Please Read

Hey Guys -

Please help. I have anxiety. I have suffered with anxiety for YEARS. Only recently has it felt "different" - seems more intense, and symptoms are changing. Most recently I have experienced these sensations that go along with my stomach. I could be sitting perfectly fine zero anxiety and all of a sudden out of nowhere I feel like I stopped breathing for a second, I get this intense sensation throughout my body - I feel anxious and feel like I'm gonna pass out. I never actually pass out, ever. Immediately after I feel like my stomach is a mess and I have to use the bathroom. I am always under stress with my job and constantly suffering with health anxiety. I mentioned this symptom to my doctor who claims it's IBS and anxiety. But guys, this is where I need your help. How the heck is it possible that I could be in the comfort of my own home, sitting on my couch, watching a funny movie or doing something like scrap booking and out of nowhere (remember I am not even anxious) and I get this intense sensation as I described above. How can this be anxiety. Can anxiety come out of nowhere like this and last seconds AND make a person have a bowel movement too? Im convinced this is something else, like cancer or blood flow issue or blockage - something!!!!

BT,

Have you ever seen a picture or an iceberg...one where it shows what is above and below the water's surface?

The much smaller tip of the iceberg is our conscious awareness.

The huge hunk of ice below is our subconscious.

We harbor much of our anxiety there...not even aware of it being the size that it is...this is why we are incredulous as far as our symptoms go.

We think "How can I have this reaction when I am feeling calm?"

Well the subconscious registers this...and our bodies too!

The gut/brain connection is really strong!

Your doctor has told you it is IBS...

...we here all agree...

...how about trying to accept the same thing...and working on your anxiety management with all that you've got, and see how this works? :)

With support and understanding,

S.C.

Aw...I know BT...

It is really hard when the anxiety changes the rules, and we feel new things...


...but it can and does do this... I have experienced it myself, and read countless stories from others.

Try to trust this and accept the anxiety...

...and keep working on all that you can to treat this!! We will be cheering you on!

S.C.

Hi Bturc, reading your post was like reading about myself. Mine usually happens at night, I wake up and dont feel anxious at all then all of a sudden I have this huge wave of anxiety.
My main symptom is shortness of breath but I often feel sick and have to rush to the toilet. It happens sometimes when I am at home also or even at work, I can be sitting at my computer or in a meeting and not feeling stressed or anxious at all then all of a sudden it hits me.

It is scary and frustrating because you dont see it coming so cant 'prepare' for it but I do believe it is something going on in our subconscious. Just know you're not alone in this and it really is 'normal'. Keep your head up and keep strong.