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Posted 3/25/2010 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! I'm 22 years old and here is my basic story.

I've had anxiety for about two years now. I started taking zoloft for a few months in the beginning, but stopped after one refill because I'm afraid (go figure) of being dependent on medicine. Plus it didn't really help and I don't want to go through trials of medications to find "the right one for me."

My anxiety hasn't been too bad until recently. It's been kind of extreme and I don't know why. Yes, I am stressed at work, and also moving away from my family in a couple of months to live with my long distance fiance, BUT... it's nothing compared to things that most people have to deal with. So I don't know what my problem is. I am fully aware that I worry TOO much, that I stress when it isn't necessary. I just get overwhelmed, and I need help in dealing with this. I do have things going on in my life, but NOTHING that should make me just stop in my tracks so I know I should/need to stop stressing. I don't want all the stressing to do something serious to my health. I'm terrified of that. And even though I "know" it's just anxiety, Whenever it hits me like it has recently, I still get extremely scared that I have something SERIOUSLY wrong with me. I don't know how to get those thoughts out of my head and just accept it for what it is. I worry too much about dying, or something bad happening... I overwork my brain about things like that. I got blood work and a heart monitor test done two years ago when I first had an attack, and the results came back fine... But recently I keep saying to myself... What if something is seriously wrong now and they didn't catch it two years ago? What if something is wrong in my brain? I freak myself out and intensify my anxiety to where I just become detached from reality. I've heard of people experiencing that, but it is my absolute least favorite symptom. I get really weird and I just can't explain the feeling. If someone could maybe describe the detachment feeling, I would really appreciate it. Because I can't put it into words. That's my number 1 request.

Number 2 is, I would really appreciate it if people would give me insight about ways to naturally cope with anxiety. I don't want to take medicine. I just want to breathe deep and fight this. I know I am a strong person, I have great things in my life now and to look forward to. I'm overall usually a happy person, BUT when the anxiety affects my life whether it's for a day, two days, or one hour... it makes me not even enjoy things because I feel scared and helpless.

Thank you in advance. I hope joining this community helps me overcome this. confused
Posted 3/25/2010 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HealingWell and the A & P Forum. I know you are going to meet some great members and they are wise and caring.


Please stick with us and know we care. I will give you a chance to meet some of the members and then post more to you.



Gentle Hugs,



Kitt
Posted 3/25/2010 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome
wow..i worry about worrying i am always stressing about something
it does help to come here and share as well as get input imho\
hoping you stay with us
Posted 3/25/2010 4:02 AM (GMT 0)
littleleigh- OMG...reading your story felt like I was reading something typed by me. I am experiencing the same thoughts and feelings you are. My anxiety began about 2 1/2 years ago and has gotten worse over time. Even after bloodwork, 2 brain MRIs, a 21 day heart monitor, a cervical spine MRI, a heart ultrasound, an EEG (test for seizures), a transesophaugal echocardiogram (tube down throat to view the heart), thyroid scan and thyroid ultrasound, I still live in fear that there's something more wrong with me other than anxiety,...insane huh?? I live in constant worry and fear that there is some life threatening condition that I have that has not yet been diagnosed, leading me to think about dying way more than the average person. As far as the detachment feeling, this is a symptom of anxiety, and you're right, it is very hard to explain, but i describe it as an "outside of the body" feeling...for example, If I look into a mirror while experiencing it, it feels like I'm looking at myself but at the same time, I'm not, like I'm not actually "there"....VERY scary feeling. As far as medications....I , like you, would rather not get "hooked" on a prescription medication, so after trying Cymbalta and Savella for a couple of months, I came off them both. For the past couple of months I have been on a herbal supplement i ordered online called Amoryn/Seredyn (which contain natural ingredients)...Initially, it worked really well for me, but I am now finding that my body doesnt respond to it as well as before...(however, everyone is different, so this may be something you want to look into) I also began Fish Oil-Omega3 vitamins and B12 vitamins. Since beginning the whole "natural remedies", I cannot say my episodes have stopped; however, they have definitely decreased in frequency and intensity (havent been rushed to the ER within the past few months, thinking I'm dying, lol)...Lastly, a breathing technique that I use (that I read in a book) to help the episode to subside is to slowly inhale (through nose only, for 4 secs.), hold it for 4 seconds, then exhale slowly (out your mouth, for 4 seconds)..continue doing this until it subsides..sometimes helps for me, sometimes doesnt : (

Anyhow, I hope some of this information helps....and if it would give you a peace of mind, return back to your doctor for follow-up tests....wont' hurt anything. Good luck to you and take care!!

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