Cant stand this any longer

Barewolf · 03-03-2010, 15:54

I don't understand Doctors sometimes. For the past 72 Hours I've been in a constant panic, I don't know what about, I can't describe it. It's just intense fear.
My GP rang me up this morning, I felt fine when I woke up, but even after explaining how I felt he wouldn't do anything.
I'm convinced I'm going to die even though I know this is just anxiety, nothing I do calms me down.
I woke up last night at 12am, within a few hours I was a total wreck. My Fiancé was in tears, surely there's help out there?

Raistlin · 03-03-2010, 15:56

How long have you been feeling this way?

Are you tired?

Are you drinking lots of coffee/soft drinks?

What are your eating habits like?

Are you getting much exercise?

Do you smoke?

Have you changed anything in your life recently, even something minor like soap/shampoo?

Barewolf · 03-03-2010, 16:09

How long have you been feeling this way?
30 Years

Are you tired?
I am but I cant sleep because I feel im dying

Are you drinking lots of coffee/soft drinks?
No, I don't touch caffeine

What are your eating habits like?

Usually very good but I cant eat because im too anxious

Are you getting much exercise?
Not really.

Do you smoke?
Yes

Have you changed anything in your life recently, even something minor like soap/shampoo?
No

I know its anxiety but I cant shift it.

danielf · 03-03-2010, 16:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barewolf

What are your eating habits like?

Usually very good but I cant eat because im too anxious

Not eating is certainly not going to make things better. Quite the contrary in fact. Get something in you.

Taf · 03-03-2010, 16:16

To my layman mind, it sounds exactly what I have suffered from for years: panic/anxiety attacks.

I am now on permanent citalopram meds (lowest possible dose) as coming off citalopram causes even tougher panic/anxiety attacks that don't wear off (the pack actually states that weaning off can cause a return off the attacks).

I have never found the "trigger" to these attacks... they appear out of nowhere and I often woke in full flow. Ensuing fatigue then seemed to make the attacks more likely.

Take comfort that they are NOT life threatening AFAIK, but these feelings of dread, despair and impending death are very shocking.

If you hyperventilate during these attacks, try breathing into a paper bag (I actually use a slided loaf plastic bag)... or, oddly enough, I find a quick run burns off the adrenalin and calms my breathing by making me slightly out of breath.

But, above all, see a doctor... even if you haven't had an attack for a little while.

Barewolf · 03-03-2010, 16:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

Not eating is certainly not going to make things better. Quite the contrary in fact. Get something in you.

I cant eat though im too anxious to even type this, its really bad.

The doctor says it only lasts 20 minutes but it doesnt, it lasts hours, until im mentally drained and fall asleep, then the process repeats itself.

Raistlin · 03-03-2010, 16:20

The lack of proper sleep, lack of decent food, and addition of nicotine, really won't be helping you at all.

You need some sort of proper assistance from your Doctor. Make an appointment, take your GF for moral support/backup, and go see him/her. Even if he can only offer you something to ease the symptoms for a short time it will at least help you sleep.

You need to also try to eat properly, even if it's only little bites of something healthy every now and then, keep your fluids up (water, squash, fruit juice), make sure you're getting the right vitamins, and try to get some fresh air and sunshine if you can.

Beyond that I would be looking for things to take my mind off it, running/walking somewhere nice would be a start - getting out and about can't do any harm at all.

Hope you're feeling a little more at ease soon

joglynne · 03-03-2010, 16:22

Could you ask your GP for a referral to a more suitable Doctor especially if you have a documented history of anxiety. I am sure that you can request a second opinion in any case if you feel your GP is not right in his treatment of your condition.

http://www.thesite.org/healthandwell...gpalternatives

I have also dug out the following link which covers anxiety, you may just find some information that you haven't come across before.

http://www.videojug.com/interview/anxiety-2

danielf · 03-03-2010, 16:22

If you don't eat you can become hypoglaucemic, which can cause panic attacks, amongst other things. That's not to say that is the cause, but it certainly won't help.

Barewolf · 03-03-2010, 16:25

im trying to take my mind off things by making easter eggs, but everytime i start something i cant finish it.

theres no way on earth i could step foot out of the door feeling like i do.

best way i can describe it is when you are overtired and jolt yourself awake in bed, you kind of freak out a little when it happens, this is how im feeling constantly, its awful.

03-03-2010, 16:32

sounds like you have suffered a perlonged panic attack. Your doctor should be ashamed. Do you have a walk in centre?

Barewolf · 03-03-2010, 16:41

ive had anxiety all my life, but how i have felt for the past 72 hours is ridiculous, i wouldnt wish this on my worst enemy.

Julian · 03-03-2010, 16:43

You don't mention if you are already on some form of medication.

Pushing your GP for a referral would be best, take someone with you for support.

Good luck.

Barewolf · 03-03-2010, 16:48

nah im not on any medication, not after the last lot they put me on, made me 10 times worse.

Tony. · 03-03-2010, 17:14

I am sorry to hear of your problems Barewolf

Firstly I think you need to get proper professional help, if the Doctor isn't helping then try these people

Quote:

Mind's help linesMind provides two confidential mental health information services. With support and understanding, we enable people to make informed choices.
Contact Mindinfoline
Contact Mind's Legal Advice Service

We can send out printed information to individuals in unmarked envelopes, or we can help guide you to online information available on our website. Calls are recorded for training purposes only.

We are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Mindinfoline
We are able to provide information on a range of topics including types of mental distress, where to get help, drug and alternative treatments and advocacy. We are able to provide details of help and support for people in their own area.

Contact Mindinfoline
0845 766 0163
info@mind.org.uk

Mindinfoline
PO Box 277
Manchester
M60 3XN

There is some helpful advice and techniques here:

http://www.mind.org.uk/help/diagnose.../panic_attacks

I really hope this helps and you start the long road to recovery.
You Are Not Alone