Panic attacks on and off since March

[Bennyboy1990]

I've been having what I'm guessing are panic attacks on and off since late March(getting a lot worse recently). Started with some chest discomfort one evening then proceeded with a full blown panic attacks the following day and hasn't really slowed down much ever since. Been to the hospital twice and both times they did ECG and blood tests that all came back as okay. They seem to happen at random moments and 99% of the time happen in the evening at home after work. I'd say my job is somewhat stressful but no more than to the norm really.. but I constantly think is what is causing these attacks. I've tried these herbal anxiety tablets that you can get from supermarkets etc and they seem to dull the feelings a bit but never actually get rid of it altogether. I spoke to my GP earlier in the year and they told me to try not to worry "it's just anxiety" , I feel like it's got past that point of it being "just" something and is having a majorly negative impact on my life. Should I ring the GP back and try to get some kind of medication? I still also have the thought in the back of my mind that it's not just anxiety and I have something seriously wrong with me. I am a 30 yr old male if anyone was wondering.

[Autumn1974]

Hi sorry to hear you are going through this. Anxiety is definitely something your GP can help you with more. Yes I would say definitely call back and explain how it’s now impacting your life.

Do you have access to any kind of counselling services? Therapies like CBT can be really good for anxiety. I found with my anxiety that talking to a counsellor really helped to manage it. I have also recently tried acupuncture and found this to be very effective.

You sound very committed to helping yourself which is brilliant and you will be able to find what works best for you. If the GP does recommend medication (often it’s a low dose antidepressant) I would say you should still try to get some counselling/talking therapies too. The medication will help the symptoms but the counselling will help you find out why you getting anxious in the first place and will help you with strategies to overcome that.

Let us know how you get on

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You mention having tests on the heart, had your Doctor given medications at that time before the tests, as it sounds like an Anxiety you have, medications can help, although at this time a GP appointment may take some time to arrange. Did your Anxiety first appear when Covid entered the scene. Many people are becoming Anxious because of that reason,

You say work is stressful, many people are of course worried because of work and possible redundancy.

Try Mindfulness Relaxation Technique that may help you to relax, Books on this method can be purchased on Amazon, for about £7;00 or $10;00.

Slow breathing exercises can also help calm an anxious mood, Breathing Exercises can be viewed on the internet.

When you are going to talk to your Doctor make a list of your concerns , anxiety. If you have any ideas why you suffer, put down on your list so your Doctor gets a good idea of your problems

BOB