My Journey So Far
My anxiety began to get bad in 2020. I was completely overwhelmed. I had graduated high school in 2019 and that summer my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I decided not to leave home and instead go to community college. During my second year of college I decided to start an online dating profile (not getting much luck on campus). As I began talking to someone I thought I clicked with the pandemic hit. The pandemic affected me just as much as it did anyone I suppose, but my relationship with the online individual continued. In fact we became in person and dated for a year. However, this person was not a good person. The relationship became abusive until I suppose they got tired of me and broke it off in 2021. During this relationship is when I began to have severe panic attacks. I simply couldn’t function. Eventually I went to my general practitioner and was prescribed lexapro. It worked for the most part and I was able to get my life back on track. Unfortunately I hate going to the doctors office or hospitals and with me not checking back in I was taken off lexapro. This went surprising well for a while until last week. I’ve been working at least 50 hour weeks for a while on top of going to school part time and handling other responsibilities. Last week was particularly stressful: 50 hour work week, a 6 page essay, a wedding, and then finally a Halloween party at my current girlfriends house. The day of the party I finally hit my breaking point again. I had another panic attack and there was nothing I could do to calm down. I cancelled my plans and told her I was going to get better. It’s Wednesday now and I’ve cancelled three times. I feel like I’m back where I started not functioning because I have these uncontrollable panic attacks. I tried everything today: exercise, meditation, aroma therapy, getting outside, and talking to loved ones. I just can’t seem to shake this by myself.
@Ardi7 Thank you for sharing your journey with anxiety. It sounds like you've been through a lot in recent years, with significant stressors and trauma. It's completely understandable that you're struggling with anxiety and panic attacks.
Reaching out for help is a brave step, and it's essential to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Considering your past experience with Lexapro, it might be a good idea to consult a mental health professional, who can help you find the right treatment and coping strategies tailored to your needs.
Seeking help means you're taking charge of your mental health, which is a sign of strength. You don't have to go through this alone, and there are resources available to support you. Take one step at a time, and I hope you find the help and relief you need to overcome these challenges. You're not alone in this, and I'm here to listen anytime you want to talk 💚
Hello again @Ardi7,
It seems you are preoccupied with long hours of work & coursework.
It is understandable that you had a panic attack.
Doing exercises, being in touch with nature outdoors,
and speaking to your loved ones are coping skills.
You mentioned you were taken off Lexapro.
Maybe you would like to reconsider talking to your doctor again,
could it be you have a discontinuation syndrome from the prescription?
Let your doctor make a reassessment of whether
you should be given the prescription again? perhaps in different dosages?
Certain prescriptions can be taken without sedative effect
because it can slow down the racing heartbeat during panic attack
but users must not have a heart condition(s)...
I believe I have shared with you a few coping skills in the other thread of yours.
If you are not allergic to plants,
you may like to consider carrying an item
with a diluted lavender fragrance for relaxation?
Applying its essential oil directly on the skin
may not be suitable for some with allergic condition(s);
A patch test is usually recommended before such usage.
Swallowing lavender essential oil is not a good idea.
It can be toxic & lavender may cause intestinal cramping, nausea, or other adverse symptoms.
Never consume lavender oil directly.
For your reference. Take care :)
