Constantly on the edge of panic

[PanicEdge]

I've had GAD for many years but I manage it quite well I think usually.

However this year I have been through a lot of tramatic situations that I think would test anyone. Things like a family member being arrested for a very serious crime.

Now I feel constantly on the edge of a panic attack, the slightest stressful thing and I feel like I can't cope immediately. I am catastrophising.

I still think that regular people would find these things stressful but probably deal and move on quicker. It doesn't help that I'm probably peri.

There's no point seeing the GP, they only ever suggest CBT which I've done.

Is this just my life now?

Panic attacks are some of the worst feelings I have ever felt. Getting outside every day for even a short walk really helps to relieve some of the stress. It is a good habit to get into.

Not entirely sure it is fair to say no point seeing the gp as ‘they never do anything’, while also saying you won’t take meds.
What exactly would you have expected the gp to do?

Similar happened to me in January this year op

I had a lot of stressful things going on with family my business and finances etc

I was diagnosed with gad years ago after a traumatic sudden health issue that resulted in emergency surgery.

I suddenly felt like everything was caving in.
I was struggling to breathe and ended up with a v high heart rate

I went to the gp as an emergency one afternoon after realising actually I needed to see someone and after being prescribed propranolol and taking it for a few days I started to feel myself coming down to earth abit.
I didn't drive for a week as I didn't feel well or strong enough and I literally didn't move from the sofa for days I was just so well blank
It was horrendous

I gradually started to feel better and was prescribed escavilotram and it's been a life saver.

I now step back when things are feeling like they are over whelming me.

I keep an eye on my work load and how much I'm doing and trying to organise and do and if I start to feel like I'm getting stressy I drop a few things and get a weekend day where I literally just pootle doing home stuff and maybe go out for a coffee and lunch if I'm feeling like it.

I also try to get out for a walk as many times a week as possible but my work schedule has been quite manic so that's slipped abit however I've made sure I haven't got masses on at the weekends so I know I'll get a break.

It's so hard to see everything clearly when your in fight or flight mode and it's terrifying op but you will get through it.

Baby steps to start with and then gradually build yourself back up again

Life can be utter shit at times but it's so important to look after your mental health.

I didn't realise how much I was doing and the stress I was dealing with until my body decided enough was enough.

Sorry. My earlier response was snippy.
I feel I hear a lot of doctor bashing when often it really wasn’t the doctors fault.
On re reading your post I realise that isn’t what you said at all.
Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

In the 20 plus years of GAD, the only thing I've been offered is CBT. I've done multiple rounds of it in person and on the phone/online. Whilst it has helped me understand the physical symptoms I experience, it hasn't actually helped the anxiety.

This time feels different in that I've had some traumatic and sad events happen this year. I just feel hugely overwhelmed and unable to cope any more.

Being reluctant to take medicine means just that. It will have an effect on my job so this would lead to more anxiousness. It doesn't mean I'm unwilling to medicate, but it would be nice if the GP was able to offer something else other than pills or CBT. Or is that it?

@PanicEdge I imagine that medication and counselling are the main tools at their disposal-what else could they offer?

I have been going through a very anxious time following a completely overwhelming and out of the blue life event which triggered terrible anxiety. I wasn't sleeping so wasn't thinking straight and it was sending my anxiety through the roof. I didn't recognise myself at all. I sought help from a private counsellor as that was available immediately (and doesn't go on NHS records) and also made face to face appointment with my GP. She was brilliant. She diagnosed trauma and recommended that instead of taking medication I used herbal sleeping tablets (Kalms) to actually begin to sleep, and another natural remedy to help with anxiety in the day. We are all different, so I won't say what that was, but I would recommend speaking to your GP and talking to them about your trauma and letting them know you don't want prescribed medicine due to work issues. They may give you the same as I was. You'll feel so much better and begin to think more clearly when you start to sleep properly. My heart goes out to you as I know exactly how low you must be feeling right now. You will feel better once you start to get help and you're taking a big step right now discussing it here.

I have also had GAD for several years OP. There are lists of options to try - journaling, worry lists, gentle exercise, meditation.

Like you, I've had various very stressful situations. I know all people do, but like you say, with GAD we struggle more and become obsessed and catostrophatise.

I think the private counsellor is a great option, if you can afford it. I also found propranolol very good.

It can feel very bleak with GAD. Do you have anyone you can chat to, to take your mind off it? I have done similar to you and isolated myself to an extent.

Wishing you a more positive future!