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[CatDogLover]

I have a bipolar diagnosis but have been experiencing worsening anxiety attacks for the past year. They used to occur at night and they last for hours. The only solution I have found is medication to make me sleep and then I wake up perfectly fine. Now they are occurring more frequently and more recently they have occurred during the work day. They are not the typical racing heart, fast breathing symptoms. But rather a feeling of tenseness and paralysis and extreme dread for absolutely everything at the time. My senses are on high alert during these episodes such that the slightest noise or movement is annoying to no end. Has anyone else ever experienced this before? Thanks.

[CatDogLover]

Thanks for your reply! I’m new so what does PM mean? I’d love to hear more. Thanks again!

[BlueAgave]

I have panick attacks that include both racing heart and fast breathing along with heightened senses. Like loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells will bother me as well. I just sit in terror, and if I have to move I do it so quickly so I can sit back down. Definitely not alone. Hope you can find some peace.

[CatDogLover in reply to BlueAgave]

Thanks much!

[Kat63]

Almost five years ago, I went through a time of having panic attacks almost every day, and I was starting to develop agoraphobia.

My mother had recently died, I was in a toxic workplace (and eventually fired), and my partner and I were having problems.

I had a really good therapist, and my father was supportive. We became closer in our shared grief. Being fired from that job turned out to be a blessing in disguise—being there was terrible for my mental health. I did find another job not too long later. And my bf and I got back together.

So it took a little time for things to change—but they did change. Things always do change, even though I know it can feel like they never will. Try to believe you won’t be stuck in this place forever.

[CatDogLover in reply to Kat63]

I’m so happy for you! It helps me to know that this could pass. My work is probably the number one stressor right now.

[scansnap]

You may have bipolar disorder, but what you are describing is an anxiety disorder. Anxiety requires different treatment from mood disorders. You are on medication so you may want to discuss this with your doctor. You may also want to see a therapist or engage in basic relaxation techniques, such as meditation, mindfulness, exercise, breathing exercises, and so forth.

[CatDogLover in reply to scansnap]

Thanks for input. Yes I’ve added specific anti anxiety medication to bipolar meds. Having difficulty locating a good psychiatrist to try and understand the whole picture.

[Spooky99]

I just want to say welcome! I’m sorry to hear that they are getting worse! I was very bad at one time and then got much better. I know the feeling of dread. Dread and avoiding situations. It’s awful!!!! I think once you have a bad attack it takes a long time to stop worrying about the next one and how you will feel!!! I’m on medication. I still suffer!!! I still avoid places. I hope you get some comfort here. You aren’t alone!!!!

[CatDogLover in reply to Spooky99]

Thanks for your input! I’m trying not to live in constant fear of the next episode but rather difficult.

[Spooky99 in reply to CatDogLover]

I agree. Easier said!!!

[dmt1121]

I don't know how long ago your were diagnosed with Bipolar or if it's 1 or 2 but I assume your psychiatrist prexcribed meds for you. A few thoughts come to mind, as someone who also has bipolar and is being successfully treated for it.

First, have you discussed this with your psychiatrist. If you are under the care of a primary care physician or FNP, you should find a good board certified psychiatrist. This is because there are many nuances to treating bipolar and those who are not expert in this field often don't prescribe or monitor meds properly.

Second, your meds may need to be adjusted or changed becaus ethere are many avialble and everyone has different responses to them.

Finally, if you are not seeing a good therapist as an adjunct to your psychiatrist, I highly recommend you find one. The meds help to modular moods and lower anxiety but therapy helps todeal with everyday issues by providing other tools for you to use. They may include exercise, meditation, nature walks, behavior modifications to help you deal with stresfsul situations. In my case, I find headphones with a guided mediation when I go to bed is very helpful to get to and stay asleep.

Keep investigating causes and solutions and you will find them. If you don't rule out options, you always have them...not suggesting any extreme ones though.

I wish you all the best!

[CatDogLover in reply to dmt1121]

Thanks for your very thoughtful reply. My bipolar is bipolar 1, but better than ever in my life! I was diagnosed 30 years ago. I moved to a location where it is difficult to find a psychiatrist recently after ten years with the same psychiatrist, but made the decision yesterday to make the 1 hour drive to start with a new one. Will take until January for my first appointment, but I’m hoping it will be worth the wait. I have had the same therapist I see weekly, virtually now that I moved, for over 6 years. I meditate daily through the aura app on my phone. So I’m afraid to alter my bipolar meds when I have no mania/depression at this time. But I am now dealing with the anxiety which I have as needed meds for. I was weaning myself off the anxiety meds until recently when the episodes increased in frequency. I’m worry that a combination of work stress and fear of the future could be a contributing factor. I’m a remote employee and recently my company brought everybody back to coming into the office. My manager granted me an exception as my office is almost 2 hours away. I’m afraid that I’ll be viewed poorly by coworkers because of this special treatment. But my anxiety has made it difficult to even go in on some occasions like customer meetings. Sorry for the long post! Thanks again!

[dmt1121]

It's great you've found a psychiatrist to work with. Upping your meds may not be the answer. You may need different meds.

I totally understand your situation, having worked in a similar situation myself. I think the key here is recognizing the toll that high stress jobs take on us. If you really enjoy the job, then you will have to learn to put aside your anxiety and find a way to clear that energy from your mind and body. If you accept that it won't last forever and start considring your career options that might lower your stress, while still providing you with the income and enjoyment in your work, you perhaps you may see a marked reduction in your anxiety. This may require daily mediation and of coyrse tehrapy to develo th etools necessary to do this.

The job market is trong, so now is a good time to consider your options as you go forward.

Good luck.

[CatDogLover in reply to dmt1121]

Thanks. The issue is I landed a remote permanent position with a high salary and that can’t easily be replaced. I don’t live near an area with similar positions and I’ve found remote work to be best for my condition. I want to work at this job into retirement. Another 14 years, so I really need to figure out how to make it work. I had a difficult discussion with my manager today about the reality of my anxiety. He is actually quite supportive. I’m lucky for that. I discussed with him the areas of the job that are triggering my anxiety. But I think I need to revisit my medication in addition. I really can’t continue on Xanax long term. It really isn’t good idea I feel. I’m still trying to determine where to go from here for help with my situation. I have weekly therapy sessions but so far no real solutions have been discovered. I meditate daily upon rising in the morning, and am exploring prayer time in addition. It is disheartening to feel that my creator will not lead me to a solution and relieve me from my discomfort. I’m hoping that something will come up to resolve my debilitating anxiety in the near future because my quality of life is diminishing.

[dmt1121]

Not sure what the solution is. Maybe time to try another anxiety med and consider finding ways to get out and be as active as you are able to dissipate the anxious thoughts.

Good luck.

[Dolphin14]

Hi

I was wondering how you are doing?

I know many people that are now being forced back into the office after working remotely for a couple years. They ate all struggling with this

🐬

[CatDogLover in reply to Dolphin14]

Hi! Thanks so much for asking! I almost posted this morning! I think I found a breakthrough but I’m afraid to speak too soon. I found a book on anxiety called DARE and I’m applying it now. I had 9 anxiety attacks between October 16 and November 19. The attack on the 19th I applied principles I learned in the book and got through it easier. That was last Sunday. Since then I haven’t had an attack and I have been Xanax free for almost two days which is great for me. I also have not been working during the holidays which could account for reduced stress I suppose. But im quite pleased at this point. Like I said, a bit of a breakthrough for me. Thanks so much for checking in!

[Dolphin14 in reply to CatDogLover]

That's wonderful news! Great job.

I've seen the books mentioned here before. I have not read it. Sounds like it was very helpful.

Keep up the good work

I'm so happy to hear this