Severe hyper sensitisation of body / constant anixety /physical anxiety

[Touvhe]

I have an extreme focus on my body sensations to the point where I cannot function anymore, at least not properly if anyone can relate to these symptoms or give any advice I would be grateful - im on anxiety medication and I still feel like this and i've never had anything tougher in my life to get over

- I always google symptoms that I have ( that im sure I get from anxiety ) and think I have a terrible underlying problem

- I always go to the doctor worried about whats going on

- I constantly CONSTANTLY feel my heart beating in my chest, and how fast and hard its beating (ive had an ecg my heart is healthy)

- I am constantly fatigued and cannot seem to stay awake during the day, and sleep if I can 12+ hours, anything less than 10 I cannot function

- I always feel as if there is a weight on my chest and a knot in my stomach, even the littlest thought can trigger a physical sensation of overwhelming anxiety

- I cannot seem to detach myself away from the physical sensations of anxiety and its ruining my life, I can not stop thinking about my heart or anxiety and I cannot live my life anymore because I am just constantly anxious and the physical sensations are constant and overwhelming please help or at least relate

Im seeing a great a psychologist but I still cannot change these physical symptoms.

[Croix]

Dear Touvhe~

I can relate to a fair amount of what you describe, the constant anxiety, the physical symptoms that result, the loads of negative tests. While my anxiety is another form than yours there is a lot in common. It's all pretty horrible, exhausting and hard for you to cope with.

I've found that medication and even therapy is not all that is needed. Apart from that I've used a two-approach method for a long time now.

The first is to try to treat the symptoms as they pop up. Breathing plus trying to soldier on during panic attacks, relaxation exercises for the knotted stomach, exercise when the anxious thoughts take over, the free smartphone app Smiling Mind to break out of the hamster-wheel of circular unpleasant thoughts, talking to my partner.

There are a whole load of techniques here:

Forums / Anxiety / SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING ANXIETY

The second thing is lifestyle to reduce stress as much as possible and avoid anything that you can anticipate will make you feel worse. There is nothing special about this, a life with regular exercise, nutrition, good sleep (which is hard), people to interact with and avoiding stressors - I even avoid things like the news. Are there particular things or people that set you going?

Frankly I'd stay away from Dr Google.

Also very important in that lifestyle is things regularly each day you enjoy. Things you look forward to and take your mind away from the hassles of everyday life. I use books, movies, pets, walking. What sort of things do you think might suit you?

It's hard to turn around all these sensations and thoughts which can get pretty well entrenched, however it will happen

Croix

[PaulGC]

Dear Croix,

Very well said, for me sleep or lack there of is something I’ve sorta gotten used to as I’m on a rotating roster it makes it harder but I deal with it best I can,

there are some days I hit the snooze button and think just a few more minutes but unfortunately once I’m awake even during the night/day depending on shift I’m awake I don’t go back to sleep it’s through no lack of trying to,

re sleep my gp prescribed some strong sleeping meds but to no good,

im working with a good psychiatrist through work and he is trying to help but it’s hard when some days you just feel MEH,

touvhe I can totally relate to everything you are going through, just remember you are not alone and no matter what anyone says you are worthy you are awesome, until recently I had zero respect for myself I just wanted to disappear and come back me again if that makes sense

we are all on a journey, we all have our good and bad days it’s how we manage those days that define us

have a great day tomorrow everyone I’m off to work

paul

[anxietyalien]

Thank you yet again, Croix! More advice and wisdom I might need to add to my list!

Touvhe, I think I can completely related to everything you said in your post! Everything!!! Plus so much more! Members like Croix have encouraged me over the past couple of days to share and be open here. I hope you feel a tad better, knowing that there are others experiencing very similar experiences! I will be keeping my eyes on this thread, that is for sure!

[Jdavid]

Hello I am exactly the same I get migraine auras and I am constantly scared when I get some sun light in my eyes and worry I am going to go blind or not get my vision back I can’t drive a car with out sunglasses on I have had mri and ct scan but I can not get these thoughts out of my head I have tried medications but nothing seems to work

[Underwood]

How long have you been on medication? I suffered the same symptoms as you and was constantly at the doctors. Once I started my meds it took around 6 months for me to feel "normal" again. If you've been on your medication for a while it may be worth checking to see if you need something else or an increase to help you through this tricky time.

I recently got off my meds and sure enough within 8 weeks - all of the symptoms returned and I'm worried about my health. Definitely stay OFF google for a while. You will only read the worst and if you look hard enough you will find anything that confirms your fears.

Just remember your body will do crazy things when you're anxious and you will be okay. I know it's tough but it's nice to know you're definitely not alone.

[Kristie_8]

I had my first sensory aura migraine last week ended up in hospital thinking it was a stoke scariest thing ever constantly worried it’s going to happen again couldn’t talk see properly it was very scary so I really feel for you I know this is a little late but just came across this post

[Jdavid]

they are really scary every time I get a head ache or see a bright light I start panicking had all the scans but I still have anxiety about something else is wrong how long do your auras last ?