To feel stricken with anxiety and numb?

[FrenchFryandFrazzle]

I don’t know what’s happening. Feel overwhelmed. Is anyone there who can relate please?

[Flyinggeese]

Hey FrenchFry is it a panic attack? I get these. Has something happened?

[FrenchFryandFrazzle]

Hey! Thanks. I don’t know? I have had anxiety my whole life I’d say and been on and off SSRIs (haven’t found them to help that much, just numb my emotion).

I didn’t sleep properly last night and didn’t eat/drunk much at all today (just had a croissant and coffee all day really) - could that be what’s causing it? I can calm myself when I’m on my own but went food shopping with a good friend and couldn’t make eye contact with anyone in the aisles/was on edge the whole time. Convinced the check-out lady thought I was behaving oddly. Often feel like I’m putting on an act socially although some days worse than others. I’m a freak

[LorelaiVictoriaGilmore]

Yes. I'm lying in bed wide awake feeling panicky and overwhelmed.

Is something particular worrying you?

[LorelaiVictoriaGilmore]

X-post. I always find a build up of tiredness and hunger makes everything so much worse. But when I'm anxious I can't eat or sleep... vicious circle.

[Flyinggeese]

You're not a freak! Got anything that could be a nice distraction? A book, crossword, any task at all? Do you have a favourite comedian? Would a funny sketch help?

That's not much food, is anxiety suppressing your appetite? X

[FrenchFryandFrazzle]

Thank you so much all.

Reading back on my post it sounds like nothing/petty but it’s all-consuming almost.

When I feel like this I feel completely desensitised from the world! It can be frightening because I don’t really understand why/what’s causing it? Its getting quite debilitating - has happened a few times over the last few weeks (overwhelming panic, desperation to not be with lots of people, to be alone - almost like a wounded animal wanting to retreat to a dark, isolated place)... Feel so alone and weird

[FrenchFryandFrazzle]

It’s not a lot of food at all, I just couldn’t muster an appetite today and it’s all getting a bit much. Why am I like this (!)

[Katanna]

Dehydration will definitely make you feel worse, try and drink some water or squash. Anxiety is bloody horrible to live with

[Flyinggeese]

I'm reading a book called 'Dare' which is a pretty good anxiety/ panic attack self help book from what I've read so far. I guess there are a few different approaches and it's a case of finding the one that works for / resonates with you.

As for how you're feeling right now though don't worry about why it's happening, just be kind to yourself. Have you got anything you'd like to do as a distraction?