Hello everyone,
I am new to this site and am just starting to learn about anxiety and panic attacks. I am apparently suffering from panic attacks and my symptoms include uncontrollable crying, shaking, and trouble speaking and breathing. I've had this since I was young, but it is now at the point where they are so frequent that I am no longer going to work. The thing that confuses me is that people who have panic attacks supposedly spend a lot of time worrying about when they'll have the next one. But I have never even thought of them as panic attacks! Just as "crying episodes". But I suppose as they got worse, I would be anxious about them happening in public. Also, I have never heard of anyone crying as part of a panic attack. But I am definitely a very anxious person!
Hi Diva,
I find the more anxious I am, the more I get annoyed/ANGRY at things-from small things (like something being misplaced) to big things (like people forgetting to meet me altogether!!). What you described is quite familiar to me (feeling like screaming over the situation) and not understanding why you feel so angry all the time. I find it overwhelming at times. I think to myself "why do I have to be so miserable"? I really wonder if there isn't some connection between anxiety and anger where people (probably unconsciously) mask their anxiety with anger to deal with it. Anyone care to comment on this?
Kittcat
Hi Aud,
Thanks for the encouraging words and empathy. You say that you have been avoiding too. What sorts of things do you avoid? My world has gotten smaller slowly over the years and I'd like to change that. However, knowing that I'm a perfectionist and expect to do everything at once, I have to force myself to do baby steps. I think this program has a lot to offer and I'm going to try to follow it-one step at a time.
I've been to a Doctor and she is helping me tremendously, but I know I have a lot of work ahead of me. She is a general practitioner. I think it helps that she is my family doctor and she has known me for awhile-as opposed to a Dr. at a walk-in clinic. However, she did refer me to a psychiatrist to confirm my diagnosis.
Hi Diva,
Thanks so much for commenting on the crying. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks, but I couldn't find any mention of crying anywhere. I'm very glad to here that they have decreased for you as well. This gives me hope.
Well, I was waiting to see a Doctor in the Doctor's office when a panic attack reared its ugly head. I was feeling anxious even before I went to the appointment because my Doctor is on vacation and she asked me to see this Doctor that I don't know. I think this is a pattern for me, because the same thing happened to me last week when I had another appointment with someone I'd never met before. It was strange. I just kept worrying they were going to be mean or criticize me or something. I kept doing deep breathing and telling myself I was ok, but everytime I felt calmed down and stopped doing this, the panicky thoughts and feelings came back. Once I met him it was fine, because he was super nice, so I did get through it. My counsellor says that it takes practice and I'm also hoping that maybe stuff I learn further on in this course will help.
Has anyone else noticed a worsening of symptoms when consuming caffeine? Just curious, because I quit consuming caffeine a few months ago and noticed a difference. I unwisely consumed a coffee and 2 diet cokes a few days ago and felt so anxious I was ready to crawl out of my skin. Then, that night, I wasn't able to sleep (despite 50mg of Seroquel). I wonn't be doing that again!! Decaf from now on.
Hello everyone,
I have been on this site for a few weeks now and did not realize we had this section to introduce ourselves. For some reason I thought the discussion threads went along with the topic materials and we were to progress through them as we progressed through the materials.
Anyways...my name is "kitt" and I am a 26 yr old female from Canada. I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder this August and have been off work on disability because of my symptoms off and on since May. However, I was diagnosed with clinical depression when I was 12 and have been on medication ever since. In hindsight, now that I am learning more about anxiety, I think that my anxiety was always there and had a big impact on my depression! However, I've never experienced anxiety to the degree that I have in the past year. All of this has had a huge impact on my life. I have a degree and landed a great job a couple of years ago and even earned a promotion since. Now I am unable to go to work and will have to return very gradually. I find it hard not to beat myself up about it. On a positive note, though, in learning more about anxiety and coping skills, I may be able to finally nip my depression in the bud once and for all!
I'm looking forward to meeting you and learning your stories. I'm sure there is much I can learn from them.
Kitt
Hi Ryan,
Sorry to hear that you are having a tough time. I don't have any answers for you as to why this may be happening. I am new to the world of anxiety myself. But it sounds like you are an intelligent guy who may be experiencing a bit of a relapse. You've found a great place for support. I've only begun this program and it can teach you some good coping skills and provide a forum to vent and get support (which could take a bit of the load off your family!!).
Feel free to post again. We are listening.
Take care,
Kitt
Thanks for all the replies, guys. Now I know I'm not alone with this sensitivity. Also, has anyone noticed any sensitivity to sugar? I *try* to avoid/reduce sugar as much as possible. It really sucks, though because I can no longer enjoy my favourite treats like ice cream and cookies. Healthwise, however, it is a good thing, since I eat a lot more fruit for the sweet flavour.
Kitt
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