An explanation of anxiety and panic attacks. Also, how to access support and treatment. You will find tips to help yourself and guidance for family and friends.
Coronavirus (Covid-19), is affecting everyone in our lives. We know that not all of our usual advice will apply. During this pandemic, it might be difficult or unrealistic to find support or ways to take care of yourself.
We hope you still find helpful information here. For more information about coping with the pandemic, you can visit our Coronavirus Information Hub.
Self-help resources
The first thing your GP may suggest is a self-help option. Because it is so easy to find, there may be a way it can help you feel better without the need to look into other options.
You can get self-help by:
Workbooks. You might be referred by your GP to a Reading Well program that offers Books on Prescription. Most local libraries support this program, so you can check the books out free of charge. You don’t even need to get a prescription.
Online cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), programs. Many apps offer CBT courses for anxiety and panic attacks. Search the NHS apps database to find the app that might work for you. You may be offered an option to either work on your own or with others who are experiencing similar problems.
“I was diagnosed with generalised anxious disorder, depression, OCD traits and generalised anxiety disorder. I was able to receive CBT for almost one year. This was extremely helpful.”
Talking therapies
If you feel that self-help resources won’t be effective in alleviating your anxiety, or if you’ve tried them but they don’t work, your doctor will recommend you talk to someone. For panic attacks and anxiety, there are two types:
Cognitive behavioural Therapy (CBT): This focuses on how your thoughts and beliefs affect your emotions and behaviours and gives you tools to deal with various problems.
Applied relaxation therapy: This is the art of learning to relax in situations that you experience anxiety.
How CBT helped my beat the bully inside me
“I am not going to over-analyse every little thing that happens.”
Medication
Your doctor might recommend medication to treat your symptoms. Sometimes, it is helpful to talk therapies and take medication simultaneously. But medication should not be your only option.
Here are some drugs you might be eligible for:
Antidepressants
This is usually a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibition (SSRI). Some people may experience side effects from SSRIs, such as sleeping problems or more anxiety than before. They may not work for you or don’t suit your needs.
Pregabalin
Your doctor might prescribe pregabalin to you in some instances, such as when you are diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). This antiseizure drug is used to treat epilepsy (a neurological disorder that can cause seizures) and is also licensed to treat anxious disorders.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers may be used to treat physical anxiety symptoms like rapid heartbeat, palpitations, shaking, and tremors. However, they are not psychiatric medications and they do not reduce the psychological symptoms. They can be helpful in some situations that may trigger your fear.
Benzodiazepine tranquillisers
You may be prescribed a benzodiazepine tranquilliser if your anxiety is severe and has a major impact on your daily life. However, these drugs can have side effects that can be dangerous and addictive. To help you get through a crisis, your doctor may only recommend a very low dose.
How can I get treatment?
The first step to receiving treatment on the NHS is usually to visit your GP. You will be assessed by your doctor. This may include a questionnaire asking about how frequently you feel anxious, worried, or nervous.
You can then have them explain all your options to you so that you can both decide what is best for you.
Talking therapies are not available on the NHS, so waiting lists can get very long. Consider these options if accessing talk therapies is difficult for you:
Charities and specialty organisations
Private therapy. A private therapist can also be an option, but it is not for everyone.
What happens if I’m afraid to seek help?
It can be difficult to obtain treatment if you are anxious about making an appointment or going to the doctor. It is possible that you are unable to use the telephone or leave the house because of your anxiety.
Here are some suggestions:
Ask your doctor if they offer phone assessments or home visits. If they do not offer these services, they may be able to schedule you an appointment at a time that is quieter for your surgery.
Some GPs will allow you to authorize someone else to call and book your appointment for you. For support, it might be a good idea to bring someone along to your appointment.
Depending on the availability in your area you might be able to get talking therapy at a local Improving Access to Psychological Therapies. You can access some IAPT services online or over the telephone.
What if it doesn’t make me feel better?
Your doctor should schedule regular visits to assess your health and determine how treatment is working.
Different treatments work for different people. If a medication, talk therapy, or therapist is not working for you, your doctor will recommend an alternative.
If you have tried a number of different treatments, but none of them worked, your doctor may refer to a community mental healthcare team (CMHT). This team is comprised of many healthcare professionals including psychiatrists and psychologists. Your CMHT can evaluate you individually and give you a personalised plan of treatment.
This is especially important if:
It is very difficult for you to do everyday activities because of your symptoms.
A serious health problem, or other mental health issue, exists
You have thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
It is important to realize that recovery can be a long and difficult process. You might find it easier to concentrate on yourself and finding ways to cope rather than trying to cure all of your symptoms.
