Hi folks, haven't posted in a while. Thought I'd make an update post about where I'm at with my anxiety.
Since December, my anxiety levels have dropped tremendously. In December, I was having multiple daily panic attacks, wasn't able to walk around a shop without getting all hot and dizzy and feeling like I would pass out, I had that constant choking feeling and was panicking myself sick every morning.
What's stopped? The choking feeling has all but gone, it may make a reappearance every now and then when I am stressed, but that's a normal response.
I no longer get so dizzy when out that I feel like I'm gonna faint, for the most part I'm ok being out and about alone.
I still get anxious on the bus ride to work sometimes, but never let it mutate into a full blown panic attack. No more sickness in the morning and my digestive system is recovering well.
I've no actually taken any medication, the side effects of Sertaline were worse than the anxiety. All I did was mindful meditation, and pushed through it. The more I did things I was uncomfortable with, I think the more my brain was trained into realising they weren't a threat.
Because I have epilepsy, there is always going to be that niggling anxiety monster in the back of my mind with a plethora of "what ifs?" But at least that anxiety is justified because of an actual medical condition.
Just wanted to write this post to show people it can get better, I'm not magically cured by any means and my anxiety is still a daily part of my life, but it has reduced in severity a tonne.
I don't come in here so much anymore because I actually don't feel the need to. I was using this forum as a support network and to reassure myself, but I literally just thought today "wait, it's been weeks since I logged in" and that's an achievement in itself.
I hope you're all doing well 