Hello, I am new to this obviously, currently having a hard time with anxiety and panic attacks. I am desperate to beat this as I have a young family and need to get back to my old self quick.
Welcome I am in the exact same situation as you and I have ocd and depression too. I went to my doctor and had a mental health care plan done and have just started anti depressants and seeing a mental health worker fortnightly. I feel like my depression came because I left my anxiety untreated for so long so I would definitely suggest seeing a gp asap. Goodluck 🙂
Thank you KMTE. I too have a great GP and she got me on the mental health plan too this week and I had a session with a Psychologist on Friday. I started Anti Depressants and also Beta Blockers 9 days ago but I didn't realize that anxiety gets worse when starting meds and I was having serious panic attacks... Still are. I have to go in to work in the morning to see doctor there but I don't feel ready to go back fully so the attacks are starting now cos I don't want to lose my job.
Hey Shrew - welcome to the forum. Great to hear you already have a good GP - it's a shame it's connected to your workplace otherwise could you get a med cert for a few days to rest and recover? Going through rough periods with panic attacks is intense so make sure you look after yourself and keep your health a priority. I am sure you will start feeling better soon - I just got a mental health care plan and have to wait a few weeks to talk to someone (psychologist) but even just knowing the appointment is there makes me feel a little bit better that I've reached out for help which you have done as well.
I wasn't aware that when starting anti depressants it got worse before it got better and then things start to settle either. I'm on day 7 and I had to take last week off work because my anxiety was intensified and I couldn't face it. I'm still not feeling 100% but have to go back to work this week not sure how that's going to go
Thank you KMTE and Meowface for your feedback and just in general thank you, means a lot. I went in to see the work doctor and the well being adviser and told them I am still not 100% but I am seeing my doctor again, hopefully the psychologist ( if there is a cancellation ) and also that I joined Beyond Blue and started on a forum which they was happy about ( I hope! ) They agreed that another week off to get the meds working more and doing the grounding exercises that the psychologist suggested and also try to chill... which is easier said than done especially when the panic attacks come for no apparent reason some times... but I have managed to hang some washing out and tidied the house and actually ate something because it has been a struggle this week with the stomach nerves etc. So I will take a small positive victory in that. Hope you guys are going to be OK and thank you again for the support!
Great to hear you checked in with work and got some food down. I find smoothies really helpful in the morning to get some nutrients in but goes down easy when stomach turns to a concrete knot. Just try and have whatever you fancy even if it seems a bit odd until you start feeling better (I've been known to have weetbix for dinner)! And well done on doing some things around the house today - that reminds me I need to do some of my washing 😞
Hello Startingnew and Meowface. Once again thank you for taking the time to chat. Startingnew I saw a psychologist on Friday and hopefully seeing her again soon and yes I would like to hear of some coping strategies if you would like to share. Meowface my house is messy again lol
DEEP BREATHING AND MEDITATION
i use the 3-3-3 method. so you breathe in for 3
seconds hold for 3 seconds and breathe our for 3 seconds. continuedoing that for a few time until you feel yourself relax and calm down
there are heaps of you tube videos and phone apps that can help you throught this, i found 1 GIANT MIND particuarly helpful for MEDITATION do you could try that
this one is pretty much MEDITATION/DEEP BREATHING put together- which is breathe in notice how it fills your belly, hold for 3 breathe out and release that tension that you feel and keep continuing on until you feel calmer
