Controlling my Anxiety

[NikNick]

I had my first panic attack a little over 2 months ago. I have been to doctors and have my first appointment with a psychiatrist in a week and a half. My primary doctor thought it was my thyroid but two endocrinologist said it wasn’t. Now I’m getting adjusted to the fact I just have anxiety issue all of a sudden.

My question for all that suffer from anxiety do you find that you have better days than other? I currently don’t like being alone but when I’m with someone I may feel anxious but I know what it is and able to calm myself. But today I can’t get calmed down all the way. I feel I’m on the cliff and if I get up off the couch and go do anything I start falling off the cliff and my anxiety level goes way up. Is this normal for anxiety sufferers? Thanks in advance.

[Anselm]

Yes,it’s normal, I am afraid. I have similar issues and don’t know how to get relief. I will now see a psychiatrist to discuss meds. But I am not sure if I want to go through the whole trial and error. And the side effects. Good luck to us all

[Amelie3]

Anxiety + panic attacks are horrible.

For me, I always find they come on if there are a few things happening all at once ie: lack of sleep, high stress, over thinking, not drinking enough water etc. Everyone’s triggers are different obviously, so perhaps if you start taking notice of what is happening in your life that could possibly trigger your anxieties?

Keeping a record really helps. There are some good apps out there that can help you keep track. Hope you get it all sorted and feel better soon.

[mel2501]

I have been dealing with the realization of having anxiety (which led to depression) for the past 5 months. Also went to the Endo who said I had no thyroid issues. My primary referred me to a Psychiatrist for help with meds. I couldn’t believe i was seeing a Psychiatrist. I guess I have always been an anxious person but I assumed that was part of my introvert personality. The panics got harder to manage so I had to get help. What you are describing are normal signs of anxiety and as confirmed by the other replies, there are many of us going through similar situations. Don’t lose hope and reach out for help when needed. Good night 🌙

[CatIsMyCopilot]

What you're describing sounds pretty normal for me at the beginning of my struggle with anxiety (about where you are now, couple months out from the first attack). Like you, it was around then that I actually started to face the problem. I found I was able to make a lot of progress in this stage by using self-help books, especially "Hope And Help For Your Nerves" by Claire Weekes, as well as this site: anxietycoach.com I absolutely recommend you check those out.

Since then, I've progressed through many stages (being afraid of the physical symptoms, then a bit of health anxiety, followed by stuff like what you're describing, where you think "If I do X, I'll freak out, so I won't do X"). Nowadays, I'm still struggling with over-thinking and worrying, and leftover self-confidence issues, but very little with that other stuff I mentioned. I do see a therapist now, but haven't tried medication yet.

So I would say, there are good days and bad days, but also expect that you can make a lot of progress from where you are now, even to absolutely full recovery (which I've heard defined as "I never even think about it anymore"). The pattern of anxiety is well-worn and surprisingly common between people, so it is a relatively treatable affliction.

[NikNick in reply to CatIsMyCopilot]

Thank you so much for the book suggestion!!!! I have not finished it yet but I’m already stronger than I was before starting it. It has been a complete game changer for me. My family and friends tell me I sound so much better to them in the past 2 days since starting it. The way it explains what is going on in my body in a way I can understand has removed so much fear of it. I can’t thank you enough.

[CatIsMyCopilot in reply to NikNick]

Awesome! I'm so happy to hear that. For me, that book helped a lot, but I also had to go through lots of anxiety attacks in order to gain the experience and see that the attacks wouldn't hurt me or stop me living my life. That's discussed a bit in the book, too. She explains how to see each attack as an opportunity to retrain your brain to react differently.

In conclusion, don't be too disappointed if you keep experiencing anxiety despite having read and understood the book. For me it took practice *as well as* knowledge/understanding (from the book) to make progress.

[NikNick]

Thank you so much for the replies!!!

[Ollyvie]

Hello NikNick, am sorry that you have being going through this. I can understand what you are doing through. Am glad to hear that you have an appointment set up for to seek help. Some days are better than others than others but with techniques and therapy you can manage it well. Learning and knowing about what triggers the anxiety can be of great help too. Staying focus and positive all the time is also good. I know that in some days it can be difficult to shake the feeling off but always tell yourself that things can be better. You can build a network of support system that you can contact when you need them. You can check this out. you might find it helpful. bit.ly/2hwXnqH. Sending you hugs