Dealing with anxiety

[KT1996]

Hey, new here but a long time sufferer off anxiety and depression .

Currently struggling with anxiety attacks and am on meds for it and to help with sleep.
But I need help with the chest tightenings, stomach pains/cramps and shortness of breath

It is so overwhelming and takes hours sometimes all day to control

[Wolfy]

Hey KT1996

Welcome to the forums 😀 I'm new myself here

hope you are feeling somewhat better since you posted I have been dealing with the same sort of things you have chest tightness and shortness of breath and also the stomach pain

The best way I have found to try and take control when it/they happen is deep breathing or I jump in the shower for 10mins it seems to help me a lot as it just did 30mins ago I couldn't stop shaking so thought I'd get on here and chat with people that know what I'm feeling

And chatting to people seems to help a lot and it took me way to long to figure that out

Also have you tried listening to some ASMR to help with it? Anyway here to have a chat if you like 🙂

[Croix]

Dear KT1996~

Welcome here to the Forum where I think you will find a fair number of people that have had similar problems, I'm one. You have my sympathy, not only is the anxiety very had to deal with, but the physical symptoms that follow increase one's general stress levels too, a sort of vicious circle.

I've had anxiety and a couple of other MH problems for a long time and found that while therapy and meds was essential there needed to be a two type approach. with physical symptoms like stomach pains, headaches, chest tightness and so on sometimes there are meds that do help those symptoms; headaches and stomach pains being two examples in my case. That's not to say they will help everyone.

The other thing is lifestyle and techniques which reduce daily stress. I find the less stressed I am the less anxiety and its effects I have to deal with.. Beyond Blue has a fair amout on lifestyle and strategies here

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety

Plus here in the Forum there is one particularly good thread

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/self-help-tips-for-managing-anxiety

whch is long but worth persevering with.

There are few other things I'd mention. Moving, physical activity, seems to help. maybe it is the body, maybe a change of surroundings, don't really know.

Having something you enjoy to look forward to each and every day - I get books and movies to take me away from everyday feelings.

Other than that the free smartphone app Smiling Mind really does work (with practice). Even the 2 minute demo can help a lot.

I found the physical problems lessened over time and lead a pretty good life nowadays.

Sorry to give you so much reading material, but there is no other way to tell you what you might find good. Do you think anything in all this lot might help?

Croix

[blondguy]

Hello KT1996

Wolfy and Croix have provided very helpful advice (and links) in their posts above

I feel for you as your symptoms are exactly the same as mine used to be....and yes..they are awful! I also am on meds which do provide us with a platform on which we can heal KT....yet they are not a 'fix all'.....having ongoing counselling/GP visits do help us heal more effectively in conjunction with our meds

Can I ask how often you see your GP? If its been a while I hope you can book a double appointment and have a really good talk about how your symptoms are effecting you.....I still see my GP every 6 weeks for a 'fine tune'

Having even a small 'support network' of people you can really talk to is a huge bonus KT...I have a couple of people that I can confide in about my health and it does help

Your well being is paramount to the Beyond Blue forums KT.....You are always welcome to ask any questions you may have as well....There is no judgement on the forums 🙂

I hope you can stick around the forums if you wish!

my kind thoughts

Paul