Don't know where to start

[Stu76]

Don't know we're to begin really this is all new to me but here goes anyway, last Christmas Eve I had what turned out to be a panic attack although at the time I thought it was heart trouble and after visiting a&e I was told I had a panic attack ,at first I didn't understand ,panic attack not me I'm perfectly fine but as I realised this last ten months I'm not and being truthful with myself things probably haven't been fine for years, I'm not one for visiting doctors but I've been more times this year than ever before ,medication is a big no for me as I always think I can overcome my problems without it,although I wouldn't take ssri from my gp I managed to encourage my self to use beta blockers for a short time but never felt comfortable taking them , i received some cousenelling which helped and opened my eyes that this burning fire had been inside me for longer than I imagined , I am a constant worrier and small stupid things grow and ruminate over and over in my mind until they literally scare the living day lights out of me ,from my panic attack everyday had become a contestant scanning of my body worrying that heart trouble was the cause of my worries, I have had dizziness ,body tension , racing heartbeat ,derealization to the point that I thought that's it my times up I'm dying here,I searched every internet site looking for answers to the point of screaming what is happening here, I have made some lifestyle changes eating plenty of fruit,drinking loads of water taking fish oil everyday and I walk at least two hours a day through my job , it has all helped to the point I now sort of understand anxiety and how it makes us feel ,but I just can't break that cycle don't get me wrong I've improved ten fold from say January until now,but anxiety has this grasp and just doesn't seem to let go my thoughts turn to symptons like they are connected and I'm trying to stay calm but boy it's hard ,thanks

[tailspin]

Hi Stu, Welcome to the site! This is a great place to share experiences with people who really understand what you are going through. There's a ton of useful info here, and you will find plenty of support and encouragement too. I personally do take an SSRI and it has helped me somewhat with my anxiety and depression issues, but there are many people here who use alternative methods, including supplements etc. Have a read through some of the posts, especially the "Sticky" topics at the top of the General Discussion Forum. Good luck to you!