First day back to work, panicking.

[Ckd123]

Just going into a work meeting, it’s my first day back. I’m feeling really uneasy and panicky. Keep getting ectopic heartbeats and pains. I’m so bad at trying to calm myself and stop catastrophising 😰 I hate this, I look around me and everyone else seems ‘normal’. I’m trying to use Claire Weekes floating technique but I can’t 😑

[tamka38]

Sorry u feeling uneasy today, take slow deep breaths and drink water try to think

About your heartbeat u can do it I believe in you

[Julie_z]

Let’s us know how you did!!

[Ckd123]

Thank guys! It was so tough but I made it through. Home now thank god xx

[Julie_z in reply to Ckd123]

Awesome!!!

[Julie_z in reply to Ckd123]

I just bought her book btw

[Ckd123 in reply to Julie_z]

I bought it too, have only read first few pages but I’m looking forward to getting into it. I have been listening to her audios on YouTube for a while though and she just makes so much sense. I haven’t mastered anything yet but I’m going to keep trying xx

[Beevee]

Floating is not a technique or something you "do." Nor does it bring instant relief. It is about developing a new attitude towards the symptoms you fear. Instead of fearing how you feel, learn to accept how you are feeling at any given time. If you feel panicky, let yourself panic.

I have posted quite a bit about recovery from anxiety on this site which you may find helpful. Just want you to know that despite how you may be feeling now, you can recover if you apply Dr Weekes' teachings in full and practice over and over again until it is ingrained and becomes second nature. If you drive a car or play an instrument you can do it well without thinking too much about it because you have practised alot and learnt more with experience. Recovery from anxiety is no different. You already have the manual written by Dr Weekes. Learn it all.

There is no quick fix as your sensitised nerves need time to heal which will only happen when you are fully accepting and not caring about how you feel. I used to be in the same boat as you.

[Ckd123 in reply to Beevee]

Thanks Beevee, you are right floating is not a technique. Sometimes I think I don’t get what Claire Weekes is trying to say because I’m so bad at passing through the panic as she puts it! But I’m going to keep trying and trying because my nerves are wrecked and I really want to recover xx

[Minnie87 in reply to Ckd123]

Hey,just wondered how you are doing now? X

[Ckd123 in reply to Minnie87]

Hi Minnie, thanks for checking in! I’m actually doing much better. I’ve settled back into work and although some days I need Xanax to get through it, other days I don’t! I’v my last CBT session this weekend and I feel it’s went well. Im also 3 weeks on sertraline so maybe a combination of them all is why I’m doing better. The ectopic beats have also reduced, most days I don’t get any. The only thing that is still really present is the negative thoughts, I just don’t know how to stop them.

How are you doing yourself? xx

[Minnie87 in reply to Ckd123]

Oh good,so pleased you are doing better!hope you didn’t mind me asking.you sounded so like me and just thought I’d ask.

You must be so happy to be feeling better!

It’s amazing what anxiety can do isn’t it!

I’m still struggling.but hopefully one day I’ll be where you are xx

[Ckd123 in reply to Minnie87]

Oh iv a long way to go yet. I still get scary sensations, then the negative thoughts start. I still fear heart attacks and sudden death and dwell on the a lot. The total panic seems to have subsided a bit though and I’m getting through my days work which is an achievement!

Are you on medication yourself? And have you tried CBT?

[Minnie87 in reply to Ckd123]

I’m waiting for CBT but at the moment I’m housebound so I’m not sure how I will cope with leaving the house to get there.i too get the ectopic beats and constant lightheadedness and it’s just awful.

It’s so fantastic that you are working and doing so well!

You should be so proud of yourself! Xx