A new member seeking advice

[Shercox]

Since last September I have suffered with anxiety it has been very severe at times. I have been experiencing panic attacks. Doctor put me on 50 mm sertraline then upped to 75ml. 3 weeks ago I had To go up to 100ml. The panic attacks has now stopped. I am a lot more settled but I still have constant internal shaking. My eyelids flicker and my teeth chatter. I find it Hard to get to sleep and am permantly tired.I have been off work now for 3 months and the thought of returning fills me with dread. I feel that my whole life has been turned upside down

[jessiejakes]

Hi don't even think about work ! Wait until your anxiety is better and then you will be feeling more like your old self.when anxiety gets severe it can take a while until everything settles back down give yourself time to let your medication do its stuff.the main thing is to get yourself better.which will happen it just takes time.

[Shercox in reply to jessiejakes]

Thanks for the advice this is the first time I have suffered with anxiety that i can't handle myself. I hate tablets but really had no choice I do exercise regularly and that helps x

[Cat33]

So sorry to hear how you are feeling

Please read DARE by Barry McDonagh it's amazing or any Dr Claire Weekes books

Try mindfulness and there are literally hundreds of relaxation videos on YouTube that will really help if you listen daily

You can and will get better anxiety is just your body pumping adrenaline around your body and you adding "what ifs" when it happens If you can learn to lose your fear of the symptoms you will be well Don't let this ruin your life let relaxation take over and get you back to the old you Good luck 🍀

[Shercox in reply to Cat33]

Thanks for the advice it's good to listen to ideas. I have read a couple of books about mindfulness and do yoga and swimming it does help. I am probably being inpatient as am not use to bring un well x

[Shercox in reply to Cat33]

Thanks for the advice it's good to know that people understand what your going through. I will get those books x

[Cat33 in reply to Shercox]

I can understand exactly how you feel it's the most frustrating illness I have found both books are so good Peace From Nervous Suffering by Claire Weekes is very comforting and DARE just gives me confidence and motivation to think I'm not letting this thing ruin my life

Swimming and yoga are brilliant

I really hope you find the books a help I definitely have xx

[Shercox in reply to Cat33]

Thanks for your helpful advice it's appreciated 😊

[Idalmis]

Please can you tell me how long did you take 75mg before going onto 100mg. I have been on 50mg since October but still have panic attacks when I go weak, faint and thinks I am going to drop dead. Now my 4th day on 75 and I sleep 9 hours and feels like a zombie in the morning. I get better in the afternoon. I am back at work in 2 weeks. Shall I stay on 75mg till these side effects disappear?

[Shercox in reply to Idalmis]

I was on 75ml for 7 weeks but felt like I wasn't improving as much as i should have been. i am the opposite to you i just cant get a decent sleep. Dictors given me sleeping tablets but have only taken the odd one dont want to get to use to them. Four days isnt long give tgem a bit more time to get in your sysyem properly then decide if you feel you need a higher dosage. You dont sound like your ready to go back to work yet give yourself more time

[Idalmis]

I know but I love my job and I only work 3 days. I am 63 and I am not ready to throw the towel in yet. I know 4 days isn’t a lot but thank god, I ‘ve had a minor op and off for 4 weeks. The gp said 2 weeks on 75 then go up to 100. I can’t be a zombie at work. Lol

[Cat33 in reply to Idalmis]

I really hope you get well soon and get back to your job

I hate that panic attacks are ruining your life at the moment but if you can try- and I know it's hard- to lose your fear of the sensations you will be free of them When you say you feel weak and faint it's just a symptom but it won't actually happen as horrible as it is it does pass You won't faint with a panic attack There is a good short video on YouTube by a Dr Barry just type in Doctor explains panic attacks I think it would help you it's so reassuring

I always recommend the DARE book by Barry McDonagh and any Dr Claire Weekes books too they are a fantastic comfort

Good luck and I hope you will be back at your job soon and feeling much much better 🌹

[Idalmis in reply to Cat33]

Thank you for your encouraging words. I’ll have a look at the video now.

[Cat33 in reply to Idalmis]

Please do I know it will help you and give you hope that you can conquer these horrible things They are comforting words x

[Cat33 in reply to Idalmis]

I've just checked and it's still on you tube Dr Harry Barry x

[Idalmis in reply to Cat33]

Watching it now. Thanks

[Shercox]

Good luck am sure you will be fine you sound very positive

[Idalmis]

Fascinating stuff. But he doesn’t agree with antidepressants for anxiety disorder. I am on sertraline now and I believe they are difficult to stop. I am not going through all these side effects for nothing. Lol.

I like what he said about inherited from parents. Both my parents were stress heads. Looking back, I have been suffering for years. When I moved to England from France, when my husband left me and now with some health issues. I will ask my gp for CBT .