Hi from someone wanting to get better

[elamha]

Hi, I'm a complete newbie to forums but am hoping to find some support and maybe I'll be able to offer some to others.

I have had issues with anxiety and excessive worrying since high school and am now 23. I've never had any sort of diagnosis as I have built up a fear of doctors and really didn't feel like I could speak to anyone at my old medical practice.

Anyway, I've recently finished uni, got a job that I love, moved to a new flat with a new flatmate, and started a new relationship. I feel like I'm finally starting to enjoy life, but my anxiety has been in overdrive as a result of all the change.

Yesterday I had an anxiety attack (nausea to the point of dry heaving, sweating, heart racing, unable to focus, general sense of the world ending) at work. It's the worst I've experienced for a while. In the past if that happened, I'd have faked a headache or stomach bug to go home, but I have a really supportive boss and mentor so made the decision to tell her what was really going on.

She was great and I calmed down so quickly after being honest. She took me aside and we discussed how she could help me at work (largely ignoring it but just being aware of what's going on). We also discussed me approaching my GP about medication or other treatments. In the moment it seemed such practical and logical advice but now I'm doubting whether I can do it. I've got the forms to register with a new doctor but even the thought of their registration check up terrifies me.

I love my job but it's very high pressure and there's a certain toughness expected. Oddly, that sort of environment doesn't tend to make me worse but I worry that any further signs of my anxiety will cause my boss to doubt my ability. So really I'm looking for some advice from those who've made that first step to get help because I don't want all the good things to be ruined anymore.

[gypsylee]

Hi there and welcome :)

Try learning diaphragmatic breathing.

[MiST]

Welcome to the asylum,

First port of call, good old Dr Claire Weekes..

Any of her books will give you a solid groundwork with which to build your recovery.

[aicherrrr]

Welcome! Don't worry you have a great bunch of people here to help you out. I've learned a lot and I just go there. Also, take it one day at a time don't let yourself fall into the what if's. I hope to learn more from your future posts :o)

[brighteyes1313]

This may sound odd, but it really helps me. My friend told me once when I was in panic mode to breath in through my nose, out through my mouth and say/think to myself "I am water"
Thinking about ocean waves and water running through a stream brings me back in touch with reality, along with the breathing technique.

[QuietRose]

Welcome! Like others have said, the best way to cope with anxiety is to find a technique that works well for you. I personally take time out of my day to meditate, in the evenings or in the mornings, and basically focus on the "now". There's another technique I use in public that helps me calm down, a sort of mini meditation session that's rather simple. I find one thing to focus on (like say in an office a bright stack of sticky notes, or the smallest details of the desk) and one by one eliminated what's going on around me until I'm only listening to my own breathing.
By preforming a technique called Progressive muscle relaxation while meditating or even just sitting around the house watching tv can help you realize when you become tense, and make it easier to try and relax. And I know meditation seems ridiculous, but its actually as simple as giving yourself some quiet time. If it's hard for you to sit still for too long like that, just play some music and concentrate on that instead.
Hopefully you find something that works for you.