Panic attacks

Hey Sarah.., nice to meet you.  I'm currently looking at Psychologist counselling for panic and anxiety due to a stroke I had a year and a half ago now.  Actually I had my first session today - spent most of it trying my hardest to concentrate, focus on the subject at hand and explain how I'm feeling at the moment without losing my train of thought or not being able to find the right words to clarify things (exhausting and frustrating).  Like yourself I thought my recovery was going really well too, until just recently when I was told my carotid stent had re-blocked again (freaked me out).  I'm usually more than able at getting my head around things and moving forward when it comes to finding ways to adjust my thinking and my practises about the house to make things easier to deal with.  I've found recently that I've isolated myself from social situations that have led to emotional meltdowns and panic attacks (too embarrassing and scary).  I've also gotten lost in areas I don't frequent often, again leading to anxiety, panic and tears. I have issues with calculating things, short term memory loss and issues with dates and times that can make life a little more interesting than it used to be (just making a few adjustments to make things simpler).  Unfortunately the more these situations arise, the less likely I am to build up my courage and get out more often (at the moment anyway).  My Psychologist from today has left me with the "have you created this reaction" question (that is, my anxiety and panic and surely if I've created it - I can take it away).  Anyway.., that had to be one of the longest hours in my life that I won't be getting back in a hurry.  I would try and find someone via your GP or specialist to see of you can communicate your fears and concerns with.  I'm trying to find different approaches that I know will help me get through this hump.  I know this wont last forever - I just need to find the right person to help me, help myself get through the tricky stuff.  Good luck and don't feel that you have to try and do everything by yourself - there is so much help out there in various forms, lots of support here too.  Just do your best.  Belinda

Hi Sarah and Belinda, 

Thank you for sharing your experiences on EnableMe. It's common for stroke survivors to experience anxiety and panic attacks. It's important for everyone to know that help is available and they are not alone, so thank you.

Your local doctor is always a good starting point to access help. They can help to make sense of your medical results and talk to your specialists about how to manage your migraines. Your GP can work with you to explore options for getting on top of panic attacks.

It is also good to equip yourself with some tools to get through difficult times and counselling is one of them. Our social worker Jude has written a great blog on counselling after stroke, here is the link to the blog :

https://enableme.org.au/Users/Profile/My-Blogs/View-Blog?blogId=25a9aceb-c3e2-46a4-9285-790c12698c37&userId=ab793387-206c-4794-a66c-5232f93f3942.

Jude also talks about finding the right counsellor or psychologist, and your doctor may also be able to recommend a psychologist.

You can also read our Depression and Anxiety fact sheet: https://strokefoundation.org.au/en/About-Stroke/Help-after-stroke/Stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/Depression-and-anxiety-after-stroke-fact-sheet

You might also like to have a read about migraine and stroke, here is a link to the UK Stroke Association fact sheet on migraine and stroke: https://www.stroke.org.uk/sites/default/files/migraine_and_stroke.pdf  

Recovery following stroke can be a challenging journey. We are here to help on Strokeline on 1800 787 653 or strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.

Shraeya 

Strokeline

Hi Sarah, can completely relate to your feelings and the panic attacks and anxiousness.  Here we were just living our lives and out of the blue we are hit with this traumatic experience  !! made worse sometimes because the real cause of it not known and we may never know. That unknown fact alone makes us anxious and panicky because we have no answers as to why?  From this site I have been comforted knowing that it is common to feel anxious and out of sorts despite physically doing well after a stroke.  I am six months post stroke ( haemorrhagic  bleed) and the doctors have put it down to "one of those things" ! which I have to accept .  I am incredibly lucky to have come out of it as well as I have physically but I wasn't prepared for the anxiousness, lack of confidence and in a way suffering from post traumatic shock from that day I had the stroke.  It does help to seek some counselling  which I have  and your doctor can certainly help you with obtaining the right support.  You are not alone in your feelings  !! take care Leesa

Hi everyone,

To read all your responses as you navigate the emotional rollercoaster after your strokes,, great comfort to each other 😁

It will be 25 years next month since my stroke and on the topic of medical people , Dr's and counsellors , yes definitely finding ones who you can work with and feel comfortable with is a must. 

Sorry to hear of your uncomfortable experience Belinda. When going to see a professional it's not nice to come out the other side feeling worse off !!

You are all wonderful for reaching out and helping each other not to feel alone as you heal and recover.

Sue xxoo

Thank you for everyone’s kind words. So the doctor tried me on some tablets to help with the anxiety, so giving them a go. They also referred me for the counselling but I’m not having much luck getting in touch with them lol. 

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, or sunshine without rain. But He did promise strength for the day and light for the way. Here's to you—steadier, stronger, and better every day.

Wow, Luna. Those words you said are so strong. Be strong also Luna and everyone,