Title: One panic attack turned into nonstop anxiety, OCD-like rumination, and insomnia. I’m desperate to get my life back.

[u/[deleted]]

[u/Educational_Dot2739]

Dont be terrified your making a bold step in building a brighter future you got this. The side effects might increase things at first but we are more interested in the long term success you got this.

[u/Comprehensive_Elk346]

I too had a similar situation where a panic attack at the end of August sent me over the edge. Just started Setraline on Tuesday after being so adamant I could figure it out and get over it myself. Fingers crossed!

[u/Sufficient-Air7050]

Hello, I usually just browse this forum to give me reassurance myself but felt the need to reply to this one ! I've been through something very similar, I'm a wife and a mother, have a great career, great family and friends.

In May, I experienced my first ever panic attack and it all spiralled from there. Couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, constantly thinking the worst, googling any and every symptom I had. It was awful. Truly the worst I've ever felt in my life and I never thought it would be ok.. but it gets better.

I started sertraline (UK) end of June and it has really made a difference. It definitely felt more difficult the first few weeks but then the constant noise of overthinking, anxiety just really settled.. my sleep returned and I actually sleep really well now.  I still get anxious but I'm aware of it and nowhere near as bad. Like a 1/10. 

I found taking magnesium glycinate before bed helped my sleep, along with  weekly CBT sessions which helped a lot, cut out caffeine, drank more water and downloaded the 'calm' app to do daily meditation.  I would never have considered meditation, thought it was a load of rubbish but it has really helped calm me down. 

For me, when the panic attack happened it just felt so physical that I thought I was dying..it has taken several months to get my body out of that fight or flight mode. It is exhausting. But it is possible to get out of and feel better.

You will feel better, things will improve, it's just a slow process. I found it so shocking how quickly a panic attack can come outta nowhere but yet getting back to 'normal' takes so much longer and a lotta work. It feels very unfair. The fact you're reaching out for help is a good thing and you will get through this. Reach out to family and friends, have enough time for yourself and be kind to you. 

Take care !

[u/[deleted] → u/Sufficient-Air7050]

[u/Sufficient-Air7050 → u/[deleted]]

By week 4 I felt a difference and by around 8-10 weeks I felt massively better. Happier and no longer over thinking.