Been getting these sudden waves of panic where my chest gets tight and I can't catch my breath. Usually happens at work or when I'm driving. Started seeing a therapist last month but I'm wondering if I should talk to my doctor about medication. Anyone here deal with anxiety and found meds helpful? I don't want to become dependent on something but I also can't keep living like this.
Panic attacks are brutal man. I've been there and the chest tightness thing is real. Have you tried any breathing techniques? I know it sounds cliche but the 4-7-8 breathing actually helps me reset when one starts coming on.
When did this start getting worse? Sometimes with us dads the anxiety creeps up slowly until suddenly we're having full panic attacks. Could be worth talking to your doctor about it, especially if it's affecting your day to day.
Sorry you're dealing with this. The unpredictability of anxiety attacks is what gets me the worst. You're never ready for them. Have you identified any triggers or does it just come out of nowhere?
Tight chest and breathing issues during panic attacks is your body going into fight or flight mode. If it's happening regularly you should definitely get checked out. Could be anxiety disorder, could be something else but a professional needs to rule things out. Your kids need you healthy.
I've dealt with this too and honestly getting on something to help took the edge off while I worked on the underlying stuff with a therapist. No shame in that game. Your nervous system needs help and there's no prize for suffering through it.
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Those panic waves are serious and worth talking to a doctor about. I used to brush them off as stress but turns out I actually needed to see someone. Could be anxiety, could be something physical. Either way you deserve to feel okay. Don't tough it out alone on this one.