So I've been dealing with anxiety for a while now and lately I've noticed I get super anxious when I feel an anxiety attack coming on. Like I can feel my chest get tight and then I panic about the panic. My therapist says this is normal but it's driving me crazy. Does anyone else experience this feedback loop thing? How do you break out of it?
I get it. That meta-anxiety feeling like you're waiting for the next attack is exhausting. One thing that helped me was focusing on what I can control in that moment, even if it's just deep breathing or a short walk.
Sounds like you're stuck in a loop where the anxiety about anxiety is worse than the actual thing. Maybe talking to someone professional could help you break that cycle, because you don't have to white-knuckle through this alone.
That's the anxiety spiral and it sucks. I remember dealing with something similar and just naming it helped, like 'oh there's that feeling again' instead of fighting it. Taking it one step at a time instead of panicking about the panic made a real difference for me.
That's actually pretty common. The anxiety about anxiety creates this feedback loop. Have you tried talking to someone about it or just dealing with it on your own?
The meta-anxiety is brutal. I started doing these breathing exercises when I feel it coming on and it genuinely helps. 4 counts in, hold for 4, out for 4. Sounds simple but it gives your brain something to focus on besides the anxiety itself. Have you tried anything like that?
Yeah I get this sometimes. The whole worrying about when the next panic attack will hit thing. It's like your brain is on high alert all the time. Definitely worth addressing.
This is so real. I used to get stuck in that cycle where I'd panic about panicking. What changed things for me was talking to my doctor about it. Turns out there are actual strategies and sometimes medication that can help break the pattern. Not saying that's your answer, but it might be worth exploring.
Being a dad with anxiety is its own thing because you're also responsible for keeping your kids calm and safe. That pressure can make the anxiety worse. Worth getting some professional help.
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Yeah dude, anxiety about anxiety is the worst loop. You start worrying that you're going to have an anxiety attack and then boom, you're having one. I had to learn that just acknowledging it without fighting it actually helps. Sounds weird but when I stop trying to control the feeling, it passes faster.