Sudden onset of anxiety - any advice

nlj1520

I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks in the past. Firstly drop your shoulders.....they were not meant to be worn as earrings! If at all possible, up your levels of physical activity to burn off some of the excess adrenalin. If you start to feel funny tell yourself over and over 'This will pass. This will pass. I am safe.'
Agree with the poster who suggested breathing exercises too and cutting out alcohol and caffeine will also help. Also the GP will know whether you need some medication just to help you over this patch in your life. I found that once I trusted the tablets I didn't need to take them anymore because I knew that if it got unbearable I had them......it put me back in control IYSWIM.
It's great that you know what is happening and why...that's half the battle.
The very best wishes to you

heartbreak_star

Pop to the GP if this is getting overwhelming. And talk to your boyfriend he has probably noticed you're not 100% yourself.

Errata - love the term "flapdoodle"!

HBS x

classy69

Sounds the classic anxiety question of "what if....?" What if this happens, what happens if that happens. A what if question is answered by another what if question, rather than being answered rationally, and before you know it you have concluded the worst case scenario! You are basically catastrophising and trying to predict the future. Whilst it is good to prepare for some eventualities, a more "so what" attitude so be used!

SavingPennies_2

These are classic symptoms of anxiety, most people will experience this at some period in thier life. I know I have and found CBT to be helpful.

Moving out isnt that big a deal, neither is buying a house (assuming you arent getting some major renovation project). The people who are saying theres loads to do are just winding you up, no doubt in a friendly way, without realising how stressed you are.

Just try and go with the flow, I know that's easier said than done, focus on one day at a time, make a "to do" list which will help you stay focused and in control.

Once you are moved in you will love it and wonder what all the worry was for

Carrotline

Thanks for all your advice. Have been practising deep breathing techniques, and reading http://www.llttf.com/ (thanks for directing me to it, Katy721) and have found both helpful.

Been trying to calm myself down when I feel a wobble coming on by repeating "it's only adrenaline, it's only adrenaline, etc" and it's taken some of the edge off, too.

Despite this, today was particularly bad. For some reason, I seem to feel far more anxious in the morning before lunchtime, and in the afternoon it gradually subsides.

Today pretty much followed this pattern, except I still kept feeling excitable/jittery/lightheaded in small, passing bouts this afternoon. Then I burst into tears on the train home, much to the horror of my fellow commuters.

On the plus side, coming home with a red, puffy face meant I've had to talk things over with my Dad and sister they've been a great reassurance.

Even so, I'm going to try and book an appointment with my GP on Monday, as per many of your suggestions here.

Can't go tomorrow as I'm part of a huge fundraising event at work tomorrow, and if I miss it, I'll be letting lots of people down.

Errata

Good luck for tomorrow, and please be prepared for your GP to give you some verbal advice, point you to websites, possibly suggest some counselling, but not dish out pills.

Carrotline

Errata wrote: »

Good luck for tomorrow, and please be prepared for your GP to give you some verbal advice, point you to websites, possibly suggest some counselling, but not dish out pills.

Thank you. I don't want pills, if I can avoid it. I need to remain sharp for my job, and wouldn't want anything to dull the edges.

marisco_2

Now I am going to show my age. 18 years ago I felt just as you are now OP. Moving away from your family home and starting out in your own property can feel like a daunting as well as an exciting prospect. Initially it seems like there is so much to think of and be responsible for. In a few weeks time though yourself and your partner will be coping with it all without even thinking about it. In your element loving a new found freedom and be feeling happy and confident settling into your new home.

Maybe think of setting up a bank account from which all your main bills go out on direct debit every month. Then you will know that all the essentials are covered and wont have to worry about keeping track of it all. I wish you both all the best on this next exciting stage of your life together. Enjoy it all, it is a magical time.

Yorkie1

Sounds as though you have a plan coming together, OP.

I think it's quite common for anxiety to be worse in the morning.

Good luck tomorrow with the event, and if you are offered pills by the doctor, ask what their side effects are. Different types of medication have different side effects, some far less (if anything) than others.

C22DTJ

Sorry to hear about your anxiety, it will pass in time, even though it feels horrid right now.

I can highly recommend a book called 'Self Help for you Nerves' by Dr. Clare Weekes.

It's a very old book (old enough to refer to shock therapy!) but take it from someone who has read more self-help books and seen more therapists over the years than I care to admit, that book changed my life.