Hi everyone!
MsElle, I'm really comforted by your post because I'm in the same position! I suffered my first full on panic attack at the beginning of the year. I didn't experience many symptoms after that until about two months ago when I had another attack, and it's been much worse since then. I've sought medical advice and have been diagnosed with asthmatic symptoms from extreme allergies, so there is some medical aspect to my symptoms. However, I spend a lot of time every day thinking about when my allergies might flare up which has caused a serious spiral of anxiety.
Symptoms of my anxiety are mainly feelings of breathlessness, chest tightness, dizziness/feeling like I will faint, tingling in my feet and headaches. Obviously the more I think about it the worse it becomes, and I have had several panic attacks in the past few weeks both during the day and night.
I am really trying to focus on controlled breathing and am trying hatha yoga classes and am even starting to swim (even though I'm terrible!) as I know deep breathing can calm anxious feelings. However, I find it really hard to 'just do it' - I find it much easier said than done to snap myself out of my anxious symptoms.
I'm getting to the point where I'm worried that I'm going to push my boyfriend away as I don't want to be a burden on him. He is so loving and supportive but I feel like I'm putting a lot of pressure on him, especially since he has been around when I've had panic attacks. This, of course, makes me more anxious! I consider myself a very rational person and can see the causes of my anxiety, but I can't seem to get my symptoms under control.
Would love to know what works for everyone else and if you've had similar experiences - it's quite isolating to feel like this. Much love!
