Always afraid of the worst happening

[Anx919]

Hi. Anyone have episodes where every little symptom makes you think you are going to have a heart attack or stroke. It is so frustrating. I get like this and it lasts a week or few weeks goes away, or should I say is controllable for a while then comes back. Have been to ER a few times called 911 once because it gets so bad it mimics a heart attack. My logical thoughts know this is anxiety but that never lasts and the logic goes away and the panic sets in. Sometimes it’s all day and night me fighting this. It’s exhausting.

[Belovedxinfinity]

I have been in that position before as well. Slow, Deep breathing for as long as you can, say 5-10 minutes (with your eyes closed & only focusing on your breathe) has really helped me. Journaling about my day, especially my fears, can help as well. If you can keep journaling every day it helps to get the anxiety down on paper. If you are one for prayer, praying to ask God to walk with you (& visualize this), that helps.

I've gone through times where I have to do this almost every 30 minutes, but keep at it. And you have us to lean on as well.

Praying for you!

[Kelkel00]

YES, it’s a scary feeling!

[Anx919 in reply to Kelkel00]

I know. I am going to try CBT and see how that works. I am gonna try on my own and if not then will seek other avenues. I hope you are able to get some relief.

[Kelkel00]

I will be praying for you! I hope you get relief from CBT!

[designguy]

You might check out the youtube videos of Paige Pradko, she is a therapist who had health anxiety and OCD and healed herself and now helps others. she even has an online course for health anxiety if you are interested.

[Anx919 in reply to designguy]

hello and thank you. I watched the video and wow it was like hearing her describe me to a T. I may end up checking out the course later if I have no luck trying this on my own. I ordered a CBT workbook and am going to see how that works out.

[designguy in reply to Anx919]

Good for you, I hope it helps you.

[SayNOtoPanic]

Yes! Been there. 😩so sorry you’re going through it but you are not alone Anx919. Made me emotional to read your post. Try doing deep breaths in sets of three. Take a deep inhale through your nose push ur stomach out and exhale through ur nose. Say something powerful like I am healthy or I am strong or this too shall pass and let the fear torture thoughts just pass. Center on your breathing. Prayers up to you 🙏🏻

[Anx919 in reply to SayNOtoPanic]

thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. I am finally feeling a little better today after almost 2 weeks of pure hell. I also have been trying sleep meditation at night. It was the only way I could get any sleep and not wake up in a panic. Yes this is a horrible thing and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. I hope and pray for you too that you are getting some relief.

[SayNOtoPanic in reply to Anx919]

oh you’re welcome. Continuing to lift you in prayer. Yes those bouts that come and linger are pure evil. Ditto with you and don’t wish it on anyone. Keep meditating and doing calm breathing. Even try to stop and identify things around you like the couch is brown, I notice a photo on the wall. Etc. mindfulness just to cut that pattern of fear. 🙏🏻

[Anx919]

thank you that’s sounds like a great idea. Distraction is the best to calm it down. Never thought about doing that. I am going to try next time.