Hi ALL,
Bare in mind we are not professional medical staff.
I have had anxiety for most of my life (among 3 other illnesses like bipolar 2 depression and dysthymia a form of depression) I'm happy that my anxiety has now filtered away to almost zero. But it took many many years.
My symptoms were similar to yours. I had my first panic attack in 1987 after years of nervousness. I got a tight chest and I was anxious in the extreme, so much so I went to a doctor and had an ECG done (monitors heart rate) and they said it was abnormal hence a diagnosis of heart attack. This turned out to be false (thankfully.) following a walking exercise test some time later.
I mentioned all this to point out that your symptoms are a concern but not fixable in the long term. So what did I do?
I went on medication for what turned out to be 12 years. And throughout that period and for a further 13 or more years have carried out deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle tensioning exercises. Both of these have helped remarkably.
Like all mental illnesses it demands a mix of things to get the best result. That mix would normally include- correct diagnosis, correct medication and dosage, environment review, exercises, removing things around you causing anxiety, therapy, relaxation classes and things that you cannot rush like aging, maturity, career commencement and settling into that chosen field.
Initially your aim should be to manage your illness so you can continue on with your studies and your social life. You said you have mild depression. Then consider limiting or eliminating social media because people that do not understand and know you are vulnerable can be a negative force in your recovery.
Finally. For generations right up to recent times, mental illness of any sort has seen us locked away with family members ashamed of what has been seen as deranged persons. This is slowly changing however family members and friends can still act like the old days and shun you for your symptoms. Eventually in about 2050 society might be on the real road to treating us equally and with a good level of compassion.
So, take on board you illness as a challenge that you yourself will combat with the maturity you have already displayed. And do it alone. Share with good friends only and answer family's questions when they ask. Keep it to yourself unless there is genuine care displayed.
You have us here to talk to. We are all the same here. Hope this helped.
TonyWK
