Anxiety..
InnerFatGirl
Posts: 2,687 Member
Not strictly weight loss related but I need some support. I have moderate depression and anxiety.
Lately, I've been under a lot of stress with a lot of life changes, and the anxiety seems to be getting worse. As I type, I'm having an panic attack and have been, on and off, pretty much all day. I feel like I can't breathe and am having trouble keeping calm.
Just posting here because I'm scared and don't know what else to do. I can't speak to anyone else..
Help?
Lately, I've been under a lot of stress with a lot of life changes, and the anxiety seems to be getting worse. As I type, I'm having an panic attack and have been, on and off, pretty much all day. I feel like I can't breathe and am having trouble keeping calm.
Just posting here because I'm scared and don't know what else to do. I can't speak to anyone else..
Help?
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Replies
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I went through some pretty traumatic times a few years ago and lingering anxiety seems to be a result of it. I never had it before, so it was new and scary for me. I've noticed that a few things trigger my anxiety (always the following days after), such as, alcohol and social situations. Obviously, for me, not drinking has helped and I asked my doc for an anti-anxiety med to keep on hand for those really rough days. The meds help me a lot since they calm me down, but I only take them when it's really bad.
Anxiety is a pretty horrific feeling, and the best way I can describe the way it makes me feel, is that I have a strong urge to jump out of my own skin and run away forever. My thoughts swirl and I'm restless and find it hard to focus on anything. If your anxiety is as bad as mine, I would really suggest speaking with your doc. There are ways of coping, but it's nearly impossible on your own.0 -
I'm sorry that your going through this, it's no fun
I have anxiety also and have been seeing a Behavioral Health lady for a few weeks now. Some things I have learned are to place your palms one on top of the other under your chest (diaphragm) and take 3 deep breaths in and out and to come up with coping statements for you to repeat to yourself when having anxiety. "Anxiety is a part of me, it doesn't mean it has to be me" "I control when my anxiety comes and when my anxiety goes"... 0 -
I went through some pretty traumatic times a few years ago and lingering anxiety seems to be a result of it. I never had it before, so it was new and scary for me. I've noticed that a few things trigger my anxiety (always the following days after), such as, alcohol and social situations. Obviously, for me, not drinking has helped and I asked my doc for an anti-anxiety med to keep on hand for those really rough days. The meds help me a lot since they calm me down, but I only take them when it's really bad.
Anxiety is a pretty horrific feeling, and the best way I can describe the way it makes me feel, is that I have a strong urge to jump out of my own skin and run away forever. My thoughts swirl and I'm restless and find it hard to focus on anything. If your anxiety is as bad as mine, I would really suggest speaking with your doc. There are ways of coping, but it's nearly impossible on your own.
I'm sorry to hear that
I totally relate with that. This is how anxiety feels for me;
I'm scared, terrified, frightened, but I don't know why. It's sudden, jumping out at me out of nowhere, making me restless and on edge. Little things can irritate me, make me feel more anxious. Even just music being too loud or lights too bright. Often, I feel like I can't breathe, like someone is sitting on my chest. This can last for a long time, and happens suddenly. I categorise this is the way I have panic attacks. I also often can't catch my breath, and my heart feels like it's ... electrified, and beating fast, but it usually isn't.
Even when not feeling anxious directly, I often have thoughts of death or think I will die soon. I often worry obsessively also.
Yes, you're right, I can't cope on my own, but I don't know how else to get help my doctor's just stuck me on 20mg Fluoxetine for my depression without addressing my anxiety and I am currently battling with my local borough to get psychotherapy. It's virtually impossible on the NHS. 0 -
I'm sorry that your going through this, it's no fun I have anxiety also and have been seeing a Behavioral Health lady for a few weeks now. Some things I have learned are to place your palms one on top of the other under your chest (diaphragm) and take 3 deep breaths in and out and to come up with coping statements for you to repeat to yourself when having anxiety. "Anxiety is a part of me, it doesn't mean it has to be me" "I control when my anxiety comes and when my anxiety goes"...
Thank you for this, hon. I'm going to try that now..0 -
Have you tried the supplement GABA? I have GAD and social anxiety. Also mild OCD. Taking the GABA supplement daily really helped calm me down. It took about 5 days of taking it daily for me to notice a real difference. I just took one supplement each morning. It helped so much!!
Besides that, my therapist told me to go through a "thought record". First, look at what is really making you anxious. Then really think about it. Why are you scared? What is the worst thing that could happen? And is that really likely to happen?
ex. I get super anxious when I have to do a presentation in front of my coworkers. Well, what could happen? I could mess up. I could give a bad presentation. What's the worst that could happen? My supervisor might talk to me about it. But it's not like I'm going to lose my job over it. My supervisor would probably give me feedback so I could improve next time. So is it really that bad? No, not really.
This won't solve EVERYTHING but it can help some of your irrational anxiousness.
I'm still working through my anxiety but hopefully I helped a bit.
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Have you tried the supplement GABA? I have GAD and social anxiety. Also mild OCD. Taking the GABA supplement daily really helped calm me down. It took about 5 days of taking it daily for me to notice a real difference. I just took one supplement each morning. It helped so much!!
Besides that, my therapist told me to go through a "thought record". First, look at what is really making you anxious. Then really think about it. Why are you scared? What is the worst thing that could happen? And is that really likely to happen?
ex. I get super anxious when I have to do a presentation in front of my coworkers. Well, what could happen? I could mess up. I could give a bad presentation. What's the worst that could happen? My supervisor might talk to me about it. But it's not like I'm going to lose my job over it. My supervisor would probably give me feedback so I could improve next time. So is it really that bad? No, not really.
This won't solve EVERYTHING but it can help some of your irrational anxiousness.
I'm still working through my anxiety but hopefully I helped a bit.
What is it made from?
Again, also sorry to hear of your difficulties
The thought record sounds good, but I don't know how it can help me with these random panic attacks and non-focused anxiety. I do get very anxious about anything worth worrying about, but this is more unsettling ..0 -
I have GAD and it is a hard thing to live with, because you are so restless and it is hard to know what to do. There is a supplement I found helps that is a magnesium powder you mix with water called CALM. It can be found at wholefoods. If you still have trouble you should reach out to a dr, though.0
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Have you tried yoga? It may sound silly, but learning to focus on the breath, to be mindful and present has DRAMATICALLY improved my day-to-day anxiety, even when I don't regularly practice yoga. When I start to feel an attack coming on, I take a few super deep breaths through my nose and try to only focus *only* on breathing in and out, until my heartbeat gets back to a normal pace. It's not the end-all cure for anxiety, but it can help get your mind off all that worrying.0
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As previously mentioned, yoga can help a ton.
Everyone's different, but what works for me is making lists. I have really bad anxiety and panic attacks, and I find that if I'm on the verge of a panic attack making a list can help. Like if I'm in a class and all of a sudden get that overwhelming feeling, I'll make a grocery list, or a list of what I need to get done for the day. Being about to distract my mind and put things in an organized manner always helps me start to breathe normally again. Or if it's started by a really specific thing or choice, then I'll make a pro/con list. Once it's on paper, my mind feels a lot better.0 -
Yep, chronic anxiety sufferer here. I've noticed that I seem to have some sort of social anxiety now too, seeing as I rarely go out with friends anymore. When i'm around people I don't know too well I get incredibly anxious and paranoid.
I feel for you. Anxiety is crippling!0 -
I'd definitely talk to a doctor...most cities have some sort of free or sliding scale mental health clinic/s or see your minister, priest, etc. I had panic attacks, last year I had one so bad I couldn't leave my house, took me 30 minutes to talk myself into getting to work...I got help.
Also, what others said about exercise, breathing, thought diary...etc.0 -
I've also been going through this lately (on and off for the last 10 years). After a bad stint on Fluoxetine I vowed never to go on antidepressants again. I understand they work for many people but they did not help me, you have to find what works for you.
I find avoiding the news (unless there is an event that directly affects me e.g. a storm in the area) helps. This means staying away from morning/evening TV, internet news sites, newspapers, even some magazines. I have an over active imagination and was picturing every event happening to me, not good! Also when I eat something I don't read or watch anything whilst I am eating, or even drinking a cuppa. This is because when you eat your brain pattern slows and you absorb whatever you are reading/watching differently. It's better to enjoy the moment of having a meal anyway!
Also check your thyroid activity, vitamin d and b levels. Too many of us in today's world have low vitamin d, ever wonder why so many of us are suffering from depression/have digestion issues/allergies etc? My theory is that we don't do enough these days. 80-90% of the day is spend indoors/in the car. We need to get out in the open and breath more often!
I wish you all the best and hope that you can come through this a stronger person :-)0 -
Honestly talking from experience, you need to talk to a professional and possible be put on medication. I am and it's helped a lot!0
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Hope you're doing well. I started getting major panick attacks that actually put me in the hospital, the summer after my dad died. I was already suffering from depression on and off prior to that, as well as minor OCD, which seems to be a pattern with 95% of the people who suffer from panick attacks. When I started getting them, the doc put me back on Effexor, which i was previously using for depression. Well, if you've ever been on it, you know it's hell to come off, so I was looking for a natural alternative. I was doing some research of what NOT to take with Effexor, and found you shouldn't take 5-HTP because it causes a seratonin overdose basically. So I figured with that info, 5-HTP did exactly what Effexor does, so I quit taking Effexor, and the next day started 5-HTP. I was totally fine, no break downs, no brain shivers, no tiredness, I felt perfectly normal. Also, during seceral panick attacks, I called 911, thinking it was a heart attack. The ambulance driver told me, EXERCISE. A panick attack is a release of addrenalin and exercise actually makes your body use up that addrenalin. Also, when you feel one coming on, DEEP BREATHING, start thinking this mantra, STOP STOP STOP STOP, over and over. The deep breathing will help slow your heart rate back to normal and the mantra will put your mind on something beside the attack, because we all know when you worry about the attack it takes longer. SO, 1. Take 5-HTP. It's actually produced in your body, and those with anxiety or depression aren't getting enough. 2. Exercise. 3. Deep Breathing, Repeating to yourself STOP0
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I have had horrible panic attacks since 2006, some I have actually passed out during. Since I began exercising and losing weight, I noticed my anxiety has decreased significantly. It hasn't disappeared, in fact I had a panic attack yesterday after I pushed myself a little too far with my cardio workout. I am on Klonopin, which helps a lot, but I have learned how to take control in most situations by just repeatedly telling myself that I am in control and that the anxiety will not rule my life. Working out, or even taking a short walk helps to drain the adrenaline more quickly. The adrenaline rush is my biggest issue and makes me shake like a leaf. But it gets easier to deal with over time. Develop a mantra of sorts to repeat as many times as necessary, even if you have to say it 500 times. It will help calm your mind and keep the negative thoughts at bay. You are stronger than the anxiety, you control your mind.0
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Bookmarking my place in this thread...good advice here. I'm currently on meds and in therapy for panic and anxiety disorders.0
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In for advice on this. I suffer from all kinds of anxiety. I'd talk to a doctor......if I was so damned scared what they may say. The thought of admitting it out in the open like that makes me feel physically ill.0
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The thought record sounds good, but I don't know how it can help me with these random panic attacks and non-focused anxiety. I do get very anxious about anything worth worrying about, but this is more unsettling ..
I've been having panic attacks for a year and a half now and have been in therapy for 10 months, I guarantee you no panic attack is random! There is a lot of comfort in that, actually, as you can always identify and talk yourself down from your triggers. At first it all seemed random to me until I got into therapy and started finding patterns and specific triggers. Then it all made sense.
*hugs* sweetie. I know how bad it can be. I've been the ER for panic attacks. BUT, having said that, it IS treatable and you CAN get better. Feel free to add me on here, I'd love to have some friends from this specific thread, not many people truly understand what panic attacks and general anxiety are really like.0 -
Hi- I started experiencing sudden and extreme panic attacks about 3 years ago. I would not even be able to stand up with how hard my heart was pounding. Going to the doctor I found out that I was extremely anemic and my heart was pounding like heck trying to get oxygen to my body. I've had some ups and downs, and still have some minor attacks that revolve around my cycle, but have felt so much better since I focused on getting enough iron in my diet and taking a vitamin with iron. Its worth checking out especially since I read you're a vegetarian and might not be getting enough iron.
Good luck- :flowerforyou:0 -
GABA is supposed to help. Or Calm. You can get stuff like that from any local health store. I have tried L-tyrosine. That helps anxiety too. Good luck.0
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Two things that help me!!! First, walking or running. I find that if I take an hour a day, most days of the week, I can cope! It is worth every minute!!!! Secondly, get your thyroid checked!!!! I truly believe that I had been treated for anxiety/panic attack for close to ten years before my thyroid issue was discovered! I am a new woman!!!!!0
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In for advice on this. I suffer from all kinds of anxiety. I'd talk to a doctor......if I was so damned scared what they may say. The thought of admitting it out in the open like that makes me feel physically ill.
A good doctor will tell you there are no stupid concerns or embarrassing concerns. He or she is a healthcare professional. I was nervous too but I did it, and amazingly the world didn't end. I know what you mean but talking to a healthcare pro is the best thing you cando to help yourself long term.0 -
I have been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and it got very, very bad a few years ago. Natural remedies didn't work for me so I'm on medication for it. Best decision I've ever made, I combined meds with seeing a psych and now am on a low enough dose that I get anxious, but it doesn't stop me doing things. (I literally couldn't go to work or out because of it)0
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Wow, some of the posts in this thread are exactly how I would describe my own panic attacks and anxiety. I have several anxiety disorders, mostly related to social situations or when something happens that I did not plan and I have no control over the outcome. I am on 2 daily meds and have a "go to" on hand that can really stomp out a panic attack pretty quickly should it get too bad. I'm so sorry that so many of us deal with these disorders, they are upsetting to life in general.
My advice is pretty much the same as what's already posted. As long as you don't feel like you're going to hurt yourself and need immediate help, make an appt with a doc. Tell them what you've told us and hopefully they will listen and do something more than just the fluxotine (sp?). My Ativan has literally saved my life, so to speak, on more occasions that I care to shake a stick at. Try yoga or take some really long walks with soft music so you don't have to listen to the outside world while you try to cope and calm down. Good luck hun and many many hugs to you.
Feel free to add me as a friend if you'd like to. Support is a wonderful thing!0 -
This may sound too simple or silly, but I count...as high as it takes. Slowly and with deep breaths. I would talk to your doctor as well. I really feel for you and hope that your situation improves.0
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In for advice on this. I suffer from all kinds of anxiety. I'd talk to a doctor......if I was so damned scared what they may say. The thought of admitting it out in the open like that makes me feel physically ill.
Actually talking about it will make you feel better...at least that was my experience...sharing that fear with someone I absolutely KNEW wasn't going to go blab to anyone else was a relief. Also, not one time did my doc ever say I was 'weird' 'abnormal' 'stupid' or anything negative, matter o' fact I got a lot of positive encouragement, and not just 'cause "that's his job" either.0 -
Is it fine to add GABA with your anti depressant?0
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Oh, I feel for you.
I used to get back to back panic attacks all day, for well over a year.
It was exhausting and frightening, so much so that I ended up going to hospital a few times initially as I thought I was dying.
I couldn't breathe, my arms would go numb and I would be crawling around the floor not even able to cry, just panicking and desperate.
They mostly disappeared after I moved away from my ex, and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and put on thyroxine.
I do believe that hypothyroidism can sometimes cause panic attacks so do get that checked into if you haven't already. I also found that even though you feel you cannot breathe, making yourself walk about can help as walking sort of forces you to breathe differently. And basically, distraction, get writing or try and sing or somesuch.
Feel free to add me and message me anytime you are panicking and I will respond if I am around.
I have issues with depression and anxiety, alongside on and off battles with bulimia/binge eating.0 -
Heading off to bed but had to post this. It helped me learn how to deal with/reduce/control anxiety. The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. You can get it at Barnes & Noble or Amazon. It leads you through identifying sources of anxiety and how to work through panic attacks, etc. I highly recommend it.0
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Thank you so much for the kind words and support, everyone, and I am truly sorry for the struggles other people are going through xx0
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