Anxiety attacks the time after.

[Richy626]

Hello all,

Thank you to all who have responded and helped me in the past on here, once again I am in need of your valuable help.

This time I'm here to discuss what to do when u have had a nasty anxiety attack, and it leaves your anxiety through the roof for hour/days after.

You see this is the thing that keeps me trapped in the cycle of fear and spiralling down again, its not the moment itself when it happens that's so terrible, it's how terrible it makes u feel afterwards and for so long!! That's what keeps my anxiety so high waiting for the next time, and for me they are so unpredictable the really bad moments when my anxiety spikes.

I've been left bed ridden and in tears today after a nasty anxiety attack that I wasn't expecting last night, my worst one in a few Months, I tried it palm it off last night but this Morning woke up straight away physically in a terrible state, spasms, pins and needles and pains absolutely everywhere constantly.

The triggers are endless and unlogical which makes me feel like I'm going mad still, including the way something looks (bedroom wall as example) thinking words in my head, the way thoughts come to mind so quickly etc etc so anything and everything still triggers it off and builds up on one another still so that's triggers covered.

I try to get out of it but then very quickly get reminded just how terrible it feels and back down I go.

How do u recover better from an anxiety attack when it leaves u feeling so terrible for so long physically and mentally after? How do u accept them and not fear them based on that (I know they can't kill me or make me go insane)?

For me it really is the fear of fear, anxiety of anxiety, I cannot believe it can make u feel like this!!

Thanks in advance for your help.

[gsm31]

I can't help with advice but I know exactly how you feel and would love to hear how people cope after the aftermath of it all. I feel so ill after. I'm finding it really hard to do anything else other than worry why I'm feeling the way I do wondering when it's going to happen again etc it's been a bad day today. I hope you feel better soon

[Richy626 in reply to gsm31]

This is exactly me, can somebody please respond and help us break out of this vicious cycle?

[alfie19 in reply to Richy626]

The only way i can control it and fight back is by listening to your body have a rest or do something you enjoy so that you ease your mind get a colouring therapy book or read, sew or knit etc. if you can not go out relax and watch tv or exercise. Drink plenty of water with a slice of lime or lemon say to yourself this is my time for me to look after myself so switch off what is going through your head. You maybe like this for a few days then look for a new skill you would like to learn so that when you get a bad day you have something else you can focus on. I have been like this for over 40yrs. I used to work and come home absolutely exhausted and never gave in cos it was a job i loved helping others I would go to bed at 9pm and get up at 5am cos staying in bed too long would make my situation worse and I would get terrible headaches. I hope this can help you to fight back.

[gsm31 in reply to alfie19]

Thanks for this! I'm going to get myself a colouring therapy book and hopefully it will help me out a little.

[Richy626]

Thanks! I will do my best, sadly I did a terrible job of looking after myself yesterday I spent the whole day concentrating on it and how bad it is, I do so in the hope I'll find a solution that helps but vary rarely happens! I can try distraction etc again but issue is when I stop it comes flooding back but I guess that's all I've got for now.

[Cwoods]

I know about this so well its called the cycle the previous attack was so horrible your in fear of if and when the other attack is going to come. Dr claire weeks books talks about this i would suggest buying it.

[gsm31 in reply to Cwoods]

I'm going to try get this book. Thanks!

[Cwoods in reply to gsm31]

No prob its called hope and help for your nerves.

[Richy626 in reply to Cwoods]

I've heard about this book many times, I must buy it.

[Cwoods in reply to Richy626]

Its a must read

[Richy626 in reply to Cwoods]

I wish I could not be afraid of them, I know they are harmless but they feel so damn nasty.

[Cwoods in reply to Richy626]

Yes the fact that its scary amd we are afraid it keeps us in the vicious cycle we all know this but still afraid.

[Richy626 in reply to Cwoods]

Ultimately for me the issue is control, feels like I just can't stop it and it's inevitable, like I have a monster inside of me I can't control that will go crazy on me whenever it wants.

[Cwoods in reply to Richy626]

Yes i know the feeling

[Richy626 in reply to Cwoods]

Did u find any tips from. The book to help?

[Agora1]

Hi Richy, Accepting and Control are 2 different things. Reading Dr. Claire Weekes book on "Hope & Help for your Nerves" can provide the theory why "Acceptance" works better than fighting or controlling anxiety.

[Richy626 in reply to Agora1]

How do u accept something u hate so much and that happens now for such ridiculous reasons/triggers? I want rid of it and to at least be able to freely think again! Thanks for the advice as always.

[alfie19 in reply to Agora1]

That's right if we can accept the issues we have then we do not have to fight anymore or so much we have to change the way we think for a better life

[Cwoods]

Exactly we have to accept and its not easy but it takes pratice reading the book gives u hope and comfort thats for sure.

[TheBlackdog]

Hi Richy626

I have suffered from anxiety, oanuc attacks & depression for a few years now & know what to expect now. The thing I do much more is accept that I have them & that they come & go. Yes they are bloody horrible but I am much better at listening to my own body and mind now. I do whatever it takes not to go into a downward spiral. Like others suggested I sit & do detailed colouring books which take hours. I'm one for getting bored & impatient with projects sometimes but this I really enjoy because I chose to do it. It's even nicer if you can do it with a friend, cousin or with music on. I like to colour with my daughter. We have tea & biscuits & music quietly playing in the background sometimes. It is lovely. The other activity I gave started is making friendship bands. It's really hard. It's for 8 yrs+. I'm on my 4th attempt! Good luck.....

[Hidden]

I have the same thing. I've been suffering for5 years. Pain all over. Psychiatrists and therapists. Now I'm thinking about going to an inpatient place called the ranch. They deal with mental health and addiction. My husband doesn't want me to go but I'm suffering