Panic attacks

[user1471481764]

Hi,
Just looking for advice. Been under lots of stress the last few months. Always struggled with anxiety and been on antidepressants on and off. Stopped taking them again earlier this year, but lately things have built up again. Had massive palpitations which turned into a full blown panic attack the other day, on the way to pick my little girl up from her new school I couldn’t breathe, had to sit down and call my dad to come and help me, my legs just wouldn’t move and I thought I was going to pass out it was horrible. I’m really scared it will happen again, and I think I probably need to seek help, I’ve convinced myself I’m dying (again) and googling symptoms constantly and on top of that my grandad has broken his hip and is in hospital
And my parents are going through a really messy divorce, No one has seen my mum in 3 months, my periods are up the wall, I’ve been really stressed about my little girl starting her new school after she was bullied in her old one, and she’s got probable additional needs, and I just don’t know where to start with everything. Would appreciate any advice please

[Throckmorton]

Holy smokes mate, you are having a rough time - no wonder you're having anxiety right now. I would suggest chatting with the GP and considering going back on the antidepressants for a bit, at least until some of the stuff you have going on has settled down. Hugs

[anicebag]

This method of 5 things works amindfulemergence.com/5-4-3-2-1-method-to-reduce-anxiety/. Read up on panic attacks and it should depower then.

[FlippinNoah]

You have an awful lot going on, no wonder you're stressed. Stress can manifest in many different ways, panic attacks being one of them.

Panic attacks are awful. Go to your GP and ask for betablockers. Read up on panic attacks. Knowledge is power. It may not stop you having them but you know you will get through each one and can develop coping and breathing strategies.

[user1471481764]

Thank you - I just couldn’t get my breath at all, I was trying to push my youngest daughters buggy and because it’s a brand new school, there was no one I could ask to help because I didn’t know anyone and my poor daughter was sat with her new teachers for ten minutes until my dad got there because I just couldn’t move, and that has never happened before. Even the thought of contacting the gp surgery scares me because it’s all online, I’m just overthinking everything. I guess I need to clear the fog so I can get rid of the worries that aren’t real. Every time things go wrong, I end up with hideous health anxiety and I just can’t remember the last time I wasn’t worried about something. I deal with all the real stuff quite well - caring for my grandad, making sure my dad is ok - but then lose the plot over googling symptoms and diagnosing myself with terminal illness

[Wrongdecider]

We have a lot in common @user1471481764.

Did you have a nice day today?

I have been through a lot lately too since May. Anxiety and panic disorder. It faded for 2 weeks and came back yesterday morning.

I simply do not know what to do! There’s barely any mental health support at the moment. I have propranolol and my GP doesn’t want me on anti depressants because it’ll interfere with a neurological problem I have.

Trying to get through one day at a time. It’s torture x

[Wrongdecider]

In fact I have started waking up and dry heaving from panic

Has anyone ever gotten through a breakdown?

[Drogonssmile]

In the short term OP I found beta blockers excellent for helping the physical symptoms of panic. In the long term CBT is amazing and has completely stopped mine which were debilitating. I couldn't empty the dishwasher without panicking and had a newborn and 3 year old to look after.

[Wrongdecider]

@Drogonssmile how did you get CBT? Did it take long?

[user1471481764]

Thanks everyone. Been told to self refer for counselling so many times, had a few really traumatic few years, lost our baby after a hideous pregnancy and it all stems from them, and when things go wrong I focus on my own health and that of my two littlest, I tried to make an appointment for the Gp before but they must turn off the e consult thing over the weekend because I just can’t figure the website out

[Drogonssmile]

@Wrongdecider I was referred by my GP. It took about 6 weeks from referral to appointment which is very quick. Unfortunately and unfairly I believe it depends on the area you are in as to the length of time you have to wait. It's worth asking for though. I am in the north west covered by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust.