Scared my anxiety symptoms isn’t anxiety.

[Mendel]

Hi everyone,

About a month ago I suddenly became lightheaded while sitting down, watching a show, and that triggered a minor panic attack. Thought I was going to die etc.

Since then I have been suffering from constant headaches, nausea, dizziness and blurry vision.

Each day is the same.

I was on medication to try and calm everything down but the symptoms still persisted, now I’m off that.
I got a CT scan to rule out anything to do with the brain. That was clear.

But I’m just so concerned all the time it could be something else.

Recently I was sitting down and got up quite quickly. I got extremely dizzy which I knew was quite normal, but it put me into a panic as I couldn’t shake the dizziness and blurry vision.

I’m now concerned it might be an issue with blood pressure.
It’s beginning to affect day to day life, and it’s just that constant fear that it might be something more serious that the doctor hasn’t figured out yet.

Can anyone else relate?

Cheers

[Meg_611]

Yes!
can absolutely relate!
I had an episode - tmi I was constipated and strained too hard got up was dizzy and heart was pounding - it gave me a really big fright I ended up laying down at work as I was feeling faint, then I started uncontrollably shaking - my boss explained this was the adrenaline being realised as I had had a big fright. My symptoms then went on with lightheadedness, random sharp pains, muscle twitches, jaw clenching, forceful prominent heart beat, headaches,brain fog.
I have had SOOOO many tests and scans - they all come back clear - the drs say anxiety, but I struggle to believe them- but they are probably right as I spent 10 days in Bali over Xmas. By the 2nd day I was feeling great. Day 10 came around and I started feeling terrible again.

if your doctor thinks you’re right you probably are! More test etc just prolongs the stress and anxiety, stay off google !
you will be okay !

[Mendel]

Haha I appreciate that story. Glad to hear a trigger like that is common.
You’re absolutely right, dr google just makes things much worse.
I’ve had a few good days and that unfortunately felt like it put me in a spiral back to where I was.

I appreciate the reply, I hope you’re doing well

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Mendel,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for joining us! I can see that you've already gotten some great support from Meg_611.

I absolutely can relate to your health anxiety. I really encourage you to have a search in the forums for other health anxiety posts - although it can feel like a lonely experience, you really aren't on your own with this. Some have shared their experiences, while others have shared things that have helped them cope.

It sounds like you are experiencing symptoms that feel like changes in blood pressure, but that doesn't necessarily mean that anything sinister is happening. Anxiety in itself can actually cause changes in blood pressure - giving you all of those symptoms that you're experiencing.

I'm not sure how much you are aware of the flight and fight response, but I encourage you to learn more about it so that you can understand that symptoms that are associated with scary illnesses can also be symptoms of anxiety.

On a kind of unrelated note, thinking of dr google reminded me of a YouTube video I found the other day and it gave me a laugh - Never google your symptoms by Henrick Widegren. So much easier said than done I know.

Hope this helps!

rt

[calmseeker]

Hi Mendel,

I also can relate to your post. Headaches, nausea, dizziness and blurred vision were and sometimes still are my baseline anxiety symptoms. I found it hard to believe these nasty symptoms were anxiety and not something more sinister. If you have a look around these forums you will become aware of how common they are for anxiety sufferers and it will help you to not feel so isolated and scared. Health anxiety seems to have become very prevalent in our society and its not surprising with so much information at our finger tips. Aaah, yes, good old Dr. Google. Whilst google is great for info on chicken pox and dry skin it can be a health anxiety sufferers nightmare. Keep in mind google tends to give you worst case scenarios sometimes. Try really hard to not google symptoms, I forced myself to stay away from the constant research of my symptoms and it really has decreased my health anxiety quite a bit.

Another thing I forced myself to do was accept and believe the medical testing. I see you've had a CT scan, I would daresay you've had general bloodwork done too? Make an appointment with an optometrist for a vision test if you haven't already done so to rule out any vision issues. Then, armed with clear bloodwork, CT scan and vision testing force yourself to have faith in the fact science says you're ok! I know how hard it is Mendel, I really do. I battle the 'what if's' in regards to my health too and have experienced crippling anxiety because of it but for some relief from the nightmare we have to trust in the process.

I am sending you calm vibes for some relief and peace of mind. Feel free to chat any time, these forums have many lovely and insightful people who have your back 🙂

CS

[Meg_611]

I have good and bad days - I am subscribed to an app which teaches daily meditation.. it’s only 15-20mins a day and I have found it really beneficial! The app also has these cute little cartoon stories which help to explain thoughts and meditation. I would definitely recommend!

i have also kept a list of symptoms in my notes and I can look back on them and be like ‘oh yep that doesn’t happen anymore’ it makes me then really start to believe my symptoms are anxiety!

[blondguy]

Hi Mendel

Really good to have you on the forums! Your symptoms are very common for so many including myself too

Here is a link to an excellent Beyond Blue thread about physical anxiety symptoms....Its a feel good thread 🙂

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

Meg_611 is spot on above.....Dr Google can make our symptoms worse due to the conflicting and inaccurate articles re mental health...

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Number 86]

Hi Mendel,

know the feeling. I am new to managing anxiety as I most suffer in silence. I convince myself that I am about to die from some undiagnosed heart condition and my anxiety cripples me until I go through the tests with the doctor and reassured I am fine and then magically I am back to normal.
from the theme I am seeing with success stories is we have learned this behaviour and need to change the way we think and break some of the habits that trigger anxiety like googling symptoms