Hello do any of you guys experience this?

[jjb1983]

I had a huge panic attack 2 days ago I took myself to a & e. It started with my right ear it went dull all of a sudden. Then I started going dizzy then hot a flustered. I started feeling like I was going to pass out or drop down.

I think I have made myself panic more, i just didn't know what it was and it scared me.

I've been suffering with quite bad anxiety for 12 weeks now the first hour that has kicked all this off was when I rushed my sister to hospital I have a fear of driving far and this hospital was 45 mins away I panicked the whole way there and whilst in there and back it just kept peaking.

6 hours of panic later I called an ambulance when i got home as it just wasn't going they done a heart trace it was fine if taken a 2mg valium before this but it just did not do anything for me.

I came back in the house after been in the ambulance and went to sleep worst sleep ever. Woke up at 6am same full blown panic attack took myself to hospital they done all the tests ECG bloods and x ray everything was fine.

Since then though my eating has been terrible or should I say lack of appetite when I'm anxious. This has caused me to loose weight 9lb in those 12 weeks this is freaking me out.

I'm using the toilet a lot more now for bowels to before this I was constipated a little.

When I've had an anxious day or panic attack and I've been to the toilet bowels I get a horrible empty feeling in my stomach like there's no food in there at all do any of you guys get that feeling?

And do any of you guys have weight loss with anxiety,/panic attacks?

And do any of you feel anxious almost everyday?

I cry a lot because I've given up a job because of this.

I'm waiting for counselling but been waiting 26 weeks now.

I'm not on meds but do have valium to take as and when needed but I have a medicine phobia.

Thank you jjb1983

[Hidden]

Hi jjb1983:

Panic attacks are not pleasant and ruin your day. All that you have been describing are extreme aftermaths of panic attacks. They are so unpleasant and I feel you. It affects our mood as to our eating habits. Losing weight is another normal aftermath. Just make sure to keep your nutrients at a normal level or you mood as to panic attacks can worsen.

Dizziness is also part of it. It is very unpleasant to go through but in someway there is a conclusion to all this.

Anxiety is with me every day, every moment. With such I am also unable to have a job. I easily get overwhelmed. Our brains are already going through enough and we don’t need any more stress to be added. Try to control your breathing and think of positive things which will lift your spirit. Alway hope for the best and look in a positive direction.

[jjb1983 in reply to Hidden]

Hi brainstorm17

Thank you for your reply.

It's tough I've seen it before year a and years ago, I went onto meds then but I'm not wanting meds this time I will ride this through.

I've started some online therapy until I can see a councillor.

Today has been a good day apart from the bad bowels yak.

But I've also turned up so thinking it could be that too.

I've got a little agoraphobia at the moment too.

I know where mine has come from it's just trying to tell ourselves we are ok.

Thank you

[Essentiallyfree]

I'm really sorry you're experiencing such anxiety. I've spent over half my life with anxiety and I truly hope that you will experience healing. Panic attacks totally make you question your health, I'm glad you've gotten tests done and are healthy. Since you've been waiting so long to get into therapy, could you try a different therapist? In the mean time have you tried anything to help relax you? I would have to exercise so that the "jitters" I felt had somewhere to go; I needed my brain to stop. Deep breathing, prayer, hot bath, reading.. As far as the loose bowels and lack of appetite... I think this is common.. I found that practicing deep belly breathing really helped me with this. I know you mentioned having a medicine phobia, but if your anxiety is at the point where you have constant attacks, speaking with a provider about options for medicine may be totally worth it. No shame in caring for yourself. Take care of yourself, you're worth it!

[jjb1983 in reply to Essentiallyfree]

Hello essentiallyfree,

Thank you for your lovely reply, I have started walking the last 5 mornings I have gone out and walked for 30 mins in the fields which does feel great then come back in the house and it comes back. I don't have panic attacks daily but do feel anxious.

I am trying so hard mine is caused by symptoms I get so if I get a headache my anxiety goes up, if I get ringing in my ears my anxiety goes up that's the cause of mine.

I read loads about anxiety.

Are you on meds?

Thank you

[Essentiallyfree in reply to jjb1983]

sorry for the late reply. That's great you've been able to get out and get some exercise. It completely changes our brain chemistry and makes the world of difference. Interesting.. I would maybe hold onto the fact that your doctor has found no serious illness.. maybe reminding yourself of that can help alleviate the anxiety when it comes on? I was on meds for several years but I weaned myself off of them 7 years ago; I began to feel a deeper desire for healing than my meds were providing.. they completely numbed me to all emotion and I wasn't actually getting better. I focused on exercise, clean eating, my spiritual life, and some other alternatives. Currently I'm working with a phenomenal therapist and it has been the best sort of self care I've given myself, hands down. But again, there is seriously no shame in getting on meds, even a low dose, so that you can calm enough to begin getting a handle on the root issue. Its definitely a rough journey, I'm sorry you're going through it.

[jjb1983 in reply to Essentiallyfree]

Thank you for your reply essentiallyfree,

I've just lost my 28 year old sister to leukemia on the 28th December.

So the docs have told me not to start them as I'm feeling really crappy and they will make me feel worse.

However they have told me to still take the valium if needed.

I'm so lost at the moment I justdont know how I should be feeling.

Ive been trying to walk but I'm to exhausted for the walks I normally do.

I'm pleased you have yours under control.

Meds worked for me the first time but don't really want to be tak7ng any meds at all.

Thank you

Jjb1983

[Essentiallyfree in reply to jjb1983]

Wow, I'm really sorry to hear about that. This must be incredibly hard for you. Totally a normal response to the passing of a loved one; my only advice is to allow yourself to grieve, to feel all of your emotions and wrestle with them well. I understand not wanting to take the meds. Mine worked great at first because I truly needed some help, but as the years went on I found myself wanting to heal instead of mask my symptoms. It's great you've talked with your doctor about the med situation and there's really no right answer. I hope you are able to find a therapist to talk with, especially in this difficult season for you. I have been reading through some great resources recently, one on grief even, I'm happy to send your way if you're interested. Through all of this, I hope you know that you are worthy and self care is your best friend so don't be ashamed to work on you, friend.

[jjb1983 in reply to Essentiallyfree]

Thank you for your kind words and support essentiallyfree,

Its is so tough at the moment. I'm having good and bad moments of grief and anxiety mixed I think.

Yeah I've decided against meds at the moment, but I do remember the first time on them for 2 year that is the reason I came off them. I didn't want to rely on them.

Yes please send it my way I will be happy to read any information at the moment. That's kind of you thank you.

Jjb1983

[Essentiallyfree in reply to jjb1983]

Definitely.. death is hard especially when it's someone close to us. But remember there is nothing wrong with you for feeling all the feels right now.. sounds like you've had a lot going on with her leukemia and maybe some of her illness has triggered your anxiety related to health..? It seems like you also have a desire for healing instead of just masking what's going on inside and I think that is your benefit. I'm happy to share these resources, they've been really insightful for me and I hope you find them helpful too. bit.ly/2F7Dgul