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Help?

Kate15

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I think I may have had some sort of anxiety break down. Since wed I’ve been in a daze and suffering continuously with anxiety attacks. Sleeping a lot but not eating. Ive always been quite anxious but this is unbearable. My husband is getting annoyed that I can’t pull it together. I forced myself out the house today twice and it seemed to of helped but I can’t always run off for a walk. I just want to feel normal again. Please tell me that this foggy feeling will pass soon!!??
 

PressedAndStressed

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I can completely relate to this. It makes me feel like I’m going to “lose my mind”.
I have health anxiety and my current fixation is on developing a severe mental health illness. (As of debilitating anxiety is not enough... insert eye roll here).
But yes, I’ve had terrible brain fog to the point where I didn’t even feel present. Like I was just coasting through a world that wasn’t real.
My little tips and tricks on feeling better is lots of self care. This is baths, sweating daily, spending time on ME, and getting away from work and the kids for MYSELF.
I also try to get plenty of sunshine and vitamins and minerals.

The brain fog is horrible, keep pushing through. It’ll end eventually.
 

PressedAndStressed

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Also, if I may add. The fog lifted a bit more when I would practice 5-10 minute meditations. It helped me ground myself and stay present.
 

Kate15

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I can completely relate to this. It makes me feel like I’m going to “lose my mind”.
I have health anxiety and my current fixation is on developing a severe mental health illness. (As of debilitating anxiety is not enough... insert eye roll here).
But yes, I’ve had terrible brain fog to the point where I didn’t even feel present. Like I was just coasting through a world that wasn’t real.
My little tips and tricks on feeling better is lots of self care. This is baths, sweating daily, spending time on ME, and getting away from work and the kids for MYSELF.
I also try to get plenty of sunshine and vitamins and minerals.

The brain fog is horrible, keep pushing through. It’ll end eventually.
Omg this is exactly what it’s like! I feel like I’m not really here. It’s so frustrating trying to explain. I have finally admitted to my family as I couldn’t really hide it this week and actually that made a big difference. But also allowed me to wallow in my pjs for 3 days straight. The attack’s are lasting about an hour and it is terrifying. I keep active and eat well so maybe I just need to take time out. How do you meditate? I was prescribed anti depressants and took 1 but omg thought I was going to die! Spent 2 days like a zombie and panicking even more so that’s a massive no go for me. So sorry you are also suffering, I don’t know how you do it!!!
 

PressedAndStressed

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I am anti medication! Haha.
But I think it works for some people, just not me.
Antidepressants intensify the feeling that nothing is real for me. And medication like Xanax makes the brain fog last for dayyysss.

I’m glad you talked to your family! That helps me too! When I first started meditating I downloaded an app. It was a guided meditation. Those are the best. Because your mind WILL wander and the guided meditation brings you back. I just sit and focus on the way my body feels on the sofa. The way my breathing feels through my body. I imagine my breath going into more than just my lungs. Kind of sounds weird, but it’s helpful!

Also, when I’m super panicky. I ground myself by finding 5 things.
5 things I can feel
5 things I can smell
5 things I can see
5 things I can hear

This helps too! Eventually the fog will lift. It might take weeks but after going through constant anxiety, your brain is fatigued too! So time and practice.
 

Kate15

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Yes there is no way I’m taking meds again! I have taken St. John’s wort last night and today, it takes a while to work so we will see. Yes I felt kind of liberated that I didn’t have to try act normal. I’m like, mum is not ok right now but it’s ok. Thanku I will download something. I have tried that but not quite grasped it yet, it doesn’t seem to help atm as I can’t focus. The only thing that works is a freezing cold shower for 2mins. And yes I feel exhausted after an attack, sleeping seems to help tho. Thankyou so much for chatting, I really needed it
 

PressedAndStressed

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You’re welcome! Good luck! I felt the same way about meditation at first too! It’s hard, but eventually it is worth it.
Meditation seems so silly, but it helps a bunch!
Have a good day/night!
 

Kate15

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You’re welcome! Good luck! I felt the same way about meditation at first too! It’s hard, but eventually it is worth it.
Meditation seems so silly, but it helps a bunch!
Have a good day/night!
Thankyou I am trying it tonight in bed
 

Jam77

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How are you feeling now Kate? I’ve had two weeks of contact anxiety and hoping it will end or get better soon :-(
 

Kate15

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How are you feeling now Kate? I’ve had two weeks of contact anxiety and hoping it will end or get better soon :-(
I’m having a bad day actually. I stupidly went out for drinks last night for the first time since my break down. My anxiety is a lot worse with hangovers. I went to group CBT and have learnt some great techniques to manage the anxiety. Highly recommend. I feel like that breakdown reset my head, think i needed it. Sorry to hear ur struggling, have u tried a cold shower for 2-5mins? That shocks me out of the panicky part. I’ve been practicing meditation as well.


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Jam77

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Ahh hope your feeling better tomorrow :-(. I haven’t no but I will try the cold shower. I normally start feeling a little better of a morning once I’m up and showering and keeping busy. Mediation I tried last year so maybe that’s something I need to get back into also.
 

Kate15

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It honestly makes me feel so much better. I have an app called calm


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Hope99

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I have calm app also and it helps. But an hour ago I woke in full blown panic attack. Anyone else have this happen?
 

Kate15

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Yes when I’m stressed/anxious I always wake up in panic mode even from a cat nap


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Hope99

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I've been on Lexapro since May 10 mg.All of a sudden Anxiety increased so Dr upped it to 20mg. That's when insomnia and waking up terrified increased. She wants me to switch drugs but I'm afraid to try another
 

Kate15

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Oh sorry to hear that. I can’t do meds so can’t help with that I’m afraid but I find meditation really helps with the panic/fear. There’s lots of apps to choose from. Salt lamps, lavender & chamomile tea all help. Creating a bedtime routine with these things may help. Also learnt at CBT about getting ur core temp to drop just before bed by having a shower. Caffeine lasts in ur system up to 6hrs too so be careful how far into the day you have a cuppa (if you do)


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daughteroftheKing

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So very sorry that happened. Sounds like what you have experienced is disassociation. It happens sometimes after a panic attack. It can last for a few days. I've had it happen once. Was in a dream like state. Hugs to you! I hope you get in to see a doc soon. If you have said you are then forgive me. I didn't read through all the replies. Take care of yourself and keep coming here..this forum is very helpful.
 

Kate15

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So very sorry that happened. Sounds like what you have experienced is disassociation. It happens sometimes after a panic attack. It can last for a few days. I've had it happen once. Was in a dream like state. Hugs to you! I hope you get in to see a doc soon. If you have said you are then forgive me. I didn't read through all the replies. Take care of yourself and keep coming here..this forum is very helpful.
Heya, yes after doing a lot of research I think you may be right. I remember the day the fog lifted for a few hours (about a week after) Ive literally never felt so amazingly grateful. Was like I was seeing things in a new light. Everyday it gradually got better until it was gone. Ive done group CBT and used the Samaritans helpline. Sadly there is a 4mth waiting list for 1:1 therapy so that’s where I am right now. I’ve also found that being honest about how I’m feeling to my family/friends has helped. I’ve been unhappy for such a long time that it finally just broke me. Like my soul had just had enough. Not really sure what the future holds right now but it’s gota be better than being stuck in ground hog day pretending everything’s ok, smiling on the outside whilst quietly fading away inside. There really isn’t enough help out there that someone can quickly gain access to. Meds are not for me, I know I need to see someone so until then I will continue with the self care and meditation. Lavender balm and salt lamp, anything else I can find to calm my mind and heart. This forum helped me realise I’m not crazy or alone. I hope this thread helps others feel some comfort in that too. Thanks for your reply


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