Paralysing Fear and anxiety

[SRNM]

Of late I have been feeling very scared - as if something is going to go wrong. My anxiety has really flared up and I have been getting panic attacks too. Don't know what to do. At my wits end. Any suggestions? I am on medications.

[Stellaluna221]

Embrace things that make you feel confident, strong, and in control. If you’re not there yet, put yourself with people and in spaces that make you feel calm, positive, happy, etc.

There may be something in your environment you’re reacting to. Once you’re ready, either talk it through with someone, write, paint, use whatever your tool is that allows you to step back and name it so you can then work on how to move forward.

[SRNM in reply to Stellaluna221]

Thank you so much for your support. You are right about my current situation being stressful. Both my kids are leaving for higher education and I am just worried sick and a total emotional wreck.

[Stellaluna221 in reply to SRNM]

Honestly, the fact that you’re so concerned tells me that (1) you care a great deal about them and (2) because you care so much about them you’ve probably been working really hard for years to instill all of the best values and skills in them. Sometimes you have to step back, trust the process, and start refocusing that loving energy on you.

My mother and I were very close and she was also very concerned about me leaving home for school. In retrospect, I see that she only wanted the best but unfortunately she was only able to express negativity to me at the time causing a major rift that is still healing.

This is not to say that you are or will do that by any means, but to say that I’ve been on the other side of your situation and I so wish my mother was able to just express her love and support for me. I think all people need some room to stumble because sometimes it’s the only way to really learn and grow.

[SRNM in reply to Stellaluna221]

You are so right. Thank you for your advice. Much appreciated.

[car103]

No matter the trigger, most of us here deal with anxiety and panic attacks. Knowing your trigger is very helpful in lowering the threshold of this incident. It is a good thing you have insight.

I think it is good in general to have a calming "go to" for stressors. Some people take a walk, take a bath, sit and breathe - give themselves acknowledgment with affirmations, write here for support, etc.

My support is that I hear you. I hope you find your way to get through this. And, it is real.

[KrierandRosie]

I am struggling a lot lately. I have no one to talk to but my husband. He is very comforting but I hate complaining all the time about my anxiety. I have trouble sleeping and getting from one day to the next. I have had this my whole life. Since I am 69, all of my body is slowly getting weaker. I have so many dental problems. It never seems to end.

[Stilltrying2 in reply to KrierandRosie]

I am sorry that you are struggling. Does it help to post here? You are not alone in your struggle.

[Needtovent in reply to KrierandRosie]

It’s good to post here. I get it that you don’t want to ‘complain’ to your husband. You want to talk but it feels like complaining. Perhaps there are a few little tasks you could ask him to take on as a starting pt to how he may help. They usually want to but don’t know how. Also do you have a therapist. That is a good place to identify what may be triggering your increased symptoms! I am going to a prayer service tonight and will ask that you find some peace!

[KrierandRosie]

Thanks! Sometimes nothing helps. I just have to slog through it alone.