FabSwingers.com forum: Panic attacks/depression help

By *uxomBoobs195 OP Woman
over a year ago

Rotherham

Sorry if there has been threads about this before, I just wanted to share my experience and see if anyone has any coping advice or ways to help. It is quite a long post so I do apologise.

I've had depression on and off for around 8 years- I lost a baby and was in a bad relationship, both of which left me with some PTSD and mental health issues. I've had counselling on and off and been on and off anti depression tablets.

I have also worked through Covid on the wards and had began to struggle to process everything that involved and the patients.

February time I could feel myself getting worse and I didn't want to get low again, so I spoke to the doctor who put me on anti-depression meds.

I started having panic attacks mid Febuary time-i don't know why they started as I've never had them before. But hoped the meds would help ease them.

I have downloaded apps and looked on websites and joined groups online with advice and im able to slightly cope when one happens. However I'm struggling with stopping them from starting. Being at a hospital is a big trigger and it's gotten to the point where just parking in the carpark in setting them off, I've had them during work and have ended up up sent home. I have them in the car if someone cuts me up for example. I have to pull over in the car until I'm ok again. I've had them when I went to the shopping centre- I think the masks don't help as I feel like I can't get a full breath of air in.

I also get bad nightmares and ive began waking up from a nightmare and having one- I live alone with my son so it's really scary when they happen at night. So the medication isn't helping them at all, however, my nan passed away last week and emotionally I feel numb. I cried the day she died (she was ill for 3 weeks befor and I did alot of crying then) but since then I don't seem to be able to get upset- I dont know if its the medication that's working and stopping me being upset or if it's my brains way of protecting its self and not dealing with it at the same time? I was really low a month ago and those bad thoughts bad started to creep in-theyve stopped for now and beside the not being able to be upset or cry, I am feeling abit happier and more interested in things again.

Sorry for the long post, I just wondered if anyone had gone through anything simular and found ways to help? My GP is useless- I rang a few days ago and got told to again, download some apps and look at positive quotes online...!

Any words of advice is welcome!

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By *ySweetLadyWoman
over a year ago

London

I wish I had some wise words of advice or could tell you I have experienced something similar and found a way to feel better. I do not unfortunately. But I did not want to simply “read and run” so I am sending you a genuine albeit virtual hug.

Hopefully someone wiser and better informed than myself will be able to provide you with the help you need.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Oh goodness that sounds awful. I'd ask for another gp. That response is not good enough and your doctor should be ashamed of themselves.

Sending love and I hope you get some help xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Really sorry to hear you are feeling this way.

Depression & anxiety are horrible and totally debilitating.

Each person’s journey is different, but I can empathise with much of what you say.

One thing that has been proven to help both anxiety and depression is 20 min of high intensity exercise 3-5 times per week.

Also you my like to contact your local IAPS team, there’s a simple online self referral form, for various talking therapies - there will be a waiting list but it would be the same waiting list your GP would put you in anyway.

Please do t be too hard on yourself with regard to your feelings. I think emotions and feelings can be a bit like the tide, they seem to come and go of their own accord. There is no right or wrong way to feel about things and feeling numb is also a symptom of depression.

I hope things improve soon.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Oh goodness that sounds awful. I'd ask for another gp. That response is not good enough and your doctor should be ashamed of themselves.

Sending love and I hope you get some help xx"

^^^^^^^ Defo This. Change Doctor

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

not surprising you suffer like you do, going through the crap you have..

I went through some bad shit and anxiety attacks are now something I have too, but I now recognise what will most likely bring one on so I tend to slightly alter my behaviour and don’t get myself in certain situations so they don’t happen.

Perhaps recognising what brings them on and altering or avoiding that situation that may bring them in..??

They really are awful and debilitating and the day or two or three after can make you feel low..they do with me anyway.

Feel free to drop me a message if you need a broad shoulder to unleash on

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hi, I have had a much different experience, got no help from doctors. After I had cancer in my late teens , my body stopped working, couldn’t balance, had poor mobility. When I could eventually go out, I felt like collapsing, did once. Would become very dizzy feel like passing out, felt that everyone was better than me, felt like a fraud, I shouldn’t be allowed out. I would have constant panic attacks every time I go out. Finally learned to control my breathing and control any panic attack and taught my self to focus and have self worth. And now have lots of self confidence and the panic attacks are gone. I was once offered anti depressants which didn’t work, I recovered without silly drugs. That worked for me. Everyone is different. Good luck in getting over this. You will get there. It took me years. But I got there.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have been through similar. I got the counseling and the pills etc etc, the mental health team got involved because I became suicidal. I have found a few techniques that help me when the anxiety starts rising, but different things work for different people.

I completely empathize with the panic on arriving at work - I was having daily panic attacks in the hospital entrance. What helped me was taking time out, but I know that I was very lucky to have that option. Have you considered changing your job role to something comnunity-based? That's what I do now and I'm so much happier. Please feel free to message me if you want to talk.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You've had an accumulation of trauma reaching back a lot of years. Sometimes we expect too much of ourselves and look to magically be able to cope with it all. A bit like a sponge, you can only absorb so much before you need 'wringing out'.

You're at that point, think of the panic attacks like excess water from the overloaded sponge.

A GP has limited resources to offer, meds or support links, if you've not already been, request a referral to the community mental health team. Also do all you can yourself to find support as feeling you retain at least some control is helpful too.

Accepting what's happening to you is normal and not failure is a huge step too. Medication is not 'silly' but it's not magical either, a combination of therapies and pharma is most beneficial.

Obviously no one here can offer solutions but please don't be too hard on yourself. Demand the referral if you have to but also get informed on third sector organisations out there who may be able to help you through this period, it will pass and you will get back in control, all the very best and if I can help further just mail me x

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By *heNYCSausageMan
over a year ago

Everton

Any words of advice is welcome!"

My voice!

Hear me out, my ex suffered from severe anxiety (suppose it doesn’t help being with me haha), after losing her mother suddenly aged 16. Went to bed, woke up and she was gone. No warnings for anyone.

What she found helpful was just speaking to me.

She’ll go for a walk to try and calm herself (she lives alongside a beautiful beach), and if that doesn’t work, she calls me. My voice is calm and low, I ask her about her day, I ask her about her plans tonight, I’ll tell her what I’ve been up to.

Anything to take her mind off the attack. And by the time her walk is over, she’s forgot that she had an attack.

Find someone you can talk shit to without awkward silences. Someone who will take an interest in what you have to say and make it into a conversation.

Good luck xxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I can only echo what other people have said and definitely get a different doctor!!

I’ve found talking therapies really helpful, personally I’ve avoided medication (but that’s just me). Everyone’s solution will be different and there’ll be a hell of a lot of ups and downs. If you can afford counselling privately then that would side-step waiting times and some are very reasonably priced.

The only other thing I can say is to lean into your support groups wherever they exist. There’s clearly a lot of love for you here so grab all of it, chew people’s ears off and just know that you’re not alone and it will get better!

Always happy to listen and talk if you need! Xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I can only offer what I have done to counter panic attacks. I have depression (still take an SSRI) and, now, get minor occasional panic attacks.

Before my panic attacks were starting to trigger after leaving the house as I was avoiding as much as possible what was triggering them. My first step was to recognise they were panic attacks and then to actually keep myself from walking away from the situation and riding them out. Over time they have lessened in frequency and intensity.

As I said this was how I dealt with mine and this approach may not work for everyone. You could also read up on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and see what techniques are mentioned to help you cope.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sounds awful op...experiencing so much tragedy can leave many feeling haunted for a time. Sounds like you’ve suffered lots of loss and will be grieving each and all of them...grief is horrible but entirely natural...accept who you are and how you feel...endure and let the light return...check out post traumatic growth.

Big hugs to you and all who are suffering

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By *eavenscentitCouple
over a year ago

barnstaple

I have felt the same in the past. There is no quick fix as you know. The route of my issue was childhood abuse as well as a toxic relationship. I also have reduced serotonin levels and need the antidepressants to control that. I work in health & social care, a stressful and at times depressing job, where you "give" all day. I reduced my hours at work, started doing things I enjoyed, started meditating and slowly started healing. I believe depression in women is due to our position in society and unrealistic expectations on us. Many of us have had abuse and lesser opportunities in life.

Sending love and self-care is your friend. Xx

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By *hesblokeMan
over a year ago

Derbyshire village

I'm sorry, I don't have any advice.

But, you're a f**king hero for what you've done for others.

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By *i-guy1966Man
over a year ago

Gravesend

Remember, you're awesome! You reached out, so you want to change, that's brilliant.

I'm a tiny tiny bit on the spectrum and so I know about anxiety, but mine is about being around too many people!

In addition to the wise words above, I'd like to suggest you read The Chimp Paradox Prof Steven Peters. It's helped me a lot, but it's not a silver bullet, so should be considered complimentary to other strategies.

If you feel you need to message me, please feel free, I'll always respond.

Take care and lots of virtual hugs

Mike

XXX

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By *reepass4meCouple
over a year ago

Cheltenham

Can only echo the sympathy and thoughts above.

Well done for summarising the situation so well - maybe that is the start of handling things as you seem to recognise a lot of what is happening.

Have seen a few people use yoga & yoga breathing as an aide to keep control. Also find an enjoyable happy place - maybe get outside for a walk (forests, hills, beach) and focus on the good feelings this gives.

Good luck!

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By *inecrestMan
over a year ago

West Yorks

Hi OP, it's good that you feel able to post here and ask for help. I have experienced panic attacks and anxiety in the recent past and found things that help.

Someone else mentioned IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) which helped me. I see you have a local IAPT if Rotherham is where you are, google them and give them a ring, you don't have to go via your GP. IAPT will offer you an assessment and offer you help of some sort. CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) is often offered these days. Some people poohpooh it but many have found it useful. Another thing I found useful straight away is the website getselfhelp.co.uk which has free audio files you can download which talk you through ways of changing your thoughts and relaxing when you are having a panic attack. I have found one particular very helpful.

It's good you are determined to get help. Keep optimistic, that will help. You are welcome to send me a PM if you want to discuss more - I will reply.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Sorry if there has been threads about this before, I just wanted to share my experience and see if anyone has any coping advice or ways to help. It is quite a long post so I do apologise.

I have also worked through Covid on the wards and had began to struggle to process everything that involved and the patients.

February time I could feel myself getting worse and I didn't want to get low again, so I spoke to the doctor who put me on anti-depression meds.

I started having panic attacks mid Febuary time-i don't know why they started as I've never had them before. But hoped the meds would help ease them.

Any words of advice is welcome!"

I’m really sorry you are going through this but you can get through it without meds. Meds are just a way of coping without ever fixing the problem.

You said that you are shut down, this is the bodies coping mechanism and a response but you can use this to your advantage.

You can start to look at the tiggers for panic attacks and ways to either avoid or reduce those triggers but again this doesn’t ‘fix’ the root cause.

Techniques I would suggest are learning how to breathe and meditation. Both will allow you to start to control the emotional response to triggers over time. There is no quick fix I’m afraid.

This is something I have experience in from a professional capacity and I am happy to talk this through with you.

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By *inger_SnapWoman
over a year ago

Hampshire/Dorset

Please please please get blood tests done and check your B12, folate and Vit D levels.

Deficiency in these can cause many mental health issues.

Since treating them, I hardly ever get the internal anxiety/panic attacks.

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By *inger_SnapWoman
over a year ago

Hampshire/Dorset

Having been pregnant, that affects everything. I had severe post natal depression and was prescribed various antidepressants over the years, but I now believe I was just deficient.

Please PM if you want to ask anything x

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By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

Big hugs. You've been through so much.

Meditation controls my panic attacks, has done for nearly a decade now. I practice several times a day. It may get worse before it gets better, though, as you become more familiar with your bodily sensations. Try not to do it, at least initially, without someone to support you.

I take medication (antidepressant) and I view it as my safety net. I do most of the work to survive and recover, but if I fall I wind myself rather than landing on concrete at speed.

Try to find time to walk and get sunlight. It makes a surprising amount of difference.

Keep pushing for therapy or more help.

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By *luttyLaylaWoman
over a year ago

North West

Im so sorry your going through this and echo everyone’s above sympathies. Definitely ask for a different doctor where you feel more supported.

And please ignore the comments about referring to anti depressants as “silly drugs” or that they don’t fix the problem. A chemical imbalance in the brain causing depression absolutely can be supported with medication and knowing that and taking it can be life changing.

Of course it doesn’t work for everyone but just wanted to add that.

Your doing amazingly by reaching out and asking for GP support so don’t be disheartened by the most recent reposted and try a different one

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By *ools and the brainCouple
over a year ago

couple, us we him her.

You can self refer to italk.

I am currently in a similar situation been suffering from depression for years but only since having covid have I started having anxiety and panic attacks.

My wife suffered from panic attacks for years in fact when we met when she was 16 she suffered terribly.

GP wasn't interested back then so I learned to talk her down and relax her.

It still happens to this day mainly now due to hormone levels fluctuations.

But I never understood what it was like until I recently started having them.

I can't really offer much practical advice other than as already said. Seek medical advice perhaps call 111 explain to them and explain the issue with GP?

Good luck and take care x

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By *heEvilWithinWoman
over a year ago

Barnsley

Hey. If you ever need to talk then please message me via pm. I used to be a counsellor and often dealt with ptsd, anxiety and depression cases. Unfortunately it's not a one size fits all and everyone experiences all of those differently.

What I would say is that I'm not an envoker of medication. I believe that it becomes a dependency instead of dealing with the actual issues. And it gets to a point where you have to keep upping the dose and then eventually they can't give you a higher dose. However I do recommend medication for those really struggling with symptoms as part of the therapy to get better.

Unfortunately in the UK mental health is very under staffed and stuff like counselling is now carried out by people who aren't really qualified for it. So if you can afford it I'd recommend private counselling as they tend to be more specialised.

As for work. Your work should be supportive in terms of your mental health and if you're struggling then you need to speak to your manager and try and get time off. Especially if you work in a hospital. With covid etc it's made a lot of people anxious to work on the front lines and you aren't alone in that. Talking definitely helps and if you can even join some groups with others suffering from similar symptoms. Maybe try reddit, they have a lot of specific groups for depression and anxiety.

Just don't suffer alone.

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