I need help learning to cope. - Mental Health Message Board

catspirit · 05-15-2008, 05:33 PM

Hello

I am new to the board and in desperate need of some advise. I have been seeing a cousilor for axiety and severe depression for several months. I keep hoping something will click and I will get better. Unfortunately, I think I am getting worse. I had a horrible anxiety/coping attack today and I actually considered going to the hospital. Today I found out my biological father was being paroled from prison for murdering my mother when I was an infant. I thought I could handle the news and was expecting the outcome but instead this is how I felt:

*My hands started shacking uncontrolably
*My heart is still racing
*My mind is incorherent and I couldn't even remember how to cry or scream or have any emotion except panic
*I felt scared - unreasonably scared
*I wanted to run and hide
*For about ten minutes I simple sat on the bed trying to cry frozen in a scream expression
*I didn't even know how to calm my thoughts

I have had an anxiety attack before, but this was so overwhelming. My thoughts were there but not ther at the same time. I seriously think I could feel brian cells dying and my cognitive ability to focus diminish. I don't have another session with my therpist until next week, but I don't think I can wait. I really hate to be a bother to her and drop by unannounced for a session. She says it is okay but I feel I am just a bother. I am so scared and alone. I am becoming someone I don't know and I can't stop it.

I don't really know what am I asking, I just need advise or tell me what is wrong and why can't I get better.

Sandy
catspirit

travinda · 05-17-2008, 05:06 PM

all anxiety attacks vary, some worse than others. its understandable why you had that attack. no one is blaming you.
i used to find that the gaps between the therapy sessions were the hardest times, i didnt cope well either but i found self therapy helped, try writing a letter about how you are feeling at the time, it can be writen to a person or like a diary. dont ever send the letter just keep it with you, you can alter it, scribble it out as your thoughts change.
getting things off your chest will help the anxiety, you could also try sitting, or lying down and practice breathing calmly. there are some good books about breathing and relaxation,

Phoenix · 05-31-2008, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catspirit

I had a horrible anxiety/coping attack today and I actually considered going to the hospital. Today I found out my biological father was being paroled from prison for murdering my mother when I was an infant. I thought I could handle the news

I have had an anxiety attack before, but this was so overwhelming. My thoughts were there but not ther at the same time. I seriously think I could feel brian cells dying and my cognitive ability to focus diminish. I don't have another session with my therpist until next week, but I don't think I can wait. I really hate to be a bother to her and drop by unannounced for a session. She says it is okay but I feel I am just a bother. I am so scared and alone. I am becoming someone I don't know and I can't stop it.

I don't really know what am I asking, I just need advise or tell me what is wrong and why can't I get better.

Sandy
catspirit

Hello cat,

It appears that your fathers release from prison is setting off other symptoms or conditional disorders.

From a certain standpoint, your mind is reliving all the previous memories that led up to you mother's demise. Many mixed feelings are involved here.

If you are having such a rough time, ask for sessions twice a week, for a while.

Your meds may need to be re-evaluated, with respect to dosages.

If it gets to the point that you feel the need to harm yourself or others, please go to the ER as soon as humanly possible.
Call 911 if you have to.

Take care.

Respectfully,

Phoenix

shorebird · 06-20-2008, 01:59 PM

Cat,
It probably would not be a bad idea to get checked out by a doctor to at least rule out any physical cause. I hope you are feeling better now