Hi everyone I'm new!

SunshineAndRain · ‎07-03-2016

Hello!

I'm so relieved to have discovered these forums. I'm 27 years old and I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for about 13 years. My first panic attack came out of nowhere and I have struggled with them ever since. They started off as being very physical - the racing heart, shaky limbs, etc. I spent a lot of time as a teenager not wanting to go out due to the fear of it happening.

I feel like they have changed a lot as I've gotten older, a lot more scary. The last major one I had a couple of weeks ago was the scariest yet. I had just gone to bed and I was completely fine one minute and then the next I was absolutely terrified (no idea why), I felt like I was going crazy and that I was going to die. My head felt tight and dizzy and I thought I was losing my mind. I was lucky my partner was with me - he's very supportive, but I still struggle explaining it to him because he doesn't ACTUALLY know or understand exactly what it feels like.

I feel like this last panic attack has been a major setback for me. Up until now I had sort of worked out how to control them - I would recognize the symptoms and tell myself I was fine. But now I just have an ongoing fear that I'm going to get another terrifying one and I won't be able to control it.

I'm just so over feeling like I'm going crazy, and like I'm the only one who feels like this (even though I know I'm not!). I just want to be able to get on with life and do normal activities like everybody else without these weird feelings that are always in the back of my mind holding me back. Unfortunately I can't even remember what that feels like!!

Anyway, there are clearly a lot of people on here who understand exactly what its like and I look forward to talking and sharing experiences with you all 🙂

Rainbowpython03 · ‎07-03-2016

Hi,

Its great that your partner is supportive if not understanding of what you are going through. We all have different coping mechanisms and recognise the triggers; but anxiety can come out of no where and you certainly don't get over them quickly; mine take days for me to get back to nearly normal. I have recognised being in crowds are not good for me so I avoid them if possible. I took up photography and now find if I am feeling anxious I go for a walk and take photos, it works great for my depression too. I found the worst part about anxiety and depression was hiding it now I let people know upfront I find most people supportive.

Neenie87 · ‎07-03-2016

Hey SunshineAndRain!

I am 28 years old and have been suffering from panic attacks and anxiety for about the same time as you. Hear if you need to chat as i have got some good things going (online course, psychologist, exercise and lifestyle change that has allowed me at last to start having the control over the panic attacks which is great. So many people are getting to a good place with it. So your in the right place. X

SunshineAndRain · ‎08-03-2016

I definitely agree - being upfront about it is much easier. Its great to hear that the photography helps, getting outside in to the fresh air is such a good thing to do when feeling like that too. I need to get better at doing that! Sometimes when I'm feeling absolutely awful I will just curl up on the couch or something, but I think having a distraction would work much more in my favour..

SunshineAndRain · ‎08-03-2016

Hi Neenie87! Nice to meet you!

I would definitely be grateful for any tips! I've been really slack with the exercise lately but I think if I can get it into my routine I would really benefit from it. I would love to hear about certain things that have really helped you 🙂

awesomenesstocome · ‎09-03-2016

Hi, Panic attacks are awful, I have had them for 34 years. It does get better. I once was told that panic attacks were a smack in the back of the head to remind you to start looking after yourself. This is very true in my current case. I fell into old habits and then my health suffered, with diabetes, high cholestral and low vit D and Iron. But Im on the mend. Everyday I think of anxiety. I know this will pass eventually and we need to be kind to ourselves while we learn to manage anxiety/panic. Remind ourselves that we will not die or go crazy. For the time being to accept where we are at and keep doing what we want to do despite and inspite of the anxiety.

Big hugs

Tracy

Neenie87 · ‎09-03-2016

Im doing an online course for panic attacks, have a recommended psychologist (you need to make sure you find one who gets you, walking for an hour daily, i changed my diet to a more clearner eating habit but i still have the things i love just not as much. Which the course though it really challenges you to overcome your obstacles so by doing that once a day (it tells you what to do in the course) the old of panic gradually is lessening.