Increase in anxiety/panic, when I try to relax!

[BlueIris]

Honestly? It took me a long time to learn this, but asking why is a part of the problem. As hard as it is, "shit happens" is a really good mantra to recite.

Burning incense also works for me when I'm in the middle of a bad one.

[LittleLionMan]

The only thing I can think of that might of made me panic is that I was talking to my mate last night who's 7 year old has panicked in phases ever since he thought he had been locked in the car and I started wondering if something minor and little like that has happened to me and if that's why I'm such a mess. His son goes months without it bothering him, and it got me thinking and panicking last night.

I'm in a really bad way now. I honestly can't carry on like this! There has to be something that can help me, as I'm at my wits end with it all, it's killing me.

[BlueIris]

For now, breathe.

Do something to engage with any of your senses other than sight or hearing - find something that smells or feels or tastes good to pull you outside your own head.

[LittleLionMan]

There just has to be a reason it keeps happening.

I am trying to focus on my work now, trying to let it all pass, but it's just simmering and then coming back up again.

[BlueIris]

What does it matter what the reason is? The important thing is to feel better.

Not sure how you feel about the sun (I have medical reasons to avoid it) but why not step outside for a few moments and just feel it warm your skin?

[LittleLionMan]

I just don't feel like anything I do helps.

I've tried everything. Loads of therapists, now a psychologist, loads of meds in the past and everything. I'm just giving up hope to be honest.

I tried a little walk earlier, but it made me worse.

[BlueIris]

I could tell you not to give up, but that would be pointless.

It's your life, you have to live it how you choose.

That said, I've just made a handful of suggestions for techniques that are proven to be effective both for myself (anxiety and depression sufferer since I was in single digits, fortysomething now) and others.

I get the impression that you're just not willing to put the effort in yet, possibly because you don't feel as though there's any real reason to get better.

[LittleLionMan]

I honestly don't know what more I can do.

I spend all day trying to force food down me, I run most days, I tell people to go out and leave me to face my fears of being alone, I sit with every panic attack which is almost daily, I tolerate and try and accept mind chatter all day in between panic attacks, I have a psychologist twice a week, I honestly don't know what more I can do? Nothing seems to help me.

I'm desperate to recover as I have a niece being born in 2 weeks and I desperately don't want to be as useless and uncle as I am to my nephew. I am desperate, and trying everything.

[BlueIris]

Maybe stop making your identity all about your anxiety?

Tell me about some of the things you enjoy doing, even if they're tougher right now.

[LittleLionMan]

I'm a big football fan and used to have a season ticket at Villa. I love horse racing and own 2 racehorses. I am a family man and try my best with my nephew who strangely adores me. I am a degree qualified engineer. I have loads of friends, although them relationships are obvious suffering. I would have plenty in my life.