a new day a new beginning....

[scharley1973]

anxiety and deppresion suxs! ive been on here on and off for awhile. i had a "friend" {T} on here nudge me to maybe get back on and just talk about whats going on with me. ive been having panic attacks almost every night...been to the e.r. more times than i can count......i cant count how many times ive been the past 30 days. idk if its just a build up of the anxiety of the holidays or maybe from the loss of my aunt and my moms best friend who passed unexpectedly this past week :'( and my dad of course that passed 2 years ago, which i still have a hard time with. i feel like everyone around me is passing and im scared...i think maybe im next?? idk???? its hard....if anyone has the same or similar issues or feelings...id like to know how u handle it.

 

[triceps]

anxiety and deppresion suxs! ive been on here on and off for awhile. i had a "friend" {T} on here nudge me to maybe get back on and just talk about whats going on with me. ive been having panic attacks almost every night...been to the e.r. more times than i can count......i cant count how many times ive been the past 30 days. idk if its just a build up of the anxiety of the holidays or maybe from the loss of my aunt and my moms best friend who passed unexpectedly this past week :'( and my dad of course that passed 2 years ago, which i still have a hard time with. i feel like everyone around me is passing and im scared...i think maybe im next?? idk???? its hard....if anyone has the same or similar issues or feelings...id like to know how u handle it.

Hi Scharley. Is this the second Aunt you've lost recently? How terrible, especially for your Mom. It sounds like there's a need for a way to tell what's a panic attack verses thinking you're actually dying and need to go to the ER. The system I use when a panic attack starts is to lay down and concentrate on two things: 1) immediately try to take slow, deep breaths and 2) immediately tell myself "just a panic attack, I'm not dying" over and over until I believe it.
I think it's a common but not very realistic thought that you might be next after all of the deaths you've been dealing with. Keep pluggin' there Scharley. Anxiety is a long, difficult road which can only get better for you from this point going forward.

 

[He Man]

its hard....if anyone has the same or similar issues or feelings...id like to know how u handle it.

Scharley, Coping with (& contemplating) death is very hard.
I find in moments of spiritual & logical clarity, that acceptance is the most practical coping mechanism. No amount of worrying can, or will, avert our mortality. Personally, coming to terms with death & the loss of loved ones never really makes me feel better, but it does provide some peace of mind. Acceptance can help free us from pointless worry (& I think it calms nerves).. then depending on religious beliefs.. accepting death and getting right with God can become an optimistic proposition.
Just my opinion..

I'm also curious to hear others members' opinions on dealing with chronic death anxiety (?)

 

[scharley1973]

thank you so much for your replies...all of your thoughts and coping skills really help me. its nice to have other peoples perspective on all thats been going on with me and many other people too im sure. and no triceps its the same aunt that passed but my moms best friend and long time friend of the family passed last week from a heart attack. and i keep having these panic attacks...its like i know or i think i know they are just panic attacks but with everyone passing away around me...its like, what if that one time i dont go to the e.r. and it really is my heart and not just panic? im no spring chicken. it could happen. idk...i need to think more positive. i appreciate your replies thank you!!!

 

[triceps]

Hi Scharley. You're right....you're probably considered an early summer chicken at this point. I agree it's a bit of a gamble on whether to go to the ER over a panic attack or not. They sure do feel like you're having the big one at the time. I've never gone to the ER with a panic attack but it was a matter of not having the money when the panic attacks first started. I'm sure sorry about your Mom's and your losses. How is she holding up?

 

[scharley1973]

Hi Scharley. You're right....you're probably considered an early summer chicken at this point. I agree it's a bit of a gamble on whether to go to the ER over a panic attack or not. They sure do feel like you're having the big one at the time. I've never gone to the ER with a panic attack but it was a matter of not having the money when the panic attacks first started. I'm sure sorry about your Mom's and your losses. How is she holding up?

lol! i like that...an early summer chicken thats funny! my panic just grabs hold and escalates, i have a hard time calming myself w/breathing excerises or focus control. it happens so fast, ive just been having so many here lately, its messing me all up. physically and mentally. and ty {T} for asking, my moms doing ok...alot better than me but shes still in shock i think.

 

[Hurt&Hopeful]

Early summer chicken? I like that. @scharley1973 I'm so sorry that you're going through this. If you struggle with anxiety in general, it's natural for something like what you're going through to set it off, and to bring on lots of scary thoughts and physical problems. I know that doesn't make it any easier, though. We're here with you...