Sickness Anxiety

[Saltie]

I have recognised anxiety in myself since my mid 20's. I most likely used drink and drugs to escape before realising it was a thing. I eventually learnt that good sleep, diet and meditation and yoga really helped maintain balance and have experienced less panic attacks and been managing anxious thoughts well for over ten years, until recently.......It seems like out of nowhere (although most likely stress based) I have started to get bad panic attacks and anxious thoughts. My anxiety is based around the fear of vomiting and being ill (learnt behaviour from parent) but its like this is used as a mask for other anxiety as although I haven't vomited for years I think I would be able to cope.

The anxiety is frustrating as the mind can quickly trigger anxiety about feeling ill (for example the rent is due - cue stomach churn) and if the trigger goes unnoticed it turns into a vicious mind game of am I actually ill or am I stressed. I feel frustrated as I eat and sleep well, don't drink alcohol or much caffeine but am still haunted by really uncomfortable anxiety. I do have a family, run my own small business and my kids although still innocent and lovely are turning into teenagers - so life is hectic. My daughter is similar to me (flighty and anxious) and has recently started stressing about being ill. (We had a bout of gastro in the house so its put her on edge and probably bought up old patterns for me) For the first time in years I feel like drinking to relax but know this would be a short term fix (never had alcohol issues just gave up slowly over time). Just run out of ideas. I think trying CBT and seeing a psychologist would help. Anyway its nice to be able to share thoughts here and know that other people go through the same thing

[kanga_brumby]

Saltie welcome to Beyond Blue forums a safe place to come and get advice on different topics. It seems you have graspt that already.

In what you said sometimes when you might miss weather you have missed a trigger to your anxiety, which can make you feel ill. A suggestion for you, you also said you did meditation and yoga. If you feel like you might be ill, ( not sure if it's a panic attack) try finding a quiet spot and meditate on it. With me mine manifests itself as a hart attack. When it is nothing more than a panic attack. But because I have had a heart problem in the past I always error on the side of caution. I would rather be wrong in that case and wake up in hospital. Than wake up dead in my own bed. So it's controlled breathing and remember it's the cover to the Hitch Nickers Guide to the Galaxy " Don't Panic" stay calm it like food. Will pass.

Kanga

[PamelaR]

Hello Saltie

Glad to see you've found your way to Beyond Blue (BB) forums. Welcome!! People here are friendly, supportive, caring and respect individual's privacy.

It must seem so hard at the moment going through anxiety after all your years of managing it. Well done to you. It's great to see you are so self aware and know the things that can help you through. I think that really helps. Sometimes, yes, it is necessary to get a helping hand like seeing a psychologist and using a vast array of different methodologies (CBT - is one of these). Psychologists are always doing further research and studies - there are more advanced methods now than CBT.

From my own experience, I've had anxiety issues for a very long time and self managed using alcohol during my 20s too. Interesting pattern really. But now I head off to my GP and get a referral to a psych as soon as possible. I found BB while waiting for my first appt. It's been very good for me. Has helped me tremendously - seeing that I'm not alone in my anxiety.

I can't really help you with your vomiting. It must be very distressing for you. Seeing your daughter may also be experiencing anxiety too won't be helping you either. I'd talk to my doctor about it in the first instance and then seek a referral to a psychologist (Doctors like you to make a long appt when you do this). You may want to take your daughter to the doctor also sometime in the future.

Yes, it is good to be able to share your thoughts. This forum is so good for that. I find getting my thoughts out of my head helps reduce my anxiety (sometimes).

Look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Saltie]

Thanks for your response PamelaR. I have a doctors appt tomorrow so will look forward to some new strategies. I think that trying to get to the cause of the stress is helpful also as that will reduce the anxiety. Its easier said than done though as the mind is very mischievous and can catch you unaware. Sometimes a stressful state becomes the norm. Its annoying being a flaky person with illness but I guess accepting who you are is important

[PamelaR]

You're welcome Saltie. You certainly don't sound like you are a 'flaky' person. Actually, that's an interesting point. How do you define a 'flaky' person.

Good to hear you have a dr's appt tomorrow. Getting to the cause of stress and/or anxiety, helps me tremendously. Still takes time, effort, patience (with myself) and more time to alleviate the symptoms a bit. Iknow only too well about the mischievousness of the mind. For years it has stopped me identifying what's caused the anxiety. But with my latest psychologist - I think we're getting to the bottom of things.

Wishing you well.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Saltie]

Thanks Kanga - appreciate the suggestion! Will give it a try. Love the hitch hikers guide to the galaxy. I also often think of the George Harrison album. All things must pass.

[Saltie]

Thanks again PamelaR! Grateful for your support today. Good to hear it’s working out with your psychologist