feeling faint and sick...anxiety?

[Sezza_H]

Hello, I only just discovered this online forum and this is my first ever post.

Recently, I have started to feel VERY sick and faint whenever I am in certain situations (e.g. social situations). When these symptoms began to appear, I became worried that there could in fact be something physically wrong with me, but the strange thing is they never appear when I am just chilling at home. They seem to appear when I am in social situations or when I am about to meet up with someone. I have always felt this but it has gotten worse to the point that I am now content on staying home. I sometimes feel I bring it on somehow…or I make it worse by then thinking about it….I just don’t know and am very confused. Does what I have described above sound like anxiety? Can anxiety really manifest itself into these physical symptoms?

[smallwolf]

Sezza_H,

Hi and welcome to beyond blue.

Anxiety like many (?) mental illnesses present themselves in different people in different ways. For myself, I have the physical symptoms of chest tightness and racing heart, lump in the throat etc. Others have thoughts running around in their mind that cannot get rid of. I get that sometimes also.

So the best place to the start, if you have not looked here is ...

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety

and then there is also the Anxiety and depression checklist (K10) here ....

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety-and-depression-checklist-k10

which will give you recommendation at the end of the test of what action to take. But if you think something is wrong, then making an appointment with your GP is worthwhile.

And if you do have anxiety, know there are lots of other users here in similar positions to you. And you would be supported by others here who will gladly share their tips and tricks with you.

Send peace and comforting thoughts to you,

Tim

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Sezza_H,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for being here!

To answer your question - yes, and yes it can, welcome to the club 🙂

All of us get some anxiety at some point, and in all anxiety there is so much that happens in the body - whether that's problems with digestion (which can make you feel sick), we breathe faster, and more blood runs to the brain to cope (which can make you feel dizzy). Everyones a little different, but our bodies react in kind of the same ways. Sometimes it's more noticeable than others too.

It's really really good that you've been able to pick this up, because anxiety can be hard to identify. Know that you're not alone in this and knowing and recognising things is half the battle.

Hope this helps,

[Birdy3]

Hi Sezza_H, I can totally relate. Anxiety and panic attacks can manifest as physical symptoms. I experience dizziness, nausea, chills and difficulty breathing. The problem with panic attacks is that they are so frightening and the symptoms mimic those of many other illnesses. I’ve been back and forth from the GP for blood tests, blood pressure check up, and general check ups only to find out that I’m perfectly health and it’s all in the mind. The confusing thing is that there may be triggers or no triggers at all. When you understand that the symptoms may be anxiety, then you can take steps toward getting better.

I wrote this while in bed dizzy and attempting to focus my mind on helping others in the same boat.

[Sezza_H]

Hi Birdy3, thank you for sharing your experiences with anxiety with me. I suffer from the same symptoms as you and it really sucks! I'm going to visit my GP soon just to make sure there isn't anything physically wrong, however, I am pretty sure it is anxiety related and not to do with my physical health. I completely understand what you're saying about triggers, for me I can feel these symptoms in situations that I find stressful but sometimes I also feel as though these symptoms just come on out of nowhere.

I have had a tough couple of days as anytime I left my house, I would start to feel sick and faint. This made it difficult to socialise and concentrate. I always feel like I struggle to be "present" or in the moment because I am so caught up in my head and with these symptoms. I've also struggled to sleep at night due to these feelings.

I hope you are doing better, and thanks again for sharing.

[geoff]

Hi Sezza, all the replies have been able to give you some indication why this could be happening, but this dizziness lightheaded symptom can come and go suddenly, linger, or can remain while your anxiety settles down.

It's probably a good idea for your doctor to make sure there is no other medical cause and may recommend you see a psychologist and as Birdy has said there could be a trigger that sets this off.

Take care.

Geoff.