bad panic attacks

[internalpanic]

hi, im someone who has been diagnosed with a panic disorder. I've always had panic attacks since I was around 10. The attacks have always been debilitating and the triggers have evolved with time. There have been periods when I have been quite anxiety-free, while there have been times when my panic attacks were so bad that I could not even leave my house. I'm on treatment (meds+therapy), however, currently, im having a difficult time with my panic attacks. I'm quite an ambitious person and I've always wanted to not be limited by my anxiety however difficult it may be. Recently, I've shifted to a new place after getting placed at my dream job, however, the frequency of my panic attacks has risen. The struggle to find safety in a new place has been challenging and during these attacks I feel like I have no safe place to go to, to feel calm, it makes me feel like im going crazy or that this intense fear will never leave my body. As you can imagine, dealing with that alone can be exhausting, but putting in the work and succeeding adds a new layer to the problem, making me feel quite hopeless. Anyway, I thought I would write a post here to find support from people who may be going through something similar or who have gone through something similar, in the hopes of feeling less alone. Cheers.

[BlueAgave]

Hello internalpanic and welcome. I too suffer from panic disorder and generalized anxiety. You are definitely not going crazy even though it may feel that way. I can relate to needing a safe place when my anxiety is bad. Have you tried meditation? With practice you can create a safe place in your mind. We have to remember that the panic cannot harm us, it's only thoughts and feelings, and nothing harmful. Hope you find this group helpful. Congratulations on finding your dream job!

[internalpanic in reply to BlueAgave]

Hi BlueAgave Thank you for your response. I have tried meditation in the past, however i find it difficult to stick it through. Do you have any recommendations ? Also, apologies if this is an intrusive question, but would you mind sharing more about how you are doing mentally now and how do you manage panic attacks. Thank you again for being so kind and welcoming.

[BlueAgave in reply to internalpanic]

I use an app for meditation, called 10% happier. I honestly just have to force myself to meditate daily, and then it starts to become a habit. I use quided meditations so far. Right now, I'm still struggling with my anxieties, also on medication and therapy. I'm in menopause, and I feel it has increased my anxiety and I'm working with my doctor with hormones. I did, however, have many years where I was doing well with my mental health, working, traveling, etc... It is different for everyone, but I know it can be controlled, and you can have a happy life. 😊

[SayNOtoPanic in reply to BlueAgave]

Beautiful response and advice BlueAgave. Meditation is really helpful for grounding and the consistency is key. I’m with you on using it.

[internalpanic in reply to BlueAgave]

Thank you so much, ill give the app a go. I'm sorry you're going through a difficult time and I hope you feel better soon!

[SayNOtoPanic]

Hi internal panic. You’re definitely not alone. Panic disorder is a total demon of its own. I think the changes with the new job and living space probably increased anxiety and triggered the panic increasing. Try to do mindfulness at least five minutes a day. Try it in your new place and just identify things you see using your five senses: the tv is making a noise, the fruit bowl has a sweet smell, the table is brown and so on. Helps ground you and you can jump in and use it during attacks to focus on getting grounded and feeling safer. Prayers up to you. 🙏🏻

[internalpanic in reply to SayNOtoPanic]

Thank you so much for your response. I completely agree, a panic disorder is not for the weak. I will try the grounding exercises, I have also been trying box breathing and it has helped albeit not a lot. I'm hoping that I just need time to feel more settled and the anxiety will come down eventually. Thank you again and I hope you're doing well mentally/emotionally.

[Williams3lw]

I feel this way alot I'm here to talk listen anything I'm here.