i can feel the panic setting in

[joapepe]

well, the evening is coming and im getting the tell-tale signs that its going to be a very bad one...
Trying to think positive but my throats getting tight, swallowing is on my mind constantly. Anyone got any ideas on how i can relax and stop it now before it starts getting worse? feeling very scared and nervous. Trying the breathing but when my breathing patttern changes it freaks me out too.. i keep rationalising that its just a trick of the mind. Had a not too bad day, kept busy but around now is my bad time and if i dont stop it now it will continue...
Any ideas on how to stay calm and focused please x

[cheshchesh819]

mother in laws no wonder you are stressed they are the worst always interefering causing us more stress just a simple comment and boom they **** you off,just learn to ignore enjoy your free time and use it wisely,be very proud of yourself in just one night you have come this far just proves you can do it.

[joapepe]

Thanks 29 sillygirl x,
Thanks for your reply, i am really proud of myself after what i thought was going to be a dreadful evening, have managed to get through it without half as much trauma as last night..
I have been to the doctor and he said that physically i am a picture of health!! besides having 3 kids to run around after.. he did a panel on my bloods and weight, lifestyle questions etc and said its anxiety.. I had meds prescibed..citalopram ( even though personally i feel prozac helped more) and valium
i have suffered for about 16 years on and off with panic/anxiety. I have seen a counsellor and a psychiatrist but where i live it never seems to go beyond a few weeks. you feel as if you are getting somewhere then its all done. i guess thats the nhs and mental illness for you.
My most common symptoms all seem to revole around my head, throat and mouth.
Swollen tongue; like its too big for my mouth and im suffocating
Stopping breathing and having to concentrate on breathing
I worry also about allergies
feeling like i cant swallow and will choke when i eat
When i was younger i used to think i was going blind and also that i was going mad and would spend hours recalling phone number, count outlines for example the outline of the tv or window..
i feel a bit like my symptoms are quite weird and i dont know anyone who has felt like me personally before...
I also have very bad claustrophobia.. i cant go in lifts etc or public toilets unless there is a gap under or over the door and that is very a debiliatating problem in itself!! i will save that for another post as this swallowing, swelling, breathing thing is far worse x

I cant explain how much this forum is helping is helping.. just simply having people who have an understanding is giving me hope..

[29sillygirl]

Sorry to hear about your struggle with the evening anxiety.  Congratulations for finding ways to distract yourself.  Chesches has geat ideas...it is all about putting the focus of your mind elsewhere.  Think having the kids out of the house is upping your anxiety....but they will be back:).  

The swallowing thing is, in my non medical opinion, a common symptom of social anxiety.  As is chronic coughing when trying to have a conversation.  

Without the facts of your anxiety problems, I can't share many tips.  You know to see you doctor always to rule out physical source of any unexplained symptom.  Then you have us to talk to when you are chipping away @ anxiety.

You aren't alone.  That is the main thing.  Seems many of us do alright most of the day or night, but have certain 'shaky times.  For me, it is when I awake....takes a bit of talking to myself, and getting up and doing stuff...anything...bushing teeth, hair...washing face..but
mainly, for me, getting out of my small apt. if just to check to see if anyone is in laundry room:).

  I use my go phone if it strikes when I'm out.  Just hearing another person's voice will help.  

Oh hon, never feel any of your life is a waste of time!  Not true.  Each day, each week...will not be the same.  There are times when you will focus on issues.  Only normal.   Talk to us then...get it out in a place where all understand and will not judge.

From what you said in second post you are doing a great deal!  Pat yourself on the back for small victories.  I write mine down....     Best luck.

[joapepe]

thanks cheshchesh, actually managed to eat my tea without feeling too scared...am doing a bit better than i thought i would have been. Just been for a walk in the local park and just going to watch enders on iplayer. I think if i could just relax i would get past the really bad point if you know what i mean?
i wish i could just understand whats causing this?
im taking citalopram and valium when im utterly desperate, but i think that knowing the root cause would be so helpful. I haven't had this for a few years, well not the swallowing thing anyway, i have had other weird symptoms, but the swallowing thing happened when i was in france at my mother in laws, eating tea i just got blocked trying to swallow my food and since then i'm freaking out about it... i have also left my kids in france with their dad and keep thinking maybe thats another reason? kids are very happy and love it, they willl be back next wednesday...

Its so nice having someone to talk to x someone who understands the real fear behind the symptoms...to me they are so real, physical things that feel real. Its hard to try and forget them.. i try to rationalise the horrible things that happen but cant help question if they are physical or mental...

I feel looking back that the last week has been a waste of my life..i have constantly focused on my issues and just want to feel like me again...

[cheshchesh819]

i always use to have a time of day where my anxiety was at its worst and the only way i got through it was to go see a friend,i even use to just go up tesco for a look around,i would do crosswords or do something around the house to take my mind off it,it do eventually pass and you do learn how to control it,i also use to tell my husband when i was feeling like crap and we would just sit and talk,it helped alot,try to think calm thoughts and just tell yourself you can do this,ignore it tell it to get lost and just try to carry on,good luck,keep talking to us its a great place to start too.