hello all, advice wanted

[plotlost]

Hello all,

I am a returning former member of the forum, but I kept forgetting passwords etc to log in again.

I have a few questions, but 1st let me set the scene.

I started with social anx in around 2007, this developed into panic attacks, occasional at 1st but now quite regularly. As my situation has developed over the years, with small peaks amongst ever deepening troughs, I now find myself almost unwilling to leave the house.
I no longer visit family or friends and avoid people as much as possible, and only feel remotely relaxed when alone and usually after a few drinks.

I have visited the Gp twice over the years, the latest visit was in january.....I was meant to go for a follow up 2 weeks after the initial appointment but feel completey constrained and unable to face the prospect of the waiting room and having to explain it all over again, probably to some doctor ive never met before.

So, my question is, should I manage to get myself to the doctors, will anti depressants work for my anxiety and general state of panic?

Could the problem be caused by overactive or underactive thyroid or some hormonal in balance?

Any thoughts or similar experiences most welcomed,

Thanks

[nomorepanic]

Hi

I sent you a message about your previous login so can you let me know about that

There are no easy answers to your questions I am afraid.

Yes you should go to your doctors. Anti-depressants may or may not work - we really can't say.

Thyroid - a blood test can determine if this is an issue for you

Start back with basics and read the "First Steps" website article on the left and some of the others as well for loads of advice and tips

[plotlost]

Thanks for your advice Nicola,

I will go back to the basics and have a good re-read of the sites content.

It is possible that the various phobias/issues/anxiety can manifest into even more? For example, I started with just nerves which led to social and general anxiety and is developing into agoraphobia now it seems.

There is a pattern here and It resembles a downward spiral me-thinks!

[dally]

Hi,
Yes I would def go back to the doc. I have suffered panic attacks for 30 years. When they first started the doc and my family told me to pull myself together!!. So I was made to feel like an idiot and suffered in silence, but things just got much much worse, and I had to pretend to my family that I was "normal" - just moody. I was screaming inside!!
I think there wasnt much medical knowledge about PA back then, but things have moved on a lot since then!! go back to your doc and ask for specialist help.

Panic attacks are simple to understand - stress=adrenaline+++ = panic
then a cycle of this which will escalate.
To control the adrenaline effects the best way is deep breathing and distraction from scary thoughts. Meds are useful, but only if the PAs are at a peak. otherwise you will feel it is only the meds that are helping you and you will not acknowledge when your own breathing relaxation etc is aiding you.

I KNOW this sounds logical and simple when written down and is hard when your having a full blown PA. Please go back to your doc and ask for help from a mental health proffesional. I had PA attacks for years, which because I got no help escalated into agaraphobia. It has only been in the last two years with help from an Occupational therapist that I am now managing to travel 15 miles from home and getting better.

This condition can be reversed

let me know how you get on at the doc

xx

[Meewah]

Leave the docs alone. More and more I find they are victims of a overworked health system. I only take meds if it is life threatening. Find your local meditation/buddhist centre and visit. You will find lots of people like you there. You will learn a new way to think and to deal with life. I have a philosophy that if after many years what I am doing is not working then you need a completely opposite way of thinking, something that you would have not considered. I think it also helps if you are a deep thinker or are trying to find answers. The great thing is you will find a very relaxed way of life without all that god stuff.

Hope this helps.
Mee

[plotlost]

thanks dally and mee for the replies. I have booked an appointment, wether I manage to go or not is yet to be seen but im sure with many who have these problems, you get to the point where you feel it cant possibly get any worse! I thought that 2 years ago and things have gone down hill a lot since then.

Its such a bizzare situation, from being an over confident person to becoming a shadow for the past 6 or so years. Ive found it accumulative too, loss of confidence, loss of control over anxiety leads to an even bigger loss of confidence and you end up not living life, just getting through life.

Wouldnt be great if we could flick a switch and just be normal again, I would love to look forward to things and be able to actually enjoy something, rather than dreading everything.

Heres hoping for better days

[Meewah]

Different days not better. You will be a better person at the end of your journey. I am having a completely different experience now than I was 7 years ago. A culmination of things led me here, I am me in my naked state without alcohol or drugs and I am nobody and it takes some getting used to. Still life goes on and I enjoy different things, my kids, life in the country, the simple life.. I am happy.

It is all part of life's rich pageant. Enjoy the journey we only get one.

Mee