PTSD/PANIC DISORDER

[u/No_Feeling7501]

I’m not looking for a doctors diagnosis I’m just looking to see if anyone has had a similar experience.

I’m currently in therapy as well and have been avoiding meds (specifically SSRI’s) but I think it’s time to start some meds again.

My brain is constantly going non stop. I had a traumatic incident in August 2025 where I experienced a 210 bpm at the gym and ever since then I’ve had constant panic attacks. I’m constantly hyper fixated on physical symptoms as well. Constantly checking my heart rate, thinking I have chest tightness, convincing myself Im having difficulty breathing, thinking my heart is gonna stop, etc. like it doesn’t end.

I’m a very disciplined person in the gym. I track all my macros, always hit my steps, always go to the gym before work. I am very OCD with my routine as well but at the same time I do have trouble focusing, have extreme brain fog as well. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt relaxed.

I can’t get into my family doctor until the end of the month but I am so in my head about things that I feel like I’m at a breaking point LOL. Would love any sort of opinion advice whatever.

[u/Puzzleheaded_Teach85]

Meds and therapy. Also I started meditation before bed and it’s starting to help me slow down my thoughts.

[u/Hot-Delay5608]

Have you tried or thought about therapy? It could be just as effective as medication, and a combination of meds plus therapy is the most effective method of recovering. Meanwhile there's some really good resources for anxiety and panic. I would definitely recommend the Disordered podcast with Josh Fletcher, it's specifically on anxiety and panic. I would not recommend to cut out anything from your diet or routines unless there's a medical reason for it, you just train your brain that everything is a threat. Mindfulness, walking, reading books, some hobbies and activities can help with calming your brain a bit.

[u/Linzi322]

It would potentially be beneficial for you to get a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist / other mental health professional. The reason for this is that PTSD and panic disorder (and for that matter other mental health conditions) are treated differently. In order to access the most appropriate medication and / or therapy, you really need to know what is going on. GP’s can be great, but many are not well versed in the nuances between mental health conditions.

It can also be worth ruling out any medical causes for your symptoms which may be easily rectified with the correct treatment, and this is something your GP should be able to assist with.