Panic attack?

[Jourdain11]

I've had a lot going on lately and just over the last couple of weeks, I've been getting overwhelmed by really panicky thoughts and fears. It isn't there all the time - it's more of an underlying anxiety - but every so often it just escalates and I can't stop my brain doing "what ifs".

Last night I had what felt like a full-blown panic attack. I was lying in bed, worrying, and my heart felt as though it was banging really fast and I felt that I couldn't breathe. I went to the bathroom and honestly, for more than 20 minutes, I just felt that I would die. I felt like my heart would burst out of my chest, that I would choke, that I would suffocate. And even when it stopped, I couldn't stop shaking.

I never want to feel like that again! And I'm terrified it could happen in front of my husband or kids and frighten the life out of them. I need to somehow get myself into a better headspace... but I don't know how to do it!

Any recommendations - books, activities, mindfulness strategies - are welcome! I'm not anti self-help, I've just never particularly needed to do it before and I don't know where to start

I have another small tip: keep a journal. It helps to unravel thoughts bashing into each other, and also make little plans for the day with time windows which are generous so you can get some structure without adding to your anxiety.

Hope all goes well for you

Try reading ‘The Happiness Trap’. Loads there about making space for overwhelming feelings and accepting troublesome thoughts and ensuring they don’t impact on your day to day life. It’s basically acceptance and commitment therapy and really helped me.

This book changed everything for me. Anxiety is not to be feared.

www.amazon.co.uk/Dare-Anxiety-Stop-Panic-Attacks-ebook/dp/B0158S7E1G/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&crid=2QPDY4GC2PDBI&keywords=dare+anxiety&sprefix=Dare+a%2Caps%2C310&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1594613670&sr=8-1

@Jourdain11

Anyone? Sorry to be needy...

I started having panic attacks after my son died. I got them in the supermarket. I would stand with the trolley and not know why I was there and had no clue what I wanted.

I got them when I had to make decisions of any sort. I just folded and became an emotional wreck.
All understandable.

I now know how to deal with myself if I feel vulnerable. I stay at home and get on with some job that needs doing and give myself a good talking to. I cry if I want to but not in front of anyone as I fear it would frighten them.
Breathing helps. Take deep slow even breaths and relax. Have a
shower, go for a walk.
Work out what it is that is bothering you is the most important thing because there will be something believe me.