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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Just had a panic attack on the car park, needed to reach out

15 replies

Havedonebett · 17/12/2021 14:09

I’ve not posted on here in years and I didn’t know where to turn. I don’t think I can move out of the car as I feel so overwhelmed.

I’ve struggled the last few years with not finding a relationship. In my twenties I think I pushed away a lot of decent men, I wasn’t ready to settle down and had other things on my agenda like work. I wish I hadn’t done that. But from my 30s I’ve persued relationships and nothing has come of it.

I’m 37 next summer. It fills me with dread. How has this happened that I am still alone? The last four Christmas I’ve been in this situation. Alone, either in a relationship going nowhere or single. I’ve had to sit through endless gatherings, people asking when I will settle down. In the last year alone, I’ve watched my sister have a little girl and my brother get married. Both are in their twenties, I’m the oldest by a few years. I’ve watched my friend end her 10 year relationship and then watched her meet someone else and is now engaged to them.

I’ve spent so many decembers feeling left out, lonely, worried for the future. I resent any comment from the media or friends about embracing being single and being happy alone. I really don’t think every married or partnered person was totally happy alone otherwise people wouldn’t get into relationships. I’ve done EVERYTHING to keep myself busy and fulfilled…I volunteer, I work hard in my job, I get my hair done when I want, I exercise, I see friends, I travel. I have therapy and I’m on medication for anxiety and depression, though genuinely I think any anxiety and depression would completely go if I had someone to come home to and build a future with. I am independent but I desperately want to share my life with someone. I don’t think I even give this off with online dating either, 9/10 it’s me who isn’t sure, not them. I have tried so hard to find someone.

I just feel like the hope is now gone. I’ve heard ‘anything could be round the corner’ SO many times. Yet here I am, on another fucking supermarket car park, wondering how I’m going to face the festivities and families out and about, let alone face actual Christmas and a new year that will feel more hopeless to me than the last.

I did meet someone early this year and thought that that was it…i’d met my person. I was so happy. That all ended recently when it came to light that he had plans to move 300 miles away and hadn’t told me. I really loved him. I just feel like giving up. Why am I here a year later in the same situation? For the first time ever I genuinely don’t believe for a second that anything will ever change now.

I know I need to accept things but I am finding it so hard. I feel sick and can’t stop crying.

OP posts:
Havedonebett · 17/12/2021 14:10

*pursued

OP posts:
naomi81 · 17/12/2021 14:29

Aww big hugs, panic attacks are no fun 🙁 sorry your feeling so down xx

TheMummilly · 17/12/2021 14:35

Sorry it's getting to you OP.
It might change or it might not. If nothing changes, well, you'll be in my position. I was in a long marriage and it ended because of his betrayal so part of me thinks 'what was the point of all that'. I'm single and perhaps that is what I was always supposed to be.
Tell us what exactly you feel you are missing out on by not being in a serious relationship?

SimonedeBeauvoirscat · 17/12/2021 14:37

I’m sorry OP. It’s shit being single sometimes. And the motivational pep talks from friends and relatives don’t help! All I can say is, let yourself feel those feelings. Take deep breaths. Don’t rush yourself. Sit there for three hours if you need to! Sometimes emotions can be overwhelming and that’s ok - it’s alright to feel overwhelmed. You can get through this. Just hold on and let yourself feel the emotions and they will pass. Flowers

Havedonebett · 17/12/2021 17:51

Thanks. I’m really struggling. Why has nothing changed. I’ve tried.

OP posts:
herbertandking · 17/12/2021 17:57

I'm so sorry for how you are feeling. I'm afraid I am one of those genuinely happy to be single types so I can't relate. But having suffered great loss this year and slowly emerging from the grief I am aware just how short life is and that I don't want to spend my future in a state of misery. This is a clumsy and crap way of asking how long you want to live your life in a miserable state? I mean no offense and wish you well.

RaisedByPangolins · 17/12/2021 18:36

Panic attacks are awful. I’m so sorry you found yourself in that situation today. Sometimes it all just gets too much and you have to let it out.

I have no words of wisdom - they’re mostly just empty words of platitude that don’t help - but have a hand hold. Flowers

redchicken · 17/12/2021 20:24

Christmas is by far and away the worst time of year to be single in my experience. Have a few good cries and then dust yourself off in the new year and keep trying / dating online etc. Please know though that loads and loads of couples are unhappy feeling trapped and lonely in their relationships too but appreciate that's a limited consolation.

Seaoftroubles · 19/12/2021 09:20

Panic attacks are very scary so take your time before you drive back. l am so sorry you feel like this but if its any comfort you are not alone, there have been many posts like yours on here especially since the Pandemic. No advice really as l am long term single since the end of my marriage, but just to say you aren't doing anything wrong, sometimes its just down to luck and being in the right place at the right time.

Elfcandoone · 19/12/2021 09:24

@Havedonebett

Thanks. I’m really struggling. Why has nothing changed. I’ve tried.
Its not anything anyone can control. I don't think people quite appreciate just how much any relationship is down to anything other than chance. It is nothing people can control. There is no secret.
LunaAndHerMoonDragons · 19/12/2021 09:35

@Havedonebett

Thanks. I’m really struggling. Why has nothing changed. I’ve tried.
Because there's an element of random chance involved in finding the right person. People don't end up in long term relationships because of what they've done or how hard they tried. There is statistically a greater chance of meeting someone if you're out there actively looking and seeking in different ways, at hobbies, online, joining clubs etc, but ultimately it's outside your control.
Mxflamingnoravera · 19/12/2021 11:22

This site really helped me with panic attacks. www.nomorepanic.co.uk/

It helps to understand the physiology of why they happen and how you can stop them by breathing.

I would avoid things like meditations involving breath work. I find swimming is great because it regulates your breathing (if you do it properly) and is wonderfully calming.

Deal with the panic and you'll be in a better place to face the world and make decisions.

Mxflamingnoravera · 19/12/2021 11:23

Sorry, wrong thread!

Mxflamingnoravera · 19/12/2021 11:24

www.nomorepanic.co.uk/ is a great site with information about they happen and how you can regain control.

Mxflamingnoravera · 19/12/2021 11:25

Doh, it wasn't the wrong thread! The panic was in the title. Apologies I am suffering meno brain fog this morning.

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