Hi all...
I've been experiencing really bad anxiety/panic attacks recently.
I've never ever had it this bad before. It's mainly social anxiety, i.e...inability to go into most shops - especially big ones!
Anything can trigger it. Which is a nuisance. Anyone else have this problem?. I've been like this for 6 weeks now. Hate it.
I don't feel too bad outdoors in open spaces, like parks and near water.
My question is: does anyone else suffer with this where it affects their daily living? If so, could you share your symptoms and issues.
Also, does anyone take any medication for it and how it helps them and makes them feel..
Thank you so much!
Hi dora
I've suffered with this for years, so not a recent think unfortunately. Like you, I'm great being active outdoors but a social occasion or even shopping is difficult. The symptoms for me are anxiety in the lead up, I feel like I won't fit in, feel like I want to cancel, feel frightened, scared ill be anxious when I'm there, scared of being ill in public, heart beats faster, feel dizzy. Funny, I have all of these today because I'm off out this evening. I've tried anti depressants, anti anxiety meds but they are not for me. I feel worse at the beginning and can never get over the hump. Instead, I'm on bhrt, I run, cycle, walk, meditate, use a homeopath and over the counter tablets like kalms and Bach flower remedies, and acupressure . Incase of emergency I have a small prescription of 2mg diazepan which works well but I'm trying to avoid using them. On Thursday I have an apt with a hypno /psychotherapist for the first time to try and unpick some of the bad behaviours as my brain now reacts with fear automatically when it's not required..... Hopefully I can just remain hypnotised for the foreseeable future! 
interestingly, when I get to my destination I'm okay, I can even enjoy myself it's the build up that's the worst. I hope that helps dora xx
Hi Dora. This started for me about two years ago.. panicky and short of breath. Then had a really unpleasant time with weird adrenalin rushes that would end up with me bursting into tears, and then compounding the stress by becoming anxious they would happen while i was in a situation where i couldnt escape eg, public transport. I started on low dose of hrt which has made a big difference. The progesterone has a calming effect i think. My gp toldme she had treated a woman who was agrophobic and had barely left the house for 5 years because of the anxiety/panic. You are not alone.
Hi Sassy,
Interesting to read you use Kalms and Bach’s recuse remedy . . . Do you think they work ? I also have a prescription for 2mg Diazepam which I take for things like Dental app or even to get my hair done, otherwise I just can’t relax and feel like I need to leave 
I hate feeling like this as I’m sure everyone does. My doctor seems very reluctant to renew my prescription, which in itself gives me anxiety because I don’t know what I’m supposed to do without it ? I just wish I could wake up one morning and feel ‘normal’ xx
Hi Debbie, I'm the same I don't even need to leave my house and get to excited over doing my own hair , so REDICULOUS!!! I bleach blonde my hair no bleach just dye but its light, and I can't even leave on the entire time anymore.. In fact I didn't touch the dye for over a year.. And since this year I force myself to put it on and go do something quickly while its on, like dishes or wash the floor something that takes like 20 min then I go wash it out quickly... Stupid u know but that's how it is... And I use to go get pedicures done, every now and then not to to often but once in a blue moon, and definitely 100% can not do that , its been 2 years since I tried and had a panic attack and ran out of there quickly, and the dentist NO WAY NO HOW NOT HAPPENING... Just all too strange. Its all part of the anxiety that goes along with menopause, that I'm told to push yourself through each experience and it will get better.. Still waiting for that.. And I use to be so carefree and independent, and nothing bothered me, now I'm sensitive to just about everything.. But I do feel after 2 plus years of this nonsense it is slowly but surely getting somewhat easier or I'm just learning to live with it.. But between all that bullish@# and the physical symptoms dizzy migraines numbness joint pain, its so overwhelming... Hope and pray you find some relief soon too, here's to better days ❤❤❤❤❤
Hi Debbie
It's so reassuring to know that I'm not alone either, it's so difficult to manage sometimes, I wish I was normal too.... It seems that this is our normal. The rescue remedy from Bach I find good in the moment. You can get the liquid, pastelles and the spray I think they give some comfort when needed. I'm only now consistently taking kalms in the day, and yes I think they work. Not maybe as immediate a relief as a diazepan but I hope to keep going and build it up to make a positive change. I take the night time ones too, and they've been great. For the past 10 days I've slept so well! My gp is the same with diazepan, we disagree when it comes to those versus a modern medication taken every day. They work the best for me, that's all I know. I've had plenty of talking therapies and I'm left with this residual anxiety so I think it's whatever works best! Xxx
Hi dora, I too get anxious going into big stores as well, and any appointments things that require an appointment I just can't do, its the anticipation of the future event I get myself all worked up over, so I don't make any plans at all until this all gets better.. Never ever use to be like this, was always so carefree and independent and big life of a party if I went to one, but this anxiety and menopause sure takes that all away from you that's for sure, I never in a million years would have even imagined that you could turn like a light switch and even feel like this, its pure hell and don't want to feel any of this anymore.. I always think I'm good people what did I ever do to deserve this! I have so much life to live and things to do and really have no time for this nonsense, so I push on through as best as I can, but boy oh boy before and somedays still it just knocks you on your butt and have to stay in bed or lay on couch for the day, cause your just to dizzy or have a migraine or scared or sad, its a real rollercoaster of symptoms, that's for sure!!! Better days are ahead I'm praying❤❤❤
Anxiety is the worst symptom for me, I feel terrible in shops and unfamiliar places, I keep thinking I have a terrible undiagnosed illness it takes over my life. I went to a BBQ on Saturday and was absolutely fine no symptoms at all so I have to convince myself if I had a illness it wouldn’t have just gone away on Saturday! It’s overwhelming x
I too think I have social anxiety but it's only sometimes which is odd. I think it's based on how I feel at the time and worry that I'm not liked or feel awkward and strange not knowing what to say.. I hate this feeling. A couple weeks ago I had 2 family (in-law) parties and a was freaking out. When the weekend was over I was very relieved and went about my way. But leading up to it I stressed myself out so bad that I was exhausted days later. I do exercise, talk with friends/family, I did use the bach remedies. At times I wish I wasn't associated with anyone so that I could just do my own thing. It's such an awful feeling and when I explain this to someone they look at me funny so maybe it's all in my head.
Hi again,
Thank you for replying. I think I’m going to give them a try then, I think I’d take anything now if I thought they would work 🙏🏻 Yes, hopefully taking them daily they will build up in your system. I understand doctors seem reluctant to prescribe Diazepam, but I only have 3 prescriptions a year so that’s only 30 tablets in total. I wish they’d realise they anxiety of not getting any more just adds to the problem. My GP tried to persuade me to have Beta Blockers, but I said no thank you, I’ve heard hair loss can be a side affect 🤔. Like you the Dizapaem work well for me, it’s not like I’m taking them daily. Please feel free to PM if you’d like to chat anytime xx
Hi Gypsy,
It’s not ridiculous, it’s their stupid Meno nightmare. If you’d told me 5 years ago I couldn’t go to an apppintment I would have thought you were mad. The anxiety take hold and doesn’t let go. I had a panic attack whilst stopped at some traffic lights 🚦 so now I feel like I can’t drive far either. Have toy tried Diazepam ? They’re very good at calming you. What will you do if you have to go to the Dentist ? Trust me I find it terrifying myself, and wouldn’t make it without my medication.
I’m the same used to carefeee and able to cope with anything. I was left on my own when both my children were still babies and did everything myself with no problems at all. Now even simple things seem like mountains I can’t climb . . . Here’s praying this nightmare has an end 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️
I know right? When I was seeing a therapist, she used to say "if it goes away, it's not going to kill you". She was 65, and she got it. She ended up leaving because it was a government contract(I was going thru my work and you get 10 free sessions)and of course it wasn't paying enough. I miss talking to her.
I called off work yesterday(I've been doing that at least once a month) I just couldn't deal with my clients or my coworkers(my coworkers are great, I guess I just didn't want to be around people). I went to the movies by myself about a week and a half ago, but I had to take a half a Valium to do it. I have terrible health anxiety. I pray about it all the time, I go to the doctor, but I'm always afraid they'll find something. How did I become this weak, scared person?
Right now I'm sitting here at work listening to "Affirmation for Divine Assistance: God Help me Please! Divine Intervention". I can do nothing but lean on him.
Hi Debbie
Would love to pm you, think we have loads in common..... You have to tell me how I do that though!! I'm 43, but like a Dingbat with technology xx
Hi Kelly
It's not at all in your head, it's an actual issue for lots of us. I mean it is in your head lol, but it's just to do with personality, self esteem and confidence I think. If you met me you'd think I was so confident, I'm always bright and breezy... But inside I'm exactly the same with gatherings and parties. I've made myself ill in the run up to a kids party, and all I had to do were the party bags!! Xx
Hi Sassy,
Don’t worry I didn’t know either till I asked 😂 do you see the little envelope icon between our names at the top of a message ? You press that and it take you to anaother page xx
I started with those symptoms 11 years ago and thought it was PTSD due to a bad accident but now I’m seeing it was Peri / hormones.
So yes I have suffered for 11 years! Can’t really drive far supermarket and back and it’s controled my life and ruined it ! Everything is about ‘will I make it ? Am I going to freak out ‘
I suggest you get your hormones checked as that’s what causes it and you don’t want years of this as I’ve had . You need your life back !
Thanks Lori. It's good that you can actually go to the supermarket!
I'm currently sat outside one as have an order to collect. Cannot pluck up courage to go in!! I've been relying on my mum to do these things.
I'll drive but not go into the building.. .madness!
What does the diazepam do to you and can you function, drive etc on it? X
Thank you Lydia! Is it the hrt then that helps with the anxiety?