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Work on anxiety first?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 2/17/2014 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
I'm thinking that I should work on my emotional/mental issues before going to any more doctors to work on my medical problems. I keep worrying about my headaches/pressure/lightheadedness fearing it's a brain tumor. In all reality, it's probably anxiety based. I wake up in the morning and I'm usually ok. By early afternoon the symptoms begin. I expect to feel all my symptoms so it's a self fulfilling prophecy. Or at least I'm hoping that's what it is. If I don't get my head together, I'll never be able to handle any physical issues if some actually exist. Since my physical symptoms aren't getting any worse, I'm thinking I should try to get myself together and see how I feel then. I don't ever expect to fully be relieved of all of my anxiety. But I'm hoping to get it under control. Every morning I wake up saying today will be different. But I think in the back of my mind I don't really believe it. And if I don't believe it, I'm never going to get better. At this point, I don't know what it will take for me to believe that I can ever feel any better. I guess if I felt a glimmer of hope, I'd gain the confidence and strength to get through this. Everything happens for a reason. But I'm at a loss as to what good reason there is for me to feel like this. Tomorrow is another day and I have a session with my therapist. It's only the third session so I need to give it time I guess. I just wish curing anxiety would come with a guarantee of quick cure. Not very likely! I think I need to work on gaining a positive attitude. Without it, I'm always going to feel like this. And that's no life. So between the only two friends I've told about this, my therapist, my faith and the wonderful people on this board, I'm hoping enough positive thoughts are being sent my way and that I'll soon be able to hold on to them and get my life back! Thanks for letting me rant. It's late and I should be in bed but I'm afraid anxiety will keep me awake. So I'm trying to tire myself out!
Posted 2/17/2014 7:22 AM (GMT 0)
I find your post interesting in the approach you are thinking about taking. I'd like to share my thoughts.

Our bodies are a combination of spiritual, psychological, and physical in their being. "Spiritual" doesn't have to do with religion, it has to do with peace of spirit, a calm being, --often the peace that comes with things like yoga, deep breathing exercises, consciousness of thought and being in the moment. The psychological and physical are just as connected.

Is it possible to continue to work on all three aspects of yourself?

I ask for this reason.... Instead of trying to throw yourself into one single approach, and dig all your energy to this or into that, how would you feel about taking little steps in all directions, so everything that is you has a chance to calm down. Compartmentalize yourself so you have different "blocks" of things to work on?

All three practices take time. Your day will feel more full and complete if you take 3 baby steps (one in each direction) instead of 1 step forward and leaving 2 behind.

As I write this, I know it can sound confusing, but what I am trying to say is: Be kind, gentle, and invest in everything that makes you "YOU!" :) You may be surprised at the opportunities you find.

Whatever you do decide, remind yourself that the choice is yours and that you do need to feel comfortable and safe with whatever you do.

There is some old saying that I cannot recall exactly but it goes sort of like: If you keep on doing, what you've always been doing, but keep expecting different results........well, that just isn't going to happen.

You're right, there's no cure. But we do try hard to find ways, (there's usually more than one that we all use) to help us learn stronger coping skills.



M.
Posted 2/17/2014 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
You make some really great points. I've changed my eating habits to eliminate caffeine and sugar. So that's working on the physical. I'm seeing a therapist to work on the mental. As for the spiritual I'm looking for a yoga class. I still work out at the gym. I don't always want to go everyday but the distraction and obvious health gains can't be ignored. I guess what I meant by not working on the physical is not to run to the doctor and get myself more worked up if he wants a MRI or something. I have severe health anxiety so unless it's a critical issue I need to focus on my anxiety and my ability to reach out to people who are there for me. I'm known as the strong that everyone comes to for help. It's not easy fir me to ask for help in return. Especially with my feelings. I'm very closed in. Have been all my life. Looks as though that hasn't worked out so well!!
Posted 2/17/2014 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Great interaction in this conversation.  I find, specialone, that reading your last words here reminded me of myself.  I always was the "strong" one, always raised my hand to volunteer, felt people judged me by how productive and tough I was but always tough in mind and spirit not mean.

One day it all boiled over and I literally had a major depressive meltdown - why - because my mind and body were tired.  For 24 years at work I kept it my "secret" that I had a dx of depression and anxiety.  When I shared with my staff at the time of my melt down they laughed and thought I was joking - you see I had become one of the world's best actresses.  Nobody guessed that on the inside I was quivering or that I would cry driving home from work from stress and fatigue.

I was in charge of the Emergency Department and I was proud of how much I could deal with and the lives we saved while my own life was crumbling.

It may be time for you to step away from your comfort level of not asking for help and give it a try- "I need help", just 3 little words.

I wish you peace.

 

Kitt

Posted 2/17/2014 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
Do you have a primary care physician that you see on a regular basis? If so, maybe they could help relieve a little of this pressure, if I understand what it is you're battling with.

I see my nurse practitioner on a regular basis and keep her informed of everything that's going on with my health - physical and mental. In fact, when I went into inpatient treatment earlier this year for depression, I stopped by her office on the way home - still wearing my hospital bracelet. lol

Anyway, she's really good at letting me know if something needs more investigation or if she thinks it's "anxiety stuff." I trust her and that has really helped me focus on my mental health without worrying as much about every ache and pain.
Posted 2/17/2014 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi special, like u and kitt, I was also the one people would run to and I found it so hard to reach out. I am 100% sure this contrributed greatly to my nervous breakdown in 2010. Special we are not made of steel, we need nurturing, attention, care, love just like everybody else. Seek help from someone who has earned the right to hear your vulnerable side, not someone who will pour salt over your wounds. Take care :)
Posted 2/17/2014 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
I'm working on baby steps. Unfortunately I had to cancel my appointment with my therapist today. The weather is so bad it would have taken me at least one hour to get to her office and another hour (maybe longer) to get home. I figured I'd be so worked up by the time I got there that I'd spend the next hour worried about driving home in what looks like a blizzard outside. I only had a few anxious moments today so that wasn't too bad. As long as I take .5mg of Xanax every 6 or 7 hours I'm ok. I'm still very scared about getting addicted to it but my therapist and my doctor's nurse indicate I'm taking a very small dose (only 2 or 3 pills a day) that stopping them when it's time shouldn't be difficult. I can't wait for the day when I only need to take them as needed and not every day. Someday that will happen! I'm going to call one of the two people who know about my condition this evening just to talk. I need to keep communicating with people as much as I want to stay holed up in my house by myself. But that's what got me where I am right now. So I'm going to call them and just chat about whatever pops into my head. I've spent my whole life helping other people. It's time for me to learn how to ask for help. Not easy that's for sure!
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