No way to live

[anbp1986]

I am 32 and have had extreme anxiety most of my life. I don't know why and I can't seem to shake it. I can't talk to people, attend an interview, or even participate in a group chat without feeling like I'm about to die. My heart races, I lose my breath, and shake hysterically. I just want to be normal😢

[gerg]

What is your self talk before and during these attacks?

[anbp1986 in reply to gerg]

I give myself pep talks and try to convince myself to stay calm but it doesn't work. I simply can't communicate without having a panic attack. My doctor prescribed me hydroxyzine but they just make me feel like a zombie and don't stop me from panicking

[gerg in reply to anbp1986]

Self talk that causes anxiety is typically like “I cannot do this”, or even “I don’t want to panic”. This type of self talk is what sets off the anxiety and it just grows with more irrational self talk.

[anbp1986 in reply to gerg]

It's really hard because before I even get to my destination I start hyperventilating. I would tell myself everything is going to be fine but it never is. My life has been ruined because of it. No one wants to hire a nervous wreck and whenever I talk I sound like I'm about to cry because I'm shaking so hard

[Hidden in reply to anbp1986]

When I first began my journey to get free from anxiety. When I finally called it that and did not refer to it as some strange thing happening to me, when I stopped searching to find out where it originated and began to deal with what it was doing to me it became better. You can not allow those thoughts to have free reign in your mind. There are thoughts that are happening and you must challenge them; even if the thought is, oh no, I am going to panic again, I can not control it, I hate being.... If you believe you did something unkind, or wrong in any way, FORGIVE YOURSELF and kept forgiving yourself until you finally feel forgiven. Then, important make sure you are living the best life you can, the best life that is in your current power to live.

Do not let the thoughts go unchallenged. Even if they initially push pass your road block to stop them, keep putting up the road block. Do not worry about the fear that these thoughts remain persistent, just remain more persistent than the unwanted thoughts. Eventually with determination to take back your power over your thoughts, it should make them occur less, and less. You have to find a means to challenge the thoughts, positive self talk for instance, for me it is bible scripture. I hope this helps. Wishing and praying the very best for you.

[anbp1986 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for that. I'm starting to understand and will search for my peace and may look into Bible scripture myself. I will keep you posted on my changes. Thank you

[LaPetiteGen]

Oh love, my heart goes out to you. I also experience anxiety & understand just how crippling it can be- it takes a toll both physically & emotionally. Please know that there is hope. Have you considered counseling? When I reached the end of my rope, I saw a Christian counselor & she helped me understand the root of my anxiety & gave me practical tools that helped. I learned that what I allow in my mind can have an extreme impact on my quality of life. My go-to's now are 1) Christian yoga (videos on youtube that help me focus both my mind & body in the present) AND 2) Scripture. My favorite verse is Joshua 1:9- "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." I speak this over me when I'm afraid. I gives me comfort that I am not alone & I believe that God is capable of providing me everything that I need. Now matter how big or how small. Prayers that you find your way and overcome.

[anbp1986 in reply to LaPetiteGen]

Thank you so much..that scripture is really comforting

[8ann]

I like to use "God did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind so that I can pray." It is like Truth vs, Lies : ) and "I take every thought captive to the mind of Christ." It is a battle for some of us & it is worth fighting : ) and believing what scripture says about God, "God is Love." It has been years of doing this and I still battle, but the progress has been amazing. I will pray for your strength and for love to be the banner over you!

[8ann]

Oops and as I read the next post I see that perhaps my experience, while it was beneficial to me, might be offensive to others, I am aware now and will just be general in my posts. Thanks for the correction Kaez!

[anbp1986 in reply to 8ann]

I appreciate your comment and I'm not offended at all