Panic disorder - Sorry in advance for a long post
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So at the end of June this year I was at work on my break when all of a sudden just randomly I felt 'weird' I got one of the girls to check my bp, blood sugar, heart rate and all was fine.
I ended up going to A&E because the last time I'd felt this way was 2022 while I was pregnant and it turned out I had blood clots on my lungs.
Anyway, an ecg was done — normal, bloods done — normal. The Dr asked if I was anxious about anything and I'd said no because I really wasn't.
I was sent home with a referral for a 5 day ecg, which I'm still waiting on. I did have a 24 hour one but still waiting for the results.
Since this first episode I've had about 7 more the worst being a couple of weeks ago. It was so bad I got my partner to call an ambulance because I genuinely thought I was having a heart attack. After 30 minutes I was back to normal just a bit achy and tired. I ended up cancelling the ambulance.
A colleague mentioned panic attacks to me so I did some research and it does sound like I have this. I mentioned it to my gp who just phoned back saying to set myself up with talking therapies which has a massive waiting list.
The only problem I'm having now is these episodes are stopping me from leaving the house and is really starting to affect my work as I'll either not go due to a panic attack or go in but have to leave because I've had one.
I'm constantly thinking there's something wrong with me. First it was to do with my heart, especially as I keep having palpitations. Now I'll get a pain, more recently by my ribs, which instantly made me think oh I've got cancer!
I just want any recommendations people have that have worked because I'm so fed up of not being able to leave my house. I'm not usually a crier but I'm crying all the time because I'm just so fed up with it all. Especially as I've had nothing happen that has triggered panic attacks.
Thank you for listening and if you've managed to read the whole thing thank you for your patience!
0 likes, 1 reply
jan34534 susan72387
Edited
i’m so sorry you are going through this. It really does sound like panic attacks. You don’t have to necessarily feel anxious to have one. One thing to remember is that they are not harmful even though they feel very scary.
Keep trying to find some therapy with a counselor. Don’t give up on that sometimes people. And they might have a wait list. sometimes you can do it virtually right at home.
in the meantime, when you feel one coming on, it’s really important to breathe properly to settle everything down. proper breathing is the key. Sometime when you are feeling, OK, go to YouTube and search for breathing during panic, attack or like that. It will really slow down the heart rate and help you feel better. There are also some excellent meditations for anxiety for calming down the mind.
Try to take one day at a time. Stay away from caffeine, sugar, and junk food and also alcohol. These things will worsen any anxiety.
It’s good to get in some form of exercise because that will settle down the mind and body. At least to some degree. Even if it’s just walking. I do hope you start to feel better soon. feel free to private message me.