Hello all,

 

I suffered with a stage of anxiety back at home which I managed to get past using a combination of Mindfulness, breathing techniques and online resources.

 

I have been in Thailand 7 months now and really haven't suffered from any which has been great. Recent 2 months I've been under a load of strain changing between teaching jobs and immigration issues that came with it. During this time of stress I have felt anxiety creeping but using my past techniques I have been able to keep it at bay.

 

Today however I had a 3 beers at lunch (small beers); I am not a day time drinker but it was a special work occasion so I didn't want to be anti social and then after was hit with a wave of depression. Then whilst eating in Big C I had a huge urge to get out the shopping centre because I felt I was going insane (panic attack). I've never quite felt that before and it's quite scarey.

 

I know I can beat it again but being so far from home makes it harder, if anyone in the area can give me some advice and suggestions that would be amazing. 

 

Thanks.

Severe stress, depression, anxiety, panic attack. Add to it, a teaching job and immigration issues. And living in Pattaya. Only did not mention a thai girlfriend.

 

Mate, take my sincere advise and go back to your home country and family soonest. Otherwise we will be hearing of one more farang casualty in some thread soon.

You should see a counsellor/therapist. I advoise against a psychiatrist as a starting point as in Thailand they are overly quick to reach for prescription pad and also seem to overuse the benzos, which often leads to more problems on the long run.

 

There are several  good therapists in Bangkok. In Pattaya the only one I know of is

http://www.bangkoktherapy.com/contact/contact.aspx

(offices in both Pattaya and Bangkok)

So maybe start there

 

With counselling, the "fit" between patient and therapist is critical. If you find the one in Pattraya is not a good fit, it is worth travelling into Bangkok and most of the Westren counsellors there will adjust their schedules to suite people who have to come in fro mout of town (i.e. longer sessions further apart than would be usual etc)

1 minute ago, Sheryl said:

You should see a counsellor/therapist. I advoise against a psychiatrist as a starting point as in Thailand they are overly quick to reach for prescription pad and also seem to overuse the benzos, which often leads to more problems on the long run.

 

There are several  good therapists in Bangkok. In Pattaya the only one I know of is

http://www.bangkoktherapy.com/contact/contact.aspx

(offices in both Pattaya and Bangkok)

So maybe start there

 

With counselling, the "fit" between patient and therapist is critical. If you find the one in Pattraya is not a good fit, it is worth travelling into Bangkok and most of the Westren counsellors there will adjust their schedules to suite people who have to come in fro mout of town (i.e. longer sessions further apart than would be usual etc)

Thank you Sheryl, I have never used benzos other than for the long flight over here and intend on using them as a cure.

 

I am not currently at risk of harming myself as one poster may have suggested (no offence taking don't worry) and if things got to bad of course I would go home. I'm in my early 20s and generally i'm enjoying my life here and would like to combat it before it gets any worse. 

 

Regards.

You don't say your not a drinker. Only that you don't drink during the day. Then state as soon as you had a drink that day that you became anxious. You do realize that alcohol IS a depressant don't you? Some peoples brains are not wired to withstand the different effects that alcohol elicits, even small amounts. Have you considered you may be one of them and tried abstaining from it for a dedicated period to see if your moods improve. Also serious daily exercise on a regular basis promotes the brains production of serotonin. Try these two things before pharmaceuticals and or head shrinks, you might be surprised. As feeling good about yourself is a process only you can provide not be given.

17 minutes ago, Panda13 said:

You don't say your not a drinker. Only that you don't drink during the day. Then state as soon as you had a drink that day that you became anxious. You do realize that alcohol IS a depressant don't you? Some peoples brains are not wired to withstand the different effects that alcohol elicits, even small amounts. Have you considered you may be one of them and tried abstaining from it for a dedicated period to see if your moods improve. Also serious daily exercise on a regular basis promotes the brains production of serotonin. Try these two things before pharmaceuticals and or head shrinks, you might be surprised. As feeling good about yourself is a process only you can provide not be given.

Hi panda13 I drink maybe once a week a few beers. Recently due to time out of work from changing jobs my drinking has increased, you are almost certainly correct it doesn't go well with me. It's after I've drunk (hangover stage) I feel anxious. Thanks panda13 this is also the longest time I've taken out of the gym since being here (1 month) so I think I'll follow your tips. 

I used to partake in day time drinking sometimes when living in Europe. It trashed my mind every time and I've never done it again. It caused major dehydration and I felt awful. 

 

I would recommend stopping alcohol completely. Just tell your work colleagues your on a 2 month health kick or whatever. Do hard core exercise at nighttime to stop yourself 'thinking too much'. Failing that go on some low dose (liquid) St johns wart. Take 1 hour prior to bed. You will sleep better and be relaxed. 

 

I'm certain you don't need professional help. Your body can't handle the booze. Its the same as me. As the thai's say.... 'don't think too much'

51 minutes ago, davidst01 said:

I used to partake in day time drinking sometimes when living in Europe. It trashed my mind every time and I've never done it again. It caused major dehydration and I felt awful. 

 

I would recommend stopping alcohol completely. Just tell your work colleagues your on a 2 month health kick or whatever. Do hard core exercise at nighttime to stop yourself 'thinking too much'. Failing that go on some low dose (liquid) St johns wart. Take 1 hour prior to bed. You will sleep better and be relaxed. 

 

I'm certain you don't need professional help. Your body can't handle the booze. Its the same as me. As the thai's say.... 'don't think too much'

Thanks for the response. I am a fairly anxious person but it has always been manageable.

 

I think you are correct as the few days after I have pretty much normal again.

 

Time of the booze will bring me benefits to both my mind & wallet!