Severe Anxiety

[DogMama2024]

Hello,

I have just joined this community. I have severe anxiety with driving, thunderstorms and whole list of other triggers. To top things off my dog died on the 15th of May.

I have been struggling with my anxiety for a good year or two. I am currently going to a therapist.

If you are having severe anxiety please reply with how you are coping and to let me know that I'm not the only one going thru this.

[Stilltrying2]

Hello DogMama2024,

Welcome to the community! You are definitely not the only one. There are so many here who are on very similar journeys. Please do not feel alone. This community has a lot of caring people who will listen and share strategies.

[Starrlight]

You are not alone. I struggle with anxiety and I get panic attacks. I am managing by breaking work up, resting when I need it, and just doing my best juggling things so that I can take care of myself and others. I have a therapist and psychiatrist.

I hear what you say about triggers I have health and work/school triggers and loss triggers to name a few.

Im here to listen. What type of anxieties do you have right now, if you feel like talking more about what you are going through?

Also I am trying to be in the present moment which can be hard. I meditate and this helps me.

[Attaloss01 in reply to Starrlight]

PS, My deepest condolences about your dog. Grief!! My last dog who I had to have euthanized was especially heart wrenching. It was 5 years ago and I still shed a tear. Hang in. That's A LOT

[Attaloss01]

Hi DogMama2024l6o7 can call me Di. I'm so very glad you reached out 5o this group. I've been a member about a year but I rarely post.

Yes!! I do understand the feeling of being trapped, impending doom, a sudden feeling absolute dread.

For me, the hardest part is a feeling of intense vulnerability ... like I'm 5 years old. Then overwhelming and unnecessary guilt, shame, name calling at myself.

I used to be fine on busses until the doors closed. Then I would suddenly panic. Same at red lights while driving. I called that my Chinese fire drill feeling: I wanted to get out and run laps around my car until the light turned green.

Eventually I painted myself into a corner, mentally and emotionally.

So ive learned that it's ESSENTIAL to practice "head talk", practice slow circular breathing and give myself little rewards for even trying. Distraction helps alot! I say :

-what am I making for dinner?

- how many circular breaths can I take before the light turns green

- All I have to do is press the bell and in a minute the doors will be open and I'll just get off.

Lots of self talk like that. It takes practice.

Yes I certainly understand. I'm envious of friends who have never experienced that out of control feeling.

We are all the true heroes! We experience all of this and more yet we still get up in the morning!! Most ppl wouldn't.

I am here and yes, I totally get it! Hugs!

[SayNOtoPanic]

Welcome DogMama. Sorry for the loss of your dog. Lifting you in prayer. You’re not alone in anxiety, or driving anxiety. Went through bouts of that and it can be petrifying. Especially when you’ve never had it before. Try practicing mindfulness I find it helpful. Just identifying things around you based on the five senses and naming them. No judgement just stating. For example, I’m noticing the light im approaching is red. I’m noticing the name of the street is Corner Drive. I’m noticing a man crossing the street. Etc. helps you keep focus and engaged out of the anxiety and thoughts. Hang in there.

[AnxietySurvivor in reply to SayNOtoPanic]

I really lean into my hearing and my sight too those are the top two but all of your senses are good lol

[SayNOtoPanic in reply to AnxietySurvivor]

Love that!! Try it out consistently and do it like an exercise and see if it helps. I feel for you. It’s so horrifying when u first experience it especially when you’re driven for so long and it’s unprecedented.

[Pamnarnia]

Panic attack since 26 years ago...and feel worst than before...i can go on through my faith in jesus and some pills...and living this calvary everyday. So i am waiting for my heeling

[AnxietySurvivor in reply to Pamnarnia]

What you said same for me too. panic attacks are absolutely awful and I’m waiting for my healing too. If not, I know God will see me through

[AnxietySurvivor]

you’re not alone I struggled with driving anxiety too. I have coping skills. I use cold air pull over when it gets real bad at the next exit on the interstate. Lavender lotion, Aveeno praying my faith in Jesus. I have medication I take I see a psychiatrist, a counselor and occasionally go to group therapy.