Struggling to Speak: Panic Disorder and Communication

I have GAD, MDD, and panic disorder too! I totally get what's going on, and it's scary. DBT workbooks/therapy have helped me long-term, in addition to new medication, (that was a BIG thing for me), propranolol. Deep breathing and mindfulness meditation have been huge for me, too

Using aac might also help, you don’t have to say it aloud

Holy cow! Thankyou so much ❤️

The TIPP skill in DBT is key for extreme panic attacks and getting your body chemistry to return to a function state. Extreme temperature by dunking your face in ice cold water, intense exercise, paced breathing, and paired muscle relaxation.

https://dbt.tools/distress_tolerance/index.php

Studies have shown that panic attacks and trauma neural networks light up in MRI’s in the same location of the brain that would light up for patients having strokes or after strokes. You are probably not having a real stroke but if you are concerned you can always check with a cardiologist and neurologist. During trauma, whether physical or psychological, the brain tries to protect key resources which leads to less function of centers that affect speech and movement among other things. As someone who also has panic attacks, your pain is real. Try using DBT skills to mitigate the pain and if necessary, ground yourself using ice in your hands while meditating. https://journals.lww.com/psychosomaticmedicine/Fulltext/2018/06000/Functional_Stroke_Mimics__Incidence_and.3.aspx