2 modes. Extremely calm and panic attack mode

[frazzled]

My life in general is ok. Kids, partner, love, fortunate etc. Even with this, I've been experiencing bouts of anxiety and panic attacks for the last 2 years. It is usually triggered when I see things that could possibly go wrong and if I don't have the immediate skills or time to rectify. I'll be returning to a work after 4 or 5 years off on a part time basis. The role is technical and very different to 5 years ago. They know my situation is one that I need to get up to speed and seem ok with it but I'm terrified of having a panic attack and quitting prematurely. I know that if I can get through the first month I'll be ok. Really hope that I can calmly rationalise my fears when the time comes. My husband tries to calm me but he doesn't understand anxiety. He is the most extremely calm person I know. My sisters and father suffer from anxiety too. Some generalised and some OCD. I can see my eldest daughter showing anxiety symptoms and I feel terrible for her. I try and only show my calm side to her in hopes that it will help her. My life outside of these anxious panics is lovely and I feel guilty for complaining. I use sudoku puzzles to help my mind not focus on fear and it seems to work short term. My husband asked if I could change anything about myself, what would it be. It wasn't any of my physical features. It was to remove anxiety. My last attack was a month ago when I had the flu. I couldn't even sit on the couch. I sat on the floor near the window near the sunshine and sooked and breathed. The anxiety didn't leave me for 10 days. That's the longest it has happened and I suspect it was fuelled by having the flu as well as minor issues that my mind blew out of proportion. I don't really had a question but it is nice to be able to say this to others who might understand. Thank you x

[Former-Member]

Hello @frazzled

Thank you for sharing your story, it seems like you have been going through some extremely tough times with feeling anxious and worried about things in the future, even having panic attacks. That sounds exhausting.

It is good that you are sharing how things are going for you here, there are some other members and threads that also struggle with intense feelings of anxiety, @Former-Member started a great thread here called 'anxiety'

There is also another great thread by @Kiera80 about 'anxiety issues'

Lastly, a great thread about 'Panic Attack and Anxiety' by @utopia too.

It might be worth giving them a read if you feel like it. I look forward to hearing more about how you are doing, keep sharing when you can

Lunar 🙂

[utopia]

Hi and welcome @frazzled. Anxiety attacks are awful. They can stop the strongest person from being able to move - to do what needs doing.
I also do Soduko puzzles when anxious. Finger knitting coloring in sewing - whatever takes the attention off of the anxiety
Another good tool to learn is to write down what is causing this anxious episode and then dissect it - bit by bit.
What is the fear about?
What is the likelihood of your worse fears coming true?
What else could happen in that situation? Maybe nothing that you feared.
It's good to practice these during milder anxiety attacks. And work your way up to tougher thoughts.
A good psychologist can help with this practice.
Well done on going back to work . That's a great achievement.