reassurance

[caitie0]

Hi,

I am new too this and need some confirmation that everything I am feeling is that I am not going mad.

About 3 months ago I started having bad anxiety ( thought I was really sick ) I have never really had anxiety like this in my life and it stressed out more as I didn't know why it was happening so I worried about all the things I was feeling. At the height of it I had the shakes, wasn't eating, hot/cold, heat pounding, hyper and really tired, bad insomnia elbows/jaw would feel weird numb, just felt absolutely awful have never felt like that in my life, felt like I was going crazy and was really struggling.

Since I have managed to calm down more ( Am going to see a psychologist ) I am still struggling about whether what I am feeling is normal, my heart still has palpitations often enough ( its driving me boncers and what bothers me though most ) seems worse when I wake up, getting stomach aches, sometimes my chest feels tight like after doing a work out. I guess I worry that it is not the anxiety, I suppose I go around in a bit of a circle.
I used to be able to relax quiet well, now I have trouble relaxing and just getting into my reading or whatever else.

I think my anxiety is just caused by stress and hoping I am just having a "moment" but just struggling whether what I am feeling is anxiety.

[Neil_1]

Hi Caitie

Welcome to Beyond Blue and thank you for coming here and providing your post.

May I state first up that “No”, you are not mad.

All that you’ve described are feelings that so many of us have felt; or still do feel – all depends on what stage we are at. They are awful feelings to experience. It is pleasing to read that those symptoms that you experienced when your anxiety was really bad have somewhat lessened, but you’ve still got other ones occurring.

I read where you said you’ve got an appointment or are going to see a psychologist. This is a huge step and a very good positive one at that. This to me says that you’ve also been to your GP, in order to arrange for this appointment. Did your GP suggest any medication that might be worthwhile or needed to be taken? These are just another kind of mechanism that we need to put in place to help us “level” out somewhat and deal with this disorder.

Do you currently work?
Do you have any close friends or family who you feel you may be able to talk to in regard to this?

Are there things that you enjoy, that you’re able to do? Ie: sports, outside activities, hobbies, cooking, etc … things that you feel might be good for you to do that might help to alleviate some of your stress?

Would really love to hear back from you.

Neil

[Starwolf]

Hello Caitie and welcome to the forums.

Anxiety symptoms can be really scary as some of them mimic the signs of heart trouble. I once had severe anxiety so understand how frightening it can be. What you describe will sound familiar to many others here at BB.

Neil has given you good advice. I feel that having another talk with your GP may be a good idea. Perhaps temporary medication would be necessary to help ease some of the symptoms.

Meanwhile, I suggest you google relaxed breathing techniques and release of body tension. Anxiety often creates a "knotted", very tight area around the diaphragm. This often escapes our attention but learning to relax this area helps a lot with loosening chest tightness and breathing issues.

You have already made the brave decision to get medical help. Well done ! With the right help and support, you will be able to manage your anxiety levels and reclaim better quality of Life.

Welcome on board.

[caitie0]

Thanks guys

yes I work and my partner and my mum know about it, my GP did give me medication but I am a bit reluctant to take it.

I have been struggling with the symptoms so worry about my health, I feel a lot better talking to people about 🙂

[Neil_1]

Dear Caitie

I’m so pleased to see your latest response and thank you for providing that little bit of extra info.

I’m also very pleased to read that by you coming here and writing, it has made you feel somewhat better. I hope that’s how it was meant to be; as in, that’s how I read it. Ok, stop now Neil, otherwise you’re just getting confusing.

With regard to the medication that you’ve been given and how you’re feeling uncertain (and yet at the same time, you are feeling like you need something additional to help you along – again, my interpretation); it might be a useful thing to go back to your GP and explain just how you’re feeling, but also of your concerns about taking the medication prescribed. Your GP might be able to give you some reassurance about this particular type of medication; PLUS might well be to suggest that you come back within a week of taking them, to see how you feel you are going?

The companies give out so many warning re: medications, but they need to do that in order to cover themselves. But with regard to any reactions experienced, these are simply a case by case or individual by individual basis. So what might affect one person, the very next person will not receive any reaction.

I hope this hasn’t been too confusing.

Neil

[caitie0]

Hi neil,

Yes talking about does make me feel better, like I am just not struggling alone.

I have been given medication, but as they all seem to make you drowsy and mine was also because I wasn't sleeping when it was really bad, I cant really get a lot done, driving/work and I just wanted to try and get through it myself, though if I really feel I need it I have it, I also got given anti-depressants but they made me feel really horrible and stopped taking them, i have talked to my doctor about it.

[Nickname_97DE77BD-1A3E-41]

Dear Caitie

What you are feeling is perfectly normal. You're fine. Two things I have found very useful. Stop all intake of caffeine; don't drink tea, coffee, coke, pepsi, softdrinks, energy drinks, chocolate or milo or anything with caffeine in it. Caffeine can actually cause anxiety and depression. Drink spring water or water out of the tap if it's good in your area.

[Neil_1]

Dear Caitie

Yes, the comment by Guest_2911 was a very good one and especially the punch line with the drinking of water. I think a lot of us these days underestimate the value and importance that water plays in our lives (bodies). Dehydration can be another trigger for depression and so if we’re taking in enough water each day then it can well have this effect on us. And so if we can identify something that is a trigger for us, it’s far better to knock that on the head – that way that’s one less thing that can possibly kick start our illness.

Also, you mentioned about coming here and writing and you found it be good.

I would just like to encourage you, if you wish to, to continue to do this. There’s a whole stack of people who post on this site and they have so much knowledge from their own personal experiences with these awful illnesses.

I do hope you’re having a good day today.

Kind regards

Neil

[caitie0]

Thanks Neil1

Yes I stopped drinking coffee when it was quiet bad, now drink a bit more its not as bad, only maybe 3 a week at the most. I am doing well, I am struggling with that my heart feels like I am constantly aware of it (had a ecg done just in case as it is most of the time ) and I don't think that I am anxious but still have this feeling ( probably am ) I think I have come to accept it i am having these feelings and just try to get on with things and not overthink as I was in the beginning. I also get a lot of tingly numb feelings.

Though I am feeling mostly that I am doing well.

[Neil_1]

Dear Caitie

You know, I think you nailed where you wrote, “I have come to accept that I’m having these feelings and I just try to get on with things …”

That is a brilliant sentence and view of things. Yes, so we might be experiencing these issues and are having to find ways of dealing with it; but to accept is huge, but also to then be able to get on with things, is massive. A massive positive.

Whether it be work, or hobbies, or physical activities, or sports, movies, music, cooking, I could ramble on, but I’m feeling you’ve got the gist of exactly what I’m rambling on about (which is awesome on your behalf, cause a lot of people simply shake their head at me and just move on). 🙂 Oh boy, I hope you’re not shaking your head, he writes with crossed fingers. Hey and by the way, did you know just how difficult it is to type with crossed fingers – whoops, slight digression.

Again, I’m really pleased with how you wrote in your latest post, it has a number of good positives in it and don’t forget, the writing aspect – it is good. Whether it be here or even if you wanted to just get things down in your own private journal or diary.

Kind regards

Neil