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Relief from anxiety

6 replies

kathaskittens · 21/08/2020 13:03

Hi there. I'm at the end of my tether and hoping I might find other people who have been through similar and can reassure me of light at the end of the tunnel!

Back at the end of January, out of the blue, I had a huge panic attack. My heart was racing and I was sure I was dying. I was checked over in A&E and reassured that it was most likely a panic attack. Since then, I've suffered from chest pain periodically and occasionally bad panic moments. I self referred for CBT which is helping me to a certain extent, but the physical symptoms continue.

It's all come to a head today, after waking up convinced I was having a heart attack. I know how illogical this is, I'm 31 and in good health (though I am overweight). But I had to get checked over today as I felt so unwell. Once again I've been given a clean bill of physical health, so it's clear this is my anxiety. I've booked a telephone appt with my GP, but I'm not sure what to ask for in terms of support? I'm at the point now where I feel like maybe I need to consider medication. The doctor I saw today also suggested discussing a 24h ECG with my GP, just to cover all bases in terms of palpitations and chest pain.

I'm already ensuring that I eat well and take regular exercise, which does help a little!

That was really long, but I guess I'd just like to hear from people who've been through similar, and to hear what worked for you. Thank you!

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Sirzy · 21/08/2020 13:06

I would suggest going down the medication route. I was very against it but having had councelling and CBT (both with have helped to a point) I decided to try it and it was the right path for me. I have an anti depressant and also propanol to take as and when the symptoms take over too much

kathaskittens · 21/08/2020 13:26

Thank you - I do feel like it's something I need to consider now. Has it helped you a lot? I'm glad you've found the right path for you.

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Jamhandprints · 21/08/2020 13:36

I take propranalol when I need it, it just helps a bit with the heart racing, palpitations and blood pressure. Its not enough for me but I'm too scared to take antidepressants.

kathaskittens · 21/08/2020 17:01

I can understand that, it does feel like a big step to move towards antidepressants. But then I guess it's a case of balancing out pros and cons - anxiety is ruining me at the moment! I hope you find something that works, I'm glad the propranalol takes the edge off.

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Mondaymanic · 24/08/2020 20:02

I had anxiety but it was physical symptoms only.. As you describe. Buspar helped me and I liked the idea that you could just take as and when rather than relying on an anti depressant type med which I didn't feel I needed. Buspar doesn't change your thoughts at all just makes your body calm down

kathaskittens · 24/08/2020 22:17

@Mondaymanic

I had anxiety but it was physical symptoms only.. As you describe. Buspar helped me and I liked the idea that you could just take as and when rather than relying on an anti depressant type med which I didn't feel I needed. Buspar doesn't change your thoughts at all just makes your body calm down
Thank you! I spoke with my Gp today and they've prescribed sertraline to see if it will help. They also mentioned beta blockers, which I'm going to think about - if they do relieve the symptoms when in an attack maybe it's a good idea. While the physical symptoms are awful I do have a constant undercurrent of anxiety which I think probably needs something! I'm a bit nervous about starting it, but I'm hopeful in a couple of months time it will have started helping. I'd love to hear anyone's experiences of starting sertraline :)
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