Struggling with anxiety

[rw34]

Hi, I had a really nasty panic attack this afternoon. It shocked me and my 22 year old daughter. My DD needed to change her routine, which was something that would affect me. I instantly panicked and started screaming. I've never reacted in this way before. I am autistic and struggle with change. I desperately had to get out of the house and the screaming turned to sobbing.

I have struggled with anxiety and depression all my adult life. Since losing my job last year, I have gradually got a lot worse. I has 2 jobs and was prone to burnout, so was kind of hoping the job loss would be a blessing in a way.
This hasn't been the case, I feel isolated and am struggling constantly with financial stress.
Looking for a new job would be too overwhelming at the moment. I am currently working up to 15 hours and filling my days off with various groups.

I dont have any advice OP but sympathy. I hope someone more knowledgeable comes along with advice soon. I am also struggling with my anxiety so sending you a big hug - I wouldn't wish anxiety on my worst enemy. Hang in there.

Thank you WhereTheSpiritMeetsTheBones, that means a lot to me. What are your triggers, if you don't mind me asking?

@rw34 sorry to hear you're struggling. What kind of support do you have in place? Do you have a friend you can chat to or go for coffee with? Have you spoken to your GP?

What are the groups you go to? Are they for hobbies or support or something else? Support groups are great, but they can be intense, so make sure you're taking time to just do things you enjoy as well. Vice versa also - hobbies are great, but sometimes support groups can offer a bit more than just your regular friends can.

I was in a similar situation a few years ago, and it did get better. My GP was really helpful and got me on medication which helped a lot. It also just takes time to get rid of the feeling no of burn out, and to enjoy stuff again. It sounds like you're doing the right things, but give yourself time to heal as well.

I've always had anxiety and experienced real lows but also years of being perfectly fine and "normal". I've previously had a lot of counselling but really struggling at the moment and considering medication. My triggers seem to be everything, things that never bothered me before: driving to work, doing teams meetings, going for appointments, socialising with family or friends, and eating food as well. I'm trying not to let this take over my life and I'm just carrying on and doing this stuff anyway, but it's exhausting fighting through the panic attacks and stuff beforehand. I'm always fine, I always survive and I know that but can't seem to remember that in the moment.
You're not alone OP. X

Hi MamaAndTheSofa, I have been to my GP a few times over the past few months. The last time I went my GP tried to push me into going back to full-time work. It made me feel a lot worse.
I go to a choir and Zumba gold. These are meant to be for older people but I've been unable to find anything more suitable during the day. I also joined Meet Up and go to a boardgames and neurodiverse meet up.
I go to a support group. You're right it can get intense.
I am on Promazine and Mirtazapine. I'm on the waiting list for counselling. I think I do just need time to heal. Thank you for your lovely response.

@WhereTheSpiritMeetsTheBones ,that's the annoying thing about triggers, they don't always make sense.
Well done for fighting through the panic attacks. It is really hard to remember that things will be okay. For me it's also the not knowing how much time I'm going to need, that overwhelms me.