HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

daytime cortisol levels causing extreme anxiety, panic, heart racing

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 4/18/2016 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
I am experiencing a high amount of panic, anxiety and heart palpitations from daytime cortisol levels. I have had many tests run and I do not present with any tumors. My cortisol levels are elevated but not enough for cushings. From 4:00 am until 4:00 pm I experience these symptoms. They are worst from 7:30 til 1:00 pm.

I cry, cannot think straight, worry tremendously. I am still trying to work. It is hard because I have no privacy.

In the evening around 6:00 _7:00 pm I feel better, but exhausted from fighting the panic all day. I also become overwhelmed very easily and going out has become very stressful unless with my husband. Even in evenings.

I used to be a very involved person, my life has turned inside out from this. I take clonazepam for anxiety, but what I am experiencing...the clonazepam doesn't relieve it. I try meditating, praying, nutriceuticals, my thyroid is balanced with meds.

I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in December 2015.

I have had these symptoms since July 2015.

Can anyone tell me what is going on? I feel like I'm headed for a breakdown.
Posted 4/18/2016 7:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry you are having a tough time at the moment.

Could these symptoms be related to Lyme disease? We have a Lyme disease forum so it may be worth posting there if you haven't already.

That is good that you are using meditation keep up with that as it can really improve anxiety and I would go back and speak with your doctor regarding an action plan re your anxiety as you may need some different medication. Also ask about a referral to see a therapist for some talking therapy such as CBT which gets good results.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 4/18/2016 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I too am sorry to hear of your anxiety challenges. I know how this feels, and understand how difficult it is.

Have you consulted with a psychiatrist regarding your anxiety management? This doctor may be the best choice for balancing the physical and mental aspects of your treatment.

Through the use of medication and therapy together, you will have a well rounded program for recovery.

For now, please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material. ..and post with us anytime for support!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 4/18/2016 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,
I was having a really tough time a few months ago with similar issues. I started seeing a Functional Medicine MD who diagnosed me with adrenal fatigue and is now treating me. It has almost eliminated my anxiety! Look for someone who practices functional medicine or a naturopath, as a allopathic MD typically doesn't think that adrenal fatigue is actually a condition.
Posted 4/19/2016 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your replies. I am seeing a functional medicine doctor who is also an LLMD, treating my Lyme disease. I am in regular contact with my psychiatrist - she is very supportive. Yes the anxiety and panic is related to the Lyme disease, even though I have had manageable anxiety in the past. This is so over the top it is terrifying. I see 2 therapists. One is Christian based and we use the bible which brings comfort.

The worst thing is waking every day to this panic and anxiety. The changes it has caused in my life. I am so extremely depressed. I don't feel a part of things. Like I am watching my life from the sidelines. I try to just focus day to day..sometimes minute to minute. I'm so tired, would love to be able to rest and have someone take care of me. Please keep me in your prayers.
Posted 4/19/2016 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Gb,

We will certainly do so!

I know how hard it is to start the day in this state. Discouragement and depression are certainly understandable adversaries that we face along with the anxiety. It is great to hear all that you are doing for your management and recovery. Keep up the fantastic work, and know that there is hope for progress!

Support is key, so please consider this a place to share and find comfort and understanding anytime you need it.

Talk soon,

S.C.
Posted 4/19/2016 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
GB

I know the feeling, if it helps I experience daily morning anxiety also!!

I wake up at 7 am every single morning and cannot go back to sleep.

I fight it all day also and am better around evening also.

I think you might new some medication changes...bc I know life cannot be lived like this!!

Just know that there is hope,  things will get better. This is not permanent!

Im going through some medication changes myself, and I know how hard every day is....

I am too watching my life from the outside and it is very depressing!!!

My prayers are with everyone going through this and I know GOD is not blind to us suffering!!!

lots of hugs and prayers from Claudia

Posted 4/19/2016 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
You aren't alone. I have anxiety as soon as I open my eyes every single morning. It's like waking up in prison. After trying many things that haven't worked, I too am working with a doctor who is an adrenal specialist because my cortisol and neurotransmitters are all over the place. Unfortunately, it seems some of the supplements have made me feel pretty amped up, but I just started 4 days ago. I'm definitely not out of the woods. Hang in there. I keep telling myself that body always strives to return to balance, and I'm just heading down that path.
Posted 4/20/2016 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
I just need relief. Thank you for the replies. M

My endocrinologist has me taking cabergoline and dexamethasone. I also take Rhodiola, kavinace and relora. I have found the longer I take the adaptogens, the less effective they are. I must be building a tolerance.

Others have told me of struggles with high cortisol and anxiety. I'm surprised treatment is so limited. My endocrinologist said it has a physiological basis. It is the imbalance of hormones and such causing it.

It's frustrating. I dread going to bed knowing what I'm going to wake up to.

Has anyone had success with any other types of treatment?
Posted 4/20/2016 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
I'm doing a magnesium protocol created by Morley Robbins (facebook group Magnesium Advocacy Group, or gotmag.org) that has really really helped me.
Posted 4/24/2016 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
I'm feeling defeated. I have so much anxiety and need it to stop. I can't think straight anymore. My life feels meaningless. No joy, no motivation to do anything. So tired, so much worry. I wish God would call me home. Thank you for the support. Bless you.
Posted 4/24/2016 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Gb,

I am so sorry this is such a rough time for you now!

I know it is really hard to keep up with beneficial coping skills when you are feeling down...

...but that is when we need them most!

Try and take just a couple of steps each day towards this goal. Go out for some exercise, then learn a new management technique. (see our Resources! ) Call a friend, try a new hobby... or find another interest/distraction to break the cycle of anxiety/depression.

We are here for you cheering you on. This valley with not last forever! You are going to gain ground, and be on the top of the mountain again, have faith.:)

Thoughts and prayers!

S.C.
Posted 4/24/2016 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
There is nothing I want more than to feel better. I push so hard every day....so that my loved ones lives are not pulled into this. I am at a point where I need to rest, I need care for me. I have been working my job this whole time. I think I need a leave from work. My husband doesn't want to talk about it. He is an avoider and thinks it will all fix itself. Why did my life go away? Why?
Posted 4/25/2016 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
You need an outlet to work through these feelings! We are here for you of course...

...but you might also feel some relief working through the Therapy Worksheets, and the Moodgym on-line therapy site...both found in our Resources.

This is something you can do just for YOU, to decompress from the stressors you are facing daily.

Keep posting...we are cheering you on!

S.C.
Posted 4/25/2016 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
I will try those resources. Thank you for being here!
Posted 4/25/2016 11:40 AM (GMT 0)
I will keep you in my prayers. It will get better. I went from being horribly anxious and depressed to feeling normal and happy for ten years after. My big mistake was weaning myself off my AD in the first place. The doctor prescribed me an anti-biotic that I had an adverse reaction to and now I'm fighting it again. But I know it will get better and my life will get back to what it was. Yours will too, with faith and fight. Hoping for relief for you soon.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply