Uncontrollable

[Cat26538]

I’m having an extremely uncontrollable panic attack. I feel like I’m having a heart attack it’s pounding that bad. I’m shaking so bad right now. I can’t think straight. I feel like I’m gonna faint

[bridder01]

Hiya Cat! I know this is gonna sound difficult but just try to relax. Find some place that you feel comfortable and get there. I can imagine how bad it feels at this moment. Think of something that you find soothing and focus on that one thing. Deep, slow breaths also help. You're not alone in this. If you just need someone who will listen, I'm here for ya.

Sincerely,

Brian

[Cat26538 in reply to bridder01]

I’m gonna cry. I feel so emotional right now. I feel like I let everyone down and pushed them away. I’m so upset

[bridder01 in reply to Cat26538]

I totally hear you Cat. It may not seem like it now, but everything will be ok. I'm sure you haven't let anyone down. It's just the anxiety talking. Just let it out. I'm here to listen for as long as you need me to be

Brian

[Cat26538 in reply to bridder01]

I don’t deserve to be alive anymore

[bridder01]

Don't talk like that Cat. You're a good person! But I get where you're coming from. Anxiety makes things seem worse than they really are. Right now, just focus on something soothing and relaxing and talk to me. I promise I won't leave until you feel better.

[Cat26538 in reply to bridder01]

Idk what to do. I have my brothers near me but they don’t understand what I’m going through

[bridder01]

I totally hear you. No one can know what you're going through unless they've been there themselves. There are days when I don't want to leave my apartment, just pull the covers over my head and wish the world would just go away. It's finding things you enjoy that can make you feel good that's important. If there's a song that makes you laugh or helps you feel good, play it. If there's something you're feeling that is making you very upset, talk about it. The first step to getting out from under the weight of anxiety is to take slow, deep breaths. You can get through this. Just breathe and focus on something that soothes you. I'll still be here.

[Cat26538 in reply to bridder01]

I’m too worked up and stressed out to do anything

[bridder01 in reply to Cat26538]

I hear ya Cat. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and focus on a soothing color. Try to let all thoughts leave your mind and just focus on the rhythm of your breaths and on that soothing color. It'll take a little time, but don't give up just yet. If it helps just to talk, keep talking. I'm not going anywhere, I promise

[Cat26538 in reply to bridder01]

There is to much going on around me. I can’t focus.

[bridder01 in reply to Cat26538]

Ok, I hear ya Cat. Do you have some place you can go that you feel comfortable at?

[bridder01 in reply to bridder01]

Just try and focus on me, if that helps. Deep, slow breaths. Concentrate on just the air coming in and going out. Try not to think about anything else. I'll try and help you through this. I have faith in you.

[Cat26538 in reply to bridder01]

Thanks

[bridder01 in reply to Cat26538]

No worries Cat Think of something that calms you. Whatever distractions are there now, use that thought as an anchor and let it keep you safe. Don't worry, I promise I'm not going anywhere

[Pearl67]

Cat, focus on the color of the carpet. Feel the texture, what does it feel like?

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

I don’t have carpet

[Pearl67 in reply to Cat26538]

Feel the texture of whatever you are sitting on? Wood? Is it smooth? Cool?

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

I’m sitting on a couch. It’s kind of comfortable

[Pearl67 in reply to Cat26538]

Is it cloth or leather? What texture is it? Close your eyes and really feel it.

[Pearl67]

How many things around you are blue? How many shades of blue?

[Pearl67]

What do you smell? Sweet? Stinky? Familiar?

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

I smell nothing

[Pearl67 in reply to Cat26538]

How does the hair feel coming into your nose? Close your eyes snd breathe in through your nose....is it warm? Cool? Is your nose stuffy, or can you breathe freely?

[Pearl67]

How old are your brothers? Are you older or younger than them?

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

My brothers are 12,17,20,21,27. I’m older and the only girl.

[Pearl67 in reply to Cat26538]

How is that, being the only girl? Do they drive you crazy? Or do you get along well with them?

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

They drive me absolutely insane

[Pearl67 in reply to Cat26538]

😜

[bridder01]

Absolutely! Focus on something that is comforting and reassuring.

[Pearl67]

Close your eyes, what do you hear? Tv? People talking along with the tv?

[Cat26538]

I’m giving up. I appreciate everyone’s help but I feel bombarded by questions. My brain is about to explode

[bridder01 in reply to Cat26538]

I'm sorry Cat. I'll be on for a bit if you just want to vent.

Brian

[Pearl67]

It is a very helpful technique used in therapy, I am sorry it did not help. Perhaps a breathing app?

Sending hugs and good thoughts!

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. Now I feel worse. I’m so sorry

[Pearl67 in reply to Cat26538]

Oh dear! I did not take it as rude one bit!!! I was sorry it did not help!!

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

Ok

[bridder01]

We're all here for you Cat. You need to take care of yourself. If you ever need an ear to bend, we're here for ya.

Sending cheery thoughts your way,

Brian

[Cat26538 in reply to bridder01]

Thanks

[Cat26538]

I’m hoping to get some sleep. I haven’t been sleeping very well lately.

[Pearl67]

That is no fun! I hate it! But, breathing apps and meditation videos on you tube help sometimes. Have you tried?

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

Yes. Nothing works. I take a lot of Benadryl allergy pills to help me fall asleep. Like 6 pills though the recommended dose is 2 pills every 4 hours

[bridder01]

I hear that. I'm new here, but if you ever feel the need to vent or are feeling too anxious, send me a message and I'll sit and listen. I've been told I'm a fairly decent listener lol

Sending pleasant sleep your way,

Brian

[Cat26538 in reply to bridder01]

Thank you

[bridder01 in reply to Cat26538]

No worries Cat! You're worth every bit of it and I'd be honored to sit and listen

Brian

[Pearl67]

Have you tried magnesium? Hot baths? Lavender oil? Are you on any prescription medication for anxiety?

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

I take Buspirone for anxiety.

[Pearl67]

Does it give you any relief? If not, perhaps another medication could be worth a try? Hate to see you suffering so. I would not wish anxiety or depression on a dog! Or any other critter!

Do you do CBT or therapy?

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

It helps with the anxiety. It’s just not right that I’m having these horrible panic attacks

[Pearl67]

I would agree, but then again, anxiety and panic are stealthy!

Is your health good? Blood sugars okay? Thyroid checked? Sometimes mineral and vitamin deficiencies can cause anxiety and panic. Female hormones in line?

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

I have hyper thyroidism. My blood pressure is a little high

[Cat26538 in reply to Cat26538]

I have pcos. Add. I’m at a high risk for endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer

[Pearl67 in reply to Cat26538]

Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! I think a Dr visit is in order. I have a thyroid condition and when it is off—-look out! Panic or depression. My Endocrinologist is super great about it and adjusts accordingly. Please, please get in soon! And POCS. Wow. Yeah, that is a lot of hormone action going on between thyroid and POCS. I know doctoring can be expensive, and I do not know if you have insurance, but this sounds to me like you need to make sure your thyroid and POCS are not creating some of this panic. Hyperthyroidism is totally related to panic. Actually, so is hypo.

Please do it for you!!!!

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

I will do my best. I hate doctors offices.

[bridder01 in reply to Cat26538]

I'd like to see someone who actually LIKES doctor's offices lol But I totally agree: You need to take care of you! We're here for ya

[carrieblevins1998]

I completely understand those panic attacks as I have them myself very often. I know it is the most terrifying experience you can have. I usually just tell myself and keep telling myself it will pass, it won't last forever, even though it feels as if it will. I'm so sorry you have to go through this, it's truly scary and I hope you learn to better handle them, I still haven't learned completely.

[Cat26538 in reply to carrieblevins1998]

I haven’t learned yet either. I usually try my best to hide it from my family and friends. Mine get so bad that I can’t move or breathe

[carrieblevins1998 in reply to Cat26538]

Yes same here, for a brief 5 to 10 minutes mine will be so bad I literally feel like something horrific is about to happen, it's like I feel it coming but it never happens, moving becomes difficult for me too.

[Cat26538 in reply to carrieblevins1998]

I’m exactly the same way.

[Cat26538]

Mine have also been giving me headaches. Plus I’ll wake up out of a dead sleep and have a full blown panic attack. I end up crying and pacing my room. Those ones last for an hour. I’ve been having them off and on all day today. The longest panic attack I had lasted 5 hours straight.

[carrieblevins1998 in reply to Cat26538]

The ones where you wake up out of a dead sleep usually are the most terrifying. It has happened to me before as well, they are more scary then the other ones. Longest one I ever had actually lasted all day, it was on and off but the feelings of fear didn't go away till later that night.

[Pearl67]

How areyou Cat? Hope your day was better!

[Cat26538 in reply to Pearl67]

It wasn’t. I’ve been battling with a migraine for 2 days now. I’m still having horrible panic attacks. They are so bad that I keep zoning out. I’m barely aware of where I’m at and what I’m doing

[Pearl67]

Oh no! I am so sorry to hear that. (I fell asleep after I posted how you were and then shot awake with horrible anxiety!) I hooe you consider seeing the Dr. about this. I know you do not like to go, but perhaps someone can go with you?

I am saying a prayer that the migraine breaks and you receive some calm soon!