Anxiety is exhausting

[CatsCalmMe]

Sometimes I just feel like is existing is so hard. Recently I've been really stressed so I've had a couple of panic attacks. I can just think myself into them when I'm trying to go to bed and my brain just keeps repeating "panic, panic, panic" so I do. But then I'm so tired, I don't want to deal with the anxiety. So my choices are let the panic attack hit me and feel like I'm dying, or fight the exhaustion and force myself to calm down. Neither of those options are fun.

I increased my medication dose and when my mom asked how much I was taking, she told me I didn't need that much. I'm so frustrated with how unsupportive she can be about my anxiety. She'll tell me she understands and then say she's never had a panic attack. As someone who has had more than 20, I can safely say you don't get it unless you've had one. I'm terrified by the idea of death, and I'm also terrified of living with this my whole life. Being anxious about all the outcomes of life really takes its toll. Thankfully medication helps and most of my family is very supportive. It can just be a lot to handle alone in my head.

[davidthecoder]

Hi CatsCalmMe,

Hope you are doing well and just wanted to say I read your post. I had my first panic attack recently, around 6 months ago. My anxiety is mostly around germs/sickness, and I got food poisoning from some undercooked meat :\ Anyways, when I realized I was sick, I got the "i'm about to have a heart attack" feeling and it was truly awful. I somehow managed to just focus on my breathing rather than my racing/panicking mind and body, but I meditate multiple times per day so that is like a habit for me by now (thankfully).

So, with that said, I feel you. Pet a cat for me! That makes my anxiety go away every time and it is the best.

Hope others will add some comments here as well.

[Dolphin14]

Welcome to the community. There are many people here to support you.

Im glad you are giving medication a try, some of us need that. Are you in therapy as well?

I'm assuming you are an adult. Your mom may mean well but your medication dose is between you and your doctor. You may need to set a boundary with her.

You are correct, if someone has never had a panic attack they have zero idea of how it affects us.

We are here for you

🐬

[Ilovecats1739]

I hear you .. the uncertainty is overwhelming.. I have been listening to anxiety podcasts on Youtube when I awake to get my breathing and anxiety under control .. it helps sometimes..

[LadyZen]

I hope you find some kindness and understanding. Our bodies are unique and do some of the oddest things. It takes awhile to figure out what's happening, and then some time to figure out what works.