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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 4/12/2012 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I recently went from being single to having a girlfriend, her 6 yr old son, and our newborn living with me. It is absolutely wonderful and I really love being a dad and having a family. I don't feel stressed at all but... haha I have been to the ER for fear of having a heart attack and every other sickness recently ( past 6 months). I went to the doctor and had blood work and everything done and everything was fine, so he said it was panic/anxiety from hidden stress... I originally thought just when my heart started to race that was when I was gonna have a panic attack. Now I get the same feeling even when my heartbeat is normal. I worry about everything now, every lower back, stomach, head, or chest ache is cancer or something crazy,constantly checking my pulse, having dizzy spells and confusion... I love to go workout, and now I feel terrible during and after my workouts, like I don't even wanna go anymore because i get dizzy and scared. I also have IBS or something wrong in that area and I was told that doesn't help anxiety at all... Great! I'm really just tired of feeling this way!! I'm tired of always wanting to go to the doctor, and in my line of work others are not to forgiving with this. "Panic attacks are for women" is what I get... (No disrespect Intended). Is it my new lifestyle doing this? Will it ever get better? (the anxiety not the lifestyle) Are all these common with anxiety? Sorry so many questions and worries... I have never been like this and have never stressed about a thing in my life... I don't like medicine or mind altering drugs, are there any natural ways to get rid of this? Is it really mind control? GEEEEZZZZZZZ!!!! I would appreciate any help or words of encouragement, heck even truth, like you need to see a doctor, that's not anxiety... haha

Thanks
Posted 4/12/2012 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Legend -- I was like you in many respects -- never had much anxiety (or at least dealt with it pretty well). I also have a high stress and pretty unforgiving job, but I was good at it and successful. Then some things happened and I suffered serious, all-consuming anxiety for the first time in my life. It was a real trauma for me. This is all very recent. I quickly realized I could not handle it on my own. I saw a psychiatrist, got some medications, and began therapy. First couple of weeks were a bit rough -- medication side effects, and a lot of worry and anxiety. Couldn't sleep. Now things are settling down a bit. I am not out of the woods, but I feel like progress is being made & I am headed in the right direction. People on this board were very helpful. Anxiety is not just for women. Maybe sometimes women are more willing to admit it and seek help, but, sadly, anxiety is an equal opportunity affliction. Sure, family changes can cause anxiety - maybe even if you don't realize it. I suggest you talk with a counsellor. It could be helpful to explore where the anxiety is coming from and how to address it. And medication is not necessarily a bad thing. I was pretty anti meds, but they do have a role. Best wishes, Medved
Posted 4/13/2012 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Legend,

Welcome to Healing Well. You will find lots of support on here and gaining knowledge about anxiety is a good first step.

 

I went to therapy for a little while, did the anxiety workbooks and programs. I suffered with anxiety and panic for many years, just wanted to let you know I recovered without any medications.

 

I think most go the route of medication, but I knew there were no meds that cured the root of anxiety and panic...so I chose to cope with it and only work on the root using techniques. Everyone is different....just throwing it out there that it is possible to recover without meds.

 

Best wishes.....WM

Posted 4/13/2012 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I appreciate the responses... I was thinking about talking to someone about the root causes, and now I know Im going to. Its amazing how much reading everyones stories on here and interacting has already helped... I have been prescribed ativan and take it only when I have a bad time. I like the thought of having it but dont like taking it if that makes any sense... But like I said, I appreciate the responses and Im open to suggestions on any medications or natural remedies...

Thanks Again...
Posted 4/13/2012 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hi an welcome!

Major lifestyle changes...even positive ones, can be the trigger for anxiety. Please know that you are not alone. I have seen so many posts from people experiencing anxiety for the first time during life's big events...from starting college, or getting married...to moving, or new jobs, ect. Change, even happy change is still a stressor.

When anxiety gets to the point when you cant' do the things that you need and want to do, comfortably...then it is time to get help.

I recovered from panic disorder and have lessened my health anxiety through therapy (CBT) and I can't tell you what a difference it has made!

If you are leaning that direction, I really encourage you. In the meantime, we have an Anxiety-Panic Resource section (main page, 2nd post) that is full of self-help ideas that could get you started today. The breathing and relaxation exercises are especially good at reducing anxiety/panic symptoms.

Keep posting with us as well. It is very healing to simply talk with others who understand what you are going through!

Take care and talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 4/13/2012 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah Im going to ask around and try and find some good doctors in my area. I keep reading when you have new symptoms then is a good time to consult a physician. Seeing how this is all new to me, all symptoms are new... haha Even when I do wanna go to the doctor I dont because its almost as if I dont wanna know if anything serious is wrong but on the other hand I constantly worry. It just really sucks! im just glad Im not the only one. I feel weak and fatigue and loss of muscle mass now. I went from working out 6 days a week and playing ball to not working out at all, in fear of getting dizzy and confused and passing out, really strange feeling! But hopefully like you said maybe therapy or medicine or whatever a doctor has to advise me will work. Im ready to get back to my old life. without spending $1,000,000 ruling out every health problem in the book...

Thanks Again....
Posted 4/13/2012 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
Definitely know what you  mean about like to have the ativan (or, in my case, xanax) but dont like taking it.  I am exactly the same way!

 

Posted 4/13/2012 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Legend! Just wanted to let you know you're not alone (as you've seen so far on this site!). I recently got married, moved, changed jobs, and got a puppy all in a matter of less than a year. I started getting serious panic attacks all of a sudden (or what seemed like all of a sudden) about 6 months into these huge changes, and I didn't get it. I felt like you--I was happy, so where was the anxiety stemming from??

I have to say, I do take meds, so I'm not the best one to advise on natural methods. Meds were a means for me to get myself regulated physically so that I could work on the mental...but like others have said, it's a personal choice. I'm also female, and I think what was said is correct...it's easier for women to talk about. I think we're not expected to be 'strong', so talking about it isn't as big of a deal as it might be for men. But trust me, male or female, suffering from anxiety doesn't make you weak...seeking treatment does! Do it for yourself and your new family. You deserve the best quality of life you can have! (whether that be with or without meds, therapy, etc.).

Best of luck to you!
Posted 4/13/2012 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
So, do any of you get the anxiety feelings without rapid heartbeat? When I had my first panic attack i thought it was heart attack for sure!! Anytime shortly after that, when my heart would start racing I knew the other symptoms ( dizziness, confusion, fear, detached from reality) were sure to follow... Now the symptoms come when my heart isnt racing... Is this normal? Does it mean my anxiety is progressing? So many questions and so many worries and so many changes...

Thanks
Posted 4/13/2012 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
It is hard to say what the sympathetic nervous system will do or not do during any given anxiety episode...

I tend not to get the rapid hearbeat very often, or if I do, it does not last for long...maybe a few seconds, and then it calms down quickly.

I am also athletic...so my resting heartrate is very low...so a 'rapid' heartbeat for me might be in the 70's...maybe this is the same for you?

I never had any two anxiety attacks that were the same...and symptoms tend to morph. Once your system gets used to one fight or flight response, it may switch to another...this does not indicate that your anxiety is progressing, so much as just changing.

Getting into a recovery program and practicing self-help techniques will see a decrease in all of your symptoms.:)

S.C.
Posted 4/13/2012 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Same here--never had two panic attacks that were exactly alike. I guess variety is the spice of life!
Posted 4/14/2012 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
Lol!...that is definitely putting a positive spin on it LMF!!!

S.C.
Posted 4/14/2012 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
Haha I think I have enough spice for now!! But I love surprises and not knowing what to expect so I say bring it! lol Its funny because even when I'm having a panic attack thinking I'm about to die I'm joking with the people around me at the time. On the inside I'm terrified but still have everyone around me cracking up... but that's just how I am with most things pretty easy going... Which leads me to believe that I need to talk with someone because obviously I'm keeping something in... Its a working progress and joining this site was definitely a step in the right direction.
Posted 4/14/2012 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Legend2011


 

Good to meet you and welcome to the anxiety forum! You have found a great support group and I do hope you stick with us as we know where your coming from and what your going through.   I can relate to what you wrote in your post so you are not alone. I know how much  anxiety  can affect your life and it is hard to deal with.

Coming here and sharing your feelings with all of us was very brave and we are here to support you and share with you.  Great input from all of the members who have responded to you. 

Heart palpitations are very common for those of us with anxiety issues.  Reducing stress and anxiety can help lessen the frequency or intensity of your heart palpitations. Try breathing exercises or deep relaxation (a step-by-step process of tensing and then relaxing every muscle group in your body) when palpitations occur. 


Try to keep a journal of when, where, and what circumstances surround your  palpitations. Learn how to take your  pulse and document your  pulse rate, whether the palpitations occur in isolation or in a pattern, and what associated symptoms exist, including lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

And of course make that appointment with your PCP for a dx which may turn out to be anxiety.  You can learn to deal with the anxiety.  Most of all keep your sense of humor - mine has served me well over the years.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 4/17/2012 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Legend!

My attacks came on all of a sudden. And like others, none of them are ever the same... great, right?! lol. And I too can be joking with friends and "freaking" out on the inside. None of my friends know about my anxiety disorder. As far as the dizzy spells, I also have those. I've learned with my anxiety that it alternates between physical and mental symptoms. Sometimes its the palpitation and next week it will be a detachment feeling with dizziness and nausea. Sometimes, if i allow my anxiety about my dizziness to elevate, it will lead into a panic attack, so I've learned to just flow with it. I learned that I could feel my panic attacks coming on and once i could identify them, I learned to fight them off and accept them for what they are. I even learned to do this with my night anxiety attacks.

Welcome to the Forum!

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