Physical anxiety symptoms

[Gallifreyan]

Hi everyone, I think this is only my second ever time posting here but I’m really struggling. My issue at the moment is that although things are incredibly stressful in my life right now I’m not worried by it, as in I’m not stressing about work or thinking about things going wrong. BUT I have all the symptoms of when I’m at my worst. I’m nauseous and shaky, having panic attacks out of the blue and when I wake up it’s instant physical symptoms, instant tension and nausea and teeth chattering. It’s driving me insane.

The only thing I can put it down to is this: when I was 19 my Mum died of cancer and when I was 29 my Dad died of cancer, and I was his primary caregiver for three years. I’m now 34 and have been dealing with extreme health anxiety since my Dad died. This week my best friend’s Dad died of cancer, she also lost her Mum as a teenager. I’ve had no trouble being there for her so far, I expected it to bring up some stuff but right now this is about her, not me. I’m honestly not thinking about what happened to me, I’m not dwelling or stressed or anything, but it’s the only thing I can think that could have triggered this!

My point being, is it possible to have intense physical anxiety symptoms without thinking anxious thoughts? If I had something I was particularly worried about it would be easier to understand, can it be past trauma affecting me without me thinking it is?! I feel like I’m losing it here!

[Mina19]

Hi Galli:)

I just read your post and understand what u are going through. A few years back when I was in high school I was almost sexually assaulted by one of my teachers. Since then I've reported him but it has caused me really bad physical symptoms when remembering what happened like I literally get nauseated and sick to my stomach. It's hard because I know my emotions are causing this reaction in my body but I can't just forget what happened. I haven't seen a psychologist yet. Don't feel too comfortable discussing my situation in person but like if you are ok to talk to someone about what you're going through then that will help you. Plus many doctors have said to me if you go through like intense trauma or stress it can literally show in your body like you can actually start to feel sick or sore. Well I hope you know your not alone just start by getting some help:)

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Gallifreyan,

Thanks for your post and for being here again. I appreciate you sharing what’s going on, and I’m sorry to hear about your parents. I can imagine that would have been an incredibly difficult time for you.

It makes sense to me that your friend going through this would bring up your past trauma. And yes – this can absolutely happen even if you are not thinking about it!

I think what might be happening is that part of you wants to kind of process this link of that trauma and grief – but the other part of you (that’s more conscious that you’re aware of) is so focused on being there for your friend. Would this add up to you? (It’s so okay if I’m off track by the way!)

If it does – then that could be why you’re experiencing these symptoms without necessarily thinking about it. It’s our body kind of crying out for attention, and if it can’t do that emotionally, then it will find a way physically!

I hope that this adds up and makes sense to you – you’re absolutely not losing it.