Obsessive thoughts

[ladyhm]

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum, just want to know if anyone has any answers, I had a heart attack 14months ago, was fine till 6 months ago then wham,,,, panic attacks set in, can't stop thinking about that dreadful night . Have flashbacks all the time and my anxiety levels through the roof, tried different anti depressants but nondescript of them suit me, I have terrible side effects from them all, am waiting for cbt but there is a long waiting list, has anyone any ideas how I can stop these obsessive thoughts about having another heart attack, thanks in anticipation x

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome.

I had my heart attack 13 years ago,I was fine till last September when I had a massive panic attack,since then I've suffered with anxiety,and I've had 3 more panic attacks.Every ache,pain or weird feeling I've had I think it's my heart again.Had lots of ECG's and other tests and they've all come back fine.

I'm having therapy,but did have to wait a long while,but it was worth it.There are lots of other things you can try to help yourself keep calmer.You can download apps,called Headspace,Mindfulness or calm.com and go through their programmes.Exercise helps me,I awl,I also knit,read,and play games on my iPad,anything to keep the thoughts away.Nothing is a "quick fix",but every little helps.

You'll find the support groups here are helpful,filled with friendly people who are always willing to help.

Keep posting,I'm also on a group called Living with Anxiety,it's on HealthUnlocked also.

Hope this helps x

[ladyhm]

Thanks lowton girl, every little suggestion helps, I really don't know why I feel like this, I'm so grateful to be alive, just hate feeling like this every minute of the day x

[Hidden in reply to ladyhm]

Me too,everyday is a bonus.Like you my anxiety and panic attacks came out of nowhere! It's not easy to cope with,but with help you do learn what works for you.Ive tried the headspace and mindfullness but find calm,com suits me best,to help keep me calmer.The deep breathing is really good

Take care xxxx

[Cheryl2]

I have had bad day today with anxiety wish I could shake it off I know it will go but it's awful when you have it. I've tried that many things mindfulness keep think I'm going to buy a kindle to get into reading again.any helpful tips please I would appreciate it.

[Bonniedoubleu in reply to Cheryl2]

I suffer from panic attacks and I have also been thinking about getting a Kindle. If I do it would be the latest Kindle paperwhite. It is supposed to be very good for reading. Someone I spoke to at Amazon also recommended it.

[bepete]

Hi and welcome.

Have you heard of PTSD ?.

It's the stress you suffer after a major traumatic event, I'm no expert but I think maybe this could be part of the reason you are feeling the way you are.

There are lots of different symptoms to all the different forms of anxiety, flashbacks I have been told by my therapist are part of post traumatic stress disorder.

I suffer from them after I was involved in a road traffic accident late last year.

Good luck in your search for answers.

The people on the health unlocked sites are all very friendly and you won't be alone in your thoughts.

Pete .

[ladyhm]

Yes ive read about it. Will ask my gp on my next frequent app lol. Just want to feel normal again as im sure i will one day. One can only hope and pray xxx

[Hidden]

Hello

I am lucky, now sixty four I have not suffered a heart attack. Although I understand a sufferer gets the mental feeling of doom when suffering. You are bound too feel concerned and suffer the anxiety that the same thing could happen again, you will need a great deal of kindness and understanding if these strained thoughts persist. Also I understand that some clients suffer more worries after a longer period of time.

All I can suggest, when you have these feelings understand possibly that the longer the period your chances may become less.

One thing, your GP and you will understand the problem you had and will keep checking for any problems

Good Luck

BOB

[Hidden]

Hello

I am lucky, now sixty four I have not suffered a heart attack. Although I understand a sufferer gets the mental feeling of doom when suffering. You are bound too feel concerned and suffer the anxiety that the same thing could happen again, you will need a great deal of kindness and understanding if these strained thoughts persist. Also I understand that some clients suffer more worries after a longer period of time.

All I can suggest, when you have these feelings understand possibly that the longer the period your chances may become less.

One thing, your GP and you will understand the problem you had and will keep checking for any problems

Good Luck

BOB

[ladyhm]

Thank you for those kind words. Im hoping to improve as time goes by. Just seems a long hard slog to get there. X

[Pink1181]

Hello ladhm I'm so sorry to hear you had a heart attack that's horrible but glad your doing well other than this terrible ugly thing called anxiety. I'm a single mom to a 3 yr old lil girl and I have always been a very anxious person and stressed easily. Well about 4 months ago I had my very first panic attack and boy did it ever scare me and I've had countless numbers of attacks since I've had 3 EKGs 3 sets of complete blood workouts done many hospital visits and hooked up to a heart monitor and all the drs say I'm fine. It's so hard o believe when u feel like crap most the time. Pretty much on a daily basis I have heart palpitations feel sick weak sometimes lightheaded but that's nothing compared to the symptoms I have while having an attack they range from heart racing/ pounding feel like I can't breathe feel like I'm choking weak hot and cold chills numb hands feel like I'm going to pass out knot in stomach nauseous dry mouth feel like I can't talk properly. My dr tried me on cymbalta I had a severe reaction to it then she tried me on citalopram worked for a few days then just made my symptoms worse then she prescribed me efforex and lazopram but I have not yet tried them as I'm terrified to take any medication.

Anyways I wanted to write you and tell you about this program I have started and I'm only on week 2 and it truly has made a difference it's called Attacking anxiety and depression by Lucinda Bassett it's a cbt program comes with a workbook tapes and DVDs and they strongly encourage you to keep a daily journal that in itself had helped me. Am I cured? No not yet but I am coping a little better already. Hope your doing well and look into the program it may just be what you need. Take care and hugs