Feeling massively overwhelmed. Just need to offload here a bit please

[ChocOD]

Hi,

So last night I had another hideous panic attack. I was having them a lot a few months a go, but things improved quite a bit, thankfully.

Anyway, I was feeling perfectly fine yesterday - happy even, after a lovely chilled out Easter Sunday with DD and DP, but all of a sudden out of nowhere before bed, I got this overwhelming sense of sadness and dread. I tried to ignore it and we went to bed. Half an hour later I'm having a full blown panic attack and I just feel so sorry for DP, as she can't keep dealing with this. It makes me feel so needy, pathetic and totally exposed.

Didn't sleep a wink, so feeling pretty dreadful today, as you can imagine. Trying hard to pick myself up for DD and DPs sake, but it's so hard as I just want to cry all the time.

As I've said, I suppose I just need to offload a bit, but it would be great to hear from those who understand and/or could offer some advice.

Thank you.

Have you seen the GP about it?

@DustyLee123 yes, several times over the past couple of decades, but after various interventions, including CBT and an OCD diagnosis, nothing has really helped.

Medications? Propranolol for when one comes on?

Are there any life events which have played a part in this for you OP?

Menopause?
sorry OP sounds awful x

@AtrociousCircumstance I do have some Propranolol, but have never taken them. I read they can cause insomnia after they'd been prescribed, which was initially why I went to the GP!

I could list x and z reasons, but I think it's more just me and the way I cope, or rather don't, cope with things.

@MrsKwazi well 40 is just round the corner, so peri is certainly not out the question. Saying that though, it's not really new.

Come on op take the propranolol that's been prescribed! Why wouldn't you try it? You'd rather suffer?!

@ChocOD Why don’t you give them a try? I take them for specific situations (planes for eg) and they never affect my sleep. They bring on an inner stillness. And only for a few hours. Give them a whirl?

Have you had any therapeutic support with the difficult experiences you’ve had? Working through things can increase our ability to cope.

I'd be annoyed with my dp if he didn't take it and still moaned

Propranolol is really worth trying.

Is there anything dietary involved do you think? Just going by your user name. My anxiety is far worse if I’m eating too much sugary stuff.
I occasionally give it up altogether and avoid UPF which helps so much I wish I had more willpower!

Take a propranolol now and it won't affect your sleep tonight. They do help

@MadamVastra yes, I understand what you're saying, although I think "moaning" is a bit harsh. I'm in a very bad place, but it's not like I'm refusing to do anything to help myself. I just wasn't sure about these pills specifically. My mum and my nan both had bad side effects, but of course that doesn't mean it would happen to me.

@AtrociousCircumstance I have, but I didn't find any of it particularly helpful. I think I've been unlucky with therapists tbh. I really do throw myself into it as much as I can.

@Lunchclub actually that was a last minute NC and I'm surrounded by DDs half eaten Easter eggs, so it just popped into my head. I'm actually quite health conscious and eat well generally. Drink wine at the weekends, but that's my only vice really

I get where you are coming from . I know my anxiety is getting worse when I am fearful of medication.

Hi OP, yes it’s entirely possible you had bad luck with therapists, I’ve heard some stories of really inadequate ones - but a great practitioner could make all the difference.

Don’t be put off by your mum/grandma’s experience of propranolol - you’re a different person. I do advise you try them. I’m a big believer in throwing everything at a problem and seeing what helps.

Have you looked at EFT tapping ? Tapping on calming points in your body.
i used to have terrible panic attacks when I drifted off to sleep. Unfortunately I did have to be taken in as an inpatient and they put me on anti psychotics and anti depressants but things did deteriorate for me as I had a breakdown.
Have you tried Sertraline? That can be good for anxiety.

I take propanalol. What dosage have you been prescribed.
I think I started on maybe 120mg per day when I was struggling the most.
I had no real side effects expect felling a little more tired and cold.
I now only take 10mg a day to help me sleep. Sometimes 20mg if I’m have an insomnia episode.
Please try them and give them a few weeks. You can always come off them if they don’t work.