The physical effects of anxiety | Alex's Mental Health Story | Mind
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
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"So I’m making this video primarily to address the misconceptions surrounding panic attacks and anxiety disorders, and I should point out that before I had my first anxiety attack, you know, I had some these of misconceptions myself.
I should point out this started in my mid-twenties, so it can flare up at any point, and the way it manifested for me primarily was panic attacks usually in the evening when I was trying to get some sleep.
So I’d get about five to ten minutes’ sleep and then, boom! I’d be woken up by a racing heart and tension headache. I should mention that my father passed away of a stroke at 45, so when I get a pain in my head, I think, boom! You know, this is it, I think. So if we start with my first experience, one of my best friends took me to hospital and the doctors were convinced that I was having a heart attack. They gave me the drugs to treat me for a heart attack. I had various ECGs, various tests.
I had a chest x-ray. All my information was sent to a specialist hospital in London because they couldn’t… It wasn’t anything obvious, but when all that information came back clear, that’s when the doctor actually came in and had a conversation with me and said, you know, I am a fearful, panicky person, to which me and my friend were laughing because I’m sitting there saying, Listen I’ve done stand-up comedy around London.
I’ve got an acting background. That does not describe me. But the doctor said, you know, anxiety, panic attacks are going to affect most people in their life to varying degrees. So the way that I managed, manage my condition now is through medication, and the way I look at it is essentially like an asthmatic. They can’t control when their body has an attack. You know, they always constrict, and they need their medication to, you know, to help them, and it’s the same for me personally with my mental health disorder, is…
You know, my brain does things that I can’t control, and that’s what the medication helps with me. And I kind of found this out the hard way because I neglected my medication for about two years. And at my lowest point, you know, I wouldn’t even make a decision about what to have for dinner. So things that I would say are very important is, you know, is you have to notice the little changes, and it’s very hard to notice that when you’re in the moment because, you know, you feel normal. So arguably, you are normal when sometimes it’s not quite the case.
So I think it’s very important to find a baseline, you know, and just be aware of your baseline and have a close friend or relative or someone, you know, you trust who can, you know, just tell you when you’re slightly off and then you can make adjustments or, you know, do what you need to do to be aware of that. Because, as I say, when you’re in the moment, you really… You don’t feel like there’s a problem, and that’s when it can, you know, when it can spiral. And also be aware that it manifests in many different ways.
You know, in that two-year period where I was neglecting my medication, I didn’t have a single panic attack, but I was very indecisive. I wasn’t balanced. There was an unbridled fear within me. So it was affecting me in another way, and I think the lack of panic attacks was one of the key reasons that I thought I was actually fine when I wasn’t. But I think knowledge is power, and the more knowledge you have of the condition, you know, the more you can be aware of it and actually keep yourself nice and balanced.
So I’m happy to talk to anyone. I’ll keep an eye on the comments, but you’ll get there guys, so just stay positive, and if anyone wants to chat, I’ll be here."
I've suffered with severe anxiety for longer than I care to mention it never seems to go away... Rules my life pretty much 98% of the time. There's only so many Psychologists you can throw at a problem. People don't seem to realise how anxiety can screw someone's life over.
I have a friend with anxiety and I admit I haven't fully understood or respected how it affects him. This video really helped. Thank you.
#RESPECT to this handsome young man for his fortitude and honesty, regardless of the medical condition. You're a model for honesty in a chaotic world, dear heart ❤
Thank you for posting this. Takes a brave person to put it out on social media.
I've had so many anxiety attacks these last few days. I went to the ER for palpitations and I was dehydrated and then I went back to normal. But after I started to worry that I would get a heart attack and some moments I would be completely fine and then I would get scared again if one thing happens. Now the Dr. said my chest is sore from my body tensing up and me throwing up a lot.
Hi Bob, sorry to hear you have had so many anxiety attacks these last few days, that sounds tough. Well done for going to the ER to get help and for talking to your doctor. We have some info about anxiety and panic attacks that might be helpful for you > bit.ly/2XSghKF. Take care, Cora at Mind
Thank you for the video. I seemed to relate on a level I didn't consider before. I had treated my anxiety with therapy and have had a lack of panic attacks which is great, and as you said I feel like I should be feeling much better. But what you mentioned about feeling unbalanced and in fear i seem to really relate, and makes me consider if there may be some things I still need to address. Thank you.
People think you are faking. For a year and half I’ve been going through this. It has ruined my life
Hi Chima, that sounds really difficult to go through. Have you got any support with this? Take care, Cora at Mind
Mind, the mental health charity thank you. It’s better now thank goodness. Keep up the good work
Totally relate to this, well done on your openness
Hi Alex - after seeing my father go into a psychiatric hospital and stay there for the rest of his days I have always feared medication and have tried to manage my anxiety attacks without. I am now 52 and find my self struggling - I still fear medication but have become actively involved with MIND.
Hi Ann, I hope this message finds you well - I can appreciate your feelings regarding medication, especially given your experiences. I now try to use medication, as and when I need it, in order to help me establish a good routine - something which has become a valuable coping strategy for me now. Once I am in a good healthy routine; for example getting up at the same time every day, meditating, breakfast - I feel more in control and reduce the medication. It is not for everyone, but I'd certainly suggest discussing it with your doctors if you find yourself struggling consistently. Great news to hear you are involved with MIND! Wishing you all the best
I too can relate to this. Thank you for this and well done for doing it :)
mine are night time. They suck and people don't understand
Very interesting and relatable.
I would love to hear about the different medicines people have tried, and what they've found effective? I've taken various anti-depressants that were supposed to be good for treating anxiety too, but they've unfortunately never worked for me.
onetimethingokay what dosages ?
Helpful insight into anxiety's debilitating impact.😦 #worldmentalhealthday
💖💖💖 your so cute x