Hello dear See it seems combination of psychological stress and anxiety. Iam suggesting some precautions for improvement Please follow them for atleast two months Do physical exercise atleast half an hour daily for 5 months Do meditation Take good balanced diet for good health Engage in social media Indulge in hobbies like reading and writing Avoid overthinking Avoid junk food and alcohol/ smoking Set your goals for every day Hopefully improvement will occur In case of no improvement in 2 month consult psychiatrist in person for better clarity Regards
What is causing my constant overthinking and panic attacks, and how can I find safe treatment? - #29465
Hello doctor, I have been experiencing constant overthinking for around 4 years now, but recently it has become worse. I am a JEE aspirant and this is affecting my studies a lot. I get sudden panic attacks where I feel breathless, like I’m choking, my heart races, my body shakes, and I start crying uncontrollably. I try to control it for a few days, but then it suddenly becomes very intense. I am also not able to manage my sleep properly. Sometimes I feel very restless, and other times I end up sleeping a lot more than usual. I am also dealing with relationship issues and family stress, and I don’t really have friends or anyone I can open up to, which makes it harder to cope. I have no major past medical issues and I am not on any regular medication. Could you please guide me on what this could be, and if needed, suggest any safe medications or treatment that might help?
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
What you’re describing sounds like symptoms of anxiety and possibly panic disorder, both of which can certainly have a significant impact on daily life, particularly during high-stress periods like exam preparation. Overthinking, erratic sleep patterns, and the specific physical sensations you’re experiencing during panic attacks align with these conditions. It’s important to address both the root causes and the symptoms, starting with a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional—this will help rule out any other underlying conditions and guide appropriate treatment. In terms of treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective approach for anxiety disorders. CBT can help you develop skills to manage anxiety-provoking thoughts and improve coping mechanisms. Engaging with a therapist can provide a space to discuss ongoing stressors like relationship issues and family dynamics and help you develop a more structured approach to dealing with these. If therapy alone doesn’t adequately manage your symptoms, a healthcare provider might consider medication. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines are often prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. However, medications should always be considered under the guidance of a psychiatrist or doctor who can monitor for effectiveness and potential side effects. As for lifestyle adjustments, establishing a regular sleep schedule and incorporating physical activity can improve your overall mood and reduce stress. Practices like mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises might provide immediate relief during episodes of panic. Pay attention to nutrition, too—poor diet can sometimes exacerbate anxiety. Since your condition could potentially be serious if left unchecked, I advise seeking a mental health professional soon to tailor a plan that’s most suitable for your specific situation.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.