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After effects of panic attack

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Posted 12/2/2016 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I suffer from health anxiety and have done so for as long as I can remember (I'm a 43 yr old male). Yesterday I had the worst panic attack of my life! I have an appointment booked with a dermatologist to check on my many dysplastic nevi (unusual moles) for Wednesday of next week. Well, in the morning I had an itchy spot on my back and consulted my worst enemy...Dr Google who proceeded to tell me that I have a serious warning sign for melanoma. So then I start checking and looking at my back feverishly all day long and I see a number of serious contenders for melanoma and absolutely freak out.

I am a primary school teacher and I couldn't concentrate all day. My wife ended up booking an appointment with my GP as she knew I would obsess about it all weekend. After all my panic, he told me all my moles were fine and we then discussed my anxiety issue.

Today, I feel drained, my eyes are heavy and I feel quite teary. Does anyone have the same after effects? This anxiety is starting to get the better of me even though I have been taking Zoloft for 14 years. I feel fine one week then hear about or read a story of someone with cancer and it flares up. It has been getting worse and I can't see a way of getting better.

Any advice form people who have experienced this or may have strategies to improve quality of life would be most appreciated.

Thank you,

Jamie
Posted 12/2/2016 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Jamie and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your awful scare and attack yesterday.:( I am glad to hear that you were able to get in and be given the good news that all is well regarding your concern...

...but as we all with health anxiety know...this is a temporary state until the root of the issue is resolved.

You mention medication, but have you ever done any therapy work towards managing the anxiety? I highly recommend either looking into it for the first time...or returning to make further progress.

For now, you can get started anytime with some self help specifically for health anxiety right here! At the top of our main forum page, you'll find our Resources...and the links are there...among other great material for managing stress/anxiety.

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 12/2/2016 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much Scaredy Cat! No I haven't had any therapy, but I am more than willing to try. I will also access your resource page and see if I can start my road to recovery.

It is such a relief to be able to discuss this with mature, like-minded people, who genuinely seem to care for the well being of others.

There is hope in our world yet.

Jamie
Posted 12/2/2016 5:46 AM (GMT 0)
Awesome plan!!

Great job on reaching out and getting started with a management plan. There is help and hope!!

We will be here to support and cheer you on every step of the way if you'd like!

We are a close group of peers who are always here for each other.:)

Welcome aboard!

S.C.
Posted 12/2/2016 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
hi jamiet! So sorry you're going through a tough time. Glad you're reaching out and taking some good steps towards healing!

If you're taking Zoloft and it doesn't seem to be helping keep the anxiety under control, it might be worth talking to your doctor about a medication adjustment or change. After such a long time on a medication there are times it can stop being as effective as before - so an increased dose or new medication could be an option. Something to talk to your doctor about for sure.

Sending you lot of strength!
Posted 12/2/2016 7:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jamie
Welcome and I am so glad you found this site ..... You will find help support and encouragement here to assist you on your journey to a healthier happier you.

Reaching out is the first step .... Practicing and learning coping tools will help you, they certainly did for me.

Our resource page is helpful also I found you tube with guided meditation are great help. Download an app on your phone is also a good move. I have one for work.. Its a quick 10 min for a regathering during work or study ..

There is light at the end of the tunnel. Getting on top of this current rise in anxiety is the first step then maintenance to keep it that way.
Understanding how it affects is very helpful try reading coping with nerves by Dr Claire Weeks , she's a bit harsh at times in her descriptions but she gives a solid understanding on how it all happens and how to help work it through.

Keep posting for support and encouragement there are amazing people here to help.
X
Posted 12/2/2016 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Jamiet!
You have come to the right place for support and understanding.

Anxiety attacks are very draining and I am exhausted after having one. It's like everything was tensed during and leading up to the attack; it's like a work out but you don't get the positive endorphins :(

Hope the resources help and let us know how you're getting on.
Posted 12/2/2016 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
i agree with supafunk that after 14years your zoloft may have lost its effectiveness. mine quit after 6 years and it was so gradual -i didnt notice
Posted 12/4/2016 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for the kind words and support...it certainly makes me feel less alone in this!

I did speak to my Dr and we tried a couple of switches however they really messed with my head and I always reverted back to the Zoloft. I was referred to a psychologist but I never kept the appointment because I was in a good space at the time...stupid I know but it is all part of this crazy ride. I don't know how effective talking to me about it will be but maybe it is something I need to follow up.

It's Sunday now and I can still feel the after effects of Thursday's meltdown. Cold sore appearing, GERD flare-up out of this world feeling, but hopefully will start to get back to normal.

Once again, I really do appreciate everyone's support and guidance and I will definitely continue to visit here.

Thanks,

Jamie
Posted 12/4/2016 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Jamie..I also have anxiety/GAD. It can be very difficult at times & feel like u r dieing bcuz if u just only knew what is wrong & if there really is anything wrong & having all that in ur mind brings on a panick attack & yes after a panick attack u will feel very drained, weak, tired, etc. I was on Celexa for 13 yrs & recently had to tapper off of it & switch to Zoloft. After 2 weeks on Zoloft I started having severe nausea..went back to doc & he told me to stop the Zoloft completely & had me start Lexapro 10mg. It took a whole 7 days of severe nausea, no appetite, night sweats,etc to get out my system. I have now been taking the Lexapro for 10 days & have had NO full blown panick attacks but am having some side effects that have caused me to have some anxiety but he also gave me a benzo, Klonopin .5mg & I only take 1/2 if I feel the need to help with the anxiety/panick attacks. I'm hoping I only have about a week left before the side effects subside fem the Lexapro so I'm trying my hardest to continue & hoping for relief here soon. But the benzo definitely helps with the convertion to a new med. Hope this helps u & remember everyone is different so what I went thru may not be what u will go thru & what works for one person may not work for the other person but u have to give it a try & get thru the side effects if u even have any bcuz in the long run there will be peace & I so keep telling myself that. And SC has told me too on my page & the reassurance really does help. It can be quite scary at times. I hope my issues level out by the end of January for I am getting married & thats another thing I've been dealing with..the planning ughhhh and oh the anxiety of it all! I just want it all to go away! You are so not alone :) I was starting to think I was but then I found this site actually today & I already feel a lil better...
Posted 12/4/2016 7:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi J
Getting run down after using so much energy constantly with anxiety is common...... I fell into that .... you cant eat with nausea and no appetite.... you forget to stay properly hydrated.... lack of sleep etc the list is endless.

So try some multi vitamins to build your self back up .... getting you in a better shape to deal with everything.

i learned the hard way getting one thing after the other sore throat, ear infection, dry itchy skin, so it took longer to get on top of things.. but once i dealt with those i was able to focus on dealing with the anxiety.

good luck and keep posting to let us know how ... Your improving!! positive sign off lol 😊
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