To think that exercise could stop my panic attacks?

[GoldfishParade]

I have been diagnosed with panic disorder and my GP gave me some meds.

I really hate taking them though because they make me feel so sleepy. At the same time, I don't know how else to get a grip on the panic. The panic attacks can surge from nowhere for no reason, even when I'm not stressed. Its terrifying and living in anticipation of them is draining and scary. I feel like my body is giving up on me.

It occured to me that I am extremely sedentary. My job is sedentary and so are my hobbies.

AIBU to think that maybe panic attacks could be linked to too much nervous energy in the body that has no other outlet?

Anyone have any experience with getting their severe panic under control?

I hAve suffered panic attacks. exercise is , in my experience essential in helping. also the Dr claire weekes book as previously mentioned is brilliant. I was really low when I came across this book in my lical library, it changed my life. its called self help your nerves.

I have struggled with my mental health in recent years but found my joggers club a life saver.
Not only do I need the exercise but the social Friend ship groups have been amazing.

Actually I'd go as far as to say they've saved my
Life. I forced myself to run with the group. If I didn't want to talk I didn't have to. If I wanted a natter then there was someone to talk to.

I'm now much much better but I still love my joggers.

I suffer badly with anxiety and went onto meds after a semi-breakdown of sorts. I've been on them nearly two years now and my mood is generally ok but I've taken up exercise again recently and I'm absolutely buzzing after it! I'm actually considering trying to come off the meds altogether and manage my anxiety with exercise combined with reducing alcohol significantly. Exercise is important for me too because my weight has ballooned :( which I think is because of the ADs.

Anxiety is so debilitating

It will definitely help, I find cardio best. Really get your heart rate up. When I had an office job and ptsd (it was my first time having a sedentary role) I found I would start shaking with nerves and start panicking if I didn't go to the gym regularly.

I find tai chi really good. I find I have to concentrate on getting the move right and it clears my head of other thoughts.

UPDATE

I can't believe I'm writing this. @Violet19 and @toomanyspiderplants I cant thank you enough for recommending that book.

Reading the book completely cured my panic attacks overnight. I have gone from months of all-day terror to completely calm, it literally worked overnight. I cant believe it. I'd read loads of stuff before. Nothing worked like this book.
Thank you

Yes the 2 biggest things that help me are running in the mornings and a weighted blanket in bed.

Oops sorry should have read the full thread! Glad you’re feeling better 😊

@LadyCatStark
My gran has bought me a weighted blanket you know! Cant wait to try it at Christmas. I'm glad it helps you :)

Well it's not going to do any harm, is it? Personally I am a strong believer in physical activity warding off mental health issues. You don't need to go at it like a mad thing, a walk in the fresh air for 20 minutes is all it takes. The Headspace app is brilliant too.

@GoldfishParade

UPDATE

I can't believe I'm writing this. @Violet19 and @toomanyspiderplants I cant thank you enough for recommending that book.

Reading the book completely cured my panic attacks overnight. I have gone from months of all-day terror to completely calm, it literally worked overnight. I cant believe it. I'd read loads of stuff before. Nothing worked like this book.
Thank you

Thanks for the update. .which has made me quite happy. I personally think the book should be available on prescription! (yes I know that would make it more expensive but you know what I mean. I always keep a copy for reference because from time to time my anxiety starts to come back, but I read the relevant pages and it works again!

Also recommend Claire Weekes. I had really bad panic disorder and that was the only book that helped. Excercise also good. Giving up gluten/wheat & dairy also made a huge, huge difference. Turns out I am gluten intolerant.

What is this book called please? I can find a couple on amazon by Claire weekes but they are different titles.

Would really love to read this as I've tried so much for my anxiety over the years

Just seen update - so glad you read the book helped.

This might be worth reading for you, OP, www.amazon.co.uk/Jog-How-Running-Saved-Life/dp/0008241759?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

www.amazon.co.uk/Self-Help-Your-Nerves-overcoming-stress/dp/0722531559/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&crid=1IYOOBXQ3KK6L&keywords=self+help+for+your+nerves+by+dr+claire+weeks&sprefix=self+help+for+your+nerves%2Caps%2C1095&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1601575173&sr=8-1
@RollerDiscoSkates

The root of panic attacks are the catastrophic misinterpretation of symptoms "my high heart rate might cause a heart attack" or "my minds racing I'm going mad".
Cbt is the best evidence based treatment!

@toomanyspiderplants
I completely agree. It feels like I've just been released from prison. I dont understand how such a slim book has helped so much. The principle is so simple and I've read the same kind of idea presented differently before, but this was the book that hit home. It's like magic. Thank you again, you have indirectly helped me so much x