anxiety.

I’ve been dealing with anxiety for about 4 years total, it genuinely came out of nowhere. Sometimes it’s like a feeling of just emptiness will come over my whole body and then i start panicking, my heart will race, my mind will start going a million miles a minute and it feels like there’s absolutely nothing I can do to stop it. I try calming myself down, maybe drink a bottle of water and try sitting down but a lot of the times nothing works, my body just has to chill out on it’s own. Family and friends have said I really should get on medicine and while I agree, I also disagree at the same time. I don’t want to have to depend on medicine to “feel normal” or turn into an emotionless zombie from the medicine. Then there’s chances of side effects, or what if I accidentally “forget” to refill a prescription or if I’m to only busy with work to make it to the pharmacy? There’s so many what if’s that go through my head and I feel that also a part of the anxiety. Almost as if I’m genuinely scared to take medicine so it’s such a hopeless feeling. And also the feeling of not being able to control myself when these panic attacks happen is really depressing. I think this COVID19 stuff has honestly made it worse, I find myself having small anxiety attacks almost anytime I leave my house lately over the last 2 months or so. It’s just such a terrible feeling and it gets so old..

Was wondering if anyone had any tips that may help them if they have panic attacks or anxiety? (other than medicines)

 

Honestly, breathing exercises really help me. Meditation and clearing your mind (which takes some time to learn) also help. I’m personally on a few different medications. Think of it like this: If your anxiety is a sinking ship, the medication will be your life jacket. Surely they’ll keep you afloat, but you still need to put the work in to swim to shore. Surround yourself, after covid, with positivity and positive people. Eat a healthy diet, and focus on building up your emotional intelligence (eq). Read about it, seek a therapist to begin with before seeing a psychiatrist for medication, start small. Talk to someone, a professional. You got this!

 

Thanks for the reply, I have actually heard that learning proper breathing techniques can help. And I may look into meditation, it sounds like something that may be a help as well.

 

Chelsea, I know what you mean, but i've been taking med for depression, and while to treat a really strong mental illness there's the zombie like drugs, if you go to a psychiatrist the perfect balance (that he will help you achieve) may have a few rough patches, but it will be worth it, its amazing when you can see your anxiety from outside without being drowned in it.

Breathing helps, but if its a really strong one just find a place that makes you feel safe and relax, know it will pass. ik its easier said than done but try it. also if you feel numb emotionally just speak to your doctor, what screws people up is not telling their doctor side effects they may be feeling, and there are a ton of apps that will remember you to take your meds, so relax. it will be ok, you will pass thru it and work it out.

If you ever need to vent just send me a text, and lets chill. take care.

 

Thanks for that. I’ve found that just going to my room and being on my bed calms me down sometimes. (weird I know) but just the feeling of my bed and the feeling of the blanket and my pillows soothes me when I’m in a panic, I don’t know. I may give in and talk to my doctor. My biggest concern is doing nothing, and this effecting me worse one day (heart problems from panic attacks, etc)

 

yea, its hard if you feel you can't completely open to your psiquiatrist dont be afraid of changing him, you need to feel 100% safe and if its not there move on chelsea. that is also important. take care and let me know how it went.

 

A feeling of emptiness is usually tied to depression, not anxiety. Anxiety usually ties to the panic attacks, and the million miles a minute. You need to learn to be conscious of your surroundings and what is happening in your head. If you can't do that I'm sorry to tell you that medication is your only true way out. I have struggled with anxiety and depression over the years but mine is mild enough where I can realize it without medication. I was prescribed a medication took it once and decided that I'm smarter than that and I don't need it to do better for myself. Some people on the other hand literally can't think like that. There is no shame in taking medication for our downfalls, it is healthy to do so. You should do what is best for your mind and your body. You just need to see that it is alright to be a "medication zombie" and perhaps see a therapist to see if they could help you with some mental soothing. Don't be afraid to talk to people about your experiences and all. Thanks for the post @Chelsea Brooke

 

Try to control the anxiety attack. As soon as you feel the begining stages creeping up acknowledge it and tell yourself youll be okay. I had pretty bad anxiety for years and eventually I was able to control it to the point where I rarely get them and if I do it passes pretty quickly. It takes time is all I can say. Most meds for anxiety are super addictive so its a hard choice, I would personally not go on them. If you need any more advice or to talk add me on discord or pm me

 

The empty feeling I referred to was more so like, when I’m having a panic attack or whatever and I try calming myself down and I just can’t do it, it gives such a helpless feeling. I guess I should’ve used the word “helpless” instead of empty. I’m genuinely happy with my life, I have a great job, I’m okay financially, other than that the only issue with life is anxiety. And I do believe I can “do better for myself” but sometimes the panic attacks are just too much and I lose all self control in my mind so to speak. I do think I’m going to try to see a doctor and get on some medicine, because it’s getting to the point of being too much to handle.

 

There must be an underlining cause to your anxiety. What thoughts cause you an attack and what event led to your anxiety starting in the first place?

 

Keep in mind that medicine is not a cure and anxiety medications are highly addicitive and can open a whole new world of problems in the future.

 

Yes and remember dont be afraid of trying another doctor if you dont feel entirely confortable with the one your have.

 

best way is try and gain confidence i would say that worked for my friend. Confidence and self awareness helps you outgrow this