Crippling Anxiety

[Laughingallday]

This is my first post on here. I’ve suffered anxiety since I was 17 on and off for years. I’m now 40. The last couple of days I have been having panic attacks and severe anxiety to the point where my friend had to come to drop my kids off at school this morning.

I’ve been getting a lot of physical symptoms, pounding heart, shakes, sweating and a feeling something really bad is about to happen. I’ve spoke to my GP this morning who has prescribed beta blockers to mange the physical symptoms. I’ve taken one today and it has taken the edge off, but still have the bad feeling hanging around. I’ve got a mental health appointment with the GP tomorrow. I’m now sure why I posted here, just to hear from others who are experiencing/experienced the same thing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

DS had extremely severe panic attacks. He could barely function.

After CBT and medication, he completed university and is now doing very well.

He started on sertraline which helped for awhile, but eventually needed to be changed. He has been doing well on duloxetine for quite awhile now.

I sincerely wish you some relief as watching DS go through this was awful as a parent. Can’t imagine what it was like for him.

It’s wonderful your son has managed to get on top of his panic attacks and anxiety. I understand the not being able to function. I’m very on the go most days so not being able to do anything because I feel so panicked is tough. I went on SSRI’s when I was 17 but can’t remember the name of them now. Thank you for your message and well wishes.

You’re welcome @Laughingallday. it was an awful time for DS but the meds and therapy have helped immensely.

I hope you can find the right fit to help you feel better.

Sending you love, I have had crippling anxiety for years, now have health anxiety on top of it. Fluoxetine then sertraline helped me get through my darkest days, may be helpful for you to speak to a councillor. Be honest with your gp, don't save anything out (I used to do this a lot due to the anxiety). Also try the breathing exercise 4-7-8 (google it) that helps me when I'm really struggling with panic attacks, might not work at first but persevere until you get it right. Also google, "grounding for anxiety" hope you feel better soon. X

Thank you @foldingtowels. I've suffered from health anxiety too, a lot over the years. It's terrible isn't it? None of the health issues I worried about came to be anything serious but still I always think the worst. I think the Gp will recommend counselling/talk therapy, I've been here before but don't think I really committed and as you say, was not completely honest about everything. I will take that advice on board. Thank you for taking the time.

Do you have time to yourself to walk in the countryside - at this time of year it is windy, rainy, blustery, but the autumn leaves are still everywhere making wonderful colours. Gives you a chance to breathe.

^^ I'm not suggesting this is a cure but getting away from everyone and everything is lovely to help you reset.

@StarTrek6, I turn 40 next week and my husband and I are going away for 5 days, which we haven't done alone for many years. I hope you are right; this feeling is just awful, just a pending sense of doom that I can't shake all day. Thank you for your reply.

@StarTrek6, I live in Australia, originally from uk. There's much beauty here and I don't see it enough. I could do more to take care of myself. I have four children from toddler to teens. I guess I don't prioritise myself much and has probably led me here. Thank you for you kind words.

I wonder could it be the start of peri-menopause? Do you have any other symptoms? MH is a massive symptom and lots of women take HRT, as well or instead of ADs. I’m currently on both sertraline and HRT for severe anxiety (amongst other things).

Hi @TreeHuggerMum1, I haven't had any other symptoms as such. My periods are regular (28 days), I've looked up the other symptoms- none of those. I will definitely ask gp about it. Is there a blood test they can do? I am iron deficient, I don't know what effect that would have? Do you feel better from the AD? Do you suffer panic also? Thank you for taking the time.

Panic, fear, dread, teary, anxious…

@TreeHuggerMum1, exactly how I feel, hopefully I'll get some relief soon. Is yours well managed?