Relapse of physical anxiety symptoms

[Maggie S]

Would love some feedback and help. I suffered what I term an acute anxiety period (I suppose in old terms “nervous breakdown”) 6 weeks ago, with severe physical symptoms and panic attacks. Having suffered PND with anxiety 13 years ago, I recognised some of the symptoms and enacted GP, Psychology and other support immediately. Have been on medication for 5 weeks, and having fortnightly psychology sessions. Lots of family support in place, gradually returned to work. Have been quite good for a couple of weeks, feeling in control, then have in the last 24 hours lapsed back into the physical anxiety symptoms again (sweaty palms, nausea, detachment, upset tummy, feeling of doom, jittery etc). Unable to work today and no appetite. Is this something that anyone else has experienced? A lapse in improvement? It’s very upsetting along with feeling horrible. I’m hoping it’s a short lived bump in the road? Would be great to hear from anyone else who has experienced this.

[Brad22]

Hi Maggie,

Im new here and I'm battling my own issues currently. I too have had a relapse after doing really well for a couple of months. I recently started a new job and also have been shopping around for a car, so I found that I have overworked myself, not giving myself enough time to relax and I feel that my brain is tired and the anxiety had kicked in heavy to pull me back so I could try and realise what I am doing. Not sure about you but I tend to overthink alot of things, thinking too far into the future or thinking about things that will happen tomorrow that I have no control over.

I don't really have any great advice to give unfortunately, but I just wanted to say that you aren't the only one that has issues like this. If you have any hobbies that don't trigger your anxiety, maybe start doing them and try to focus on it to get your mind off whatever it is that is bothering you. I understand its easier said than done, even I am thinking that right now, but it could be a step in the right direction.

I wish you well 🙂

[Maggie S]

Thank you for your comment, what you said really reasonates. It is helpful to know that perhaps I tried to do too much too soon, and your idea of a hobby is a good suggestion. Out of interest, did you find you were able to recover from your relapse reasonably quickly? I too overthink things and try to find clear cut answers and solutions for everything!

[Brad22]

I'm glad you found it helpful.

I am still going through my relapse at the moment. It will all work itself out but it's just time and trying to get comfortable and adjusting. This isn't my first time I've gone through this and unfortunately it won't be my last, but we just have to keep thinking that we can get out of this. I have to learn not to think about when the next relapse will occur, which I'm pretty sure is related to me overthinking alot.

[cakeboss]

Hi i to have this problem aswell.i suffer from anxiety panic attacks ,i get that bad i cant eat i feel a urge to vomit but dont.I have nothing to be stressed about in my life at the moment and this sudden come on of imense anxiety panic is driving me crazy.I am on medication and have been feeling great for the last few months .Out of no where i am thinking all these bad things are going to happen like will my boyfriend dump me .Will i loose my job and im also trying to hide it well hoping it will go away.i need to go back to counciling again i just want the anxiousness to go away .I wake up and the mornings can be quite bad for me thinking things and pushing myself to go to work and the nausea i cant stand.I went back to the gp who is a very good one 3 days ago .I him that my nerves have gone well thats what is is like.Does anyone else feel the nausea in the morning and feel yuck and just want it to go away .I find i get forgetful when im anxious and out of touch with reality .I just want to be nausea free and anxiety to settle down i find im worse when it wont .I am trying to keep busy any tips to help it settle down

[Maggie S]

Thanks for your reply. What advice did your Doctor provide for your relapse? Was it to keep on the same meds or look to other options. I know the advice for you will be different for everyone’s circumstances, but I’m just wondering.

[Munro]

Hi. Im pretty new here but not new to anxiety and depression and phobias.

I have noted in the past a stigma attached to mental health. We have been conditioned to strive for our best and try to compete with the world to acheive this. So to be suffering mental health is seen to be weak. Well i reached an age where i personally do not give a hoot how people see me hahaha. But seriously i " owned this" i will shout it from the rooftops if need be. This in itself does seem to ease a degree of anxiety for me . I dont know if this helps or even if it applies but i am glad you are sharing your fears .