are feeling the same. My apologies if this isnt the right forum.

Thanks

Beth

[blackholebegone]

I didn't want to do it, I felt compelled to do it. Everything seemed so surreal, sounds and peoples voices from outside, friends trying to get me out and about, but blocking them with benzodiazipines, sleep and within my cave, the vortex continues to spin. More benzodiazipines despite my fear of addiction. My Dr wants to readmit me, but I don't want to return to a place where I am under constant surveillance, with poor food choices and no way to exercise. So now I am on an atypical antipsychotic (a new medication for me), I feel dopey a lot of the day, and night - its not worth it all this struggling, not worth it at all. 

[ModeratorC]

We are sorry to hear that things are difficult at the moment. We are unclear from your post about what has happened but have concerns that if you have taken too much medication that you need to get this checked out and you will need to call an ambulance to take you to emergency.

We are glad that you have the support of your treating team and obviously we are redirecting you to continue to talk with them about your options and a treatment plan. We are all here to support you and hope that you find some help here on the beyondblue website.

[blackholebegone]

No I havent taken too many, and an ambulance isnt needed.I was trying to explain how I feel and I dont understand why I feel so dopey from the medication. I didn't realize I was on an antipsychotic - I am not psychotic I am depressed. 

Thanks for your concern.