Looking for advice regarding anxiety spirals

[RaisedByHedgehogs]

I’m generally not an anxious person. I used to be, it was horrendous, but I’m mostly not now.

But occasionally, I’ll feel acute anxiety. It can be triggered by something or nothing. It’s not a full blown panic attack, just this feeling of dread that runs through my brain and veins.

it always passes and I logically know it will. But it’s so uncomfortable when it’s here. I’m working from home today, because I was too scared to drive my car.

just wondered if anyone else experienced this and has advice on how to handle it? It really is a rare thing these days, maybe once every few months. But it’s so uncomfortable.

I’m on HRT and I’m mostly quite relaxed. Today though, frightened to leave the house!

Giving myself a bump

I am on HRT and now six weeks into sertraline for panic disorder and anxiety.
Just an idea…

Sometimes it's helpful to give yourself a little bit of CBT, for example if you're anxious about driving the car go and sit in it and come out, followed by a short journey and then build up to a longer trip out. What also helps me is:
Morning movement
Sleep
Minding caffeine
Avoiding alcohol
Not too much news or stressful tv .
I've found also listing what I'm grateful for in my head helps me a lot .. and listening to calming music ( radio 3) or gentle podcasts also help.
Hope you feel better soon

Thank you both so much! I felt much calmer as the day went on and I really like the practical ideas @doubleshotcappuccino . I can be my own worst enemy, especially in regards to hiding and reading the news. I took your advice and just made a short trip to the shop. I was a bit uneasy but I did it :)

I’m certainly up to trying medication if I feel things are getting too frequent. I hope it’s helping @TreeHuggerMum1 It can be such a scary feeling.

I got really bad over the summer. Panic just 24/7. Couldn’t sleep, eat etc. I was a complete mess. I’m almost 44. Been peri for a couple of years and was already on low dose HRT.
I’ve since had my HRT increased twice and also started the Sert, I wouldn’t say I’m 100%, but I’ve started a phased return back to work and I’m getting out every day. We’re unsure which is working best or if it’s a combination of both, but as long as I’m on the mend, am back to being a mummy again, I’ll take anything!

@RaisedByHedgehogs that's brilliant ! So glad it helped I know it's helped me in the past... just break it down into small bite sized pieces .. and also, for me, I have to move first thing.. doesn't have to be huge .. just something ..and also mental gratitude lists help. Sleep is huge for me too .. I take a magnesium supplement 20 mins before bed and that's been amazing . Take care of yourself .. xx

@TreeHuggerMum1 I'm not a doctor but ahead of you at 52.. magnesium before bed really helped me at this stage x