Anxiety and feeling lightheaded/faint all the time

[Jermimah]

Hi There,

This is my first post.

Im 26 and have suffered from anxiety all my life when i get sick but since going off the pill 3 years ago my anxiety has got so bad and every time i walk or leave the house i get lightheaded/ feel faint and have to leave. Just wanted to know if anyone gets this symptoms and how to get rid of it.

Its so horrible because i can't go anywhere or walk to far from the car or house as i start to feel faint. Its just anxiety but haven't known of anyone getting these symptoms

Thanks so much

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Jermimah,

Good on you for reaching out. You’ve obviously struggled with anxiety for a long time, which must have been rough...

The lightheadedness that you described sounds very disorienting and debilitating. It’s clearly having an enormous impact on you...it must feel so unsettling that it starts as soon as you walk or leave the house.

I have admittedly never experienced anything like this before. I’ve been lightheaded before, but not to this extent, and for different reasons to you...

Sorry if you’ve done this already, but I wonder if you’ve spoken to your GP about this. I noticed you said that med changes coincided with a spike in your anxiety plus the lightheadedness. Perhaps this is something you might like to raise with your GP. Granted, this is just a gentle suggestion from me...

There’s no pressure, but if you feel like writing again, it would be lovely to hear from you about how you have been doing since your opening post...

Kind thoughts to you today,

Pepper

[Trav24]

I actually get this as well - or I feel kind of weird and not ‘in my body’ if that makes sense it’s such an awful feeling... completely sympathize with you

[Jermimah]

Hi Pepper,

Thanks for your reply, Yes i have spoken to many GP's and there not much help really.

I just have to try and get on top of my anxiety for these feelings to leave its just not easy.

[Jermimah]

Its horrible feeling hey, we will get there I'm sure 🙂

[Monkeysss]

I get this all the time, I thought something more was going on than anxiety (but I have bad health anxiety) but I’m super relieved someone else with anxiety experiences this too.

Mine varies sometimes it’ll happen when I know I have to leave the house sometimes it won’t happen for a few hours after I leave the house.

Thanks for posting and I hope things get better for you.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Jermimah (and a wave to Trav and Monkeysss),

I’m so sorry that the GPs haven’t been very helpful. That must have been disappointing...

It must be hard getting on top of the anxiety, but I really admire you for your efforts and wonderful attitude 🙂

Kind thoughts to you today,

Pepper

[Guest_2496]

Hi

I know this thread is a bit old but just jumping in (cos I have this symptom at the moment) to say yes I get this sometimes. I get convinced my bp is too low - I feel faint and Then get anxious. My gp is convinced anxiety causes the faint feeling. Round and round we go...

It's an awful thing cos you don't want to go out and get on with life cos you feel so physically awful!

[Johnthebob]

Hey. Wanted to weigh in here as I have had exactly the same issues I couldnt leave the house, was in hospital constantly. There are a few things that really helped Me beat it. Keeping well hydrated. A definite is no more coffee in fact no more caffeine at all. No more alcohol. these three things transformed my life. I really hope it can help others.

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Johnthebob,

Great suggestions in terms of supporting reducing sensations of anxiety. I developed some panic in regards to flying a while back and decided to stop drinking coffee or having caffeine and it really helped me reduce my anxiety before getting on a plane. I am not sure this is true for everyone but now, many years later, I still don't have caffeine prior to flying despite being a fairly avid coffee drinker.

There are also a lot of studies that talk about hydration as an important aspect of keeping mental healthy. When we are even mildly dehydrated, we don't function as well and can fell sluggish and experience dizziness. It is important to look holistically at our symptoms of anxiety and why they occur. Often they are not in isolation. For example the impact of blood sugar and hormones can also play a role on how we are feeling. Equally, substances like caffeine and alcohol can also have a strong impact on your mood and stress. Many competing factors can enhance sensations of anxiety and depression.

Anxiety can manifest itself into many different types of symptoms and each person experiences it uniquely. Worry is powerful and can impact many systems in our body. This is why I always recommend that people make sure they receive a robust physical health assessment as well as mental health assessment with a GP. And if you are not getting the right support, it is important to get a second opinion.

It is great to hear that you have found success in these three really important strategies. Thank you for sharing and keeping the discussion going.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn