Anxiety and worry during period

As long as I can remember, I've always gotten a little anxious and jittery for the first couple days of my period. It's frustrating, but it's always been manageable.

Today, however, I actually had a full blown anxiety attack! I started my period yesterday and at work today, out of nowhere, I started getting really anxious and it turned into that lightheaded, heart-racing, spinning feeling associated with a panic attack. I haven't had that happen in twelve years!

I knew what it was because I remembered from when I was young, so I closed my eyes and started counting backwards from ten repeatedly until I calmed down.

I admit I've been a bit stressed out lately - just going through a breakup and all. I also admit that I haven't been eating or sleeping well because of it. And I know that wouldn't have happened if I weren't on my period. But I feel so ashamed and disappointed in myself, letting it get to that point. I'm also a bit afraid that it'll happen again.

Anyone had a similar thing happen to them? Got any advice on how to keep calm and prevent a repeat situation? How do you turn an anxiety trigger off (make something that upsets you not upset you any longer)? I keep telling myself it's not going to happen again, but after having it happen once, I'm finding it a little hard to believe it!

Any feedback is appreciated.

i can relate to th symptoms u mentioned about our regular cycle and im sure that with ur recent breakup it everything has been inreased 100 times. But dont feel ashamed about having all these emotions over ur break up we've all been there and it obviously takes time to deal with maybe its less to do with ur period and more about th breakup im here if u need anything : )

I am sorry this happened to you too.  (((((((((Hugs))))))))))

Breaking up a relationship is difficult !Grief can be experienced even when an unfulfilling relationship ends, because, at the very least, you have lost the emotional investment you made in that relationship. There may be a sense of failure, hopelessness, loss, despair, and fear.   In many cases, the length of the relationship compounds the pain of loss and anxiety just come along and hops on board with your other feelings. Sometimes we don't think of our feelings as grief so when the anxiety starts it takes some time to recognized what may have set it off.

Short-term relationships can involve an investment in fantasy and in hopes for the future, and their loss can be similarly heart-wrenching even if you and your ex agree on the split. 

I understand completely how you wish this situation today would never have happened but do look forward and remember you are a good person going through some hard times.

Be well,

Kitt 

Had a really good day today : ) If I ever started feeling stressed out, I just told myself to stop and I calmed down. I am stronger than this and tomorrow will be even better.