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sounds like panic attack to me {blech! you have my complete sympathies}

I would third going to the Emergency Room. It's really helpful in a panic/major anxiety state to get a medical opinion. Having a quick check up and being given 100% assurance that your symptons are anxiety and not anything worse mentally or a physical problem will really help. Failing that go back to your doctor, in your current state an anxiety management course is unlikely to be effective or fast enough to help you, you may even be too anxious to attend and see any benefit.

Good luck

Jason.

The ER ia an option, but if you do not have insurance, the bills pile up FAST. I know, not from anxiety but from pain caused by repeated attacks of kidneystones. Also, too many visits and you will be seen as a "drug shopper".
Its unfortunate, but..
However, if its this severe you might just want to go ahead and do it. Why suffer?

Sincerely,
Matthew

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Last edited by qsPyro on 11 Aug 2012, 8:55 am, edited 1 time in total.

I think, actually, that you've described your problem rather well on this thread. Have you thought of just printing out what you've said here, and handing it to the doctor with the explanation that you often communicate better in writing, and wanted to be sure you were getting across to him? Do make sure the doctor reads it; sometimes they are very attached to their usual interview procedures. He'll ask you questions--hopefully he'll keep it simple enough for you to be able to answer clearly. Doctors, especially psychologists, really prefer to ask their patients directly--but if you print out what you've said here, you can probably point him in the right direction.

re. paranoia: Not surprising, with how long you've dealt with extreme anxiety. While you're waiting, try to take your mind off your anxiety-increasing thoughts; find something to do that you generally enjoy, which doesn't allow for too much ruminating. Perhaps play a video game or read a favorite book, that kind of thing. You're just looking to last long enough to get to the doctor, keep yourself reasonably calm and safe. If you know any relaxation techniques, try those and see if they work; if not, it was worth a try.

Just hang in there, OK? Tell us how it goes.

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Last edited by qsPyro on 11 Aug 2012, 8:55 am, edited 1 time in total.

qsPyro,

1. Can you go to a library or ask someone else to print what you have written here?
2. Yes you can speak to the doctor about more than one thing at an appointment though in the UK they ask that you request a double appointment with you GP if you need to do this (so the GP doesn't run late)
3. If you have an anxiety/panic response while you are with the doctor it won't be pleasant but it will show the doctor very clearly what you are currently experiencing.
4. For the blood test they could give you a tranquilliser to make it easier for you. I used to be phobic of needles until I developed a condition where I had to have blood tests every two weeks. I still don't like it but it is bearable now.

Thinking of you and hoping it all goes OK.

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Last edited by qsPyro on 11 Aug 2012, 8:56 am, edited 1 time in total.

I sympathize. I try to do some Buddhist meditation, mindfulness techniques. It helps but only gradually.

Hi, please use us as a resource here.

Talk to us about the particular blood test, maybe even including a link to the youtube video, and people here might be able to talk you through it. Years ago, I had a benign growth removed from my nose. The dermatologist said, "Breath in." And it was amazing, the act of breathing in reduced the pain of the needle by about half! (Plus, the fact that she cared probably helped some.)

Now, suicidal thoughts are serious. Maybe try a zen technique. You're neither going to try to hold onto the thought nor push it out, for doing either just adds power to the thought. Instead, just casually watch the thought with zen 'detachment' (the zen people love the work 'detachment'!). At any rate, that's the theory. I also have had suicidal thoughts when things got bad and I felt trapped. It helps to have other people who can accept some of the burden. So, continue to view us as one good resource.

I have had some success in writing the two or three or four most important things on a piece of paper and just handing the doctor the piece of paper. And for each thing, I use either a brief, straightforward sentence or just a phrase.

Just to add that I also have suicidal thoughts (sometimes as far as rehearsals) in relation to anxiety and stress, and especially if I feel trapped for some reason (as I currently do, but this is about you, not me!).

You are not alone in this. The idea of viewing those thoughts with detachments is a good one - if you can see that they are a anxiety/stress reaction that reflect your need to escape from the current situation, rather than a sincere desire to die, that may help you to deal with them. If you are worried that you may act on those thoughts then you should seek immediate help from a qualified professional (yes, I've been there too).

When is your appointment with the doctor?

This too.
I was just at my GP and this is exactly what I did.

What country are you in?
Walks, yoga, exercise, sleep, being outdoors near nature, breathing.

Once the doctor helps with the anxiety and you move onto physical issues, explain the blood test phobia.

If you are in UK I know you can ask for it to be done in a hospital, by nurses who do nothing but blood tests and are superbly experienced at stopping it hurting.
Don't look and you will be amazed.

If in UK, ask your doctor for help from a Community Psychiataric Nurse, they are lovely lovely people who will get to know you. They can be amazing.

good luck, this will pass
hugs

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Last edited by qsPyro on 11 Aug 2012, 8:56 am, edited 1 time in total.

Yes, you are underrating the powers of anxiety and stress. You are very descriptive and I can tell you that I have felt just like that. Mine then went over the edge and I had complete shutdown at work where I couldn't move or speak and then was signed off sick for 4 months. That was September last year and I'm still having a hard time with my recovery - as my "one year anniversary" approaches things are getting worse and more out of control again due to fear that it will happen again (it happened at the start of the academic year - i work at a university - and that is rapidly approaching)

I am also still waiting for promised treatment so the fact that your wait is 10 weeks is good!



I have heard good things about CPNs so it might be worth asking your doctor about this form of support. Unfortunately not available in my area