When Anxiety Won't Go Away

This past weekend was not particularly stressful. We didn’t go out or participate in any social events. For the most part, we stayed home, watched television, and played games. However, most of the weekend, I spent in what could only be described as a prolonged panic attack.

Symptoms of a panic attack are as follows:

• “Racing" heart
• Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
• Sense of terror, or impending doom or death
• Feeling sweaty or having chills
• Chest pains
• Breathing difficulties
• Feeling a loss of control

However, the symptoms I felt were ongoing, lasting for days instead of the typical 15-20 minutes common for panic attacks. The worst of which were the confusion, disorientation, and a sensation of feeling my pulse through my body. While my friends and family enjoyed games and time together, it took all of my mental capacity simply to understand what was being said and done around me. Not only that, but my ability to speak was met with stutters and inability to get words from my brain to my lips.

It was frustrating, to say the least, which did not aid in relieving my stress.

So how was it I suffered these symptoms for so long without any added tension going on in my life? I suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This mental condition does not necessarily need a trigger and can strike without warning, with symptoms lasting for hours or even days.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

• Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
• An unrealistic view of problems
• Restlessness or a feeling of being "edgy"
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea
• The need to go to the bathroom frequently
• Tiredness
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Trembling
• Being easily startled

Though similar to a panic attack, they are different. Some of these symptoms can be present all the time. My family likes to joke about how jumpy I can be. However, when several symptoms flare up at once, it can make living life much more difficult. There are times when the anxiety increases so bad I do not feel safe driving, cooking, or even standing alone in a shower. My life becomes a haze in which I fight to bumble through without aim.

For me, I am lucky enough to have an extremely understanding family. They have been with me since the disorder manifested nearly ten years ago. Back then, my sudden changes in mood and mental clarity were difficult for my family to deal with. However, after seeking out professional help, we were able to discover what was happening to me, and how to better handle prolonged anxiety attacks. It doesn’t make it any easier, but at least we knew what was happening.

The Choices I Made

Medication was the first option given to me aside from weekly counseling. However, being a writer, I discovered the medication I was offered made it difficult for me to write. This had the adverse effect of depression from not being able to tell my stories. The cycle continued for a while until I discovered the source of the problem. So, for me, I had to make a choice, take meds and not write or not take meds and have to learn tricks to work past my anxiety in other ways. My choice was for fewer meds and the ability to write. Though I continued with a low dose of medicine, for the most part, I was forced to learn to work through my difficult days.

When I have days like I suffered this past weekend, I found meditation, breathing exercises, and soothing herbal tea could help me through some of the more intense moments. A supportive family has also been key in aiding me when I am having difficulty with focusing and feeling secure. When the attack hit this weekend, my husband made tea for me and sat quietly with me, tolerating my inability to concentrate.

While my weekend did not feel well, I was blessed with the knowledge and support of the people around me. I may never be able to live my life without anxiety, but at least I don’t have to go through it alone.

Thank you to WebMD for the information of panic attack symptoms and Generalized Anxiety Disorder symptoms.

If you enjoy this article, check out my other article on Mental Health, It’s All in Your Head, and feel free to leave a gift!