Hello, I'm new here. I have been suffering from stress and anxiety for a while now but recently I have started having the most awful panic attacks. I am currently awaiting a primary mental health assessment, but it's a 6 week wait in my area just to get a telephone consultation. I have some medication from the GP, but all that does is make me feel drowsy. I still have the panic attacks albeit a little duller. Most of my attacks have a trigger. At the moment I am fixated on my health and ANY little ache, pain, lump or bump starts me off. Today I have a little lump on the roof of my mouth and I'm convinced it's something awful. I have an intense fear of something bad happening to my body (illness, disfigurement etc.) and I find it incredibly hard to rationalise. I am my worst enemy in that I google every symptom and of course select the worst of every illness it could be. I just feel like I'm living on a rollercoaster of terror and I am struggling to stay afloat of the constant fear. The physical symptoms of anxiety are becoming unbearable. I experience racing heart, chest tightness, inability to take deep breaths, upset stomach, tingling in face and lips, arms and legs. I know all these symptoms are either anxiety induced or paranoia but when I am in the midst of an attack I can only feel the impending doom they create. It seriously feels like the end of the world in that moment. I am really struggling as to what t do whilst I await my appointment(s). I have tried various meditation apps, distractions and relaxation but nothing seems to really help. I dread each day right now because I never know what to expect or what will trigger off my anxiety/panic attacks. I usually awake quite calm and then something will creep into my mind and off it starts again. Any advice would be so gratefully received. I don't have a big support system. Just 1 person I can talk to, and I am aware that I putting too much on that person right now, who also has issues they are working through. I would be so grateful for any advice. Thank you.
Sorry to hear you are having such a tough time, hopefully you will get the help you need. If it provides any comfort, I go through the exact same things. I follow a guy on YouTube who is pretty good at talking about these issues. I watched one of his videos and since then have tried to adapt my thoughts. Also excercise helps as you feel great after and prooves to you that your body is strong. If you want to watch the videos let me know i will find his name ..can't remember right now.
Also stop goggling...it's a hard habit to give up but you will feel better for it
Take care
Paul
Have you tried an antidepressant to help? I think it would be a good idea, they are for anxiety and panic attacks. Take a few weeks to start working. Talk to your doctor about which one would be good to try. I know what you're going through, anxiety is awful. Try walking too, it helps to get out even if only for a few minutes. Do it every day. Don't be googling anything, there's nothing to worry about, it's just the anxiety that's making you worry. Also try counselling and give it a chance to see if it helps. Try eat healthy and get sleep. You will come out of it soon. Good luck
What medicaine are you on
Hey I really think you should visit a psychaitrist. I am a panic disorder sufferer as well but believe me they all panic attacks will pass . The dr will prescribe you some SSRI or some benzodiazepines (use if needed) . Also, try to sit calmly and breath slowly when you are feeling panic . Distract yourself. Try cognitive behavior therapy too.
Thank you all so much for replying. Reading all the responses has helped so much. Paul I would be grateful if you could find the name of the guy in the videos. I'm eager to try a non-medication route where possible. I exercise daily and that does help whilst doing it and for a short time afterwards.
I had a wobble today and all the health anxiety fears triggered off numerous panic attacks. I have this irrational fear of developing facial disfigurements at the moment, but my fears change almost weekly.
I managed to see my GP this afternoon who has prescribed diazepam to take when things escalate as they did today. She is also going to try and arrange some 1:1 anxiety counselling to start soon and I have a telephone consult booked in for Wednesday to hopefully arrange some CBT, which has been successful in the past. Plus whatever else they may think I require.
I felt more relaxed after my appointment I just want to be back to my 'normal' self again. Living with this daily fear, anxiety and panic is draining me. I try and keep occupied but it hits me in waves and feels so out of control. I don't want it to escalate any further.
Again, thank you to all that have taken the time to respond. Each reply has given me some hope and I don't feel so alone.
You're definitely not alone, so many people have anxiety. Best of luck with everything, it will get better.
Thank you x
This may not help, but when I was at my ABSOLUTE worst, which was non stop crying, and not being able to get off of the couch because I was 100% convinced I had a brain tumor, I had to check myself into a psychiatric hospital. They did an evaluation, prescribed me medicine, watched me until I was stable, made sure my medicine was fine, AND even found me a psychiatrist to see whenever I didn’t too. The wait for a psychiatrist was also 6 months for me. If you feel like you genuinely cannot get out of bed or function, I highly suggest going to a good psychiatric hospital and getting checked out there. It was the best thing I ever did. At the moment, I was absolutely terrified of being admitted, and I thought of the worse, but they did scan and blood work and assured me everything was fine! I talked to many helpful people.