Struggling with Severe Anxiety and Its Consequences
At 24 years old, I face a multitude of mental health challenges, including Autism, ADHD, schizoaffective disorder (bipolar type), PTSD, and OCD. It certainly feels overwhelming at times. Whenever I encounter situations that provoke stress or require me to make choices, I experience an extreme level of anxiety. It’s a sensation that's almost beyond words, akin to a panic attack that stretches on for several days. For instance, after moving to a new apartment, I became exceedingly anxious about whether I could adapt to the sound of traffic. Although this concern seems trivial, it consumed me. For a period of 48 hours, I struggled to breathe and found myself hyperventilating. During this episode, my hallucinations intensified significantly. Each attempt to consume food or water resulted in vomiting, leaving me without any hydration for two days. My girlfriend, deeply worried about my condition, ended up taking me to the emergency room, where I received 2mg of Ativan to help ease my distress. These frightening episodes continue to occur. I often find myself in the grip of intense panic, unable to keep anything down. I've previously fainted due to severe dehydration. Coping with this situation feels almost impossible. Medical professionals hesitate to prescribe Ativan unless I visit the ER because of a past incident where I attempted suicide with the medication. I'm left questioning which of my diagnoses might be driving these acute panic episodes or if it's simply a disastrous combination of all my conditions. I would appreciate any thoughts or advice from those who might understand what I'm going through.
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 3:10:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand how overwhelming and distressing your experiences with severe anxiety can be, especially considering your multiple mental health diagnoses. It's important to acknowledge the significant impact this has on your life. You are not alone in facing these challenges, and there are ways to manage your anxiety more effectively.
Main Points:
- Your anxiety episodes are likely a result of the interplay between your diagnoses.
- It’s crucial to develop a self-care plan that helps you manage acute situations and reduce the frequency of panic attacks.
- Strategies to cope with any immediate anxiety symptoms and longer-term management options can make a considerable difference.
Explanation: Anxiety can be exacerbated by multiple factors, including existing mental health conditions like Autism, ADHD, schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, and OCD. Each of these may contribute to heightened anxiety responses, especially in stressful situations. It sounds like your panic attacks are particularly intense, which can lead to physical symptoms such as hyperventilation and gastrointestinal distress.
It's essential to recognize that while the concerns you face may seem trivial, the feelings they provoke are very real. Your body and mind are responding to stress in a way that can feel paralyzing, making it challenging to react to everyday situations.
Next Steps:
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Develop Coping Strategies: Start by identifying grounding techniques that work for you during panic episodes. Simple methods include:
- Deep breathing exercises: Inhale slowly for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for six. Repeat until you feel calmer.
- A grounding technique: Focus on your surroundings by noting five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
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Create a Support System: Openly communicate with your girlfriend and trusted friends or family about your experiences. Preparing them on how to support you during episodes can help reduce feelings of isolation when you are distressed.
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Maintain Hydration and Nutrition: When anxiety strikes and you struggle to eat or drink, keep fluids nearby. Try sipping on electrolyte solutions or broths, which can be gentler on your stomach.
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Daily Routine and Environment: Establish a calming daily routine that includes time for relaxation (yoga, meditation, or light exercise) to help lower your baseline anxiety. You may also explore soundproofing your apartment to lessen disturbances that trigger anxiety.
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Gradual Exposure: If certain situations (like living near traffic) trigger your anxiety, consider a gradual exposure approach. Start by spending a few minutes near the sound and slowly increase your exposure over time as you become more comfortable.
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Focus on Professional Support: Work closely with a mental health professional who understands your complex situation. Discuss personalized treatment options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication alternatives that suit your needs and safety concerns.
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Emergency Plan: Create a plan for what to do during severe anxiety episodes, including signs to watch for and when to seek help. This might involve knowing the closest emergency rooms or having a list of supportive contacts to call.
Please remember, it's essential to take these steps at your own pace. If you have further questions, need clarification, or seek specific resources, I’m here to help. You're taking an important step by seeking support, and there are paths to feeling better.
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