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Something’s not right

Does it get better?

M_7Contributor

Does it get better?

My logical mind knows the answer to this is yes, but I’ve been so up and down it’s hard to imagine things improving.

I’ve always been anxious but last week I started having panic attacks. Since then my anxiety has taken over. My doctor has started me on some medication and we will be lining up therapy soon. Whilst the intense panic has subsided I’m still unable to go to work because my anxiety is so sporadic. For a while I will feel ok and then it will hit and I’m a complete wreck and can’t do anything. Or I will be very depressed. I’m also self harming [can I mention this here? I’m safe and not suicidal]. It’s unpredictable. I guess I’m asking “does it get better?” because I woke up feeling awful and it feels like this pattern is just my new normal. That sucks, I just want to be able to function and I’m so scared about going back to work next week (I took the whole week off)

I guess that was a bit of a rant, but that’s where I’m at right now. Wondering if anyone else has felt like things aren’t changing but then they did eventually…

17 replies

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In response to: Does it get better?

M_7Contributor

Re: Does it get better?

@tyme Thank you! Yeah I’ve been breathing through the panic episodes and it’s improving slowly. I’ve been doing the 4 7 8 technique (4 in, 7 hold, 8 out) which has been helpful

In response to: Re: Does it get better?

tymeModerator

Re: Does it get better?

@M_7 That's so good to hear. Persist with it. I used to HATE it! I was so against it. But when I learnt the science behind it, I realise it was such a simple yet powerful tool I could use at any time.

Press on!

I'm with you in this.

In response to: Does it get better?

MattsOpinionSenior Contributor

Re: Does it get better?

it does get better, and then the problem can reoccur. and it's probably about dealing with it as best you can until things get better. it'd be interesting if there was some event which triggered it. you'll probably figure out ways of coping with it given a bit of time

In response to: Re: Does it get better?

M_7Contributor

Re: Does it get better?

@tyme @Appleblossom @Former-Member @MDT

just an update: I seem to be doing better now. No panic episodes or SH for a couple of days and the anxiety is settling (just a bit in the morning and evening). Still get jittery here and there, but that’s probably the meds settling. Will be touching base with the doctor on Tuesday and starting with the psychologist on Thursday.

My hope is that I can return to work Thursday, if things stay on track 🤞

all in all…. Feeling positive. Even if things turn, going to try enjoy this feeling now 🙂

thanks again for all of your kind words and support!

In response to: Re: Does it get better?

MDTSenior Contributor

Re: Does it get better?

Hey @M_7
I do hope you're travelling well.
It sounds like a lot.
I hear ya. I'm not in the same boat, but perhaps paddling next to you.

Things can turn yes - but I do agree with you that when things turn it can be hard.
I am trying my best lately to avoid negative spells brought on by negative thought patterns.

Here for you my friend

In response to: Re: Does it get better?

M_7Contributor

Re: Does it get better?

@MDT Things did take a bit of a turn this evening after I got contacted by work for something (work has been the trigger for a lot of the anxiety/panic attacks). Took a few steps back 😞

trying not to let it get me down, but it’s hard because I know I’m going back to work this week. Meeting with supervisor to discuss it tomorrow morning. I’m just trying to avoid catastrophic thinking😖

In response to: Re: Does it get better?

MDTSenior Contributor

Re: Does it get better?

@M_7
Sometimes when I am on a verge of anxiety I find it helpful to limit all external stimulus

But its also helpful to get a grasp of what is in my control and what is not in my control

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