Newly Diagnosed. Extreme Fear In Mornings.

[Janets]

I'm newly diagnosed. Have had panic attacks since I was 10 years old. I'm now 60+. Haven't had a calm mind since I was 10. I have a son with Autism and a brother with schizophrenia. Brother diagnosed at age 8. He was kept at home and terrorized me until I moved out of the house. I married an abusive man and had no help with my child. I was diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder in 1995. Finally labels on things I knew about myself. Just diagnosed with PTSD three days ago. Being scared all the time sent me to my psych earlier than my scheduled time. He prescribed Seraquel along with my already prescribed Ativan, as the Ativan quit working. I'm petrified from the morning and the feeling comes and goes all day long. I'm trying to stay out of the psych ward. My husband has been wonderful but is at a loss as how to help. Can anyone help me with these terrible feelings I'm having? I'm seeing a PTSD specialist on Tuesday.

 

[joeylittle]

Hi, @Janets, and welcome to the forum.

It's great that you will be seeing a trauma specialist soon. In the meanwhile, search around on this site for distraction techniques - there are lots of great ideas here. And seroquel is a decent medication. If you aren't getting any relief from it, page your psychiatrist and see what they recommend.

There is an app I like to use called Breathe2Relax. It's free. If you have a smartphone or a tablet you could download it and see if it helps.

 

[Hope4Now]

Welcome to the forum. Thera lots of information and support here. It may help you feel less alone with what you're going through. @joeylittle 's suggestion for a breathing app is a good one. When you get scared mindful breathing with a focus on the out breath is helpful along with keeping your eyes open and reminding yourself of how old you are and where you are and that you're safe. One moment at a time. I hope you make a good connectin with the trauma therapist on Tuesday.

 

[Janets]

Thank you all for your suggestions. It's Sunday morning and I'm feeling terrified. Going to try the breathing app you recommend.

 

[intothelight]

@Janets Welcome to the forum!

Anxiety is tough to deal with, and along with some of the breathing techniques, you might also want to check out yoga, meditation, mindfulness and even start a morning exercise routine such as a walk.

I hope you find the information and support here beneficial.

 

[Janets]

Intellectually, I know I need to get out but I'm too terrified to leave the house.