My story

@Blueeyes21

Hi Maddy,

Thank you for sharing your story.

I wanted to say it does get better, panic, anxiety and depression all give way to something better eventually. It is hard, really hard, but it will get better.

There are a lot of forumites who have the lived in experience of living with panic... I know I do.

I don't have the answers to taming panic...I often still have anxious thoughts and panic attacks, sometimes what helps is medications, other times some exercises or breathing or just knowing that its uncomfortable but transitory.

I hope that helps.

Hey @Blueeyes21

I am so very proud of you for finding the courage to share your story here. Taking that first step to post on here can feel daunting, but please know that you are not alone in feeling this way.

It sounds like you have been carrying this heavy weight for a long time by keeping your struggles hidden. It is completely understandable that things feel like they are 'bubbling up' now - human resilience is an amazing thing, but everyone has their limits.

That feeling of being on pause while the rest of the world moves forward is a very common experience for those navigating mental health hardships. It doesn't mean you are failing; it means you are currently in a season of survival. Learning to work with your hardships rather than against them is a profound shift, though, as you said, it is incredibly difficult when the 'light at the end of the tunnel' feels obscured by panic.

Please be gentle with yourself. You've already taken a massive step by reaching out and connecting with others. We are all so glad that you are here.

I did wonder, when things feel like they are on pause like this, what is one small thing, even something very minor, that helps you feel a little more grounded or comfortable at home?

@Blueeyes21

That's a great attitude to have Maddy!

"Hope and help for your nerves" was a book that I read which helped a lot. Also Power over Panic was another great book... they help you realign and to perceive anxiety and panic as a bodily function, but also your brains way of telling you that it sees something important. One of my panic attacks was about my children and intrusive thoughts about them being unsafe. Its actually perfectly logical to worry about their safety but illogical because I really cant do anything about it, so I thank my brain and try to do the things that challenge or scare me... it helps sometimes.

@Blueeyes21

Oh I know exactly what you mean there. I had to cancel an island holiday because of the panic... horrible to think now that I allowed fear to run my life so much. I mean it still does to a larger extent than I am happy with. 😀

Hi and welcome @Blueeyes21

I’m so glad you decided to take the courage to join our community and share this post. I’m sorry that you’re feeling this way, and please know that we’re here for you. I started bravely therapy last year, and I’m in the middle of working through my lifelong trauma. At times I feel like I’m going nowhere, and other times I feel a bit of hope. Trying to move past painful parts of your life can be very draining, so try to be gentle with yourself every now and then. I know it’s easier said than done, but be kind to yourself and take care. 💛

We are sitting with you @Blueeyes21 . It's a space many have been before.

We encourage you to continue reaching out.

How are you going today @Blueeyes21 ?

We're thinking about you.