Hello, I would like to introduce myself to your forum

[Pauline123]

Hi,

My name is Pauline and I have been suffering on and off in the last five years, with anxiety/panic attacks.

I worry too much about what people think of me - namely being that I am not working at this time.

I have been unable to hold down a job - I intially started panicking about making sure I was not late for work.

I then started having trouble sleeping, I went for 4 - 5 days with so little sleep ( sometimes only 2 hours a day ).

I could not cope with this situation at all - I was having trouble breathing, and felt really bad. I was shaking, and had so much fear inside of me.

These bad feelings stopped for a while - but they have now come back much worse than before and I don't know what to do next?

Any advice or suggestions in how I am to combat this, I would so appreciate it.

Thank you for listening to me.

Kind regards,
Pauline.

[alankay]

Have you seen a doc or therapist about all this? Alankay

[Pauline123]

Hi Alan,

Thank you for replying to my posting. I have seen my doctor to-day and he has given me a short course of sleeping tablets for a week, which I am grateful for. But I am glad that it is only for a week, I don't want to become addicted to them. I have enough problems as it is.

I am having a routine blood test done next Fri ( 23rd August ) just to rule out any physical problems.

I am also going to be referred to a therapist - which I am very pleased about, maybe I will then be able to understand why I am feeling like this.

Basically, I am in total fear of what or why this is happening to me. These thoughts of panic and anxiety have just been getting worse and I cannot stop them.

Kind regards,
Pauline.

[alankay]

Pauline, yes anxiety is a b!tch but have faith, you will get through. I always have although it's not fun at all. It's just adrenaline fueled by an active mind and a creative imagination to come up with all the scary scenarios. A therapist is the best first move.
For now minimize caffeine, alcohol and distract yourself with hobbies, chores, walking, etc, as it will help.
I'm looking for work as of 7/31 so you are by no means alone. People know how bad the economy is so try and forget what a given person may think. PM me any time. ALankay.

[Pauline123]

Hi Alan,

Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it. I have done quite well over the week-end which I was glad of. But have been awake since 2.30am ( unable to go back to sleep ) My heart is pounding, and I cannot relax at all. This sounds so stupid, but when I cannot sleep, I really start worrying why I am not doing so. Just one BIG vicious circle!!

I hope everything goes well for you in looking for work, I wish I was in your position.


Do you have this problem at all?

Kind regards,
Pauline.