Needing Advice

[Anonymous_J]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this online forum so bare with me!

I have been battling Anxiety/Panic attacks on and off for a few years now. I am the type of person that when I get busy they don't bother me. I recently moved into a full time administration job which is great and I love it but I have noticed my anxiety has come back.

I like to read the online news each morning and I tend to notice my anxiety/panic attacks get bad when I see articles about people passing away. I read the article and try to find the part of what caused the incident etc. (super strange I know) Once I have found out what happened or how, if it is health related I will immediately google symptoms of that problem and make sure I have ticked off all the signs and symptoms in my head against myself to make sure I am ok. Just as an example I read an article on the news that said someone who was 25 who had no prior health problems collapsed on a jog and that was it.. I completely understand the privacy behind that article etc but it made me instantly nervous as to why that person collapsed all of a sudden.

Do I go to a GP and get a full check over to give myself peace of mind? or is it simply my mind wandering again?

I really, really want to kick my anxiety in the butt and this is my first time doing anything like this so I am also super nervous about this as well.

Any help or advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks Everyone

[PamelaR]

Hi Anonymous J and very warm welcome to the BB forums

Being super nervous is normal when you first post in the forums. It feels like you're bearing your soul for everyone. Really though, no one knows who you are and there are many of us here who experience or have experienced the exact same things as you do.

We tend to be a friendly bunch and non judgmental. Feel free to browse the social sections to get a feel for us.

Now that you've decided to do something about your anxiety and panic attacks, do you mind me asking if you've ever seen anyone about these?

I've lived with anxiety and panic attacks for a very long time, but it's only been in the last 10 years that I've seen someone. Wish I did it sooner, but in those days it wasn't diagnosed so readily.

What I've found is anxiety and panic attacks are manageable. There are many things you can do to help you through the episodes. One of the biggest things for me is - breathing. It helps to reduce the panic and to be able to start to look at what caused it. There are many posts in the forums that look at breathing. Feel free to have a browse using the search tool at the top of the page.

From what you wrote, you are aware of what your triggers are so that is really good. News reports are a massive trigger for me and I've learnt not to read them. It's been difficult, because the not reading them in itself can cause anxiety. How do you think you'd go if you tried to not read them one morning?

I've found talking with a close friend or trusted family member helps me to not open the news. Do you have someone to talk to about how you feel? Going to the doctor about my anxiety and panic attacks to get a referral to a psych made life so much more bearable for me. Are you seeing anyone about your anxiety and panic attacks?

Hope some of this helps Anonymous J

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Anonymous_J]

Hi PamelaR,

Thank you so much for being so kind and sharing your experience with me. I am seeing a psych at the moment and we are going through meditation techniques and relaxation.

I sometimes find if I sit quietly and take my deep relaxing breaths it makes me worse as it triggers in my mind that I am having a panic attack/hyperventilating. I have also recently turned to some lavender oil and just put a bit on a shirt or tissue for me to smell which I find works.

I really want to work at this, I know it may mean I will probably have some form of anxiety for the rest of my life but I want to feel some form of normalcy whatever that may be.

Thanks again for your kind words and support!

[willdo]

Hi Anonymous J,

I have the same symptoms as you do.

Just wanted to share with you that i too find the same exact thing deep relaxing . I cannot find any techniques/Audio etc... without having to be aware of your breath which also triggers panic attack/hyperventilating.

Also i too do exactly the same thing every time i read about someone dying.

hopefully we can find the answers on this journey,

William

[Anonymous_J]

Hi William,

Its been a couple of days since i have been on here but thank you for you're reply! I have recently found that by upping my exercise routine has helped me drastically!

I have also lined up with my doctor for a full check over which will hopefully allow some piece of mind!

Thanks for replying to my post i really appreciate it!