Hi,

I'm not diagnosed with anything, but for the past 4 years I have been having very severe panic attacks. They cause me to space out and make me unable to breathe and shake violently. Recently I had one that really affected my best friend as no matter what I did I couldn't calm down. Now I can't stop blaming myself for making her feel awful. I also have issues with impulses and I'm constantly hyperactive which causes me to have anxious symptoms as it is something I can't control. I really just want the anxiety to go away as it is so severe I can barely go a day without breaking down.

- J

Hi Jazz,

First of all, I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling with panic attacks. They're scary at the best of times, and it sounds like it's starting to get more than a little overwhelming. Up until my diagnosis last year, I was in a similar situation. Since they're interrupting your day to day life I very strongly recommend having a chat to a GP about getting a Mental Health Care Plan and discussing treatment options. There are heaps of things you can try. There are great temporary medications you can go on (and come off if you don't like them), and different kinds of therapy (you may hear things like CBT/ACT) to help you. If you need time off from work or school, your GP can also discuss this with you. There are ways you can get help, and of course, this forum is always here to listen.

Hey Jazz,

I’ve been having similar symptoms, especially the spaced out feeling. It’s hard to explain but I feel like I’m woozy/drunk and have visual dizziness or something.. it’s so weird and I don’t know how else to explain it. I also get tingling in my arms when it’s really bad. Have you felt anything like this?

I hope it settles for you. I find standing outside grounds me a little and helps me snap out of it.

Hi Jazz,

It sounds like you’re having a really hard time, so I’m glad you reached out here.

Dimmi has written almost everything I was going to recommend - that maybe it’s time to get some professional help. Unfortunately anxiety and panic attacks aren’t something that you can wish away. Sometimes we need help from the people who know the most about how to help us recover. With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP you will be able to see a psychologist up to 10 times per year for free. They will be able to teach you the skills you need to get on top of the panic attacks and manage your anxiety in general. A psychologist is also great at giving you emotional support while you go through this hard time.

In the meantime, there’s some great resources on panic at:

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Panic

And also some on anxiety:

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Anxiety

Check them out, but please consider getting some help, because you shouldn’t have to go through this alone. You’ve been really brave to face this so far, but you deserve to feel supported while you find your feet.

Take care

Alexlisa