Will this feeling ever go away...

Hi everyone,

I've been ok for the last two weeks...then today it all came back. Health anxiety at its worst.. Heard about someone needing a stunt pit in his heart and all day my chest felt heavy, step father had to be rushed to the hospital and I had a horrible panic attack. Hate this feeling... So scared, it's driving me crazy

Ms. Jessy,

I am sorry that your anxiety is flaring up.:( Things that we hear about that scare us can really be a trigger.

Sorry if I use this illustration all of the time, but it is a good one.

When things happen to others, we tend to internalize it, and make it into our own worry...but it is ususally only the negative stuff!

If you heard of someone you know winning the lottery, would you quit your job, assuming you were the next one to hit it big? Of course not!

Well, the same logic applies here.  There really is no more chance that you will have a cardio episode such as the one you heard about...just as you would not win the lottery, simply because you heard of someone else winning.

Having a loved one who is ill is another story. This hits home because of the double worry...for them of course, and also because it brings to the surface our health anxieties. So it is not suprising that you would have panic in regards to your step-father going to the hospital. I really hope that he will be alright!

The suggestion of breathing skills that R2R recommended is a great one...as are the other techniques found in our Resources.

I hope that you can get to a calmer place very soon.

Keep posting, we understand and care about you.:)

S.C.

Ms.Jessy,

Good Morning my friend. Anxiety can be fixed, not completely cured, but can definitely be controlled.  I wish I had the magic answer but I will list a few things that I have tried as well as many others that I know have found useful.

1. Changed my diet- no more fast food! I.E. Taco Bell, McDonalds, Burger King- these foods are filled with preservatives, trans fats, and  lots of calories.

2. Started taking a good multivitamin - I use GNC Ultra Mega Green Women's Dietary Supplement plus a all around multivitamin.

4. Read  Practicing the Power of Now: Essential Teachings, Meditations, and Exercises From The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

5. Try chamomile tea-this really relaxes you after a stressful day.

6. Exercise! ( Please don't be frightened by this one)   Especially cardio like running or biking- at first I was scared of cardio workouts because it would increase my heart rate and somewhat simulate a panic attack but then after 2 weeks of cardio this went away and I felt amazing. I realized the heart racing feeling wasn’t that bad, in fact my heart rate even got lower because I started doing cardio regularly and now I have more energy and feel good after working out.

7. Consider seeing a  naturopath.  I have heard others talk about how a naturopath changed their diet and improved their overall health. (This is one I am considering)

8. Last but not least, face your fears! This one is the hardest one of all but once you conquer this one you will feel much better.  There is no way to be 100% anxiety free but conquering your fears will go a long way in helping you to feel stronger and make life better for you.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Kindly,

Kitt