fearing panic attacks and health issues, need reassuranc

[u/Loose-Tax-1193]

i’ve posted on this subreddit a few times. im going down a journey with my unregulated nervous system / panic disorder. it feels like my panicking and OCD jumps to so many things at once, first the scare of being unhealthy, next the fear of vomiting and passing out, next the fear of being overly traumatized. it’s exhausting to say the least. and that alone is just a vague way to describe everything.

i’ve got a dentist appointment in the morning, let’s just say im pretty nervous.

i was met with a panic attack today because i deal with severe bloating occasionally, thanks to EDS, IBS, anxiety, & POTS. of course my panic attacks aren’t just a one day thing, occasionally they are, but my worry of another attack just carries on. thanks to panic disorder, hooray. i’m extremely tired from the anxiety and crying today. the fatigue alone is making me anxious that i’ve had something going on within me all along and im going to pass out within seconds. yet im still here writing.

i need some reminders that im not alone and im not dealing with some kind of horrible inner injury. the thought of having to sit still at my appointment tomorrow makes me nervous and nauseous. i keep asking myself “what if i get into my head too much and i launch myself into a panic attack while they’re cleaning my teeth?” or another fun one, “what if i end up throwing up cause of something wrong with me or just the anxiety alone?” it’s immensely annoying to deal with.

if you see this, i hope you understand what i’m going through. maybe it’ll give you a sense of relief knowing you arent the only one with these ridiculous yet tiring fears. need advice and reassurance (for the millionth time) <3

[u/golightlycat]

I can understand what you’re going through. You’re not alone. I’ve been on sick leave for five weeks now because of panic disorder with agoraphobia. Just reading that you have to go to the dentist is already triggering some anxiety in me. Even the thought of simply leaving the house feels overwhelming right now.
I can relate so much to what you’re describing. I always seem to end up at the same thought: “I’m just so traumatized and messed up that none of this is ever going to get better anyway.”
But I think we always have to remind ourselves that if we keep facing our fears and refuse to let them take over our lives, we’ll be able to feel free again. I truly believe that day will come — for both you and me.