Hey Babytrousers,
So glad you you found the courage to reach out on the Beyond Blue forums - welcome.
I understand the feelings you describe and know that they can be alarming and make you wonder what the F is going on!
Certain medications that are antidepressants have other effects as well, perhaps these were prescribed to help with the anxiety. Would you feel OK to call your pharmacist or Dr and ask about that? Perhaps if you called your Dr and described how you are feeling now that might help as well.
Are you seeing another professional, a psychologist or counsellor? Have you thought about it? I've found that chatting with a professional along with my medication helps me, especially when I'm that scared out of my brains that I don't know what to do.
Has something triggered the current intense episode in the last two weeks? Would you like to talk about it on here if there is something bothering you?
I'm sure you know lots about anxiety, but on case you wanted to explore more articles and hear of others' experiences there's "The facts", "Anxiety" at the bottom of this page. Also "Get support" then "Find a professional" has some resources on linking you to a mental health professional.
I know it's scary at the moment - that sucks and it feels like no one understands. Keep holding on and take it easy on yourself, perhaps try and do quiet things or your favourite things and bring your focus back down to the next few minutes instead of hours or days. Another thing to try is acknowledging the feelings and thoughts you are having and just observing them instead of talking to yourself about them, then they will start to decrease and you can have an imaginary pouch where they can live without bothering you. Throw them in there.
The exercises are hard to do but it takes a bit of practice. Taking it easy on yourself and doing favourite quiet things is easier.
Stay in touch and let us know how things are going
Take care.
Paul
