What is your anxiety like?

I have had anxiety for almost 7 years. I still remember my first panic attack. It wasn't as bad until the end of August or beginning of September 2014 when I was dealing with high amounts of stress from college, finances, and personal life issues. I had a panic attack just about everyday, sometimes multiple attacks for a few months. I started seeing a therapist before using medications. The more I talked about my issues with people I trusted, the less anxiety I would have. I didn't have an attack for a while, and my last attack was May 2020, and that was a minor one compared to ones I have had in the past.
When my anxiety arises, it is brought on by stress and feeling like I am losing control of things. I start hyperventilating, become restless, and have major anger issues. Some ways I have calmed myself down is using my senses, usually feeling something around me or chewing on peppermint gum. I have a friend who is also a calming person, and I think about them when anxiety starts to rise.

@haleigh1493 Good to see you over on this thread, too! I know you posted talking about the value of animals in your life. Something came to mind while you were talking about dealing with your panic attacks and anxiety issues. On another thread a member had talked about using our senses, like you did. So, I have been trying when very anxious, to use my eyes and notice 5 things. Around here, many times it is looking at all the shades of green or the patterns on tree bark. Then using my ears to hear listen to five different things. [Sometimes that's hard because it is usually very quiet around here.] If needed I will look for 5 different textures to touch. Refocusing my senses seems to help the level of anxiety. And after a bit I can take a step back and see that indeed my anxiety has gone down. Would you try that and see how it works for you?
Ginger

@kimcvi
Hi Kim, I accidentally ran across your name in a post today and decided to check into whether you yourself had posted much lately. I remember when you showed up in the neuropathy discussions in July talking about your myotonia congenita. I felt so much for you as you seemed then (to me at least) to be sort of sad and bereft. Little did I know then what a real firecracker you are! Having just read through some of your recent posts I am just thrilled to see how proactive you have become here on Connect, and how helpful you are. I am so happy to see what a great contributor you have become! I know you still suffer tremendously with your illness but I also know the healing power of helping others, and you apparently do too.

Keep it up. I know I had zero part in who you have revealed yourself to be here, but I was around when you first showed up and I feel in a way like you are my Connect little sister, and I am so proud of you. I know it's a corny but it really fits: You go girl!!! 👍
Best to you, Hank

PS: I am going to try to remember to check in and find out what the results of your genetic test are.

Thank you for the kind words. I am still waiting on the genetic test results which should be in a couple weeks. I will let you know. I haven’t posted much lately as I have been nervous about what this will test will tell me. I do keep up on reading any posts that might help me through this. Thank you again this really made my day start off Goid. 😊😊

@kimcvi Hi Kim, have you gotten your genetic test results back yet? Can you clarify exactly what this test is supposed to tell you? I wonder about you occasionally and have not forgotten. Look forward to hearing how it's going. Best, Hank

Hello Hank, sorry but I have been a little frustrated and messaging back and forth with my dr at the Mayo. The test was to determine if I have Thomsen or Becker’s disease. I do have Thomsen. I guess I’m frustrated as Thomsen is not suppose to progress but mine is and I stated that to the doctors right away. I know this is rare and not much is known about this. ☹️

@Hayleigh1493, I appreciate your post. I haven't been able to figure out how to start a new discussion. I've been having anxiety & panic attacks since 2007. They are awful & debilitating. If not for my pets, I'd be in bad shape now. But even they don't take the anxiety away. There is medication available that helps me function, but doctor won't prescribe it. I wish you all the best. Take care.

Hello my name is Kim and I have had anxiety and panic attacks since I was a child. It wasn’t until I was an adult to seek help. I do feel your frustrations. I am hoping that you can get through to your doctor what you are going through. It is not easy especially when someone really doesn’t understand the concerns. I know they try but they haven’t had a clue. Take care and let us know how you are doing and know that your not alone😊

@cb772 after over 5 years of debilitating anxiety I finally found a doctor willing to prescribe diazepam and Xanax. At least I wake up most days. Before that I had tried what felt like every depression and anxiety med that wasn’t a benzo. Without benzo’s my life would not be worth living. I also have extreme sciatica pain which doesn’t help.

Hi, My name is Annie and I have severe anxiety and panic attacks. I had my snxiety for over 20 yrs and I just had panic attacks in the last few months. I wish they would prescribes me xanax. I have yo push everything down because I hate talking about my feelings.I also have ocd and I take Seratine which is ok.I dont thinkIll talk about my feelings. I do talk to my mom and my psychologist.