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I'm new! Can anybody help me out with any advice..

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Posted 1/11/2016 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi I'm new here. Finally joined a group to try and get some support as I don't really speak to anyone about my anxiety. I've had panic disorder for just gone a year now and it's a living nightmare!!! Constantly thinking there's something wrong with me and that somethings going to happen to me. The smallest twitch or pain anywhere especially in the chest and I start panicking and checking my pulse. Not to mention that I check my pulse at least 100 times a day!! My family and boyfriend think I'm over exadurating but they just don't know how hard it is to deal with anxiety. Been to the doctors numerous times I think they're sick of the sight of me going back every week checking if every problem is serious. Been prescribed sertraline numerous times but refuse to take it due to the side effects, tried it on and hated it after a week gave up as I felt suicidal. Just don't know what to do anymore I feel like my life is falling apart. Hate being on my own as it makes me paranoid thinking something will happen and I'll suddenly die. I sound so weird but really all I need is someone to talk to who suffers with the same thing as I do. Just can't get out of the habit feeling my pulse wondering if it's too low or too high ect. .. don't know how much longer I can cope with this
Posted 1/11/2016 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi JRF and welcome!

I am glad you reached out and joined us! Sorry of course that you are dealing with your anxiety challenges...but pleased that you are seeking support...it really makes a difference!

I understand where you are coming from in terms of not wanting to continue with a med that gave you the s/e's you described...

...however, there are alternatives that you could discuss with your doctor. Not only other medications, but a therapy as well. This is an essential part of any recovery program, so if you've not considered seeking a therapist yet, it is recommended!

For now, you can check out our Resources at the top of the main forum page. We have links with suggestions for anxiety management. We even have specific self help for health anxiety issues. Take a look, and put whatever looks helpful to you, into practice...it will be beneficial and well worth your time and effort. :)

Keep posting with us as well! We know what you are going through, as we have, or are currently experiencing similar struggles.

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 1/11/2016 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi JP,

Welcome to the forum! There are many nice, helpful people here, and we all have had similar experiences and want to help each other. You will find support here!

I am so sorry to hear of your anxiety. You did the right thing by stopping the Sertraline if it made you feel suicidal. There are plenty of other drugs out there that might be a better fit for you. The first time I took a medication that calmed my constant panic attacks, I was amazed and felt eternally grateful for the relief.

Have you heard of beta blockers before? They help with physical symptoms of anxiety including keeping your heartbeat from racing. It might be worth looking into.

I am sure you will get a lot of other good advice here, and remember that no matter how alone you may feel, we are always here for you so you are never really alone!

Take care,

-Cat
Posted 1/11/2016 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Anxiety left untreated will most likely not get better. There are many people, as evidenced by this forum, that deal with the same terrible things as you.

You need to either try to find an antidepressant that gives you the least amount of side effects and stick with it for at least six weeks to see if it has made you feel any better or find a skilled cognitive behavioral therapist that you click with.

Things DO improve if you put in the effort. The more you focus on your anxiety and your symptoms the worse both will become. The key is to let go and simply not care about the symptoms and the thoughts any longer. Giving all the thoughts and feelings meaning is what keeps you ill.
Posted 1/11/2016 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
Anxiety us so hard to control and so scary to fight. I understand that feeling all too well. I am just coming out of an attack. Things always get better though. I am mostly anxiety free and when it spikes I do my coping skills and come here to my friends and fellow suffers. Anxiety is a tough son of a bizkit but fighting it, is really not that hard. Coping skills, a med if need be and these awesome people have pulled me back from the edge more than once. Please treat this, it always always always gets better.
Posted 1/11/2016 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
JP the first thing you need to know is you are not alone, not even close, we all suffer much the same, some are new to this condition and some are long enduring, the thing is no one can even come close to understanding your problems except someone who has had or is having panic/anxiety. The advice your new friends have given is perfect for you, the tools available here all work, some are better for me and some will be better for you but they are all good.
Some suggestions. CBT, Mindfulness, Therapy group or one on one, my suggestion is find something that will distract you and work on it a while see how it go's there are a lot to choose from.
We are here seeking help, and giving help you are welcome to our Family, Healing Well! Peace

Larry ***
Posted 1/11/2016 10:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jp

First of all welcome to the forum I am pleased you have found us as I know you will get good support here from others who can relate to what you are going through.

Sorry to hear you have been dealing with anxiety it sounds to me like you are dealing with health anxiety which a lot of us suffer with here.

The good news is lots can be done to help such as taking medication or doing some talking therapy such as CBT or Mindfulness Meditation or a combination of both. Have a look at our resources for some good links to self help guides and keep posting here so we can help support you.

Hibee
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