Anxiety is back

[WestHam100]

Hey guys,

Posted a while ago - not sure if you all recall but had pneumothorax that eventually healed after pretty brutal chest drain. I'd been struggling with the anxiety when getting twinges (which is to be expected) etc. as I think it's all happening again!

Anyway, I'd been doing okay recently. I'd started running again and playing tennis (before this happened exercise was very beneficial for my mental health) and I was feeling great - however, I pushed myself too much over the weekend and my chest was feelling quite uncomfortable. On Monday I was getting really anxious, and pretty much had a panic attack. The first I've had for a long time. I went to the docs who took all my stats and confirmed I was okay and it was the anxiety execertbating things. Since then, every day has been a challenge - am feeling odd as I type this. But it helps to get it all down, particularly to this community. I'm doing okay but again feel the anxiety is taking over me - and I was doing so well - but perhaps I need to slow down and accept the recovery is going to take longer than I thought. I'm sorry to rant, and I'm sorry that I only seem to come on here when I'm feeling anxious and don't respond more. But I really need to get this all down and you guys have been so supportive in the past. Thanks for listening! Mark

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Mark there is no need for apologies these things happen, I'm sure most if not all of us have felt like this sometimes. I suffer with anxiety and panic attacks, but I have eventually found out that if I take things slower I don't get really anxious or have a bad panic attack. Just try and take things a little easier and slow down it just may help. Please let us know how you are doing have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻

[WestHam100 in reply to Damon1864]

Thanks both. That's kind of you to say and it's nice to know you are out there. I think slowing things down would help. I've a week off work next week when I plan to relax and read books and watch the cricket. Thank you again. I do appreciate it.

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to WestHam100]

You are very welcome anytime you want to rant or just talk let me know. Take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻

[Ergendl]

It's so easy to overdo things when you're feeling a bit fitter. Then the big whammy sets in and scares us into doing less. Human nature, so you're not alone. Hoping you track down some anxiety reduction techniques that will help you through this patch.

[WestHam100]

Yes, it certainly feels like a big 'whammy' sometimes. You think you're getting ahead of it and then it bonks you over the head. Am feeling a little better today; it's amazing what a good night's sleep can do. I thought that this would be a case of putting this all behind me, but I don't think that's the case and the approach has to be one of acceptance.

Thank you Ergendl, for youe message - I do appreciate it.

Mark