Anxiety and chronic chest pain

[Sincere_guy]

I’m a 40 year old single male, I have severe anxiety and depression, I have chronic chest pain, no heart problem detected. Has anyone out there experiencing the same problem

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Sincere guy,

I hope you’re finding your way around the forums alright. You’re most welcome here. It’s lovely to have you on board...

Severe anxiety and depression plus chronic chest pain sounds like a debilitating combination. I feel that would be very draining...

I can relate to some of your anxiety and depression as I’ve had (have) both. That being said, I understand everyone’s experience is slightly different even if there might be some overlapping elements...

Personally, to me, anxiety feels like constant vigilance and being unable to rest the mind. Depression, on the other hand, feels like I’m carrying an enormous weight inside...an emotional weight that’s very heavy and slows things. Both are exhausting in their own way...

I don’t really have chronic chest pain though...

Is it okay if I gently ask, what about you...how are you going with the depression, anxiety and chronic pain?

There’s no pressure or rush of course but if you feel up to writing again, it would an absolute pleasure to hear from you again. Also, feel free to just write whatever you want...you don’t have to answer my question if you don’t want to of course 🙂

Kind and caring thoughts,

Pepper

[baet123]

Hey Sincere guy,

Welcome to the forums and it is great to have you here. My name is Nick and I am 25. Really nice to meet you mate. Pepper has said some great things above and I will just add a few things.

Do you see any health professionals and are your receiving treatment for your conditions? Are you on medication? If so, I would consider going back to your GP/specialist and seeing whether your current medication/dosage is appropriate for your condition.

Chronic chest pain could be a result of you having health anxiety. It is extremely common for people suffering from health anxiety to experience random chest pain despite there being no actual "physical"problem. I assume that you have had your heart checked out which is great that you are covering all possible grounds for the chest pain.

What your feeling and experiencing are quite common symptoms of health anxiety so I would consider visiting your GP and getting on a mental health plan (if you are not already on one).

Here are some things you can try to ease your anxiety and see if your pains are not as severe and don't occur as often as they do currently:

- When you feel the pains, for the next five minutes take slow, deep breaths and focus on calming down and slowing your heart rate. It is amazing what our minds and bodies can do to make us feel better.

- Do you have any hobbies? Video games? Music? Movies? Reading. Occupying your mind and keeping yourself focused on other activities may assist your chest discomfort and overall anxiety,depression and well-being.

- I know this may be difficult to stick to but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is super important. Cliche, but important nonetheless. Try get some fresh air, exercise as much as you can, get out in the sun and get some vitamin D, eat a balanced diet (treat yourself occasionally absolutely) and get good sleep.

Have you been tested for sleep apnea? I think it is worth exploring this with your GP. This absolutely can have an impact on your anxiety/depression and overall mental well-being. It did for me at least!

Hope this helped.

Keep us posted and I look forward to hearing back from you.

All the best,

Nick.