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Struggling with Panic, Anxiety and Depression

ashes2evil profile image
29 Replies

Hi,I am nee to this group. I've been struggling with Anxiety and Panic disorder since I was 11/12 years old. It would come and go. Last year around May during my last semester in undergrad It peaked, I thought something was wrong with my heart. Drs ran tests, ekgs etc and they said it was just Panic attacks. It eventually calmed down until this year, I was teaching and it was a stressful job where I had no support. I began having these intense panic attacks again and I couldn't go to work. I could hardly sleep. Again I thought something was wrong with me. I was in and out of Drs and ERs. All kinds of blood tests, EKGs, x-rays and they Again said I was fine. I did a Partial Hospitalization Program on zoom for 4 weeks and eventually I started feeling better. I got married recently and then my husband went out of town for the weekend, also my cat is sick and I have to put him down Friday. My depression and anxiety has gotten bad again, yesterday I cried all day. Today I started feeling my heart racing and that freaked me out badly. I'm tired of feeling this way. I am looking for some support groups or zoom meetings where I can talk to people who feel the sameway as me.

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ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil
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29 Replies
BlueAgave profile image
BlueAgave

Welcome ashes2evil. I've found this group to be very supportive. I know that nami.org has some support groups, just put in your state and it will tell you about them. So sorry to hear about your cat. That sure is a difficult thing to do, but you know it's the best to keep him from suffering. My husband and I had to put one of our dogs down in April and it was very difficult, but we try and remember all the joy she brought us and the fact she's at peace. I wish you peace and comfort for Friday. Chat with us anytime ❤️

ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil in reply toBlueAgave

Thank you for responding. I guess I'm just scared I'm going to get bad again. I don't want to have constant panic attacks and scared of everything again.

BlueAgave profile image
BlueAgave in reply toashes2evil

It sounds like you've got a lot going on right now that would cause anyone to be on edge. I totally understand how you're feeling, like oh no, here we go again! I'm not sure if you've tried individual therapy, but that could be helpful to learn how to deal with these episodes and help change your thought patterns. It will be okay, I know you can get through this. Maybe you can lean on your husband for some support too. We are also here for you.

ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil in reply toBlueAgave

I'm trying to get into therapy, I find out tomorrow if the place I did my assessment can take me or if they have to refer me out, I really hope they can take me and start immediately. I do lean on my husband for support but he also doesn't really understand panic disorder and such so he tries his best but says it gets frustrating cause I can be normal one minute then crying or panicky the next and he doesn't know what to do. He tries but I feel bad for relying on him so much at times.

BlueAgave profile image
BlueAgave in reply toashes2evil

I really hope you can get the therapy quickly, too. I'm switching therapists. The last one just didn't turn out to be a good fit after a while. My appointment is next week. I understand about your husband, but maybe once you're established with a therapist, he can talk to them about ways to help support you. Just a thought. It's tough when the closest people to us don't understand what it's like, and it's so difficult to explain.

ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil in reply toBlueAgave

They did ask me if I would be interested in having family meet to learn how to be supportive so I hope that is something they actually do.

I was able to go to the grocery store but at first I started getting anxious and wanted to leave but I stuck it out. I rewarded myself with some cute PJs.

BlueAgave profile image
BlueAgave in reply toashes2evil

That's great! All the little wins count! Some days I have to force myself out of the house, even if I just run my car through the car wash. At least I'm seeing daylight and people around. It keeps getting better.

ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil in reply toBlueAgave

That's a good idea. I do need to wash my car

BlueAgave profile image
BlueAgave in reply toashes2evil

Lol, there's always something small you can do.

ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil in reply toBlueAgave

I try to go sit outside everyday but there isn't people around so I definitely need to do something where more people are around or I'll get to the bad spot where being around people freaks me out.

BlueAgave profile image
BlueAgave in reply toashes2evil

Sorry, I checked out last night, lol. Yes, I try to walk around small stores and browse just so I'm among others.

ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil in reply toBlueAgave

You are ok. I am having a bad day. Lots of anxiety symptoms. I went to Urgent care and they said they couldn't help me so I'm otw to the ER. I'm so scared I don't want to die.

BlueAgave profile image
BlueAgave in reply toashes2evil

Oh no! I'm sorry you're feeling that bad. You're not going to die from anxiety. It can't hurt you, just remember that. Take long deep breaths and exhale through your lips. You've got this! Maybe you can talk to someone about medication to help you. I'm thinking of you. 🫂

ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil in reply toBlueAgave

My heart feels like it's racing and I just feel weird. I hate it so much. I wish I could just feel normal

BlueAgave profile image
BlueAgave in reply toashes2evil

I know you do. It's your adrenaline making your heart race, your body is in the fight/flight mode because your thoughts are telling your body there's a threat. Just slowly deep breathe and keep telling yourself you're okay. You will get through this.

ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil in reply toBlueAgave

I thought I was getting better

BlueAgave profile image
BlueAgave in reply toashes2evil

Just a hiccup. We all have them. You are getting better. Just think of all the life changes you're going through. Give yourself some time and self care. Don't beat yourself up over this. This will pass.

ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil in reply toBlueAgave

The therapist did message me that they can see me and they are going to schedule my first appointment tomorrow. So hopefully they can see me soon. I just have so much in my head that I can't get out or I feel bad for thinking.

BlueAgave profile image
BlueAgave in reply toashes2evil

That's great you've got an appointment. It's a starting point to get you feeling better. This is so difficult, but we all believe in each other, and I know you're going to feel better soon.

ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil in reply toBlueAgave

I hope so, I hate this and the only person I would wish to feel this was is my ex who made fun of me when I had panic attacks. Other than that no one should have to deal with these awful feelings. I wish there was just some way to make it go away for everyone.

I hate that my mind is either in the past or the future. I'm worried about my new job that I won't be good enough. That my anxiety will keep me stuck at home and that all the work I've done to get that job will he for nothing. I am also scared my anxiety and fears will ruin my honeymoon. We are going to a big Convention in Atlanta called DragonCon. I'm scared I'll just be a big panicky mess and want to leave and ruin everything.

BlueAgave profile image
BlueAgave in reply toashes2evil

I have to laugh at the comment about your ex. That stinks that someone was so insensitive. The key, which is much easier said than done, is to keep your mind in the moment. Anxiety wants to keep us stuck on the past and fearful of the future. Trust me, I'm still struggling, but at least I know that I have power over this. So do you. It's okay to have nerves about things coming up, but understand how strong you are. Keep telling yourself you can do it. Do everything you need to do to prepare for success.

Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14

ashes2evil

Welcome to the community. I hope you find the support you need here, we certainly all understand your struggles.

I love how you made it through the grocery store and then rewarded yourself! Great job.

🐬

ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil in reply toDolphin14

Thank you 😊 I need to be more caring to myself. I tend to be harsh on myself especially when in a bad headspace

Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14 in reply toashes2evil

That's very common for us so it is great to see you know how to be kind to yourself:) Nothing like a new pair of PJ, great pick

Mohammad-341 profile image
Mohammad-341

I also but doesn't zoom group reveals identity. I also need it badly

ashes2evil profile image
ashes2evil in reply toMohammad-341

You don't have to put your real name. Sharewell is the website

Baily profile image
Baily

Hello folks I have been on this site for a number of yrs now, I'm now a rather senior citizen so been there and done that, my heart goes out to you all it's such a hard road you have to travel. Don't give up......I used to find writing about my day helped, despite having good friends you are all alone at the end of the day because healthy people just have no idea how you feel. I couldn't eat....had to give e up work, my four daughters had flown the nest & my husband had left me for a younger version I'm telling you this so you know you survive. Never give up, go out walking, swimming, watch inspiring documentaries, put your music up high & just get lost in it. During my HELL I started to search for an answer to life , that took me down a few bad paths & then one day I went to Church & for the first time in my life I found what I was searching for.....God. I have been studying my bible ever since & found a love & joy I never thought possible. I still get the odd bad day but I tell him all about it and he's there.I didn't intend to write all this I just wanted to say I believe in the power of prayer and will pray for you all, that's the only practical help I can give. God bless you all, keep on fighting.

Mark1499 profile image
Mark1499

I have experienced the same thing. It’s been going on since I was a kid. The doctor put me on Xanax but while it helped when I tried to come off the withdrawal was terrible: I had to go to the emergency room. I took Effexor because it was supposed to help with nerves but had a serotonin reaction and became suicidal. I didn’t sleep for 7 days. The psychiatrist at the hospital told me he had 3 patients that died from trying to go cold turkey off Xanax. After my diagnosis my neurologist put me on Klonopin. It’s the best medicine for nerve problems. It is way better than Xanax. It doesn’t make you freak out if you go without. I don’t have any answers for you only share my own experience. I will pray for you. My lord and savior changed my life. After my diagnosis I hit my knees and asked him for his help and guidance. I am happier than I’ve ever been in my life! People who have panic attacks breathe shallow. It helped me to do deep breathing exercises. That kolonipin and a mood stabilizer helps me a lot. The only thing I can say is that I know what it’s like to have a panic attack. Until I gave my life back to the lord and got on the right medication I couldn’t drive on the interstate unless I was in the far left lane or the far right lane. I would get so scared I wanted to jump out of the car. This is a good forum as you will read post from people that are going through what you’re going through. Most people are positive and kind. Some are rigid. I’m sure some administrator will chastise me for making medication recommendations but I don’t care. I do care about people who are going through what I went through! I hope you find peace and calm in your journey !Fight the good fight! He will give you answers.God bless you for sharing your story!

Formula1fan profile image
Formula1fan

I am glad you felt like reaching out, I believe talking and sharing with others that have similar issues wil help you feel better and you will soon realize you are not alone.

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