Recent Anxiety Diagnosis- no advice offered, pls share advice and tips :)

[LilSpark]

Hi There,

I recently found out that I have a chronic anxiety disorder.

over a year ago I went to my doctor with chest pains and after all sorts of tests was told “you’re not having a heart attack so at least you can stop worrying about that now”.

I was so embarrassed for seemingly wasting everyone’s time and ended up convinced it was all in my head.

then a few weeks ago I went to see a doctor for first time since being told I had “no heart issues” about an injury to my foot.

to qualify for Medicare assistance for physio the doctor said I needed to have 2 chronic illnesses to qualify for 5 subsidised sessions.

she then went through my history and said I can see you were diagnosed with chronic anxiety last year...

was I?! I was never told that was what all my symptoms ended up being.

so the past few weeks I have thought a lot about my everyday and it’s like finally everything makes sense.

im not going crazy, I’m not a hypochondriac!

so I would love some advice while I’m waiting on finally getting some support on how to cope when attacks happen.

ive come to realise every time I’m having hot flushes, feel sick, chest pains, palpitations and actually vomiting it’s because I’ve worked myself up worrying about something.

how do you control the physical symptoms? For me being sick is the worst one because it’s effecting my job. For example today I missed an entire meeting because I couldn’t stop vomiting after panicking I was going to be late.

all advice welcome - thank you xo

[geoff]

Hello LilSpark, never feel afraid to ask or tell what you are going through, each one of us have had our own experiences, some which have been told while others haven't, but a connection has been made.

If I can ask you to type 'intrusive thoughts' either in your search browser or in the bar at the top of this page, then you can read many stories people have commented, this may help you as they as caused by anxiety.

Please let us know how you get on.

Geoff.

[JungleJulia]

Hi LilSpark! Welcome to the world of chronic anxiety 😞 One thing I'd suggest is not to try to control the symptoms, because you can't. And the more you try to control them, the worse it gets. You have to try to accept the symptoms and honestly not be bothered by them. If you can do that, they will lessen and eventually fade away. I know that sounds sort of backwards haha. For example dizziness used to bother me a lot when I'd be out shopping. Eventually I got so sick of it I was like "bring it on! let's be dizzy!!!" and eventually, as I stopped fearing it, it just went away. I still get symptoms, but I am fully aware that the only way to be rid of them, is not to be bothered by them (easier said than done!!). Good luck!

[Emmen]

Hello LilSpark,

Welcome to the forums!

The symptoms are a result of anxiety, so it stands to reason that you have to manage the anxiety for the symptoms to go. When you feel your anxiety symptoms come on, don't panic or worry that you're ill. Instead, just accept that it's a result of anxiety so that you won't give yourself more to worry about.

I would recommend trying mindfulness exercises (try an app called Smiling Mind). When my symptoms were bad, I did these exercises multiple times a day to calm my mind and relax my body. Also try progressive muscle relaxation.

Lastly, see if there are other things that can distract you from your anxiety. A hobby, perhaps. Or scented candles and essential oils.

Take care,
M

[Croix]

Dear LilSpark~

Having chronic anxiety is a difficult thing to manage, and it is something I have too.

Firstly Beyond Blue a pretty good guide about the condition here:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety

This gives symptoms, treatments and much more. I particularly like the section on "Anxiety management strategies"

Seeing your GP to arrange you getting therapy for chronic anxiety and maybe (but not necessarily) medication would be the sensible thing to do.

Some symptoms, such as that vomiting, may have to be controlled indirectly by lessening your anxiety condition in the long term. In the short term I too would suggest the free smartphone app Smiling Mind. Even 5 minutes may well bring you to a calmer state of mind easing pressures you did not even realise were there. I use it a fair bit (takes a litle practice when you first start). It is for all ages not just kids.

https://www.smilingmind.com.au/

You have had some good suggestions, please have a read of Anxiety and please come back and say how things are going

Croix

[LilSpark]

So many great suggestions- thanks to everyone that has commented. 🙂

I have started using a mindfulness app, but I will check out the one you have suggested - it seems to be well recommended on the forums here also so that’s a good sign.

So far I haven’t really made much progress with getting the symptoms under control, and I’m having more bad days than good - but I do really feel some reassurance and positivity because I now know what I’m dealing with!

I’ve spent most of this weekend unable to go outside the house and resting as the nausea and panicked breathing have been quite overwhelming- and I’m not sure what’s the trigger, I can’t think what’s giving me anxiety right now..

Currently wide awake, should have been asleep several hours ago, seems insomnia is my friend this week too!

But reading all these helpful comments is great so thank you xo

[LilSpark]

Thank you - I am using a mindfulness app but I will check out your suggestion.

I do need to find a hobby, my husband brought me a bicycle for Christmas as he said exercise would really help, still a little petrified I’m going to fall off but we’ve managed a few rides (although I walked the bike up and down anything that was remotely an incline or decline!).

[LilSpark]

I understand what you’re saying, it does make sense, thank you!!

I think the thing that’s the worst is when it happens at work because then I really get scared that my work will find out about it, and I think then what you’re saying is right- the more I try to hide it or control it, the worse onset of symptoms I seem to have.

[Croix]

Dear LilSpark~

I think if you can manage to do it the bike sounds a pretty reasonable idea. I've always found exercise of one sort or another helps reduce anxiety, plus you have to concentrate on traffic etc. on a bike.

This forum has a huge number of people who want to share what has helped them. The thread is at

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/self-help-tips-for-managing-anxiety

Be prepared for a log read, I have found lots that has helped me there.

Croix

[blondguy]

Hi LilSpark

Im a latecomer to your thread topic...which is an excellent one by the way

I understand your frustration (and symptoms) as its an awful place to be in. You are proactive with your health LilSpark by creating your own thread and thats a huge step to finding some peace with these awful anxiety symptoms.....It may take time...determination and frequent counselling yet the earlier we seek assistance the better our recovery will be

You are not alone with your anxiety feelings LilSpark. There are many people that have similar anxiety on...

www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/what-physical-feelings-of-anxiety-do-you-get

any questions are always welcome...the forums are a safe and non judgmental place for us to post

Great to have you as part of the Beyond Blue forum family LilSpark 🙂

Paul