Anxiety - Lump in my throat?

[moejo]

Hi,  I have suffered from anxiety for the past 10 or so years I've also had mild depression most of my adult life.  Been on meds on and off over the last 10 years.  Didnt like the dumbed down feeling I got.  I gave the last lot of meds 18 mths and then weened myself off.  Been off for over a year now.  Transferred to taking St Johns Wort and magnesium.  The last month I've also added B12 and folinic acid and the last week have been taking a probiotic.  The lump in my throat has been consistent for around the last month before I started the B vitamins.  Actually as a side note since being on the B12 and folinic acid my shakes have reduced dramatically.  And I'm trying the probiotic as there is a link between gut health and brain function.

My question - is there anyone else who also has had this feeling in their throat?  I know its an anxiety symptom and if I'm preoccupied with something it disappears/or at least I dont notice it.  Also apart from going back on meds  has anyone found a natural way to deal with this?

Any info would be appreciated thanks.

[HA1]

Hi Moejo

Welcome to the beyondblue forum and thank you for a most interesting post.

I'm trying to understand a little bit more about the lump in your throat.  Is it a feeling only and not a physical lump?  And assuming it is a feeling (like sadness), is the feeling there constantly or does it sometimes go away?  I sometimes walk around with a lump in my throat, but never thought too much about it.

As for alternative treatments.  Gosh, I have turned the internet upside down search for an answer.  But I have come to the conclusion that, for me, lifestyle changes will do it - I am convinced.  In my case it is a case of living the life I have always dreamed of).  For others meditation, yoga and minor lifestyle changes might deliver some relief.  Have you tried searching the forum on this topic - there has been frequent posts in a similar vein.

Hope to hear from you again

k

[moejo]

Thanks for the reply.  Its not a real lump just feels like it.  It will go away if I'm distracted.  I believe its just a symptom of anxiety, not everyone will get it.  I've been looking into some type of meditation, just have to implement it, see if it works.  I have been stressed with a new career path which does scare me a bit.  So I've put it down to that.  Just thought if anyone else suffered the same symptom they could let me know how they handled it.

[SuzieD]

Hi moejo,

I swing from depression to anxiety and totally understand the lump in the throat feeling. I thought at first I was choking! I am on meds and haven't had that feeling for a while. I'm sorry I don't have any answers for you, just wanted to let you know I understand.

[HelenSorenson]

Hi, I've had the same thing on and off for the past few weeks and the feeling of a lump in my throat/constricted air passage has now been almost constant for the past 3 days. I've had tests done and the doctor has concluded that it must be anxiety as he can't find anything physical. I was wondering if you managed to get rid of the feeling and what you found helped? Thanks.

[blondguy]

Hi Helen & Suzie...Welcome to the forums!

(excuse I for hijacking your thread Moejo)

I used to have chronic anxiety for years. The lump in the throat or the tightness of breathing is a very typical example of anxiety feelings/disorder

The adrenaline we produce when in an anxious state restricts our muscles and can tighten our breathing for sure

Depending on the severity of the anxiety (or panic attacks) a visit to the GP is best move as they have better training re anxiety compared to even just a few years ago.

If the anxiety interferes with your quality of life then regular counseling is a great road to recovery 🙂

If you wish to post a new thread you are more than welcome to do so as this is an old thread and you may not get the support you require (if you wish to..of course)

my kind thoughts

Paul