Triggering (SI) - Panicking and GAD? Help?

[Narrator]

I just wanted to get any advise from people with anxiety problems, just re-assurance really. I feel a bit silly writing this but I need to get it out somehow, so sorry.

Last night was basically horrible, I'm staying in accomodation at uni. A friend of mine is worried about me. I worry about everything and Im cutting, not eating or sleeping. I dont want to worry her but I feel so bad I just cant do anything. It takes me forever to do anything. Anyway last night I went out for a drink with friends, I knew I shouldnt have drank but I did. When we got back to halls I was so depressed and self distructive my best friend was watching me. It took so long just to get me back to my room and when I was there I didnt want to sleep, I didnt want to do anything, I felt so depressed. My friend got her duvet to sleep on my floor and I started to panic. I ended up having a panic attack, for apparently an hour and a half, though I dont really remember I was so tired I think I was practically unconscious, Im so achy today. My friend said that if had gone on longer then she would have rang a doctor, I was so out of it. I feel horrible about it. My friend was so awesome...
I worry about everything. I dont know whether Ive got something like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Ive always had panic attacks and worried for years, but it just seems to be getting worse now. I freaked out for about an hour today and managed to ring the doctors and make an appointment for next week. My friend is coming too, I just dont know where to start when I talk to the doc. Im so worried already about going, Im worried they'll admit me to hospital or something. Help? Im sorry...

[Heidi Tiger]

Hospital is nearly always a last resort for people who are a danger to themselves, so I wouldn't worry about that.

Anxiety is a very treatable condition, there are breathing techniques that can help with panic attacks, CBT can help with stopping the anxiety building and medication can also be useful.

You did the right thing with contacting your doctor. I hope they help you
xxx

[SecretMe]

I'm so sorry you have had such a rough go of it lately. My god, it sounds like things have really gotten to the point that you did need to get help, and I am proud of you for making an appointment to see a doctor. It also sounds like you have a good friend which is comforting.

Yes, it's true that hospital is the last resort and I can almost gaurentee you that you aren't going to end up there.

Anxiety is treatable and manageable- even severe cases like mine or yours.

As for what to do about the appointment with the doc? I would start now to jot down a few things...kinda like an outline of things to say. Typically what brings on your anxiety or panic attacks, how often episodes last, how long has it been going on, how long since it has gotten so much worse, how it has affected eating and sleep...those type things. The doctor will also probably have questions of his own. But it's good to come in with notes of things to say. That way you know what you want to say, if you get nervous or panicky and forget you have your notes, and also you can ask if your friend can be with you and if its okay with the doctor your friend may have some observations, too, if you don't mind that.

I wish you all the best and hope you get some care, support, and most of all RELIEF.

*hugs*

Hang in there and remember we are here for you.

[Narrator]

Thank you for your replies. Im frightened to death about going, i dont know how I'm going to make it there but I will go. Thank you for your support.