Physical symptoms of anxiety

[sophia_jane]

Hello everyone!

I've been living with an anxiety/panic disorder since I was a child. I am now 21 years old and am finding it very manageable for the first time in a really long time. I feel emotionally well. However, within the past 6 months, I've been having strange episodes of faintness and dizziness. Some nights I am woken up by them. I am usually very calm during this episodes, I'd hardly describe myself as feeling anxious during them at all, and they feel nothing like the panic attacks I've had in the past. I've had almost everything else ruled out as a possible cause, so the health professionals are kind of insisting that its panic or anxiety. I suppose what I'm trying to ask is, is it possible to have an anxiety or panic attack with only the physical symptoms, and not the actual anxiety or panic emotion/feeling? Has anyone experienced anything like this before? Thanks!

[Rango]

Hi,

I have sudden physical symptoms often st night. It feels like I’m about to have a stroke, tingling down my right side, sweating and diarrhoea. It must be a panic attack but it’s frightening and without warning.

[Mathy]

Hi Sophia_jane and welcome to BB,

When the health professionals ruled out “everything else”, did they run the diagnostic tests to provide you with proof?

I have anxiety/ptsd and I’m well used to my body doing weird things - BUT I always end up with anxiety. I also suffer from a form of vertigo - it took me a while to decide this was NOT anxiety, and went to my GP. GP did a thorough physical check of things that relate to dizziness - asked lots of questions, checked the pulses in my neck, ordered full blood test - to RULE out things that might cause my reaction. It was Vertigo, but given that I’m 61yo - it could have been stroke, brain tumour - blah, blah.

It shouldn’t matter what your age is, or your previous history - you have symptoms, those symptoms should be properly checked out - so you are properly diagnosed, you feel reassured, and can also learn from the experience. If your GP won’t comply, then find a quiet time at your local emergency department (try Tues, Wed, Thur mornings) and go there - they have all the gear to test you from top to toe. People bag Public Health, not me - despite the nature of their jobs, PH medical peeps are great.

Anyways, this is your thread to tell us your story, anonymously. I’d love to hear what sort of an outcome you get, so please post back and let us know how you’re doing, bestest M 🙂

[sophia_jane]

Hi Mathy!

Thanks for your reply. My health professionals have run every possible diagnostic basically. I've had blood tests, a CT scan and have seen a cardiologist. I'm just very confused as it can occur at times when I'm completely comfortable, like sitting on the couch watching television or while I'm asleep. I am open to the possibility that it could be my anxiety, but I thought an emotion of panic or anxiety would accompany or trigger these sensations. I suppose it could be a new development/symptom of the disorder.

[Forest_Critter]

Hi Sophia_Jane

Sorry to hear that the physical symptoms are confusing. Not knowing what's going on with my body is my greatest frustration.

Still, it's fantastic you are feeling more comfortable and well in general. Well done!

Regarding where to go from here: because the tests have ruled out physiological causes for these symptoms, and left it to be anxiety, this means (to me) the best thing to do is seek out treatment for these physical symptoms of anxiety.

With anxious feelings and stress being absent from your symptoms, consulting a psychiatrist or psychologist who specialises in anxiety may be best. I would avoid medication unless the dizziness / faintness interrupt your day-to-day functioning. For now, I recommend locating some DIY exercises for dealing with dizziness / faintness; and psychologists / psychiatrists may be well-equipped for this.

Hope this helps, and all the best.

- FC

[sophia_jane]

I just wanted to let anyone know who reads this thread that I did consult with my psychologist and she said it does not sound like anxiety, rather something more medical.

[Mathy]

Hi sophia_jane,

Sometimes it’s always helpful to get a definite pointer from a health professional, amd you can only go with your feelings and trust on this matter.

I realise it’s a difficult time of year to follow things up, I hope you manage to get some answers before Xmas.

Wish you all the very best, would love to hear what the outcome is, if you feel able to post back.

Just in case, we both get busy, I’d like to wish a very happy Xmas, and a beautiful 2018, cheers M 🙂

[sophia_jane]

Hey Mathy!

My psych actually suggested it might be low blood sugar, which might be why the blood tests aren't picking it up (as it might not be consistently low). I thought back to what I'd been eating prior to my dizzy spells and it's rather likely, as I tend to restrict my diet sometimes without meaning to! The past 2 days I've been having a glass of juice a day and I'm starting to feel much better. Thanks for your good wishes and support! Enjoy the rest of your year 🙂

[Mathy]

Hey Sophia_Jane,

Well that’s very interesting information to hear. I do know that blood sugar levels can cause similar issues to anxiety. I guess you’re feeling a whole lot more positive?

If it is a blood sugar issue, then perhaps you could suggest to your GP that you get tested properly for that particular issue. You’re pretty young at 21yo, so best to be proactive and get that blood sugar level checked properly - I think it’s a fasting blood test.

I’m glad you’re feeling happier, have a great festive season, and hopefully we’ll hear from you again, cheers M 🙂