Conscious breathing

[Shanty1234]

I've had anxiety since I was a child and had lots of trauma and grief. I had a big panic attack August last year and it's left me conscious breathing. I always feel worried and scared and like I'm waiting for the next bad thing to happen. I'm currently starting new meds and I'm on the waiting list for CBT.Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

[Agora1]

Hi Shanty1234, you are not alone. Once we experienced that big panic attack, it is very

possible to be left with Anticipational Anxiety...Wondering when the other shoe will drop.

I've been there. It will help knowing that you will be on medication that will help short circuit

the adrenaline rushes as well as the thoughts from your mind.

While being on a waitlist for CBT, talk therapy is also an option to take into consideration.

Talking and sharing your fears can help you not feel so alone, not focus too much on the

negatives.

When overwhelming Anxiety is presented, it is very common for the anxious person to

focus on one thing and one thing alone. Yours happens to be breathing, mine was my

heart, others would have different bodily symptoms.

Know that these symptoms are not a lifetime curse. You can and you will get over this

with time. I'm happy to have you with us. You will not have to walk this journey

alone. xx

[Shanty1234 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much for replying. Even tho I have great support around me I do feel so alone. It doesn't feel like it will go away and continues to be the first thing I focus on when I wake up.How did you manage yours?

I will definitely try talking therapy too but the waiting list are so long on the NHS and I can't afford to go private.

This is my 3rd medication so hoping this one helps.

[Agora1 in reply to Shanty1234]

Good Morning Shanty1234, I hope it is. (Maybe not today but one day for sure)

The biggest problem for most anxious people is focusing on the beginning of the day.

It's the uncertainty that can lie in the day ahead that brings with it these symptoms

of fear and distress. Having no control in what the day holds. Add to that, the hormones

of Cortisol and Adrenaline at their highest peak in the morning and you have a

program of dread rather than delight.

The right medication can play a big part in reducing these feelings in allowing us to

overlook our fears and go on with the day. Unfortunately, meds are a trial and error

issue. What works for one may not work for another. The dosage plays a big part

as well as the time of day you take it. Never...give up. Work with your doctor's advice

since they know your health history and what could be best for you.

While waiting on the long list for CBT, use the huge volume of knowledge on YouTube.

It has a wealth of information regarding anxiety as well as ways to break through it.

In order to take hold of something like Anxiety, we must know how it works as well

as it's triggers so that we have something tangible to conquer.

I wish you well on your next medication and your wait for CBT. Meanwhile we are

here to support you as well as YouTube allowing you to learn during the wait. xx

[Shanty1234 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much for your advice. Definitely is the mornings that set the day up. I keep googling to find answers and then it tells me I have OCD but from what you have written definitely sounds like it's anxiety related. I will go with what the doctors recommend, it just feels it's been for ever and that there is no way out.

Can you recommend any you tube videos to watch?

I'm only on the lowest dose at the minute as currently on day 6 of the new meds so I am hoping these help.

I know they always make u worse before they make u feel better. I think being off work on holiday gives me to much time to sit and think (then the focusing on the breathing kicks in) it's usually the first thing I think about in the morning so maybe I need to train my brain to think about something else as soon as I wake up?

[Agora1 in reply to Shanty1234]

Absolutely Shanty, it's all about retraining the brain. I do that through Meditation

and Breathing exercises. Let me get back to you with some that you can start with.

I'm glad that you started the medication. GIve it time to reach full efficacy. Go with

the flow and don't fight any break through symptoms. I'll get back to you. xx

[Shanty1234 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you! ☺️ You have been amazing! How did you get through yours if you don't mind me asking? Xx

[SSBR]

there is a book called overcoming anticipatory anxiety by sally winston and martin seif that has helped a bunch of people in anxiety program I am in. CBT based.

[Shanty1234 in reply to SSBR]

I'll have a look. Thank u