Coping with Anxiety and Panic After Trauma: A Personal Journey - Psychiatry

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Coping with anxiety and panic after experiencing trauma, especially in the context of a loved one’s serious health crisis, can be an incredibly challenging journey. Your situation, having faced the trauma of your son’s severe car accident and the previous near-tragedy with your younger son, understandably places you in a heightened state of emotional distress. It’s important to recognize that your feelings are valid and that seeking help is a crucial step in managing your mental health.

From what you’ve described, it seems you are experiencing symptoms consistent with acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can manifest after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, and they often include symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal (feeling on edge or easily startled), avoidance behaviors, and sleep disturbances. The fact that you are unable to calm your mind and find peace, even with medication, suggests that your body and mind are still processing the trauma.

1. Understanding Your Symptoms: The constant need to keep busy and the difficulty in settling down can be a form of hyperarousal. This is a common response to trauma, where the body remains in a heightened state of alertness. Your sleep issues, including frequent dreaming and only achieving a few hours of rest, are also typical of anxiety and stress-related disorders. It’s not uncommon for individuals in your situation to feel as if they are on a never-ending loop of worry and anxiety, especially when the safety of loved ones is concerned.

2. The Role of Medication: The medications prescribed to you, such as KINAX (an anxiolytic), ESZO (an antidepressant), and ZODEM (a sleep aid), are commonly used to help manage anxiety and sleep disturbances. While these medications can be effective, they often take time to adjust to, and their efficacy can vary from person to person. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your psychiatrist about how you’re feeling on these medications. If you find that your symptoms are not improving, it may be necessary to reassess your treatment plan.

3. Therapeutic Approaches: In addition to medication, engaging in psychotherapy can be highly beneficial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for anxiety and PTSD, as it helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies. Exposure therapy may also be useful, as it gradually helps individuals confront and process their fears in a controlled manner. Given your background as a single mother and the close bond with your children, therapy can provide a safe space to explore your feelings and develop resilience.

4. Self-Care Strategies: While professional help is crucial, there are also self-care strategies you can implement to help manage your anxiety. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, can help ground you in the present moment and reduce feelings of panic. Regular physical activity, even simple walks, can also alleviate anxiety and improve mood. Establishing a routine can provide a sense of normalcy and control amidst the chaos.

5. Support Systems: Don’t hesitate to lean on your support system. Whether it’s friends, family, or support groups, sharing your experiences and feelings can be incredibly cathartic. Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can help you feel less isolated in your struggles.

6. Continued Care: Given the intensity of your experiences and the symptoms you’re facing, it’s advisable to continue seeking care from your psychiatrist. Regular follow-ups can help ensure that your treatment is effective and adjusted as needed. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for immediate support, whether through a crisis hotline or emergency services.

In conclusion, your journey through anxiety and panic following trauma is significant, and it’s commendable that you are actively seeking help. Remember, healing takes time, and it’s okay to ask for support along the way. You are not alone in this, and with the right combination of medication, therapy, and self-care, you can find a path toward recovery and peace.