Sudden onset of anxiety - any advice

Davesnave

Carrotline wrote: »

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.

Some people find that the 'pills' used to control panic attacks are helpful, but I know they're not suitable for everyone.

Basically, they help prevent an overreaction to those adrenalin rushes and they don't impair mental function at all.

While the heart still pumps vigorously during a potential attack, there's less danger of moving to the lightheaded, "My God, I've got to lie down!" phase. Because of this, the sufferer feels more in control and, in time, gains mastery over the symptoms. The pills are then reduced, and finally dispensed with altogether.

That's how it was for me. Others' experiences may vary.

SavingPennies_2

Carrotline wrote: »

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.
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Mine followed the same pattern, always worse in the morning, gradually getting better in the afternoon, usually okay in the evening. You body will get used to the routine, you will start to "anticipate" it happening, and that of course will make it happen, it can be self perpetuating. Good luck at the doctors, personally I wouldnt just accept pills unles you want them. That was my doctors first offer, i refused and was offered CBT. I actually did it through a local charity as the NHS waiting list are long.

classy69

Another good website to help with anxiety is www.anxietynomore.co.uk

Errata

This website has a good reputation. http://www.nopanic.org.uk/index.html

pops5588

OP, I was having CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) before our house purchase began and the two just happened to coincide.

I found it really helped me through it. There were days where I wanted to hide in a dark room from the stress of it all, but the techniques learned through the therapy really helped me keep going and just breathe through it!

Also was useful to know that once a week I had a room and a space where I could let it all out and talk it all through.

Carrotline

Friday was a much better day. Had a fair few jittery moments during the day, but the atmosphere at the charity event I was taking part in during the evening was so fun and relaxed, everything was fine.

But, crucially, I didn't use any Rescue Remedy or hide out in the toilets at all.

Unfortunately, I spontaneously burst into tears again yesterday, after seeing my sister's kids - who at the moment live just two doors away from our house - and again this morning after coming back from the corner shop, after getting a bit dizzy and wobbly on the way there.

Told my boyfriend all about it and he's been extremely supportive.

Yorkie1

Well done on Friday, that's a real achievement for you to manage and without needing the coping strategies!

Emotion is to be expected with anxiety, so don't beat yourself up about it. Glad your BF is supportive, and so he jolly well should be!!

Carrotline

Went to the doctor on Monday, after a near symptom-free day (it's always the way, isn't it?) and she was really good. She gave me a lot of reassurance (along the lines of, contrary to how I'm feeling, I'm not going mad) and some websites to read through, as well as some breathing exercises. She also prescribed me propranolol, but I'm a bit wary of taking it.

She said it's not addictive, and the main side effects are tiredness and upset stomachs, but I've felt a bit better these last two days and would like to get beyond the completion date to see if things ease up a bit naturally by then.

Had a minor wigout today. Had to attend an event for work this morning and started to get really apprehensive and worked up about it, which is stupid as I've been to hundreds of events like it in the past with no problems.

To resolve this, I walked the longest route possible to the event (to work off some of the adrenaline, as my doctor advised) and just tried to settle myself with a glass of water and a sit down before it began. It worked, but I still felt a bit shaky from time to time.