Healtg anxiety! New symptoms!

HarlowWynter · ‎28-04-2019

Hi all,

I am 9 weeks post having a baby and my health anxiety is through the roof.

I am constantly worried i am going to collapse and have a seizure whilst home with the kids. Just before I was Google doctoring (I know I shouldn't) and came across articles about people with partial seizures being misdiagnosed with panic attacks. I just can't stop thinking about.

Today I had a panic attack out of nowhere, after wards I felt completely out of it for hours I didn't feel connected and could barely remember what happened , I also had tingling sensations on my head, does anyone else get these sensations?

These feelings are new to me, I have had health anxiety for 2 years now however what happened today was different.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

nikooo · ‎28-04-2019

hi! i just put up a post similar to yours about health anxiety as well. i’ve had sooo many new symptoms lately it’s unbearable and feel like it’s not my anxiety.

HarlowWynter · ‎29-04-2019

Hi Nikooo, I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing the same it is so scary. How are you rationalizing what is going On?

I have been watching The Anxiety Guy on YouTube and find that really useful at explaining the body sensations and health anxiety. Maybe it could be helpful for you too.

Nurse_Jenn · ‎30-04-2019

Hi HarlowWynter,

Great to see you reaching out on the forum. Health anxiety is a really common theme on the topics I respond to. You are not alone. Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby. This is always a busy time and being a new mum myself, I am aware of how tough it can make everything especially if you are not getting enough sleep.

I recommend going to see a GP to get a health review and discuss the anxiety symptoms you are experiencing. This way they can do a physical examination and assure that there is not anything going on for you that is a physical condition. It is also important to have someone who is on your team in terms of getting support. You could also discuss your symptoms with a Child Health Nurse when you bring your bubs in for an appointment however they will probably recommend you visit your GP.

If you are struggling to get out of the house, one program that some people have had success with is a program online called Mindspot. It is for people with worry and low mood and there are a number of treatment courses that you complete online and with the support of a health professional over the phone (if you choose). The course is free and is a good introduction to understanding your symptoms better. www.mindspot.org.au

Another program that is for people with low to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety is the Developed by beyondblue NewAccess program. This program is free and is delivered by a specially trained Coach and work with them towards reaching specific goals that you set. The program is only available in some parts of Australia so you could check if its in your area by visiting the site.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess

Despite the various options, if you are concerned that you are having seizures or panic attacks, it would be important to discuss this with your GP and get some advise directly. This way you are prioritising your health and can reduce your symptoms of worry. Worry can be so difficult and having repetitive worry can also be exhausting and when you have a new baby which is also exhausting at times, I can imagine you would be very tired. Getting support sooner rather than later will be a great first step. If you need immediate support or someone to talk to, don't hesitate to call the beyondblue support line on 1300 22 4636 or you could call the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia Support Line on 1300 726 306

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

sometimesanxious · ‎30-04-2019

I too suffer with health anxiety and in the last few months have been experiencing new symptoms which I kept questioning all the time.

i get the tingly in my head too and was concerned about partial seizures but I know deep down that it’s anxiety and I need to think rationally over the whole situation.

Physical symptoms of anxiety are truly horrible to deal with and very hard not to focus on.

you are not alone.

HarlowWynter · ‎01-05-2019

Hi sometimesanxious, thanks for the reply. I just had another episode just now and wanted to see if your symptoms were the same. I was walking into a daycare then suddenly felt an extreme sense of de ja vu and then my mouth went extremely dry and I was panicking. I know rationally I have read de ja vu is a symptom of a seizure so I am trying to tell myself that's why I then had the dry mouth etc because I was worrying. I also was struggling to remember much about my day prior to that moment for at least half an hour. Is this normal? What do you tell yourself to calm the thoughts that could be a partial seizure?