Daily struggle with anxiety

[Nm8547]

Hi everyone. I wanted to join this group and read all of your stories to know I’m not alone in this battle. I was diagnosed with anxiety a few years ago, and was dealing with it pretty well with taking lorazepam as needed (only during panic attacks)

I knew after watching my mom die in front of me at age 12 that I wouldn’t be the same person I once was. She had aortic dissection, and I constantly worry that I have that too since it’s genetic. I recently got a divorce from my husband when we were together 10 years. It was painful and Although I am dating someone new, it hurts and I miss him all the time. That has made my anxiety so much worse and has left me breathless most days.

After receiving the first vaccine shot a month ago, my body had a bad reaction and I had four severe panic attacks in one week. My chest felt like it was on fire and I couldn’t sleep, eat, nothing for days. I couldn’t even go to work. My heart is constantly racing and I find myself checking my pulse all day to make sure I’m not dying. It’s hard for me to even go upstairs. Like many of you, I’m terrified to take daily medication and would love to hear any support/guidance/experiences from anyone who read this. If you did, thank you and god bless.

[Hidden]

Hello

I happened to notice your age and thought how young my youngest Son is just 2 years younger than you and I cannot even imagine him dealing with what you have at such a young age

You are correct though watching what your Mum went through at just 12 years old chances are it would have a lasting effect on you and I am so sorry you went through all that you have done so well to deal with it and you may think but I have not dealt with it but you have stayed strong you are here talking to us

You have to try and remember though what your Mum had does not mean you will ever have it , your Mum was a totally different person to you and regretfully she had this awful illness but you are you and nothing says that this is what will happen to you , your anxiety has took over and has taken control in making you believe and fear this and no doubt your Doctors will be well aware of your family history and they keep a close eye on us then which is a bonus

Then having to go through a divorce again to me at a young age that is another life changing event that is hard to deal with and of course it takes some getting over and no matter what ended the marriage even if it ended not that good you are going to miss him he was a big part of your life you loved him it can be like a bereavement but those feelings will fade in time

I did wonder because you miss him so much and still have feelings for him if it might have helped to work through it all before you got in another relationship ?

Obviously that is your choice but again sometimes when we go through these things we need time to work on ourselves first and get our emotions and confidence in order before moving on

O the jab for us anxiety sufferers it has been quite a nightmare , most want the jab and most fear it and most that have the jab fear it so much that even if we get some side effects from it then it will always feel so much worse but you have got through it and the positives knowing that you have some protection let hem outweigh the negatives on how you felt when you had it

I had pneumonia a couple of years ago ended up in intensive care and I can tell you as frightened of the jab I was and side effects I faced the fear and got them done because the fear of ever getting anything remotely like pneumonia again outweighed the fear and side effects of the jab

I am not sure if you have spoken to your Doctor but if you have or not I think some therapy would really help you you need to work through these things with some help

Meanwhile I hope it helps to know you are not alone and can come and talk with others now who know just how anxiety affects us and someone will always relate and reply x

[DaveSpice]

Lorazapan is only additive if taken continuously, so use sparingly.

I have a printable anxiety help sheet for you if you PM me.

[Jabojabba]

Hey there, I had really bad anxiety as well after the shot, I also got pretty sick. I have bipolar as well so I'm always afraid something new will trigger it. I have had both now, also I know a few people that died from Covid so if anything I feel a little more at ease after by having it.

The reason I responded is the heart thing, I'm completely paranoid with my heart as well. I have like 4 heart apps on my phone and check it by hand as well. I always think I'm having a heart issue and the stress of that causes dizziness and lack of sleep. Totally sucks and I'm working on it, I found some relaxing herb tea helps a bit but other than that I don't know what to do either. Easier said than done but they say yoga, exercise and eating well. I notice it helps but I have a hard time staying on that path. Ativan can make things worse if you get on it too often.