Hello everyone! :)

[Nikx]

Hi everybody!

I'm Nikx and I'm a 21 guy from Bulgaria.
My anxiety started with that first panic attack about four months ago. Back then I didn't know what was going on and I was scared to death. But now as time has passed I am no longer having panic attacks as I learned to accept them. I found out that accepting eliminates them completely for me.

The only thing that is left now is my anxiety which I fear has escalated to a GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder), though I have not been diagnosed with it still, as I have yet to go to a psychotherapist or psychiatrist. My GP however calmly announced that I have a Panic Disorder, which I don't agree with, as I don't experience panic, as much as I experience anxiety because of the physical symptoms that are left. One of my biggest struggles alongside the psychical symptoms is the derealization. I find coping with it hard as I usually am a perfectionist and like to be in control.

At the moment I am using Lavender essential oil to help with the sleeping issues, and am taking a pill called Remotiv that my GP prescribed.

That's my story in some words.

Have a lovely day!

Nikx <3

[venusbluejeans]

Hiya Nikx and welcome to NMP :welcome:

Why not take a look at our articles on our home page, they contain a wealth of information and are a great starting place for your time on the forum.

I hope you find the as site helpful and informative as I have and that you get the help and support you need here and hope that you meet a few friends along the way :yesyes:

[Nikx]

Will do!

Thank you! :)

[PanickedTraveller]

Welcome Nikx,

It is comforting to know that so many other people go through the same thing. I experienced about 4 panic attacks that seemingly came out of nowhere. I had a full workup with a cardiologist because I was convinced that something was wrong. Once I got cleared and I realised it was just myself being anxious the panic attacks stopped. Now I only deal with some specific phobias. I have started exercising 3 times per week doing cardio on the elliptical for 20-30 mins and it has made a huge difference in my mental health. Exercising stimulates release of many "feel good" hormones in the brain that can help with anxiety. I highly recommend it. In 1-2 months I was doing much better but it does require consistency.

[Nikx]

Great advice!

I've made some changes that I'm benefiting from already. For example I've cut my caffeine intake to a minimum. My only problem is that I'm having a hard time cutting on nicotine.

Thank you for your advice!

Have a great day!

Nikx <3

[Chick100]

Hi Nikx.

It sounds like you are doing all the right things to try and help yourseld, well done.

I would cut out the caffeine altogether though, switch to decafe, and have you thought of vaping instead of ciggies, if you are a smoker? You could limit your nicotine consumption with that if packing in altogether seems a bit much right now. :)

[Bigboyuk]

Hiya Nikx and welcome to NMP :) hope you find the answers you are looking for Cheers

[Nikx]

Thanks everyone for the great words and advice!

Lots of love to you all!

Have a great day!

Nikx <3