Physical anxiety symptoms

TheDuke · ‎06-06-2018

Hi all

as I have posted elsewhere I am going through a bit of hell starting my meds with extra anxiety. 4 days in and told to go at least 2 weeks.

its really hard. At times it seems impossible. At least during the day I can walk etc.

but most nights I wake at 4 am. I immediately get that awful anxious feeling through my chest.

it cold dark and i don’t know what to do. I am so frustrated I just want to cry.

TheDuke · ‎07-06-2018

It’s so so hard 😢

now 5 am and lying in bed. All wired up. I know I will be like this until later tonight when I can take another Benzo.

the ad is not kicking in. I know it is only day 6 but don’t feel I can take it anymore. (Ads not life)

i have tried mindfulness but this is still new and my mind wanders a lot.

I desperately want to go back to the doctors and get off these things. Can I just stop or now am I stuck having to ween.

TheDuke · ‎07-06-2018

I am so scared. I hope I don’t break any rules re medication here.

A little over a week ago I was struggling with health anxiety and this had been for a few months. It was annoying and somewhat debilitating but I was still at work and for the most part functional.

to help the doc prescribed an ad. It has made the anxiety so so much worse. I am now not at work and don’t see myself back soon. Just unbearably anxious and uncomfortable all day before getting some relief with a benzo at night.

I feel out of the frypan and into the fire. I don’t feel like me anymore. For me I feel I must stop the ads but don’t know if I can just stop. I don’t want to be at the docs every couple of days.

I’m just in such a whirl

Just Sara · ‎07-06-2018

Please give the AD's time to kick in Duke, they're worth the wait.(Sorry I called you Jet last post; had been posting to her previously) And please, if you're struggling with panic and anxiety to the point of it affecting your life, go back to your GP and psychiatrist and talk about using the benzo's PRN. (When required)

This can be really effective short term which is what I did; it saved my sanity by giving me just enough clear-mind time to focus on other non-invasive techniques like mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. (CBT)

It's scary I know, and painful to experience too. It seems tears will never end, body shakes and weird sensations are overwhelming. This is because your central nervous system (CNS) is damaged and needs time to heal. Emotions will be raw for some time unfortunately.

Adrenaline production is a natural response to fear usually under extreme circumstances. But with a badly functioning CNS, any slight can trigger symptoms to rise. This scares people which triggers symptoms even more. It's a horrible cycle as you know.

Do you have family or friends you can turn to? What about a psychologist? Please talk with your GP if you don't have one; therapy's really important.

I know it's hard. TV can be a great distraction, though stay away from violent and dramatic shows. Light hearted family, comedies or even kids programs can help. My favourite's documentaries; they work a treat.

This is a physical disorder as much as it is an emotional one. Like a broken leg it requires time to heal and can be just as painful.

Until next time, take care.

Sez (Hug)

Jdavid · ‎07-06-2018

Hello Sara did you get the early morning insomnia to? Did it pass after awhile ?

cakeboss · ‎08-06-2018

oh i see myself in this post so much .I know that feeling waking up and its stared the wired up mode the over thinking the whats ifs and the buts and well hoping the anxiety will pass.I am on medication to and lately it is up and down and im scared to swap meds as i know how hard it can be swaping over .well for me it is .I have had some good days and bad recently with panic attacks .Im heading back to counciling for natural stratergies that can help a panic attack id be grateful what others do to carm down and what helps

Just Sara · ‎08-06-2018

Hi David;

I'm presuming you mean 'really' early like 4am? Yes; when I finally began sleeping, I used to wake around 4 and wouldn't get back to sleep no matter what I tried. I found myself napping in the afternoon as a result; understandable and necessary considering.

Back then I didn't know anything about how my body or mind worked, so I was frustrated out of my mind unable to shift the habit.

There were a variety of factors involved which were physical as well as psychological due to the effects of long term trauma at work. Chemical support (medication) was the only way I could sleep, but as I said, only lasted till early hrs of the morning.

Looking back, I realise it was mainly due to overactive thoughts like ruminating about recent past experiences. On top of this was chronic anxiety/panic; very scary stuff.

Unfortunately it's not a one size fits all approach when it comes to insomnia or any MH 'disorder'. Medication of course is, but without identifying the root cause thru therapy for instance, it'll probably continue.

I'm not sure if you suffer anxiety or depression. Would it be ok to tell me some more about yourself?

Take care;

Sez

******

Hi Duke;

Stopping AD's abruptly will cause big problems! Please talk with your doctor about it and stay on them in the meantime. You need to be 'weaned' off them gradually to stay safe.

GP's do as best as they can but aren't specialists in MH issues. Psychiatrists are far better equipped to diagnose and offer medication alternatives. Try asking your doctor for a referral to one for a medication review. They should be ok with this.

I'm sorry you had to leave work, but honestly it's the best way right now. You need rest and support to get thru this. It's a long term step by step process ok.

I'll ask straight up Duke; are you having thoughts of suicide or self harm? If so, please call 000 or get yourself the ED at the nearest hospital. Put yourself in their hands for a while. Being assessed by the MH team may be just what you need at this time.

Be kind, patient and gentle with yourself too ok.

Warm thoughts;

Sez

TheDuke · ‎08-06-2018

Thanks for your thoughts Sez. The doc seems to think that I was on a small dose for only a few days so should be able to stop ok.

certainly not feeling any worse today

i would love to speak to a psychiatrist to assist but i have to wait until aug for an appointment.

No I am not having suicidal thoughts. But my need to keep talking through this all the time in quite a philosophical manner is getting people a bit worried.

Jdavid · ‎08-06-2018

hello Sara thanks for the reply. I’m a 31 year old male I have had health anxiety and ocd since I was 7 years old I don’t really get depression just an extremely anxious person. I have done cbt didn’t find that use full and I find it extremely hard to make appointments becouse I am a self employed tradesman always under the pump with work. I have given up with a physiatrist becouse they are to hard to get in contact if you have problems with medications becouse you have to wait weeks to get an appointment. So I have just been trying to deal with it all by my self I have tried medications but I always wake up in early mornings and can’t get back to sleep so give up with them I have a phobia that they are making me hypomanic but they probably are not just anxiety about waking up early and wired it is an obsession might sound silly but I have a serious phobia of going hypomanic from ssris probably to much googling

Jdavid · ‎08-06-2018

And I really only have anxiety in the mornings to about lunch time then I feel completely normal at night if I could feel the way I feel at nights I would Have a happy life

fistfullofglitter · ‎08-06-2018

Hi Duke,

I'm in the same circumstance. My main issue is severe anxiety and ptsd, I've been put on medication. It makes me feel ill, though I feel happier most days but does sweet all for the anxiety.

I'm at a hard time now and sleep in about 2 hr intervals before I wake up freaking out, all night, it's really frustrating but I try not to lay in the dark as it takes me longer to settle down again. I put some mindfulness apps on my phone, so I listen to a range of these all through the night, some where they talk you through it and some where its just the music, they are great. Also I keep a notebook and pen by the bed so I can write, empty my thoughts, as it's easy to not feel yourself anymore or not understand what is happening, it's a great way to reflect on yourself.

A hot shower before bed and fresh bedding helps, also reading a book rather than looking at my phone etc helps me wind down before bed and limit sugar/caffeine etc in your diet.

I've seen psychiatrist's and Councillors, they have helped me understand why I have what I have but I'm still searching for what it is that's gonna fix my nerves. I'm trying a thing called Cellular Treatment in a fortnight, it's been recommended, so it's worth a try and I would like to try some hypnotherapy.