My anxiety :(

Hi all,

First, let me say hello and introduce myself. This is my first post on this forum and I'm glad I have people to talk to. I have pretty bad anxiety and it's manifesting itself physically. I had a hard time accepting this because I couldn't understand how anxiety could cause physical signs. A few years ago, when my dad got sick, I lost weight without trying and couldn't gain no matter how much I ate. Things have been pretty much the same since and over the last year or 2, I started with more symptoms like a racing heart and feeling like I was vibrating. I went through enough medical testing for 3 lifetimes and all is clear! Anyway, I went to my doctor last week because I'm so upset over my inability to gain weight. She said I'm in a vicious anxiety cycle and that I'm just burning calories. Can anxiety really do this? She wants me to start Buspar, she said it will help. Of course I'm anxious to start medicine. Can anyone relate to my situation? Is Buspar a good medication? I can use any support and suggestions you're willing to share. Thanks so much for reading.

Scaredy Cat,

Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I feel so alone and am comforted knowing that people understand what I'm going through.
My friends and family tell me to suck it up and have a positive attitude, that I should be happier and I have no reason to be anxious. I'm trying so hard and have been trying for the last several years. I don't know what I'm doing wrong but I can't help but be anxious. Is it a chemical imbalance? People call me a hypochondriac, I just want to hide
The physical aspects have me upset, and it's not the vanity. Sure, the anxiety has aged me and any cuteness I once had is out the window! But I worry that there is something physically wrong with me that doctors are missing even though I've had hundreds of tests and doctors say I'm fine. I guess that makes me a hypochondriac? I tell my doctors that I don't need to be a super hero, I just want to be ok.
Anyway, I'm rambling again. I'm happy to hear that Buspar is a good medication, I took my first dose this morning. I'm looking forward to brighter days ahead.
Thank you again for accepting me and understanding. I really appreciate it. Big hugs

I feel I can relate a lot to your experience. I too have health anxiety and had the hardest time accepting it was anxiety and not something more. I had tons of tests done and everything was alright. I felt sure every minute of every day that I was dying.

Once I started meds things started getting better. I take Celexa but hear Buspar is also good. Once I started therapy and self help things got even better! I still have rough moments and occasional days, but they are becoming few and far between.

My advice is give the med time to take effect. It can take up to six weeks and those can be pretty rough but if you stick it out, it'll get much better. Also keep in mind that one med not work for you like it did others. You might need to try a few different ones before you hit on what works for you.

I highly suggest therapy. It's been a life saver. If that's something that's available to you, do it!

Posting here has also been a huge help. Just having people to talk to or vent to helps. There's lots of amazing people here that will support you through your journey!

I hope you find peace soon. Let us know how the medication works out for you!

Of course you may! Yes, I had weight loss, hair loss, vomiting (cyclical vomiting syndrome from anxiety), heart palps, and chest pain/heaviness. Plus a host of other things when I had an actual panic attack.

I can't say you'll for sure feel worse before you feel better, but I did. It only lasted maybe two weeks? There was some other mild symptoms but nothing too bad. They all subsided quickly and by week four I felt pretty good. Week six and it was even better. I was scared to start as well, but I'm so glad I did. I've stopped vomiting, the weight loss has slowed down though I am still working to lose weight (I need to). My heart palps are gone. I still have the occasional chest heaviness when I get super stressed but with my self help measures it's nothing unbearable.

Give the medication time. It will help I'm sure. And if it doesn't work, or work as good as you'd hoped, ask to try something different. There's more options. And, again, for me the real winner has been a combination of medication, therapy, and self help. Those three together works best for me.

Support is key. It's lovely to have this group who all truely understand because they've all been there. We'll help you the best we can!

You're very welcome! Good luck on your journey forward!

Here's more info on CBT

/psychcentral.com/lib/in-depth-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/

S.C.

When I was in my last anxious cycle, I lost SO much weight. I was down 20 pounds the first month and then another 10 followed. I stayed 30 pounds down for almost a year, no matter what I ate. As I felt better, I slowly started gaining the weight back again.

Other than weight loss, I had most of the symptoms you talk about.

I also was put on buspar (I had been on it 5 years previous too). The start up effects are not nearly as bad as what you might experience with an SSRI, as I just had light headedness.

Years ago, when I took buspar, it brought me right out of the "cycle" (after giving it about two weeks to kick in).

Good luck!

I can't say if you should stop. That's up to you. You'll know better than anyone if you can handle the side effects. I will say that I wouldn't stop. Give it some time. If they're severe, obviously talk with your doc about stopping. I really think you'll find it very helpful. Some people don't have any side effects so maybe that'll be you!

The worst for me was the slight increase of anxiety during the start up. My doctor was kind enough to give me a small script of Xanax to help during that time. I still have most left and that was months ago. If the start up anxiety is pretty bad for you, maybe ask your doctor about that. I know a lot of doctors won't, and a lot of people don't like taking benzos so it's completely understandable if you don't want to.

Be kind to yourself. Anxiety is just as powerful and debilitating as any physical illness. Take it one day at a time and soon you'll be feeling better.

Hoping for peace finds you soon. Keep in contact!

You have definitely found a great/safe place for support...a family, really!

Stay on and post anytime for sharing and encouragement...we are glad to have you!

S.C.

Please keep us updated on the Buspar, as I'm a little nervous about taking more meds too. I'm brand new, and this seems like a great place to speak with individuals that truly understand what anxiety is like and how much it can frustrate everything in your life.

Thank you. I pray the same for you!