Going backwards

[Megz2020]

I had my first panic attack today in almost 2 years. The fear I felt was something completely new to me. My heart feels heavy, I’m so down it’s hard to process. The anxiety is off the scale and I have reached out for help but I’m struggling. I feel like a fraud, from the outside everything is great and I’m great at putting a face on and being the most bubbly person in the room, with the loudest laugh but inside I’m hollow and empty. I don’t feel there is a way out of this cycle , the thought that this is me for the rest of my life (having periods of good and then awful) fills me with dread

[Agora1]

Hi Megz2020, the first thing you need to do is to get that negative thoughtout of your mind. This is but a glitch in the road to recovery that happens from

time to time. It doesn't mean that you will forever stay in this cycle of fear.

What has happened more recently that may have brought this anxiety to a new

level of height? What is your medication dosage at right now?

This is the time to work on yourself. No requirements to put on a happy face for

others when you feel dread inside. Allow those emotions to release.

Hopefully, you will get back on track through therapy or medication adjustment.

Finding some tools/methods that you can turn to when feeling anxious or stressed

can help immensely in calming both your mind and body.

We are always here for each other. Know that on this forum you can be yourself.

No pretense needed here, we totally understand. xx

[Megz2020 in reply to Agora1]

Thanks for your reply! So I’ve started a new job recently and been finding it extremely stressful.

I’m currently on sertraline 100mg after coming back down from 200mg, but planning to speak to my GP tomorrow about an increase.

I have a telephone assessment for counselling on Wednesday too.

Thank you again

[Agora1 in reply to Megz2020]

Hi Megz, I agree in that this may not be the best time to decrease your medicationdue to starting a new but stressful job. Getting some help from counseling is important

as well. Hopefully with these 2 adjustments as well as given some time on the job, you

may be able to handle the work load better which won't cause the overload of stress.

I wish you well. Keep us updated. I care xx