I don't know what's wrong with me and I am frightened

[BedknobsandBullhooks]

I posted a thread about a nasty situation in a relationship a couple of weeks ago. I was very stressed out by it and felt awful and down and sad.

Before this, I was a bit anxious and on edge around my partner too.

Before that, I was in a different awful relationship for a few years.

Now, I seem to have some days, today being one, where I feel panicky, stressed, tearful, heart beating too fast randomly, frightened really, like the feeling something terrible has happened or is about to happen but nothing has. I just feel really scared. I don't know what this is. It doesn't seem to fit anxiety or depression and I don't want to feel like this. I don't know what will help if anything. My Mum has told me it could be what happens after stress, like a fight or flight response when things are calmer your body/mind kind of doesn't know what to do and stress hormone levels are high but not going anywhere as the source of the stress has gone. I have been off work today and haven't done anything. No motivation, even though I have things that needed to be done. I usually exercise too and I haven't done that. I am too scared and embarrassed to talk to anybody in real life about it and even if I did I dont think it would help, nobody can change this.I'm worried about my mental health. I just feel very scared. It feels pathetic. I know people have far worse things going on :(

[coldtoes96]

Go to doc and get on anti anxiety meds in my view. Hope you feel better

[lizzieoak]

Oh dear, how miserable. I get that way too, it's fairly dreadful. In my case, I think it's anxiety brought on by situations and exacerbated at times by hormones. Any chance your hormones (time of month, peri menopause?) are making it worse?

Take care and go and see dr. If possible, force yourself to go for a walk.

[BedknobsandBullhooks]

I almost went for a walk earlier and was too scared to leave the house alone. I was even scared of going in the bath! WTF ? I haven't ever been like this before. I feel a complete idiot. I googled symptoms of anxiety and decided it wasn't that but I don't know much, you may be right.

I have had time of month recently so it could be making it worse.
Thank you for the replies. I can't go on like this :(

[buddy79]

It sounds similar to panic attack symptoms, which can come on after a period of stress. Definitely get a GP appt - there is help out there for this, nothing scary, your GP will know about local services like counselling. Hope you feel much better soon xxx

[gamerchick]

It's anxiety and anxiety sucks monkeys balls man.

GP, make an appointment tomorrow and ask for some beta blockers if you can take them. They'll take away all those physical symptoms so you can function.

[BedknobsandBullhooks]

Thank you so much. I had visions of feeling like this for the rest of my life! It's awful.

[gamerchick]

It's horrendous I totally sympathise. Exercise can help as well although the effects don't last as long as the beta blocker. Something that gets the blood pumping and you sweaty.

Mine came on after prolonged stress, i thought I was cracking up.

[lizzieoak]

Oh no, I think for the vast majority it goes away or for some comes and goes. Your brain won't let you stay stuck like this. Seriously big hug to you, I absolutely know how real it feels. I try to be firm w myself and say things like "you are worrying about things which have not happened yet". And I remind myself I've felt like this before and it passes. These things don't cause it to vanish, but they help a little. Good luck, you will be okay, you just need to see your gp & get some supports.

[BedknobsandBullhooks]

I should have exercised today. I usually go for a run or to the gym but I couldn't bring myself to, no motivation whatseover.
Thanks again all. I'll ring the GP tomorrow.

[gamerchick]

Good, get those physical symptoms sorted asap then deal with the rest.