Anxiety help? Does it get better?

[Er12397]

I've been living with anxiety and panic attacks for the past 3 years, but over the past 12 months I've been experiencing constant dizzy spells (I've been to a doctor and nothing is wrong with my body, so it has to be my anxiety) I can't go anywhere or be alone with out the room spinning, the fear of fainting or having a bad panic attack. I'm terrified of crowds, tight places, being off the ground floor, being in a room with no windows, and being away from the comfort of my bedroom, and It's starting to ruin my life! I'm losing connection with friends, family and I'm not going to classes and I can't drive anywhere by myself because I'm terrified of what may happen. I've even ended up in an ambulance because of my dizziness, which lead to hyperventilating (my anxiety convinced me that I was dying). I'm seeing a psychologist, practice mindfulness, push myself to leave the house, and use things such as rescue remedy, but I'm running out of ideas because I just feel like I'm running around in a circle! Has anyone else experienced this? How did you over come it? Will this get any better? Please help. I don't want this to destroy any more of my life. 

[Sophie_M]

Hi Er12397, thanks for your post.

We can only imagine how exhausting and frighting it must be for you to constantly feel like the room is spinning and that you’re on the verge of a panic attack. We want you to know that you don’t have to go through this alone and that we are here for you, when you need us. Don’t be discouraged, anxiety is an illness that is completely curable and with the right help you will be able to work through it.

Having said that, it’s also great to hear that you’ve reached out to a GP and counsellor, you can always access additional support by reaching out on the Forum for community support or contacting our Support Service on 1300224636 for any referrals that you may require. Sometimes, it helps to just have a listening ear, especially in those moments when you feel you can’t go on.

From your post, we can also see that you’ve developed some great coping strategies with the help of your psychologist; it’s great to see that you are doing some great work together. In the meantime, there are some alternative activities you can do to help make your days a little easier:

- Making sure you get a good night's sleep each night. Sleep is a really important factor in being able to cope properly.  Try some of these free audio meditations if you're having trouble getting off to sleep.
- Getting some exercise each day (Within your capabilities). There's a lot of research to show how exercise can help release hormones to help you feel more positive and reduce symptoms. Even as simple as a 20 minute walk outside can have a big impact.
-Maintain normal eating patterns and eating healthily. Even if you don't feel like it, our bodies and minds are closely related and if we aren't feeding our body properly, our coping and ability to manage anxiety will decrease. This fact sheet has some practical information on healthy eating for managing depression and anxiety.
-Continue engaging in activities you know are healthy and boost your mood. Even if it's not a time you'd normally watch a movie, talk to a friend, do some light stretches, anything that you enjoy is good to do more of to help keep your mood elevated and anxiety lower.
-Connect with further support. As with seeing your GP regarding your symptoms and treatment, connecting to support through online, telephone or face to face services can really help with overcoming depression and/or anxiety.

Please keep in touch and let us know if we can be of further assistance. We hope this information has been helpful and that today is a little bit better. Feel free to call us any time, 24/7, or come to chat between 3pm-midnight any day.

[_NaturalTalent_]

Hi Er12397,

 Firstly, its great that you have looked for somewhere to talk and seek advice. This is a big struggle for many people but an anonymous option is definitely easier for most people & often easier than talking to your GP.

I would like to suggest taking some time to write down your symptoms & the situations associated to them, maybe include what you used to do in the same situations or what you would like to change, perhaps get an exercise book or note book for the specific purpose. Then take this with you to your GP next visit to talk about it. Often times when we are feeling on the spot we forget crucial aspects of what we are trying to talk about.

You are right to be concerned about your symptoms and I must say I can relate at the moment. I am starting to have some physical symptoms I didn't have before, I have found this to be an increase in my stress levels, so I'm thinking perhaps you are or are beginning to suffer more stress due to the anxiety, which raises your anxiety & causes more stress. It IS a vicious circle.

First thing you need to do is take the pressure off yourself, its not your fault & your not doing anything wrong! Easier said than done I know but you must try. Secondly, it is fairly normal... Now I'm not saying 'It's normal get over it' & I know when someone says its normal that's what it feels like their saying, what I'm saying is your not alone & you have definitely come to a brilliant place to get it off your chest! So well done you!

Sophie has some brilliant suggestions there, most important of which is getting the rest you require. Now rest isn't always sleep, rest is getting away from the pressures, that urge you have to go home, that's your need to have a break, if your out with friends, look for a public toilet nearby, if you begin to feel overwhelmed, duck off to the toilet & just catch your breath. 'Public toilets? Ewwe' lol I know but believe me, sitting in a cubicle alone for a minute will give you a break.

Meditation is great, but its not for everyone, some are too wired or too sceptical, others need practise or get right into it. But that site Sophie suggested seems like a big help & I so stole the bookmark lol (Thanks Sophie).

If it has helped at all, keep coming back here to chat, ive noticed a lot of people seem to get an answer & move on but why not hang around & talk? Every day is a new day that presents new highs & lows & there are plenty of people here who just enjoy talking.

[Narniakid]

Hi Er12397, welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing with us.

I am sorry to hear about your crippling anxiety - I can totally understand why you are concerned, the dizziness sounds really serious and I definitely suggest asking your GP about it as it could be a sign of something else, despite being a symptom of anxiety. Take a look at your diet, lifestyle habits and sleeping patterns, as these all contribute to your well-being too.

Definitely take into consideration what the others have said, especially regarding the down-time. There have been lots of times where I'm at a party and I'm starting to feel a bit anxious so I'll go somewhere quiet and just close my eyes and focus on my breathing and mindfulness practice, until my heart rate has calmed down and I feel better. My friends and people around me have learned that these little breaks are what I need sometimes to cope in social situations, and they're perfectly okay with it. 

I also suggest you talk to your school about special provisions available, particularly in exams and assignment periods, however you'll probably need a medical certificate. Also ask what services are available to you through the school such as a school councillor or a referral to Headspace. There's so much help you can get, you just have to speak up!

Stay strong and well done on coming here and reaching out, we are always willing to lend a hand where we can.

Crystal

[CallumG]

Hi Mate,

 I can relate to your experiences with anxiety very closely.  I have suffered anxiety all my life for as long as i can remember.  With a lot of hard work and persistence, I feel as if I have come along way.  I am continuously working on myself on a day to day basis but to answer your question - it does get better!  

Try taking some time out for yourself, go for a walk or a light jog and listen to some of your favourite music, begin dreaming of how you want to feel and how you want your life to be and start to actually feel that way as if it was true!  It is very important to feel good and I think thats what I'm trying to suggest to you - do the things that make you feel good.  

Another thing to try is to see if you can help someone else.  I found that helping other's (even if its volonteering to hold a fund raiser or chatting to an old friend or sharing your experience with anxiety)  I find this takes me away from my own anxiety or depression and also the feeling you get after helping someone else is really incredible.

Although the things I have suggested may be different to what you have heard before - these things have really helped me.  Remember - life is a journey, your own journey and its important to own it and make the very best of it.  Good luck and I hope you can begin to start your life over without anxiety and depression.