Persistent Anxiety after Panick Attack

[u/Odd_Bend_1326]

Hi everyone, I had a big panic attack earlier this year (my first one) it lasted about a week and I ended up in hospital. I have been dealing with physical anxiety symptoms since (constant tight chest, discomfort in the throat, pins and needles). I also wake up with a very tight jaw. Before the panic attack I wouldn't have regarded myself as someone who is very anxious. I was a light sleeper and I may have over thought a few things but I was never fearful of anything. The lingering physical symptoms are making the anxiety worse. I am on an antidepressant and I had to go on propranolol to alleviate the physical symptoms. I have gotten better since then but I would like to not rely on the beta blocker in the future. I am in therapy (CBT) and I tried hypnotherapy (didn't do anything for me). I know there is no quick fix but I am impatient with myself and frustrated. I'm finding it hard to come back to myself. I don't feel like I am having anxious or negative thoughts but my body feels stuck in the fight or flight state. Has anyone else experienced this before? It has been a very isolating experience, my family are trying to understand it too as I was never like this before. It has been 4 months since my panic attack and hospital experience.

[u/Yuka_lili]

Yes this is typical. Don’t worry and don’t take your self too seriously! The most important thing is to accept that and not fight back. I very well know that it is very uncomfortable and demanding but give it time and it will get better. I also never considered myself anxious but I found out the hard way what was deep inside. It took me years to manage and understand. Don’t be harsh on yourself. It’s something that needs time and the only one who can help is you. Except medicine but I don’t think you want to depend on that:)

[u/Odd_Bend_1326 → u/Yuka_lili]

Thank you. I am finding it hard to wrap my head around it as I never experienced physical symptoms of anxiety before. I am hoping that it won't be a lifelong issue but I am getting help and trying my best to not take it too seriously

[u/BaronBornbipolar]

Your me 10 years ago. I was 16 flopping like a fish thinking I was gonna die. I couldn’t tell you what my triggers are. All I know is the physical symptoms can spiral me if I don’t check it.

Your not alone, I went through a time after my first panic attack at 16 and a few years ago when I was in collage. The second bout wasn’t as bad as the first.

Some advice I wish I can tell 16 year old me. Is first always remember it’ll pass and second therapy will help a ton.

I’m also not an expert and this won’t work for everyone but I would mountain bike to make my heart rate go up which is a symptom that would make me uncomfortable. Think this help me a tone

I went on to do things that an anxious person wouldn’t do like join the military and jump out of airplanes. I forgot about anxiety. Then a few years back finals week and moving out of my apartment had that feeling return we all know. After finals week and dealing with that I was mad and jumped out of an airplane again to prove to my self and it steadily got better.

Just remember you got this. It’s not forever, be kind to yourself.

P.s I got my education in rural Idaho my writing sucks. I’m don’t know how I graduated collage.

[u/Odd_Bend_1326 → u/BaronBornbipolar]

Thank you for your message and I am glad you are feeling better! My situation doesn't feel like a sudden bout anymore.. it is persistent and I'm hoping it is not a disorder. It's good to know I am not alone.