I'm seeing my psychiatrist on Monday for the first time in nearly a year to discuss my increase in anxiety and panic attacks.
I thought it was relevant in case the was a medication change or something but I'm not really sure what she is going to suggest, so I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with how constant anxiety is dealt with by psychiatrists?
I'm also seeing a psychologist who has helped me reduce the panic attacks at least, alongside PRN medication from my doctor.
For me, my anxiety is alongside depression, and I was given mirtazapine by the psychiatrist, because it covers that, along with sleep stuff.
When my panic was really bad, I was given propranolol [a beta blocker] prn, but I did find, for me, because it interferes with adrenaline and whatnot it made me feel more low and also spaced out. Thankfully by then I could stop taking it. It all depends on what works for you as an individual. :)
I recently spoke to my psychiatrist about a continuous feeling of anxiety. She wanted to make sure that the anxiety wasn't in response to specific events (and thus better addressed by therapy). Because this wasn't the case she increased my current antidepressants as a first measure and gave me a script for more PRN diazepam. However I was told there was more scope for different meds if this doesn't work, so I would imagine you will also get the opportunity to talk through various options. Hope this helps a bit, good luck with your appointment!
Thank you both so much. I'm actually a bit nervous there is nothing she can do but sometimes the anxiety is so overwhelming it's hard to overcome and I won't get out of bed or I'll just cry. And some times it is specific (phobia) but it extends on into my life and I don't know if this is an extension of my phobia and meds won't help or if it is more generalized.
I think part of it is that my tolerance has lowered too, because it's so bad at times that even little anxiety is just too much. I'm tired of it.
Thank you for sharing your experiences they are very helpful.
Hopefully they will offer or adjust medication, and perhaps suggest some form of anxiety management course. Whatever the outcome at least if they know they will be better equipped to help you.
Also I know it sounds odd and I thought it was pure undiluted bollocks before I tried it, but do you have anything like this in Australia? When my anxiety was at it's worst and most paralysing it helped me so so much, no idea how or why, but it can work, and definitely not placebo effect as like I said, I only took it to shut my mother up, never for a second thought it would work but it really really did. I personally use the spray, don't know about the other products.
'Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you.'
['There is only one thing we say to death. Not today'.']
'We are each our own devil, and we make this world our hell.’ – Oscar Wilde
‘It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back.’ Sydney Carter
Yes we have Rescue Remedy, in fact I have several packs of the chewing gum I guess I should use it more frequently! I think it helps with the mild anxiety but once I took it when I was super anxious and still ended up with a panic attack so I think it will be an early intervention thing.
And thanks that was reassuring, I guess it can't hurt to see what she can suggest x
Someone had highlighted the fear could stem from the being out of control that intrinsically is present when one is physically ill. Short of that I don't know. I just think it is extremely unpleasant beyond that symbolic fear, the physicality is uncomfortable.
It has got worse since I was ill in December. While this experience reinforced that being ill won't kill me (ruling out a worst case scenario) it was physically terrifying and has heightened all anxieties for anything mildly related.
The stress of my course is an undercurrent that has heightened the rest I believe.
I'm frustrated that it seems to be getting worse when in reality is probably my tolerance is just being weakened by repeated high anxiety. Sometimes I wonder if talking about it and making it a real issue makes itworse. But then it's already there to be ttalked about.
Just pretty tired of it. I've had for depression for years but give me one panic attack and suddenly I don't want to live. I'm looking up resources now about tolerating anxiety.
Have you had any blood tests to make sure there isn't anything physical underlying it? I got really bad anxiety and my GP ignored me for ages as I see a clinical psychologist. I knew though that it was different to the anxiety that I get as a result of events. It turned out there was something and now I know to get a blood test if it gets out of control again and my medication is changed.
I know that I don't know you especially well, but I've been on here for a little over a year now (and probably stalking for about a year and a half!). When I joined, I remembered seeing your name about the forums quite a bit, but then there seemed to be a considerable gap where you weren't around as much. I can't help but wonder if your recent problems relate strongly to university stress, particularly given that you began posting more once your course started. I do apologise if that seems overly simplified or if I'm completely wrong though!
It would make sense that university could trigger a relapse in anxiety to the extent of having panic attacks. New people, new academic material, a sense of urgency/pressure in moving towards a particular career, pressure to remain mentally and physically well in order to be competent in your role, meeting your own (and others') expectations - the list is practically endless.
Panic attacks are terrifying in themselves, as you've no doubt experienced. It could well be that you're afraid of having another panic attack (which would make sense if you're also anxious about the phsyical discomfort that being ill entails).
There are many ways of learning to tolerate anxiety (behaviourally and cognitively), but it does help to understand specific triggers or fears. Ultimately the best thing you can do is to keep pushing yourself to enter situations that bring about anxiety rather than attempt to avoid them. Easier said than done, I know! I used to get panic attacks and facing such situations almost led me to pass out. The key thing is to arm yourself with a range of strategies to be kind to yourself whilst going through it all. Deep breathing exercises, awareness exercises (DBT ones) and cheerleading yourself through challenging times can all be really helpful to get through it in the short-term. Keep checking out resources and give all of them a try; they may not feel totally effective but if they can reduce it just a little then that's a step forwards. In the meantime, keep trying to identify triggers and talking on here if it helps.
