Scared with physical anxiety symptoms and just starting medication

[Miss1234]

After 6 months of testing for loads of things they've finally diagnosed me with bad anxiety/depression. Not sure how I didn't realise it earlier. I've felt so sick and nauseous and it just comes out of no where. My mouth goes funny and I have a strange metallic taste. I get a slight headache and a bit hot and cold. Does this sound like a panic attack? Insist want it to go away. I worry about anything and everything and it's getting my everyday life and small children. I've been given a script today for medication but haven't started it yet. Is anyone on medication? I'm so nervous. Thanks

[Blue_Jane]

Hi Miss1234

It is great that you have gone through the testing and now have a diagnosis. It must feel like a relief. My diagnosis took 18 months and like you, I can't believe I didn't realise it earlier too!

I think we all have different physical reactions to our mental illnesses. Mine was not being able to sleep. My panic attacks (of which I have only had one in the last 18 months, but used to happen more frequently before that) were not being able to think straight, my throat closing, sweating and heart palpitations. Scary stuff.

In terms of your question, you will find other threads that show a lot of us are on medication. We can't talk about it specifically but for me I now manage my anxiety well from a mixture of exercising regularly, eating really well, ensuring I have some down time to reflect and taking medication. I too resisted taking medication initially.

Look forward to hearing how you go.

Blue Jane

[JellicoeGirl99]

Hi Miss1234

I've had GAD for years now and want to assure you I know that same feeling. Sometimes it's like a weird itch on my tongue and throat too. I associate it with panicking because the feeling usually comes when I'm feeling anxious and my heart rate increases without me noticing. Then the nausea comes and because no body likes feeling sick, I panic and my mouth gets that funny feeling and a metallic taste. I found it helps to control my breathing because panic comes from over-oxygenating your brain- this usually causes that light-headed/ fuzzy feeling. A good method someone gave me on this forum is to slowly breathe in for 6 seconds and out for 8. Breathe out more than you breathe in.

I'm also on medication and it's not as scary as I thought it would be. Just stay on top of appointments with the doctor who prescribed you so that you're getting the best type of medication and dosage for you.

Hope this helps and I wish you the best 🙂

JellicoeGirl99