My anxiety is terrifying me

[KellywithA]

I have never really had symptoms or bad thoughts until about 3 weeks ago when I had my first panic sttack. Since then nothing has been normal. I feel like I'm going through life in a haze between extreme highs and desperating lows. Right now I've been in a very low rut for two days and this has been the worst yet. I no longer find the things fun that I used to and it seems recently I cannot calm myself down when I'm alone. My thoughts are racing from one to the next and are leaving me in constant dread. I know physically I am going to be okay and am not going to get hurt but how I feel makes any physical pain would be easier.

I fear I am going crazy and I'm losing control of myself. I've recently started therapy a week ago and anxiously await every meeting like that time of the week is my only sanity. I'm just feeling so scared I don't know where to go.

[flimsymimsy]

Hi Kelly, sorry to hear you are feeling like this and can totally relate. Are you in the UK at all as there a few good support groups like this one and have you also been to your doctor? I understand you have started therapy which is good and hopefully will help you. CBT can also be good if you havent already started that and also meditation can be very good for anxiety. If you have a nosey on youtube there are some very good audios on there for free and best used with headphones. I have been doing meditation for 20 minutes a day and is a big help at relaxing me. The hardest thing to do is to accept anxiety especially when you have so many physical symptoms too which anxiety causes. We can all relate there.

You say you panic when alone and that is also my biggest problem and when i have the panic attacks. The best thing i have found to manage is to put on some music and clean the house or engage in something that makes me concentrate like puzzle games. Also the adult colouring books are good, I turned my nose up at first when i was advised to try them but seriously they do help.

The main thing here is you have already started your road to recovery and things will improve but will take time. If you feel that therapy isnt enough, do go back to your doctor who may prescribe anti depressants but they are not for everyone. I for one am unable to tolerate anti depressants and am trying alternative options to overcome anxiety so there are different options its just trial and error what works for you.

There is light at the end of the tunnel even though may not seem like there is at the moment, hang in there

[CynthiaNichols]

Even though we suffer from anxiety, life still goes on. We need to learn how to control anxiety so that we may continue to live and prosper. A big part of the anxiety is our reaction to it. When anxiety triggers in our bodies, we experience physical symptoms. The second bite the anxiety monster takes is our fear of those symptoms. The less fear we have about those symptoms, the less control anxiety has over us. Only active practice will desensitize our nervous system. One can try to control them Anxiety by their owners. But if it won't help then one can also consult some Professionals like Martine Voyance at martine-voyance.com/tarifs/ for help.

[claire0410]

I started having anxiety and small panic attacks recently. It seemed to come out of nowhere, no traumatic event or anything like that. I have started counseling and it does help some. I also went the my GP and had blood workups done, etc. I was really hoping that the anxiety was being caused by a medical problem, but everything came back normal. I have talked with the therapist about taking meds, but I'm kind of afraid to go that route. I have good days and bad days. After a couple of good days, a bad day can be devastating. It feels like taking two steps backwards. Some things that help me are taking a walk and mindful meditations that I found on Youtube. I hate feeling like this, but I know I have to learn to deal with it. This is emotionally, physically and mentally exhausting! Enjoy the good days when they come - it helps me deal better with the bad ones. I hope you have supportive family or friends, it does make it easier even though they really don't understand what you're going through. This forum also helps me by knowing that I am not alone in this journey! Knowing that there are others who can relate to you and offer support when you really need it helps make this more bearable.

[Nona83]

Hello Kelly, I have been suffering from severe anxiety and panic disorder for over a year now. When I first started having them bad I tried many things before trying medication. I am not a person that likes taking meds. I have tried therapy, mediation and essential oils. After about 6 months of having anxiety and panic attacks everyday I decided I needed additional help. I know at times I feel like I am going to loose my mind or die. It can be debilitating. I know at times after a severe attack I am so exhausting that I just pass out. I used to do a lot of things before I started having these issues, but after having these problems I cant do most of the things I used to do. I notice now I will have anxiety anytime we try and do any of those things. It really does suck. I feel like such a burden to my husband and kids. Going through anxiety and panic attacks is hard. Its hard for people to understand that dont have these problems. My mom for instance tells me I just need to get up and get over it. I wish it was that simple. I would have done it a long time ago. Hope you feel better soon.

[Maxiomargie]

Hi Kelly. I too am sorry to hear how you're feeling and I have complete empathy. I know there are no words that will immediately make you feel better. The only thing that somewhat helps me when I get terrifying anxiety is to stop, breathe and ask myself if I'm alright "right now". Do I have everything I need for this moment? I have to stop any thoughts of the future, whether it be thinking about what's going to happen an hour from now, or five years from now. I have to stay in the moment. Early morning is the worst. Know that you are not alone. I'm here for you.