Don
I have severe anxiety and panic disorder. Its been almost a year of intense struggling. Im in therapy, which helps, but I still have the panic/anxiety attacks. I know that Ill never be cured, but Id really love SOME relief. Something to feel like theres hope...
Sometimes when I get a really bad anxiety attack, I feel absolutely crazy. Like I need intensive residential treatment. Everything just feels so impossible in those moments. And unfortunately, those moments are long and frequent.
I guess I just want to feel like I have options, but I dont know what they are. I wish there was some sort of magic to make things go back to normal. What do you guys do to deal with your anxiety and panic attacks? Have you been able to get your life back on track (for those of you with more severe anxiety)?
Anything helps :) I just feel really lost and alone sometimes.
@amusingChestnut1460
when i have panic attacks, i can't breathe.. my heart beats really quickly, my mind is racing i can't think straight.. and i start feeling cold. i dont know what to do either. i literally just keep breathing and let it pass, which can take long. sometimes days.. sometimes weeks while going through everyday life... i dont know what to do about it too. i just want to runaway from life and avoid the whole world altogether which i think it's the only solution that could work...
i dont think i can work because of this... life has been a whole mess of madness and i'm only 31... i still have such a longggg way to do and is it always going to be like this? i sleep to escape... but once i wake or i cant sleep i trigger another panic attack because im faced with reality and i remember all the problems i have... i never think i can do this. and i dont think i can.
@Hapburn
i believe in you. i felt the same way but here i am now and i believe that you are strong and that you will get through it just like i did. lots of love from australia
Thank you so much for reaching out. It really helps knowing I
@amusingChestnut1460
i'm not really sure to be honest. i spoke to my psychologist and she helped me alot but i also tried to stay positive and to do atleast one thing a day that i enjoy even if it it only for a short amount of time. that made me feel better. this probable wasn't really helpful so i am sorry abut that but i hope it can help a bit.
@elizamc2004
also keeping positive and believing in yourself helps alot too xx
@Hapburn
Im so sorry to hear that youre struggling. Are you working now? I had to take a week off this year because I got really bad. I dedicated the entire week to focusing on myself mentally. I set goals for myself each day (things like basic hygiene, one small outing, me time, etc.) and did a lot of therapy that week. It did help a lot, but of course nothing is an instant fix. If youre working, maybe you could try taking some personal time off. Or if youre not, dedicate a week to yourself anyways!
Ive tried therapy multiple times in my life, and it took me a while until I found someone I really clicked with. Its not that I didnt like my previous therapists, I thought they were fine at the time. But once I found one I DID click with, it changed my life. She feels like a friend and every time I come out of her office, Im completely elated. Maybe keep searching if you havent found someone like that yet.
It sounds like were in a pretty similar boat. I hate that youre going through such a hard time, but it sure does help knowing Im not the only one. Thank you so much for reaching out. Im always around to talk anytime.
@amusingChestnut1460
HEY! I am so sorry you are having a difficult time. I hear how painful that is through your words. I also know a bit about that, I used to experience similiar things.. I have been there too. I struggled with that and I got through it. I know you will, too. There is hope for you.
Progress is progress no matter how slow it is.
Although everyone is different here are some things I've learnt in therapy that helped me
- Questioning the accuracy of your thoughts. Remember that you are not your thoughts and not all thoughts are true. I now replace my irrational thoughts with more balanced ones. You are not going crazy, you are just having a panic attack.
- Grounding techniques
- Diaphramic breathing. This breathing exercise is also sometimes called belly breathing or abdominal breathing.
Goodluck :)
@ellygurx
I
@amusingChestnut1460
Have you ever tried EFT Tapping? When I first heard about it I thought, "this is ridiculous." :) But then, one day, I decided to try it out on my anxiety. And darn it, it actually helped a little. I really should practice it more because I don't have it solidly down just yet, but I think it helps. Here's a blog post I used to help me with step-by-step instructions, but there are also a ton of videos online as well as other articles that help, too.
@thoughtfulmomma
Thank you so much! I've actually heard of it, but I've never tried it myself. It's good to hear that from someone who uses it! I will definitely look into it.
