Anxiety HALP

[bambi15]

Hi everyone. Im new to this whole ‘seeking help’ thing so
bear with me.

Im 25 years old and I suffer from Anxiety. It has been so
bad I am taking time off work, and when im at work I spend all day trying t
keep myself under control from running out the door.

As a child I had a quite sever heart condition . This has
been repaired however I still have some ongoing things that aren’t quite right.
Having said that, all is okay, im in good health and I get check ups every 2
years and thus far have had no issues.

Over the last few years I have continue to grow and worsen in
my anxiety. My main fear is basically dying from a sudden cardiac event or
stroke. I have done more damage than good by researching things and have pretty
much terrified myself to thinking that any pain, light headedness, fast heart
rate, etc is a heart attack and I have to spend quite some time reminding
myself its just the anxiety.

I am terrified of dying and ive literally considered writing
letters to my family just in case I die so they know I love them etc. Many
times ive gotten so bad I was worried if my family knew if I should be buried
or cremated and how my boyfriend and family would be when I died.

I am also trying for a baby with my partner and I know that I
need to get this sorted by then. Ive seen a GP who has referred me to a Psych
(yet to attend). Im also a student trying to start a business.

Basically I want to know how much value people get from
their Psych? Have you been able to rid yourself of anxiety? And does anyone
else have these issues? My GP (who is amazing) said that its not uncommon to
have these after having previous cardiac issues.

I just want to go back to being care free and okay!!

[blondguy]

Hello Bambi15

Welcome to the BB Forums and good on you for having the courage to post!

I am sorry to hear that you are in the early stages of anxiety disorder. I have had severe anxiety for many years and I understand where you are coming from. You have also had a heart condition worked on as well...that alone can set off the anxiety bells ringing.

My first mega anxiety attack was in 1983 and I actually felt I was going to die several times especially as the symptoms are so bad..The heart palpitations were scary yet as you mentioned, harmless. Since 1983 I have studied anxiety inside and out and yet to find a person who has died from having anxiety attacks.

Now the good news;

• Anxiety attack severity does decrease over time with regular GP and counseling
• Yes, you can get rid of it. I have very very rare anxiety now..(98% gone)
• Anxiety is extremely common and one of the reasons the Beyond Blue is here:-)
• You have a great GP! Excellent! That is a huge step towards recovery many sufferers dont have yet
• Depending on your GP's advice there are some meds available that can 'take the edge off' your anxiety
• A psychologist is a huge help for anxiety. A psychiatrist are more on the clinical/medicinal side.

You are an intelligent, thoughtful and well articulated person bambi. You will be carefree and okay again. Even with seeing a good psych, your GP is still a tower of strength for reassurance and having a 'fine tune'..They are lot more knowledgeable than they were years ago. If possible see your GP often...the do provide relief.

You are trying to have a baby with your partner.......studying....and wants to open a business! Well done! 🙂 I think you have a pro-active and enthusiastic approach towards life which will in turn help you heal your anxiety over time.

you are more than welcome to post back as many times as you wish....there are super kind people that can be here for you.

you are definitely not alone

My Kind thoughts for you bambi and be gentle with yourself..

Paulx

[CMF]

Hi bambi15,

I can understand why you would have anxiety over cardiac related conditions considering what you have been through. its great to hear that all is ok an you are in good health. My 3 year old had emergency open heart surgery when she was 5 weeks old and I too panic at every little thing, despite the fact that she has a check up every 12 months and is travelling well.

I have anxiety over dental issues, even though a month ago I was told by my dentist not to stress so much an that I'm seeing things as worse than they are. A few people on these forums pointed out to me that the problem was my anxiety, not my teeth. A beautiful person on here then brought it to my attention that I have "health anxiety". I will go back an find the points she picked out for me re this and post it to you but I rea up on it and I had to agree.

You have a lot on your plate, student, starting a business, wanting to start a family you ar trying to dal with many things. Hopefully when you see your psych ti will help to ease your mind. in the mean time maybe look inot 'health anxiety' as it may help clarify how you are feeling.

Wishing you all the best

cmf x

[Starwolf]

Hi Bambi and welcome to BB forums.

The mind can be such a stubborn nuisance...when something momentous becomes imprinted on it (in your case the fear of cardiac problems recurring) it keeps building on it endlessly, whether it is reasonable or not. Sooner or later, this overload gets out of control. This is not helped by the fact that many anxiety symptoms mimic the signs of heart failure...

Well done for reaching out and seeking help. A courageous, wise decision. A therapist will act as a guide to help you navigate the mental labyrinth. A positive outcome will depend on several things, the first being the connection and trust you share with your psych. Having a terrific GP on your side is a priceless asset.

Please be aware that there is no instant resolution of mental/emotional issues. Firmly established mind patterns are not unraveled easily. Persistence is the key. Keep in mind that with the right support, help and attitude, things will get better and peace of mind will gradually return. I hope your family and partner will be with you on this journey.

Meanwhile, navigating these forums will help you connect with others in similar situations. A safe place to share experience, feelings and helpful tips towards recovery.

My best wishes are with you.

[CMF]

Hi,

Ths s what was pointed out to me. I'm glad your GP is amazing and I think you are amazing too 🙂

What you do appear to have is health anxiety. Specifically related to your teeth right now. If you were finally convinced that your teeth were fine, then you may well switch your concerns to some other perceived issue. Here are a few tips for you about helping to overcome health anxiety:

1. Recognition - recognise that you have a tendency to over react and jump to conclusions.

2. Accept - accept that you do overreact and jump to conclusions and that at this time it is just how you are. With some work and time you can curb these thought processes and catch yourself before you start.

3. Rationalize - health anxiety may make you get a twinge in your chest- agh my teeth are going to fall out! This is an example of 'catastrophising'. As a direct result, you are going to have anxiety appearing as the body cannot tell the difference between imagined fear or real fear. It's only once our thoughts catch up and start to rationalize and control them that we can tell the difference.

4. Distract - Distract yourself completely away from the topic of teeth altogether and go and get deeply involved in something else. This would have been a problem for you lately due to your son having his wisdom teeth out, and thus a constant reminder for you.

5. Educate yourself - Internet surfing has increased health anxiety many fold, as people google in one or two symptoms and are subsequently horrified and then panicked at what comes out. If you are naturally a very inquisitive person and like to get to the bottom of things, you should try to educate yourself well and not just in short bursts courtesy of Websites. A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.

cmf