Fright or flight

Mental health
1

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum.

I have a history of anxiety and depression, but never felt how I am feeling at the moment. I have been struggling for about four months, but tried to keep working. However eight weeks ago I had a complete meltdown. I feel frightened all the time as if something bad is going to happen 'fright or flight' symptoms of racing heart, shaking, shortness of breath. I am unable to retain information and don't like being with a lot of people.

I have tried to be proactive by attending a local Managing your Mind group. I have also tried to exercise, but I feel so tired all the time. I have been to my GP, Occupational Health and have referred myself for counselling. My GP has only just increased my Sertaline to 150mg 9after seven weeks off work!!). Is there anything else that I can do to help myself as I can't bear feeling like this for much longer?

2

Hi Chris,

Iam sorry how you feel. If it's​ any consolation for you, I am also suffering anxiety disorders.

On April 13 I had a spine surgery and 2 days after discharge I developed anxiety attacks. I am now on 100 mg of Zoloft (anti- depressant) and Valium to help me cope with this monstrous ordeal.

I have no idea how long will this suffering last. I leave that in the hands of the Almighty God.

Do yourself a favour keep taking your medication untill you feel the anxiety is lifting. Then your Doctor will start reducing the dose as you continue feeling better.

Be patient, strong and don't give up

3

Hi Chris

You are doing all the right things so far, getting professional help is definitely key and will hopefully help your mind relax a little knowing help is on it's way.

Are you still off work now? If you are I think you need to make sure you keep your mind busy so you're not thinking about your anxieties 24/7. Do housework with some music playing or go for a walk, do some gardening, adult colouring books work for me, find some hobbies that you enjoy and can do frequently, anything to keep your mind occupied. Even coming on here and reading about other people's problems and giving some much needed help seems to work for me so give it a go.

I think you are heading in the right direction x

4

Hi Napesh

Thank you for your reply. It sounds like you are also having a difficult time.

I think that this forum may help me, knowing that I am not alone.

Hope you start to feel better soon

5

Hi Lucy,

Thank you for your message.

I am still off work as my anxiety has still not improved. I must admit that my anxiety has taken over everything. My medication was only increased a week ago, so I am not feeling the benefit yet.

I am lucky to have a good family for support, although I don't think that you can fully understand unless you have suffered from it. 

I am also lucky that we have the Managing your mind group to help with breathing techniques and other tools to help.

I have been thinking about adult colouring books, so will give it a try.

Like you say, I think that this forum will also help.

 

6

It might benefit you to see your doc again and explain nothing's getting better, I'm sorry that you have anxiety I've had anxiety all my life and it really is hard, currently suffering depression but I'm here to say it'll all go away. Remind yourself how strong you are and bear it. Only time can heal, and some strong ass benzos(lol) but for real everything's going to be okay I promise you. I hope you get to feeling better