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Anxiety ruining life, anyone experienced something like this and know how to fix it?

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Posted 5/5/2016 9:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Tungster, thanks for the reply.

Sorry to hear that you have had such a hard time with this as well. I know that feeling of impending doom so well, It's basically 24/7 and I just can't figure out what the cause could be. When I try to think of what symptom is making me think I'm going to die I just can't come up with anything. I do get all those physical symptoms but it's so hard to explain what that feeling of impending doom feels like. I know the struggle its been getting worse the past few days, I can't even leave my room without feeling like I will drop dead.

I know about the whole flight or fight response but in my case it's like my body just stops and won't do anything. It's a weird feeling thinking that you're going to die and has lead to me leaving uni and work as well. I'm still convinced this isn't anxiety and that each day I will die, but then I wake up the next morning time and time again. It's been like this for the past 3 months and is slowly getting worse. I don't even think I can make it to the doctors anymore unless I take a large amount of vallium or something to keep me in check. I am so sure that I have something wrong with me and of course I just have to look my symptoms up online and make myself feel worse.

So many of these symptoms are just so strange and I'm sure I probably used to feel them but they are a normal thing, but then one day my brain just decides that it is something horrible. I constantly check my pulse and try to do some physical activity to see if my body is actually getting weaker like it feels it is. However although I have this impending sense of doom and all these other annoying physical symptoms it doesn't seem like anything is actually wrong with my body which is what baffles me. for example sometimes I'll just try throwing punches or kicking or something small like that and it feels like my body is doing it fine. But then if I try anything more this feeling like i'm going to die comes over me. Every day it just feels like im going to die any second even from the moment I wake up and in my dreams it is there. I just can't believe this is anxiety anymore. I keep telling myself that if it was wouldn't it have its ups and downs and not just be constant 24/7.

Even If I just walk into the kitchen I'll start to feel unbalanced and like im about to pass out a long with that intense fear of dying. I can barely even go to the bathroom anymore or leave my bedroom as I get all these annoying sensations which I must be relating to death. I just don't know what to try anymore, I've been to the doctors at least 30 times, been to ER 3 times, been to a psychologist, taken medication and nothing seems to be making it better, it is just getting worse and worse. Even as I'm sitting here typing I feel like I am going to drop dead any second. It's like this constant shock feeling and it feels as though my body shuts down then this intense shock will spread throughout my body as if to start my heart up again.

I'm just trying to tell myself this is anxiety but no matter how much reassurance I get, it still just feels like there has to be something wrong with my brain heart or body and that it is slowly shutting down.
I hope that you me and everyone else with these problems can find a way to make it through, I'm trying not to give up but it's extremely hard as I've still got a good 3 weeks of this before I can get a proper appointment with a psychiatrist.
Posted 5/5/2016 12:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Michael,

I'm sorry you feel this way it's a really crap feeling, on my first 2 week I went doctor ever 3 days changed doctor went to ER they gave me saline drops 500ml felt so re hydrated because I didn't eat for 2 weeks, what ever I drank I peed out 30 minutes later.

I stayed bed bound for 3 weeks due to crippling dizziness and tiredness, I would get out of bed try some tai chi to improve my breathing, you should try that, but I must say I felt like I used up a lot of energy and constantly felt like dying. And yes I checked my heart rate every 30 minutes for 3 weeks that's including night time till morning. I think the main thing that took over was depression which caused the symptoms to worsen, mask like face, lost of interest no libido, insomnia, because I thought I had a disease.
But I told myself screw if I can't eat, I'll go on a diet, if I can't stand up I'll just lie down till I feel better, if I can't sleep lying in bed all day your body still gets a lot of time to rest. I noticed the more I worried the symptoms got worst.

I read positive story's and it has helped, I also need to state I went through shock for a few days because I refused to accept my condition and I was begging for the ER to say I had heart disease.

Maybe your going through depression and shock just like me when my severe anxiety/panic came back.

Just don't force yourself to do too many things at once take your time do things slowly, try to accept if you can't do certain things like you used to, if you feel winded go lie down I had to lie down in my sisters room or on the living room for company. Also note when we have anxiety we tend to be hyper aware of our health that's why we're googling our symptoms, we look for something to blame that's physical rather than mental. I used to run 3-5km everyday, and then suddenly I couldn't walk down stairs without vomiting, nausea and thinking I was going to die, so I gave up trying lied down tried to accept and relax telling myself everyday it's just a phase and it will pass.

I'm 31 all my life I suffered from anxiety and depression , when it hits rock bottom it sucks ass, but the stress level will go down.

Let me give you one thing to think about, when we get the really bad flu, how come we never have impeding feeling of doom and fear? For me the symptoms of flu are deadly, high fever, vomiting, muscle tenderness, chills, diarrhoea, in bed for 48 hour straight. I actually need to go hospital sometimes, but I just ride it out and don't really care, but since my anxiety came back I was scared of a fly scared of a fast heart beat, scared of dizziness, scared of tiredness, scared for my health.


I know exactly how you feel buddy, but if I can feel better you can too. Just give it time for the stress to come down.
Posted 5/5/2016 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I'm 23 and I totally understand where you're coming from!
I have bad anxiety myself. Sometimes, I get very lightheaded and my arms and legs feel like they can't support my body. My heart is very fast and poundering in my chest when anxiety occurs. I feel like I'm gonna be out of air and lose my consciousness at any second. It does feels like a heart attack or something serious, which is not a good feeling at all! I also do have GERD and premature heartbeats, which doesn't make things any easier on me. :( I'm not sure if anyone else feel the same similar to me. :(

My best advice to you is always go to ER to get check out if you're uncertain about what's going on. They always give me a peace of mind after the test like ECG.. At least you'll know it's nothing serious. That's what I always do.

I REALLY hope you're feeling better soon, it's hard but we're strong warriors 😎👍🏻

All the best & respect,

Artaria.
Posted 5/5/2016 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Artaria and welcome!

We are glad you have joined us, and look forward to getting to know you better! Please consider starting your own thread of introduction anytime you feel comfortable doing so.

Read posts, respond...check out our great Resources (top of the main forum page) and continue to join in the support!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 5/8/2016 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Michael

How are you feeling...are you getting any better?
Posted 5/9/2016 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Prew, thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately it's getting worse I'm getting all these physical symptoms as well as pain more often. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and am hoping they will be able to refer me to a private psychiatrist as I doubt I can make it another 3 weeks until my appointment. I'm pretty much relying on vallium just to get through until tomorrow and only have a couple of tablets left, so hopefully I can make it another day and get the help I need.
Posted 5/9/2016 7:30 AM (GMT 0)
hi

Sorry to hear that, I would suggest that you start by the cardiologist for full check up on your heart so when you get to the psychiatrist, you know that all is well with your heart.

Its not nice to depend on pills to be a normal person but what can we do?
Get well and catch up on your studies.

Prew
Posted 5/9/2016 8:21 AM (GMT 0)
I tried to get a full check up but the doctors refused saying there was nothing wrong. I did get an ecg multiple times, as well as blood tests but they said there is no point going any further and that there is nothing wrong with my heart.

Even when I take the vallium I can't really do much and still have most of the physical sensations it just stops a massive "panic attack" from happening, and being reliant on it is quite horrible as I know how hard it is to get off this drug.

Maybe I just need to accept this is nothing serious, but whenever I try to ignore it, it just gets worse. There was a day when I was able to ignore it but then I had a sudden panic attack which was like a build up of the whole day so I don't want to try that again.

I've still got a few months until uni comes back so hopefully I'll be able to get something done before then.

Thanks for the reply.
Posted 5/15/2016 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Michael how's your week been.. How are u feeling? Hope you feeling much better.
God is for us ....
Posted 5/15/2016 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
i can also relate to what every ones wrote here when my anxiety started about two months ago i was felt ticking in my stomach and movement like there was a massive snake moving in me could also see the movement i was sooooo freaked out but turns out it was wind i too felt dizzy and it turns out i had a ear infection and my ears wasnt hurting so maybe worth a check there, right now my anxiety seems to be at a high i have no idea why i find if im busy im ok then im sitting here and just felt a sudden sense of doom ;( then i find im all winded up with trapped gas so am guessing it might have some connection to that it always seems to start up the anxiety
Posted 5/15/2016 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Michael how's your week been.. How are u feeling? Hope you feeling much better.
God is for us ....
Posted 5/15/2016 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

Unfortunately it's been much worse. I ended up calling an ambulance thinking it was related to my heart again. and they did an ecg like last time and said my heart seems fine (of course). My doctor changed my medication again so I'm hoping its just a side effect of that. I've been having trouble sleeping, don't fall off until around 2 am then i'll be woken up by this a few hours later with my heart beating hard and feeling all shaky/sick. I keep thinking that this has to be something else and keep looking up diseases, no matter what I do this uncomfortable feeling in my stomach won't go away, and when I tell my doctor she just acts like it's nothing and must be anxiety. I don't even know how to explain this anymore, it's like this constant uncomfortable pressure and sometimes it will send this shocking sensation throughout my back and chest which makes me feel like I'm about to die. It's making me too afraid to even try going to sleep anymore, even with this medication which is meant to make me sleepy I constantly feel this shocking sensation if I shut my eyes and it jolts me up.
Posted 5/16/2016 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
Michael,

I am so sorry this has been so rough!

You mention an Rx change...what was it?

S.C.
Posted 5/16/2016 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Michael

i was afraid to sleep for a month too, i was afraid to sleep and i was afraid i wasn't getting any sleep, im also hypochondriac, with severe health anxiety. so far i reckon i have, GERD, heart disease, asthma, pneumonia.

since your taking medication it might be the side effects that heighten your anxiety and symptoms. i dont take any medication but i do read reviews from highest ratings to calm me down.
it really helps to break the panic when i feel like its coming on, the idea that medication can help me put my mind at ease.

reason why i haven't been taking medication because of my health anxiety, im scared to take any medications. i had a panic attack immediately after swallowing a Valerian root. i dont eat any food that i think will make me sick, or breath in dust/fumes/smoke.
Posted 5/16/2016 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, thanks for the replies.

My doctor changed my medication from 30 mg mirtazapine at night and 2.5 mg zyprexa twice a day to 2.5 mg zyprexa 3 times a day, and 5 mg of lexapro a day, I was also told to stop taking the vallium which is what I used most of the time whenI felt really bad.

I don't know if there is actually somethign wrong with me or this. I've gone from thinking I was having a heart attack to thinking I was having a stroke, to thinking I have diabetes. and now going back and fourth between these. I'm hoping this is just due to starting new medication but it really feels like i'm going to die nay moment. It's hard to explain this extremely uncomfortable feeling in my stomach that makes me feel like i'm going to die. it's like a shocking feeling/constant butterflies and every time I try to go to sleep it will cause a shock that makes me sit up.

I don't know why this feeling bothers me so much, but it comes along with the typical other symptoms like dizziness and feeling like I'll pass out, making it really hard to even walk out of my room.
Posted 5/16/2016 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
Could it be brain zaps from the Mirtaz discontinuation? This is not an unusual withdrawl effect...

Whatever the reason...whether it be an Rx side effect, a discontinuation issue, or an anxiety symptom...

...what is not usual, or pleasant is the exaggerated health worries.:/

Have you checked out our self help for help anxiety yet in the Resources? These can really help if you read through the material, and start practicing the suggested exercises.

Let me know if you'd like me to post the links directly for you, okay?

S.C.
Posted 5/16/2016 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
I did get them a lot less back when I was on mirtazapine so it could be that. It's only been about 5 days since I swapped so I'm hoping that it will go away. it's just so weird the feeling is constantly there in my stomach, but then when I try to sleep it spikes and sends an electric feeling through my chest.

I'm currently working through the health modules, it's taking me a while because I can't focus too much at the moment. I've been practicing the breathing techniques which my psychologist told me to do. it helps with some of the symptoms but doesn't do much for the uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. I'll continue reading through the material and see if that helps.
Posted 5/16/2016 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
Baby steps...

...yeah, just do as much as you are able. It's quality, not quantity...and there's no benefit to rushing.

I'm just glad you have gotten started! You rock! ;)

Keep up the good work. I know one day feels like a thousand when you are feeling miserable...but it has not been so long since you starting making these transitions, so do your best to keep giving it time and patience.

We are here cheering you on!

S.C.
Posted 5/16/2016 3:57 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Michael.

Yes thrre was a stage for about 2 weeks I thought I had diabetes, I had the hospital check for diabetes and my new doctor test for diabetes, I had this constant sweet taste in my mouth also even tho I had no sweets to eat. Hope you get well soon.
Posted 5/16/2016 11:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies,

Hopefully I'll get past this one day. It's just so annoying how I get these symptoms then end up looking them up and become convinced its something bad and make it worse. I've had this constant feeling of thirst the past couple days and then I found out that's one of the main symptoms of diabetes, and now I can't stop thinking that all my other physical symptoms are related to this and will lead to a heart attack. Not sure if this is just the new drugs or what.
Posted 5/17/2016 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
I have experienced some of those symptoms too, and I'm sure for me it is anxiety/panic. Anxiety can effect your whole body, mind, muscles, organs, heart. I've also gone to the ER a couple times only to discover i wasn't having a stroke, but anxiety.
I'm not on any meds (I took paxil for 14 years and have been off of it for 9 months now) and trying to deal with soothing anxiety by lessening my stress and reading about it (I'm trying to do CBT to combat the stress right now too).

However, I carry a xanax pill in my pocket for emergencies. I use it 1x - 2x a week in those instances. It works faster than a Vallium. Vallium isn't the med of choice for panic, Xanax is as it is much faster acting. Though it stays in your system for a shorter period. I find that once I'm over that initial panic attack, I'm usually fine the rest of the day and don't need another dose. Meds won't cure you from your anxiety, but I'm okay using a pill as long as it's more of a supplement to help me overcome those really bad episodes.

Your meds might not be the right ones if you feel worse after taking them. Not everyone responds to the same medications. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. There likely is another alternative to help you better.
It also sounds like you have health anxiety. I had that too (and I still fight it off). I thought I had many diseases so far. It's what anxiety does to you. I hope this makes you feel better knowing that others have gone through similar feelings.
Posted 5/18/2016 11:49 AM (GMT 0)
I've got an appointment with my doctor tomorrow, as well as an appointment with my psychologist. I'm going to try to ask my doctor if I can get some proper tests, everyone seems so sure it's just anxiety but I still just can't stop thinking that it's something worse. Maybe if I get some tests done I will be able to convince myself and ignore the symptoms. I have had ecg and blood test before but just end up telling myself "what if they missed something" and "anxiety can't cause all of this it has to be something wrong. Maybe this is due to the side effects from swapping medication as well, I'll ask my doctor about all that tomorrow, I guess I just have to listen if my doctor says nothing is wrong and find out what the actual cause for these symptoms are. There are some parts in the day where I feel like I know it's anxiety and that I can keep going on. This is mainly in the morning after I wake up (if I manage to get to sleep) But then the sensations just overcome me as the day goes on and I end up thinking something like "this is a classic symptom of something bad, losing all my energy shortly after waking up and then feeling like this means something is wrong.

I do appreciate all the help and it does make me feel slightly better knowing others understand, but then when the symptoms get too strong I lose all reason and it's like there is just nothing I can do and I'm going to die or something bad is going to happen e.t.c. Anyway hopefully my doctor will be able to tell me if these symptoms are a side effect of the medication and what not.
Posted 5/18/2016 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hoping your appointments tomorrow bring you the answers and direction you need.

Make a pact with yourself that you will choose to believe whatever news you receive from your doctor...

...and make it your number one priority to work towards recovery for the health anxiety.

We will be here cheering you on! Keep us posted.:)

S.C.
Posted 5/20/2016 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
unfortunately I had a severe "panic attack" at the doctors. I was pretty convinced my heart was a about to stop for some reason. The doctor saw me and checked my pulse and told me it felt fine and she assumed it was a panic attack. I was in there for about an hour and was unable to make my appointment with the psychologist. So yeah, that ended pretty badly but I guess I just have to try and ignore these feelings and just say that they won't hurt me cause it's just a panic attack. I feel a bit better today, Still unable to leave the house at the moment but I haven't felt quite as bad, like I normally do 24/7. The doctor changed my medication again and told me to stop taking zyprexa and loxalate and gave me a script for Valium. She said to take 1-2 5mg tablets 3 times a day, but if I feel like I don't need it to just not take it. I guess if it was something serious she would have picked up on it in the multiple visits I've had. so I'm trying to accept that it's just constant panic attacks and that although they feel like they'll kill me, they won't.
Posted 5/20/2016 7:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Michael,

Just give yourself a break from stress, stay home and rest while your on meds to get through side effects.

Don't push yourself too much. It's alright buddy I used to be a athlete, now I'm at home 3 months straight now. I get over worked when I think too much and push myself too much, so I just do one thing at a time.

sucks not being able to run 10km everyday like I used to.

Although Feeling better day by day.
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