Do I have anxiety??

[belledon_7]

Hi guys,

I've been dealing with something for about a year and I want to finally settle if it's anxiety or something else completely different.

I've had what I believe are anxiety/panic attacks, but only twice. On both occasions I had most of the common symptoms, but I haven't had an attack in about 6 months. However, I have had what I call 'anxiety' but I think it's more of a chronic stress thing - I always feel so out of breath and find it difficult to breathe and I feel really angry in myself, especially when I'm doing something small like writing, I have to take these massive gulps of air and I feel super frustrated because I can't write and I can't get enough air! I don't know if this is anxiety or if anyone else has experienced this - please reply!!

[MsPurple]

hi belledon and welcome to the forums

I find the best way to determine if you have anxiety is to talk to your doctor about your concerns and signs and symptoms. They have the tools and knowledge to diagnose it and to refer you to a psychologist or someone that can help you deal with it. I also found looking up information on anxiety useful on understanding what it is so I could discuss it with my doctor. On the top of this page under the tab called the facts there is a section called anxiety. I suggest giving that a read

I also found looking up YouTube videos on anxiety helpful, especially those from beyond blue, WHO, and shed online. Also a think you should look up is intrusive thoughts. It is really common for people with anxiety to deal with it. They are unwanted thoughts that cause anxiety to become worse (look it up because I have put it poorly).

I have anxiety and was diagnosed with GAD by a psychiatrist. I thought I would be worse off getting a diagnosis but I was actually relieved because I finally understood what was happening. I also able to get the help and support I needed. I suggest going to see your GP and getting a mental health care plan done. This allows you to get 6-10 sessions with a psychologist either free or low cost. Trust me it will the best thing you can do. I found it so helpful and now I can function

[MarkJT]

belledon_7, to echo Ms Purple's points above, heading to the GP is the first and best option for you.

Whether or not you are diagnosed with anxiety, a really good thing to do is to start practising mindfulness. I was diagnosed with PTSD, depression and anxiety in Feb 2013 and starting practising it.

It is about living in the present and not worrying about the future, nor the past and when you get triggered, it gives you the skills to combat the anxiety attack.

It is a learned skill and an app that is really good to help you is called, "Smiling Mind".

Give it a go and as i said, even if you do not have anxiety, it is a skill everyone should learn.

Mark.

[BballJ]

Hi belledon_7,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

As someone has suffered from anxiety for many years, it has many symptoms associated with it and the not being able to breath or tightness in the chest is one of them and one I have experienced. I use to get really bad chest pains and thought I was having a heart attack until I learnt that it was my anxiety which was causing it. As MsPurple & MarkJT has said above, the best step is to speak to your GP and tell them what you are experiencing so you can get the best help possible and learn to control this, if it is anxiety.

Feel free to post back as much as you like.

My best for you,

Jay