Is this anxiety I feel?

[Angellove123]

Hi there, I am 35 yrs old and think I've experienced anxiety for the first time a few months ago. Let me start by saying I have had a great life and am a very laid back, calm and collected person. i have been experiencing a racing heart that feels like my heart is gonna bust out of my throat. It usually comes at night and steadily gets worse as the night goes on. It is something I have never experienced before. I've not had many other symptoms with the exception of loss of breath every now and then. I try and breathe my way thru the intense beats of my heart but it doesn't seem to work. This past year I have gone thru a loss of a job, a breakup of a 10 yr long marriage and am dealing with intense financial struggles. Not to mention Ive had chronic back and neck pain that has seemed to intensify this past year. Nobody would know because I deal with things quietly and calmly on the inside. I've been told I seem quite cold and emotionless sometimes with the way I deal with life's struggles. But regardless, could these issues be what has brought this on? And is what I'm feeling anxiety? Cause I believe it is. Even as I type this, I can feel my heart starting to beat strongly in my throat. My doctor said medication could help but I have yet to go there. I appreciate anyone else sharing their experience and trying to figure out what this is I am feeling.   

[NicoleP]

Hi Angellove,

Welcome to the BB forums. It sounds as though you have been through an awful time. You certainly seem to be experiencing anxiety (any wonder). Has anyone ever discussed adjustment disorder with you?

An adjustment disorder is characterized by the development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor (or stressors) occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor. A stressor is anything that causes a great deal of stress in the person’s life. It could be a positive event, like a wedding or purchasing a new home, or a negative event, like a family member’s death, the breakup of an important relationship, or loss of a job.

Just a thought.

Kezza

[geoff]

dear Angellove, I would like to welcome you aboard and thank you for your concerning post.

I do like Kezza's comments, as you have been to hell and back several times, and it's no wonder you are feeling this way, which indeed is no good for your mood and temperate, because there is there too much for you to cope with , and slowly it has been building up, but there is always a cracking point where it all becomes too much, and again that's where it has hit you.

Under lying anxiety there is always a sense of depression which is also associated with this condition, so really you have two major concerns, both of which need attention.

It's difficult to know whether the marriage breakup or the loss of your job and now financial struggles is the one that has started this chain of events to cause you this anxiety, but maybe you could enlighten us on this, but it still doesn't matter which one is the cause because it has made you fall into this terrible state.

Please can I suggest to you that you do go and see your GP because there are several steps that need to be addressed, first is that it would be good to take the medication your doctor offers you, plus ask him/her to organise a medicare plan which entitles you to 10 free visits to see a psychologist, as this will be good because you are in financial trouble, but you definitely need some other professional help.

I do encourage you to keep posting back to us, as there are so many wonderful people who will also be able to give you support, and please remember what you are going through is an awful job to try and handle it by yourself, because it's far too difficult, so hope to hear back from you. L Geoff. x

[Angellove123]

Geoff, thank you for taking the time to respond. I do believe you hit the nail on the head. It's all becoming too much for me to cope with. Cope is a very well put word. The breakup was actually 2 yrs ago but it is connected to the financial issues I'm having so it seems to never go away. I also have an aging dog that has been dealing with some health issues which is adding to the pile of worries I am experiencing. Ive never had nor wanted children but my doggies are like my kids and seeing them age also affects me greatly. I don't feel depressed but perhaps I am and don't know it. I've always been a home body so I don't go out much but I've always been that way. I do think the volume of my life stresses is what has brought this on. I am not a big fan of medication but realize this isn't just gonna go away, I feel like a nervous wreck sometimes. I feel like my mind and body is letting me down at such a young age. In regards to your suggestion of a psychologist.. What exactly would they be able to help me with? Perhaps some coping tools?  I am interested in learning what they can do to help. Again, thank u very much for your time in responding. 

[geoff]

dear Angelove, thanks for getting back to us.

When you see a psychologist they just have a chat with you to start with what sort of coping measures they believe would be appropriate, and sometimes they might not tell you but do it by talking to you.

What sort of doggies have you got, as you can see that I have one and her nickname is Moo-Moo, but I had an 18 year jack russell who was my pride and joy, but even a new dog has her ways, but can never replace the other one, but I do love Moo-Moo.

Getting back to seeing a psychologist, well there are many different ways that each one does, but they will give you a diagnosis, and if you are depressed they will tell you, but you have to remember that this illness is a nasty little bug, so to speak, and it does hide away in a person, and gives those affected a terrible time.

I really hope that I am wrong, but it wouldn't hurt to go and see one. L Geoff. x

[Angellove123]

I have 2 Brussels Griffons and also a shih-tzu/brussels mix they call a Shiffon. They are the light of my life. My oldest had a bulged disc in his neck last year and I needed to get him surgery. It cost me $6500 and he came out like a champ. I'm still trying to pay that bill off. Lol.. I do understand your statement about the dogs. I have a 10 yr old, 9, and 3 and for some reason the 3 yr old has grabbed my heart in ways I can't describe. Don't get me wrong, I love all of them but Lexie Lou has a special way about her. 😉 I will look into a psychologist. It might be a little hit to my pride because I've always been a well put together and stable person but everyone can use a little help sometimes I guess. I don't know what depression looks or feels like cause I don't believe I am but I'm open to a professionals opinion.  I'm   certain I've probably developed anxiety cause of all the stresses I've had to deal with. The body and mind have a unique way of reacting to life's pressures. I did upload a pic of my babies for my profile pic but it showed up sideways. I don't know if they will fix that before it goes up. Thanks again...

[NicoleP]

Your dog is very cute. I have a real love of animals and often joke that I try and keep the animal count below 20.

I would suggest that you go and see your GP and get a mental health plan done as this will ensure that you can get a good medicare rebate on 10 visits to the psychologist per year (I think). Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on now and then so there is no shame in seeing someone.

Kezza

[AnxiousBee]

Hi Angellove123,

This is actually my first time on Beyond Blue forums, ive just signed up. but I read your post and found some similarities so wanted to share with you.

I have been told I have (I don't like the word "diagnosed) Anxiety just this year, but feel it has been brewing for a while, I have started seeing a psychologist under the mental health care plan and as others have responded on here have told you, you get 10 sessions with a psychologist and the majority of the fee is claimed back via Medicare. seeing you GP he/she will be able to refer you and only need to ask you some questions but as long as you have a GP you trust and feel comfortable with you should be fine. After your first 6 sessions you need to return to your GP for another referral then you get the other 4 sessions. the fee you pay at GP for the appointment when you get the referral can also be claimed back by Medicare.

I have found counselling VERY beneficial for me, but that's me, you have your journey Im just saying I do recommend counselling - even if only to give it a go... when your feeling as your feeling, surely its worth a shot!

I have also found Yoga and Meditation beneficial as breathing correctly is so good for us. but again these things work for me and are only a suggestion.

I see similarities in our situations (aswell as differences) and that's why I was drawn to responding to you. I too don't have any children... I do have a 2 yr old golden retriever name Jett who Is my absolute world. 🙂 I have a supportive husband but a lot of issues with feeling anxious, overstressed and racing heart. constantly tired and lacking in inspiration and motivation but trying to take it one day at time. I also feel overly criticised by family members and struggle to be ok with how I think and feel and wish to live my life. Some financial issues and have had a lots of loss in my life in the last 2 years.

Anyways I wish you all the best and hope your journey is a positive one here on out... lots of support around us and sometimes in the most unlikely of places 🙂

Take care of you!

AnxiousBee