Anxiety : bloating, loss of appetite, nausea

[NQ]

Hi. I think I have anxiety, starting 3 weeks ago. I didn’t know what it was before. Woke up at 2 am feeling something in my throat, palpitations. The next few weeks feeling easily full, loss of appetite, a bit nausea, but no pain. That feeling of worry sicks.

This week I went to my GP. He gave me blood test for many things to exclude many serious diseases. Including a pelvic scan. Feeling very nervous about the results which makes my symptoms even worse.

I’m seeing him back on Friday to arrange mental health plan and referral to a psychologist.

I am 45 and used to be the happiest and most cheerful person. Now I forget how to laugh. 😢. I want my old self back.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi NQ,

I hope that I can extend a very warm welcome to you to the forums. How brave of you to post your story here. Thank you so much for sharing.

Things have clearly been very difficult for you recently. The worry, palpitations, etc must be so unsettling, exhausting, frustrating and overwhelming. No wonder you miss the “old you” especially as the “old you” had such a cheerful disposition.

I’m so glad you reached out to your GP (even if you’re understandably nervous about the results). Hopefully he can help you get to the bottom of things...

In the mean time, I wonder if you have considered using strategies as the feelings of all consuming worry arises e.g. mindfulness apps, distractions, etc. It doesn’t necessarily have to be any of the ideas that I gave as examples but perhaps something to temporarily reduce the immediate worry. Just my thoughts...

I hope we hear from you again (if you like). As I said, you are most welcome here to write more about how things are going, to vent, etc. We are all ears (so to speak).

Caring thoughts,

Pepper

[Doolhof]

Hi NQ,

I too welcome you to the community here. It is good you have been to your Dr. Waiting for test results can make you nervous. Do you have someone close to you whom you can talk with about how you are feeling?

If you feel like you need someone to talk with, you can call the phone support number here at Beyondblue on 1300 22 4636. As Pepper also mentioned, you can write as much as you like here.

It may help you to write down everything and anything that is bothering you and hand that to your Dr. Might give a better understanding of what is happening right now.

One thing I always try to do, is when I write down all the rotten stuff, I like to sit and think about what is good too. It might be something simple like hearting a bird singing, knowing you have your hearing. Having food to eat. Or a smile from a stranger. A friend who sends you a text message.

Do you have hobbies and interests you can try to be involved with to help you feel better about life? Once I stop doing the things I usually enjoy, I struggle even more with my feelings of depression. Sometimes it helps to do something even though it is a struggle at the time.

Hope some of this helps!

Cheers to you from Dools