hii, new to this

[sezjay 1]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this site so sorry if I've posted in wrong section. I'm sarah 23 year old , i have 2 children and suffer with severe gad, panic attacks and depression  and a little ocd, it all started 3 years ago when I was going through a bad time, I was just laid in bed and started feeling funny , heart racing , couldn't breathe, tingling arms and all the rest that comes with it. Ever since then I've been having panic attacks every day which I hate and its ruining my life, thing have got worse since my dad got I'll with c****r and a stroke I have developed health anxiety and I'm convinced I'm going to die. I'm constantly in an anxious state, I hardly eat and lost lots of weight due to this so feeling crap about myself at the minute.

Its nice to no I'm not alone although I don't wish these horrible feelings on anyone. Looking forward to chatting with you all

X

[Cubmanben 134]

Good morning sez and I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling well. My journey started about 7 years ago after I lost my dad suddenly to a heart attack. I let the anxiety take off on me as well. I lost a ton of weight myself and have been through a lot of the same things you speak of. So you say you feel like crap about yourself? Just because you feel bad or what's the driver of these feelings?

Also, have you tried anything yet as far as therapy or anything? The difficult thing with this whole anxiety thing is learning about it and becoming comfortable with what anxiety is and learning that it can't hurt you. Acceptance is a real tough thing, really tough. Of course, it's also the key to getting better. It's certainly attainable, but getting yourself on some solid ground and starting to build off of that will be a big thing for you. You can and will get there, I can promise you that. Let me know how I can help, and there's several others on here that will be more than ready and willing to do the same.

Welcome to the site, I think you'll enjoy it here. And remember, even coming here and introducing yourself and wanting to get some help is a big first step!

[rainbow 333]

hi sez

welcome to AC. Ben said it all...we are a great bunch of people, and the main thing is we are here to support each other, and encourage each other... so know that you are not alone. You have come to a great site. 

Amber 

Edited December 28, 2015 by rainbow

[jonathan123 2346]

Hi. Sarah. Welcome to AC. .

Good to have you with us. No, you are far from alone as you have already realised. So many walk the path you are on and many have made it through so never despair. I know, it just goes on and on doesn't it? But it does stop, honest, if treated the right way. Read Ben's post again, he's got it about right.

"The difficult thing with this whole anxiety thing is learning about it and becoming comfortable with what anxiety is and learning that it can't hurt you. Acceptance is a real tough thing, really tough".

Now those are words of wisdom. It is tough, BUT, it can be done given the will, perseverance and understanding. Knowing what is happening is a powerful tool in anxiety. You are not at the mercy of some 'thing' but you frighten yourself by fearing your own feelings which, as Ben says, are harmless. Are you on any meds or therapy and have you seen your GP? By the tone of your post I imagine you have. You suffered a trauma and became 'sensitised' by your dad's illness. That's to say you became hyper sensitive to what goes on around you and to yours body's reactions. Things you would shrug off before suddenly assume large proportions. We all know because we have all been there. It OK for me to say, don't worry, you will recover, but getting you to believe that is not easy, is it? It still remains the truth, believe it or not. The symptoms you describe are typical of anxiety. We have heard them so many times. If you look up on the site under GAD 'The 100 symptoms of Anxiety' you will see what I mean. You have come to the right place and it's good to have you with us.  Good luck.     Jon.

[sezjay 1]

Hi everyone and thanks for the kind words, really sorry to hear about your dad ben, must have been awful for you its a stressfull time.yeh I have been to the doctors I've had CBT 2 year ago which helped a little, I would like to try some medication but then that's one of my anxiety fear of allergy to them. Its so hard I feel like I'm trapped, I've had a ct angiogram to check for clots on lung that was all clear, numerous blood tests, a spirometry to check for asthma which was normal (but ended up in hospital last month and they said I'd had a mild asthma attack so don't get why my gp said spirometry was normal) this is what sets my anxiety of because when I feel like I can't breathe I don't no if its anxiety or "asthma". Then to top it off I lost weight because I couldn't swallow food I keep choking on it, but slowly getting better with eating.

[Cubmanben 134]

Just remember that progress is progress, so even if it's a little better with eating, better is better. Draw on your past experiences with this. I know it's hard to know sometimes, but you've been dealing with this for a while and it sounds like you've been managing to get through it. Use that past experience to help you find some calm and reason that this is anxiety. That is, as you probably know, the trick to the whole thing.

As for the meds, have you tried them before? Most of the newer ones are pretty mild and fairly easy to tolerate. I know that they've been a good help for me at times getting that foundation set so you can get going back on the right path.

[sezjay 1]

I tried sertaline a few years back I only took one pill and was laid on the sofa all day tired and felt groggy. I'm thinking about giving it another try, its just the fear of taking it then waiting to see if I have a reaction( I no I won't but its in my head), I just want to be the same person I use to be. Does medication really help?

[Cubmanben 134]

I'll tell you that when I first started on this whole bout with anxiety it was 7 years go. So, like you I've been through this, felt better and have kind of gotten back in a rut of late. For me, they are helpful. I have been in that spot where I can't eat very well, having trouble sleeping, just feeling not well. The meds for me help calm things down a bit. It was just enough to help get back to the basics and rebuild a bit. It was kind of step one if you will in getting me back. It's not a magic bullet, but it for me has been a helpful piece of the puzzle.