Just anxiety?

[ReconciledSolace]

Hi all!  I'm really looking for guidance and/or reassurance on coming to terms with anxiety.  

One day a few years ago I woke up struggling to breathe with palpitations.  Since then, I have managed reasonably well but it does feel that the symptoms have gotten worse.  I have experienced a lot of physical symptoms including chest pains, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, plus some occasional minor discomfort or pain in the abdominal region.  I never used to hyperventilate but since it all started I will for a short period when I enter the water to go swimming, or even sometimes when I notice the symptoms increasing, which consequently acts as snowball effect.  I will sometimes go through periods where I feel forced to blink excessively and hard almost out of my control and this is very irritating.  

I struggle to come to terms and accept it all as anxiety as I feel my mind is mentally stable and not stressed out or anxious, although on a subconscious level perhaps so.  Even after having many tests and such done to identify that it isn't a heart problem and that my body is very healthy, functioning as it should, I can't move my thoughts past it perhaps being some physical medical issue rather than a mental one. There are times when I'm at work or occasionally out with friends when I feel fine and I guess that confirms that it's a psychological issue, but once I realise that I feel okay, it resurfaces and again, the snowball effect follows. Now it has got to the level that I do fear going out and travelling in case something goes wrong away from home.  Now, I see that resonates with social anxiety, but that could perhaps be linked to a bigger issue.

 I have seen other threads with similar concerns and read many responses that are very reassuring, but I thought I would try something that focuses a bit more specifically on my personal experiences.  The physical symptoms are what really holds me down and I would love to conquer that and get out more.

I greatly appreciate any thoughts and feedback anyone can provide.  Hope you are all well, and thanks in advance.

[white knight]

Hi Reconciledsolace, welcome here

The very best response I can give you is to seek out someone to teach you muscle tensioning exercises.

Please read up on the many threads here on anxiety and you'll find posts relating to it.

It worked for me.

Tony WK

[ReconciledSolace]

I will definitely look into it more! Thanks a lot for the help.

[blondguy]

Hi ReconciledSolace

I do feel for the feelings you are experiencing....Your symptoms (feelings) are identical to mine before they slowly went away.....and they do...

Your mind is spot on...these are physical feelings that stem from anxiety.....

Anxiety symptoms are only feelings.....even though nasty...they are just your body's way of letting you know you may be trying too hard right now.....

The Hyperventilation is a classic (and Harmless) sign of anxiety.....it is very very common.

There are many 'labels' we can place on the various types of anxiety.....but they are all just leaves off the "Anxiety Tree'

The Fear of having an anxiety attack can actually bring one on....please dont 'fight' anxiety...it just adds fuel to the fire. A classic example is...would you 'fight' against a broken arm...a virus...an infection?....Of course you wouldnt..treat it as a physical issue.....it will decrease....

I have had anxiety for a few years and these symptoms (feelings) do lose their intensity and frequency ...

If you have a GP that you are comfortable with please see him/her ......they can be a huge help to you...

It would be great if you can let us how you go....

We are here for you.....There is no such thing as a 'dumb' question....ask away... 🙂

Kind Thoughts

Paul

[ReconciledSolace]

It's incredible the way the mind works! Thank you for the reply, that does offer a bit of reassurance... I really want to get past waking up every day feeling so terrible but I guess it's one of those things that I will learn to control with time. 

I have seen a GP and specialists who have said its just anxiety.  Glad to hear you overcame it yourself too. Any further suggestions on how to kick it out of the park?

Thanks again! 

[blondguy]

Hey Recon!

Your GP sounds great....."its just anxiety" Spot on. Anxiety will reduce over time...

* Think Slow....Walk Slow....Talk Slow.....

* When you are feeling anxious try to remember to these are feelings...not symptoms..

* A good sleep is a vital tool to minimise and lessen anxiety....makes you calmer

* No ipads cellphones before sleep..they only stimulate the brain to be more active..

* TV is okay...just avoid the 'heavy duty' nasty super violent ...will help you sleep Recon

* Venting to friend...very important...

* Make the GP a 'habit' even by just 'updating' him on your progress/issues you are healing

* Be kind to yourself...Be gentle to yourself....you are worth it...

* You are mentally stable....these are bad feelings....thats all...even the palpitations...the breathing..

I do hope you can let us know how you are going Recon...and thanks for responding..:-)

Kind Thoughts

Paul

[yut-yau]

Hi white knight,

I'm new here, this was the first thread I read, seems like a great resource.

I have developed some anxiety over the years.

There was one, where I would feel like I need to cough in the stressful situation. It would then turn into a coughing fit, which felt like it would go forever, but probably 30 seconds or so in reality. My method was to slow my breathing down, even holding my breath for a few seconds, then breathing slowly. It made my throat less likely to be irritated or c8nstrict, and mostly I was able to control coughing in this way.

My body,it seems, decided that it wanted me to panic, so in the same situations, I now cramp in my stomach, which can cause me to 'need the toilet'. I saw my GP and had tests to rule out any physiological problems, and we decided that it was anxiety.

I was thinking to try the muscle tensioning exercises you refer to here.

I have searched the site, and thinternet but can't find a good referende.

Would you be able to quickly explain the technique?

Thanks in advance.

[ReconciledSolace]

Some great tips there, I will try my best! Of course, easier said than done...

I really hate that sick feeling of helplessness and dejection that seems to be very persistent. Nonetheless, hopefully i can work around it all and improve.

Thank you so much!!

[blondguy]

Hey Recon

Thanks for replying..You are spot on. Very easily said..there is time and effort (like anything worthwhile) practise to make headway through these terrible feelings.

We are here if you need us Recon

Kind Thoughts

Paul