Off work after panic attack

[Roxy1988]

Hi, I've been off work for a week so far after suffering a panic attack whilst at work last week 😔 i've suffered with anxiety for years and recently everything has just become to much (both in work and my personal life) and last week I guess I just cracked. I'm supposed to be going back to work tomorrow but the thought of it just overwhelmes me 😔 I don't know what to do, has anyone been in a similar situation?

Didn't want to read and run.

Been there - actually quit my job before over anxiety when things have gotten too much.

Have you been to your GP? Asked for help?

See your GP. They might give you beta blockers. Mine did.

Sorry you’re going through this. I had this last year. I ended up quitting the job, having counselling. It’s a lot better now.

Mine was peri-menopause, I think. Sadly it’s quite common.

Do try and see your GP, they will be able to point you in the right direction. Don't try and just soldier on.

Thank you so much for your replies. I started on Citalopram 20mg daily about 10 years ago then had to increase it to 40mg probably about 5 years ago. Recently I thought about coming off them so went back down to 20mg... big mistake! When I was on 40mg my anxiety was completely manageable but it seems not so much on just 20mg.

I went to the Dr's last week and they gave me Propranolol which made me feel awful so stopped taking them after 2 days. I'm going back to the Dr's later so I'll see what they suggest. I'm thinking I will probably have to go back to 40mg of Citalopram but it won't be a quick fix and will take a few weeks at least to get back into my system.

I am hoping to also get some CBT through work so hopefully that will help.

I called in sick again today 😔 my manager knows why and seems to be understanding which helps but I don't think anyone can fully understand anxiety without having suffered it themselves.

Thank you again for your replies it is nice to know I am not alone.

x

I tried to go back to work too early and had to admit it wasn’t going to happen. Can you ask for an extension on your sick note with the doctor?

Sounds horrendous.. I suffered from extreme anxiety too.. suddenly started about 3 years ago but as the PP said it was due to peri menopause. As soon as I went into HRT it stopped. Hope you find the solution and glad you have an understanding manager.

Yes! A few years ago, at one time I never thought I’d be able to step foot in the office again, it was heart breaking. I had weeks and weeks off work and tried different therapies in that time - CBT via the NHS worked better than anything else I’d tried. I’ve not taken a day off due to mental illness for over 4 years. It is possible to get through it. Stay strong OP.