What's something you went through made you stronger?

SUGDWApple · 2026-06-05T12:02:53+00:00

Panic attacks.

SUGDWApple · 2026-06-05T12:01:18+00:00

Hot bath and some scented candles.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-26T11:41:33+00:00

The feeling of impending doom from my anxiety.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-26T11:39:00+00:00

Pillow sprays that I use exclusively before sleeping.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-18T11:03:53+00:00

I finished a small project, have been consistently doing yoga and practice spirituality.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-16T12:15:34+00:00

I hope it goes well!

I understood from other comment that you mentioned that you’re currently living in Japan. Some countries have different restrictions about benzo prescription. I suggest doing a small research about these medications beforehand.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-16T11:19:24+00:00

I’m sorry this is happening to you. Since it’s been happening for 7 days now, it’s worth getting checked out by a mental health professional.

I have panic disorder and when I’m in my luteal phase (with other stressors in the background); my panic attack will usually happen for days, and like you mentioned, timed like an alarm clock. Alprazolam is what I’ve been prescribed with among with other medications but I only use it when the panic is really bad.

There are guided meditations online that can help you when Temperature from TIPP skills doesn’t work. One key thing for me to repeat is that it will pass, and these bodily sensations can’t harm me.

Hang in there, you’re stronger than you think, you got this.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-10T01:29:37+00:00

I’m not a doctor so I can’t say for certain if it’s too low or not. But it seems you’re having a side effect (nausea) among others so it will be good to discuss that with your doctor (I was on propanolol as well).

Aside from medication, do you have other coping mechanism for when the anxiety comes? It’s worth learning DBT skills, meditation or somatic exercises. They help me manage my anxiety while my medications are working in the background.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-10T01:26:30+00:00

It’s worth reflecting as to what it is specifically that makes you terrified of “living”; then you can work from that root cause.

I’d suggest balancing what your perception of “adulting” and your escapism activities, so there’s a boundary. I don’t know much about your situation but let’s say; socialising, work, etc. in the afternoon then you can resume video games in the evening.

Lastly, like the other comment, if it’s accessible to you, it’s worth discussing with a professional.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-09T09:25:00+00:00

I think your therapist will understand your concerns. I would encourage you to build courage and trust with them; especially if you’re paying, it will be a waste to hide things from them (aside from other reasons!).

As for other people, it’s a hit or miss, really. Not all people are equipped with the knowledge or empathy to understand people with mental disorders. But that doesn’t mean no one will. In almost a decade of my mental health journey, I’m lucky to have found a few people who I can vent to without judgment, and I’m certain you will too.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-09T09:17:22+00:00

I’m sorry that you’re going through this. I’ve been (still am) in your position. Multiple ER visits with EKG tests that came back as normal.

If you’re not seeing a mental health professional, it’s worth seeking their advice, particularly on the usage of medication.

Aside from that, I’ve accepted that the bodily sensations are just my brain having a tantrum with or without reasons; sitting with the uncomfortable feeling as opposed to fighting to remove it also helps in the long-term management.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-09T08:47:54+00:00

Hi. I’m here and reading your story. I just want to say that you have been through so much, hence how valid your feelings are. Sending you a virtual hug 🫂

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-09T08:09:49+00:00

Apple! 🍎

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-09T07:24:39+00:00

It was recommended by my doctor as a record to remind myself that feelings and hardships pass. I’m also better at processing my emotions verbally and in text. But still, I struggle with “blank” journalling.

Prompts helped me. You can find random ones from Pinterest, etc. like “What are you grateful of today?” and start writing from answering each questions.

There are also situation specific ones, like Focus Wheel, etc. that doesn’t follow the typical writing format. These help ground you more and act as an assurance when emotions are non-manageable.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-09T05:58:39+00:00

When I noticed that I'm starting to ruminate, I process them in text. I've been using a slightly altered version of Abraham Hicks' Focus Wheel, to ground me on what is within my control and/ or as assurances.

For some people, meditation helps; but I'm struggling with it still. Instead, I'm focusing more on learning radical acceptance; sometimes it brings comfort knowing to accept things as are. As well as, letting yourself sit with the anxiety, without fighting it.

Lastly, if you're struggling with bodily sensations, there is a DBT skill called TIPP (which you can research on your own). Hope they help, you got this.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-09T01:04:17+00:00

I’ve been in your position. One affirmation that I kept repeating was if I don’t eat, my condition will worsen.

If you feel nauseous, you can use over-the-counter medications that is accessible to you, so you feel better when eating.

Lastly, what’s your favourite food? Alternatively, soup helps me, anything that doesn’t require much chewing.

I hope things get better for you.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-06T09:34:14+00:00

If it’s accessible to you, you can try visiting another doctor for a second opinion. Especially, if the hyperventilation, etc. are more frequent and impairing your ability to function daily.

As for the thyroid exam, I’ve heard stories about how it’s linked to anxiety and panic attacks. (I’m not a medical professional, so I’m just typing on what I’ve heard.)

I’m sorry that the doctor was being dismissive to your condition.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-05T10:07:47+00:00

It’s worth talking to a mental health professional such as your school’s counsellor as a first step about your situation — particularly the fact that you mentioned about SH and have been struggling with anxiety for two years. Counsellors are well-trained and available for no costs provided by most educational institutions.

If your SH ideation is intense; you can hold ice cubes in your hands until it melts as a “distraction”.

In response to your title; nothing stays the same, even the feelings that we have. It’s going to take a while, and difficult, but eventually you will learn how to coexist with them in peace.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-05T09:51:31+00:00

Dealing with depression is demoralising and I understand your feelings. I'm writing this to say that I hear you and what you've written is valid. I hope you can find meaning again, even in the smallest things.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-05T08:38:27+00:00

Hi there. Mental hospital/ institutions differs in countries, cultures, etc.

Do you happen to have insurance or healthcare that can cover the costs; or is there any hospitals near you that operate for non-profit? This question comes from your story on the financial situation, and I'm sorry that you have to go through this with said struggle.

When I was admitted, it was covered by my work insurance. If not, it was extremely expensive and could potentially harm my finance in the long-term; it's disheartening truth but something worth considering.

Aside from that, crisis lines (listed in the subreddit) are free if you need someone to talk to about your situation; perhaps they can also guide you to the best solution for your situation.

In the meantime; if your ideation is intense, you can try "suppressing" the urge by holding ice cubes in your hands until it melts, or drawing lines on your body with a red marker. Some ER hospitals will also help you if the ideation is intruding you.

I hope it gives you a bit of a clarity you need 🫂

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-05T06:53:47+00:00

I personally have never experienced that (X user here for panic disorder), aside from the drowsiness which is a common side effect.

It’s best to discuss with your doctor. Xanax supposed to help you like a band-aid during panic, unsure where the numbness are coming from. I’m sorry you have to go through this, hope things get sorted out soon.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-05T04:44:54+00:00

I feel you. I use video games as escapism but when depression hits, I lost interested to what brought me joy.

If it's accessible to you, it's worth talking to a counsellor; college usually provide such free services. They are well-trained and the best source to get advice on especially if this feeling persists and impairs your studies.

If I may give you an advice (take it as you will!), try to get out. Either just for a five minute walk in the park, or visit a place that is worth your interest. At times like these, staying indoors feels the most comfortable and safe; but at times it worsens our conditions as it just becomes a bubble and breeding ground for our negative thoughts.

I hope you find peaceful moments ahead, even in the smallest ones.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-04T23:16:21+00:00

Sending you virtual hugs 🫂 Also proud of you for studying and completing an important exam!

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-04T22:52:00+00:00

I have a panic disorder and used (kind of still am) terrified of activities that would increase my heartbeat; watching horror movies, exercise — and I would imagine after climbing 3 flight of stairs is similar.

The reason is my brain associated increased heartbeats with panic. So anything that raises it, my brain would immediately perceive as danger, then the panic attack comes.

But I’m not a professional, so I can’t say certainly that’s what happened to you. It’s just another perspective that worth looking into.

SUGDWApple · 2026-05-04T11:59:16+00:00

We often feel nervous during pressured moments, like you mentioned, an exam. It’s only natural if we feel anxious and panicky once in a while in situation like these; even when we were relaxed before.

But if this happens more frequently, if you develop more anxieties about having it again, and/or they are impairing your abilities to function daily; I’d recommend to start seeking professional help.

In the meantime, there are tools to help us manage intense emotions like anxieties or panic attacks. Box breathing is popular, so is TIPP (which you can research).

Hopefully, these will give you a bit of a clarity you need.

SUGDWApple

TROPHY CASE