what physical feelings of anxiety do you get?

[annabay]

hey there, what physical symptoms of anxiety do you experience?

I often feel very alone in my experience of having physical chest (what I think are heart) spasms and was wanting to create a space for everyone to list their physical feelings that come hand in hand with anxiety so we can all feel less alone.

hope everyone is well.

[Guest9337]

G'day GCkathy,

Your last line there above does make me wonder about normality.

Am I going to keep feeling like this for so long it will become normal? Is the absence of how I felt prior to 10/6 (bad event) me missing that old normality, on the way to a new normality?

Which is better, emotionally flat or intense emotions? I'm flopping around all over the place, each emotion so strong my body is reacting to it... or nothing at all.

Where's the optimal middle ground? I want me some of that please!!!!

[Rabb]

-chest tightness

-restlessness

-excessive crying(sometimes)

-lack of concentration

-fatigue

-loss of apetite

-if i try to distract myself to manage it , fir eg watching netflix, i dont enjoy it

[Guest9337]

under attack

jumpy

easily startled

being too open or disclosing too much

head aches

[AliceWhiteRabbit]

I get so worked up from panic and anxiety and tense my whole body shakes, it feels like my soul is shaking as well, it comes in a wave that starts the same everyday. Always triggered by some random pain or thinking I have to go to the Dr or dentist ( I have severe phobias about any medical related things, social anxiety is so bad now I hate leaving the house, It's so exhausting and hard to explain to people who just assume you're doing nothing all day. Motivation is non existent, have gained so much weight , and turned to drinking ... my therapists have all decided not to bulk bill anymore. I am lost, so I came here.... I don't really know what to say , first time post. I just wish I could help everyone , even though I can't help myself atm. Any advice and support would be amazing. Thanks for reading.

[Sophie_M]

Hi AliceWhiteRabbit, 

Thank you for joining the community and for showing the courage to post here today. It sounds like you are going through a lot right now and are experiencing some intense symptoms of your anxiety. As you can see from this thread, these physical symptoms are normal but we understand that doesn't make them any less difficult for you right now. We are really sorry to hear you are having such a tough time and we want you to know that we are here for you. 

We think that a great step for you would be to give us a call on 1300 22 4636. Our team are experts on helpin gpeople when they are feeling these symptoms and can help you in the moments you feel most distressed. They can also help you to find other community support if that is what you are looking for. 

Thank you for sharing your story here today, it can be really tough to reach out but you never know who will read you post and feel like they are less alone in their own experiences. Thank you!

Kind regards, 
Sophie M

[Michael_MG]

Hey Lacie,

I've been feeling the exact same way recently. Your post has helped me understand my situation and realise that other people are feeling the same way. I hope you're feeling better now and I am confident that I will be feeling better soon as well.

Thanks Again!

Michael

[ChrisCou]

Hi

Three things are familiar to me from your 'anxiety'. As a site manager of a 24 hour remote site I had these feelings (mainly due to pressure of meeting production schedules.), over many years. I am now 'mature age' and the results of this anxiety over a long term are now evident (heart disease to which stress aggrevated.)

Firstly, this seemingly simple anxiety (part of life, some say), can turn into depression. Its simpler to 'manage' it while its anxiety and before it develops.

Secondly, don't ignore the physical aspects. Many of the 'symptoms' you describe are similar to heart condition symtoms. If you think your anxiety is caused by 'stress' ( as mine was) keep a close eye on your heart with your doctor (I believe the two are linked).

I found that my anxiety reduced as I reduced (or managed) the stress in my life. I mainly did by this practicing deep breathing, visualization, meditation, and yoga (Lots of info on this site, but also Zen buddahist sites), I also personally use hypnotherapy.

Hope this helps (to know your not alone with this)

[Sharrynight]

I know these posts were months ago but I've just joined. So comforting to see others experiencing what seems so abnormal. I suffer from health anxiety so now struggling to see where what's from anxiety and what's not. I have been having loads of issues and so seeing a urologist, neurologist and rheumatologist in coming months - so over medical stuff, and wonder how many of my symptoms would reduce considerably if I was to start antidepressants (I have not yet). Have people found that once they find an AD that seems to work for them these symptoms significantly reduce, or are you just better able to not worry so much about them? Thanks!

[Sophie_M]

Hi Sharrynight, 

Welcome to the forums and thank you for joining our kind, caring and understanding community. As you can see there are lots of people who have simililar feelings to those that you have and while your situation is unique it is not abnormal. 

Health anxiety can be really tough and so we think it might be worth giving our phoneline a call on 1300 22 4636 to talk through some strategies for how to manage this going forward. The team can help with advice on how to manage anxiety in the moment as well as ways to get further support in the community. 

It;s important to remember that 

Thank you for posting here today and for being a part of this growing support network. 

Kind regards, 
Sophie M

[Kath621]

I get a physical sensation down the Center of my torso. Tight filled with uncomfortable feeling. Body tenses. Brain shuts down. Memories get pulled so I can’t keep my thread of thought/conversation. Feeling of incoming attack or being made fun of. Inferior. Stupid. Brain when it does works races to try to get me out of the perceived attack.