Anxiety On Overdrive Lately

[SwordsPandaGirl]

I cant seem to control my anxiety. Work stress and horrible people calling those with mental illnesses crazy has me at a constant panic. I know I shouldnt listen to them but I cant stop myself from panacking! My heart is racing, my chest hurts, im finding it hard to breath and im feeling lightheaded.

I feel like people are after me or about to attack me and I cant get these awful thoughts out of my mind!!

Im not sure what to do :( im not seeing a T as im still looking for one in my area and this is making things worse. I had a T before I came back home and now im finding it impossible to get a new one. This is stressing me out more and making me feel more lonely than ever.

If anyone had any advice I would really appreciate it. I feel completely low and on my own and dont have anywhere to turn :(

 

[BlackbirdSinging]

I just posted a thread about something similar. It feels like just way too much anxiety. It makes functioning hard. I'm sorry you're going through this too. I wish I could offer some suggestions but I'm feeling basically the same way too. I hope it gets better for you soon.

 

[SwordsPandaGirl]

Hi @BlackbirdSinging I have just read your thread. Sorry you are going through the same as me. Its so horrid :(

Like you said, functioning is getting more difficult and nothing ive tried has helped ease my anxiety. I hope this passes :(

Hope you start to feel better soon and if you need to chat, you can always PM me, perhaps we can help eachother some how?

Panda :hug:s if you accept them

 

[Chava]

I have moments and days of panic more than ongoing anxiety, but I know anything you can do to support the calming side of your nervous system...even though hard when you feel hyper-vigilant or like people are out to get you. I know I can't handle much conflict or stress when I feel like nobody is on my side...that's a terrible feeling, though common for me because I've avoided relationships so badly. So first, know that we are here for you on the forum, so you are not alone.

And as for the calming stuff, just try to notice anything that helps. Sometimes I need to curl up and "hide" or hang out in a room without windows for some reason, like my garage. Swirling my hands or feet in warm water helps, or going for a walk. Hugging a stuffed animal, pushing against a wall with my legs, using resistance bands or otherwise releasing some energy without letting myself just fidget or run to exhaustion. Music that uplifts you...and just keep the music going. Artwork or collaging or just shredding paper or trying to learn something new that requires my concentration (origami, Pilates, whatever). I feel very scattered when anxious, so mindfulness things or projects that can focus and absorb my attention. Also, I find compression helps me. I have lots of pain in my back, but also notice if I wrap a blanket or scarf around myself pretty tight, I can sometimes really settle feelings of panic quickly. It's a weird thing, but it helps me.

Basically, I can't force myself to relax, but find little ways to move in a calming way or change my environment or feel supported somehow.

I hope you are able to find a therapist to help you soon, too. Are there support groups you can go to for anything? Like anxiety or abuse or if you fit into any 12-step things? I'm a recovered alcoholic and I shouldn't say that's a good thing, but I'm grateful for my 12-step group and feeling like some people "get me" and my wild ways with stress sometimes. Sorry it's so hard for you. But you're not alone. Keep looking for ways to reach out right where you are and keep posting. Also, if you find things that help you calm your anxiety, write them down to keep a list for yourself (and share here!). Hugs...

 

[KwanYingirl]

I have an APP of guided relaxation with music. I lie down and listen and breathe in calm and out stress. It does reduce my anxiety. There are times I need my anti anxiety meds. It comes from out of nowhere like climbing the cellar stairs with a basket of laundry. More often than not, I have no idea what is making me feel anxious. It's stressful.

 

[risingsun]

Im not sure what to do :( im not seeing a T as im still looking for one in my area and this is making things worse.

I'm sorry SwordsPandaGirl. As we had talked about before, I am in the same 'no therapist' boat for about the same amount of time as you now. I began suffering severe panic attacks this summer due to that and other things.

I have been really trying to turn inward. Since I have been actively writing for school, I have been using headphones while I write and have been listening to music that uplifts me since it really is the true healer of the spirit. I have also tried doing exercises and whatnot. I suppose I have been doing anything to keep myself from thinking myself into "The Dark Hole." Do anything you can to get yourself away from that place.

I am always here if you need someone to talk to. Don't worry Swords Panda Girl. I believe everything happens for a reason. You haven't found the therapist yet because the ones you were looking into were not for you. Keep the Faith. You will find the right one.

Warmest Always to You, Rising Sun.

 

[SwordsPandaGirl]

@Chava I used to have only moments or longest a day on and off but now its on going and its horrible :(

know that we are here for you on the forum, so you are not alone

Sometimes it feels like the only outlet I have is this forum. No one in my RL understands what im going through. I have my fiance which is my only support but even so, as much as he tries and I love him for it, he doesn't understand what it's like and can sometimes make me feel worse.

find little ways to move in a calming way

I've tried so many things, without any success :( It's like im stuck this way! I can't reduce the stress im under and this is making things much worse. Im stuck at home (a major trigger and where most my abuse took place), I have a stressful job and all this without a T is making my life very difficult right now.

I hope you are able to find a therapist to help you soon, too. Are there support groups you can go to for anything?

Unfortunately where I live is so tiny that there are no abuse related support groups. There is only AA but I don't really fit in to that. No helplines (which were a life saver to me when I was living in the UK) or therapists that have experience with PTSD or abuse. This is why im feeling so alone and it kills me because every day that passes I see myself deteriorating more and more and there is nothing I can do about it :( I am getting worse with my depression and have even gone to a doctor as my last resort for help. They were of no help what so ever and just sent me home. It feels like no one in the world cares about me and I am doomed to just get worse :(

@KwanYingirl I agree, it is very stressful! Like you pointed out it can be very random and frustrating. I dont know why I have become so anxious and why I cant seem to switch it off or get control over it. This is becoming out of hand for me :(

@risingsun

I am in the same 'no therapist' boat for about the same amount of time as you now. I began suffering severe panic attacks this summer due to that and other things.

So sorry to hear rising! I know how it feels :( I thought you had found one? It sucks that you dont have one! I hope you find one soon that is nice and will help you.

Do anything you can to get yourself away from that place

Ive been trying so hard. I too have been exercising more to try and get rid of some of this unwanted energy but no matter how much I try, I can't stop my anxiety. I cant concentrate at work and this is making things worse as my job consists of me needing to be able to do maths. I have already been told off on several occasions but I can't stop myself, my anxiety is too much.

I am always here if you need someone to talk to.

Thank you so much rising! know that I am also here for you too. PM when ever you want to :)

Thank you all for the helpful comments and replies, it means alot to me knowing that people here actually care. I hope I can find a T soon as i am in a desperate need for one.

Panda :hug:s to you all!