Help with my anxiety!!!?!

Help with my anxiety!!!?

I just found out last week that i have to go to court in januaray for a sexual assault (im the victum) and i have really bad anxiety to begin with, i also have a heart disease that causes my valves to not work right. In the past couple days i have been actually sick to my stomach, and i have had the shakes, I cant think of anything else, my breathing is just horrible!! it feels like i always have somoene sitting on my chest, i get dizzy spells all the time, and i have horrible nightmares at night, but last night before falling asleep, i had really bad chest pains and it was to the point i was crying and i felt like i actually couldnt breathe!!, my back is in constent pain... my doctor is away for a couple weeks...can anyone tell me if this is just normal to be stressed out.or should i get actual help for this now??

2 weeks ago
i get really warm when my breathing is at its worst, and when i get the dizzy spells, my left arm goes almost completely numb and my fingertips feel as those there are pricks in them like they had falling asleep!! And i actually can feel my heart skipping beats at times and it doesnt feel good,

Hi! I’m so sorry to hear your story. It sounds very much like you’re suffering from panic attacks. The good news is the following steps will eliminate (or significantly reduce) your panic attacks:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and social anxiety. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/elear... It has been funded by NHS Scotland and has had great results thus far.

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. This site has instructions on how to do it without the tapes (and other useful info): http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resource...

I believe CBT will also help you with overcoming any issues you have about the assault. I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck and big hugs!