Anxiety attacks

[Sunandseaforme]

Struggling this afternoon with anxiety, I feel like I’m a step away from a panic attack. Trying breathing exercises etc but not really helping.
My Dad is in hospital. I think he’s dying. Cancer in his spinal fluid. We’ll find out in the next couple of days I think but it’s been 3 weeks of waiting already while they try and find out what’s wrong.
I’ve started some counselling through work and had been better the last couple of weeks after a panic attack led to a couple of days off work for the first time ever, but today I just don’t feel capable of managing.
I called my GP 3 weeks ago and they said they would refer me to the MH team but I’ve heard nothing since. They seem to have removed the online appointment / consultation from the website, so I’ll have to try and call in the morning which is going to be like trying to get Taylor Swift tickets after the Easter weekend.
I don’t know what I want from this post other than to just verbalise how I’m feeling. Anxiety sucks and cancer sucks!

Anxiety really does suck, and cancer sucks even more. Nothing really helpful to say, other than don't beat yourself up for feeling anxious while you're going through such a stressful time. Sending virtual hugs to you and your family ❤️

I suffer from Panic Disorder so can totally relate to how you are feeling. I have suffered about 5 really bad panic attacks since last August when it all started and almost daily have anxiety. So sorry to read about your Dad, you’re definitely sounding under a lot of stress and emotionally going through the ringer so it’s no wonder you are feeling anxious. It’s not for everyone but I am now on a low dose of medication with after the initial settling down period has been a lifesaver, that along with some CBT 💜💜

Thank you both. I think I was hoping the gp would give me medication straight away as I just don’t know how to deal with it when it’s like this. I feel so dizzy and sick. I can usually distract myself with something I enjoy like planning my holiday or something I like on TV, but when it gets to this level nothing feels enjoyable, it’s all just a chore.

I would call your GP and request medication. Honestly it has worked wonders for me, I was dubious at first but it really has worked. Now I see I didn’t need to suffer xx

I would also ask for medication, I suffered terribly with health anxiety and went on sertraline and it really helped.

Sorry to hear about your dad 💐

Thanks again lovely, kind people. I’m feeling a little calmer - maybe an 8 instead of a 9. I usually sleep quite well - I find the stress exhausting - but a couple of weeks ago I had a night that was awful and I couldn’t sleep at all with the anxiety and now I’m worrying about that happening tonight. Anxious about being anxious!