Scared/ panic attacks

[mcginnmx]

Ok here is what is going on so far I helped my family finically ( not that I mind) but things in the house keep breaking, I am autoimmune and work at a Thrift shop( where I am completely burnout because we have little

Coworkers), my car wipers went out on me, I suffer from survivors guilt ( before coronavirus 5 dead one year cousin overdose, uncle killed self,father: heart attack, second cousin heart attack, and great uncle of old age), I live in a Florida so yeah... coronavirus central ( our governor is literally called Death Santis) , people at work are making fun of me , or triggering me by criticizing me which hits a shit down switch due to ptsd mental abuse), I am terrified of the election,no I don’t have enough money for therapy, please don’t say I am in your prayers. I am religious but here in Florida it is like “ too bad for you , tell me how it turns out”. My panic attacks have been more recent and my stress eating is rampant. An is this is not the roping on the cake my mom had neck surgery so I have to go to work leave her alone by herself and she can’t bend, cook or anything. She can talk and walk around the house. My stress is overload can someone please give me some relaxation techniques that doesn’t have to deal with deep breathing. I know how to breath

[JCPrague]

It sounds to me as if you need to be medicated, at least temporarily, since your stress levels and anxiety appear to be overwhelming currently. I lived in Florida, I know it is a tough place, low pay and no social safety net whatsoever. If you have medical insurance and you are able to see a psychiatrist, I think you need it, since your conditons sounds severe.

[mcginnmx in reply to JCPrague]

I take kolpin and something for my anemia so when I burn out I don’t get dizzy spells but thank you for the suggestion

[Cry-for-Dawn]

Hey there, mcginnmx!

I am terribly sorry to hear what you're going through. That is so much more than *any* individual should have to handle.

I know you don't have money for therapy, but there may be other options. By any chance do you have benefits at work, like an Employee Assistance Program? If so, absolutely see what is offered and utilize those resources right away. If you have insurance, make an appointment as well, as the previous responder suggested. I take Klonopin myself for social and general anxiety and it can help, but it just helps in controlling the symptoms while the underlying issues are still there. Maybe there are support groups in your area? You are religious so if you have a church in your area or attend one, they might have some sort of support as well.

I know you're scared, about your financial situation, COVID-19, the election. Concentrate on your 'controllables' first. You can't really control the outcome of the election. There are preventative measures for reducing your risk for the virus though, so seek those out. Finally, think about your financial situation and work. That is what you probably have the most control over. I highly advocate making and using a budget. Not sure if you're a reader, but the Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey changed my life (and I am NOT a reader). Having control over your finances makes a huge difference, so I would say, short term, focus on where your money is going and how you can use the finances at your disposal more effectively. Know that it's also okay to say 'no' to family if you must, because it's okay to make sure you are okay financially too.

I would also suggest simply writing down the things you need to do (yes, a to-do list). It might seem unnecessary, but this helps you feel a little more in control and you can visualize what you need to do. Doing anything that gives your life a little more structure will likely help.

Also, use whatever support system of friends or family you do have. They may not have the answers you seek, but having someone in your corner helps you feel less alone when you are struggling. If people at work are bullying you, the best thing to do, as difficult as it can be, it to be assertive and speak up when it happens. If you don't it can worsen, so letting the individual(s) know it's not okay and why it's a problem is important. If that does not work, document what is happening (the who, what, when, where etc.). That way, if you approach management about it later, you have specifics about what was said and by whom.

*whew* ...so, I hope you can take something away from all of that. Please, make sure to reach out when you're feeling like it's all too much. It takes courage to even post here, but it's a great first step!