Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I am having a panic attack and I don't know what to do...so I came here to try to write it out...
Inside, my blood feels like its boiling...I am so overwhelmed with stuff and not knowing what to do...that i am freaking out right now!...
I went to see my Counselor on Friday...and told her about these attacks that I have when I try to do one of the many things I have to do...you see, I've been struggling with this for almost 2 years and haven't gotten much of anything done...so I have a LOT to do!!!...anyway...I am also really angry and have no way to release any of my anger!!!!
So my counselor SUGGESTED (she knows me very well) that when this happens and i leave my house and walk to the park and then walk around the park or sit on a bench...so what's the problem you ask? WELL...it's 9:30 at night and 52 degrees outside!!!...there's no way I'm going out!!!!
I went to church for the first time in over a month yesterday...and I had planned on going back today for a quick Holy Week service...Didn't happen, I spent the entire day in bed sleeping!!! Till 6 this evening...all i can think about is all i have to do and how I can't do any of it... so i go online...and get more frustrated that I can't do anything and I don't know how to do anything...I feel so lost...and frustrated...and angry at myself...and I am just having a panic attack and don't know what to do about...GOD...what the hell do I do...and when is all this going to just be over!!!...
WELL?
-DR-
Inside, my blood feels like its boiling...I am so overwhelmed with stuff and not knowing what to do...that i am freaking out right now!...
I went to see my Counselor on Friday...and told her about these attacks that I have when I try to do one of the many things I have to do...you see, I've been struggling with this for almost 2 years and haven't gotten much of anything done...so I have a LOT to do!!!...anyway...I am also really angry and have no way to release any of my anger!!!!
So my counselor SUGGESTED (she knows me very well) that when this happens and i leave my house and walk to the park and then walk around the park or sit on a bench...so what's the problem you ask? WELL...it's 9:30 at night and 52 degrees outside!!!...there's no way I'm going out!!!!
I went to church for the first time in over a month yesterday...and I had planned on going back today for a quick Holy Week service...Didn't happen, I spent the entire day in bed sleeping!!! Till 6 this evening...all i can think about is all i have to do and how I can't do any of it... so i go online...and get more frustrated that I can't do anything and I don't know how to do anything...I feel so lost...and frustrated...and angry at myself...and I am just having a panic attack and don't know what to do about...GOD...what the hell do I do...and when is all this going to just be over!!!...
WELL?
-DR-
How are you doing now?
Gentle hugs
I have things that I want to do...
things that I need to do...
but I just can't focus enough to just do one thing...I know that's the only way I'm going to accomplish anything...but it just doesn't work...because my mind just keeps racing with ALL of the things I have to do and it won't stop long enough to focus on any little one thing...
GOD...this is so freaking frustrating and I feel like I am going crazy.
I just want to run and scream...but guess what? ....
I CAN"T.....
OH GOD...how do I stop this....I'm to the point that I am just crying....very quietly...but that doesn't help....
**More IDEAS**
Some things I think about when panicky - maybe something here might help???
1. MEDICATION: Does there need to be a change OR was there a recent change? Please work it out with your Dr. Make an appointment if necessary.
2. MUSIC: Good, soothing music - what do you like? Make it uplifting to you.
3. THOUGHTS: Focus -- repeat words/quotes, listen to / read short passages. Anything to help still the mind. Repeating a simple phrase as "I will be OK" helps me. (You mentioned church -> I repeat small Bible verses. I listen to Bible online. Please forgive if this is offensive to you.)
4. PEOPLE: Is there anyone who you consider "safe" to be with you (in person, online, on the phone . . .)? Connect like you're doing here. Keep coming back as much as you need to.
5. TIMER: I use the timer a LOT. Choose your time tolerance for focusing on something. 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes . . .
Set timer & do that one thing only. Praise yourself for every second that you focused.
***Mentally push out everything else. Like a horse with blinders on, eyes only look toward your ONE thing. I repeat to myself, "I'm doing . .... the dishes, folding laundry . .." or whatever I chose to do for those few minutes.
6. ROCKING / SWINGING - This may seem silly, but for some reason rocking or swinging gently seems to be a great soothing motion for me. Even holding a pillow as I sit and gently moving my body back & forth.
I know it was worse for me at night, is it better for you in the day - or does it make no difference? (((Hugs)))
On Nov 2, 2013, my attacks began. They involved the heart pounding, restless legs and an extreme fear.
These panic attacks repeat in cycles, for some reason.
I went into the hospital the second week of January. Sometimes going to the hospital can help. The doc put me on konapin, saphris, lithium and lamictal.
My attacks are not just tied to trauma but also eating. If I dont' eat enough, the attacks are exacerbated. Eating balanced meals is VERY VERY IMPORTANT.Start with foods that you can eat that are simple, like apple sauce, yogurts, and generally go up to the baked potato. Anxiety can give you a bad stomach.
I am not sure what the next step is for me.. I know that anti anxiety meds like klonapin and ativan can help, and some antipsychotics, CAREFULLY SELECTED BY YOU AND YOUR DOC can help.
Gentle walks might also help, if you can muster it.
Staying near safe people is also a great anxiety reliever. I wonder also if recalling such people is also a good way to relieve an anxiety attack, or to use cards and letters from the past to comfort oneself might be good.
Music can distract and also assist you.
However, if the attacks get too severe, it is time to go to the hospital.
I am still going through this, so you ARE NOT ALONE.
Much Agape,
Catherine
I'm trying to talk myself into get back to my meds and going to the dr... since my next appt with the counselor isn't till May...but I don't know...
I also feel an asthma attack coming on...and that really is not good!!!...I have severe allergies...awww crap...here I go again... focusing on all my stupid illnesses...I hate that crap...so I'll just try to go do something else...talk to y'all later...
-DR-
I encourage you to set up an appointment with your Dr. as you mentioned. Especially seeing that you have asthma. I only wish for you a calm & peaceful evening.
Maybe someone else will see this thread as I'm helping to "bump" this thread.
(((Hugs)))
Are you and have you carried anxiety? Used alcohol to medicate? Get in with the right professional who can help you with the right Rx course. If you have anxiety, alcohol isn't the answer - possibly sitting through tons of meetings, going for a walk, calling a friend etc etc can help. Taking the edge off can give you the support to have a life