HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

My Anxiety Incident

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/2/2013 11:52 PM (GMT 0)

I was just recently diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and heres what happened to me. about a year ago I was put in a situation where I was in fear for my life. To be exact this situation happened in May of 2012. This I think was the triggering moment for my anxiety disorder. A couple of days following the incident I noticed I required an odd amount of sleep that I have never required before. I ended up sleeping more than 12 hours per day. Within about 4 days of the incident I started having panic attacks multiple times per day. My heart would start beating hard, I would get tunnel vision, and fear that I was dieing. I would also get really shaky and dizzy. Around this time I ended up loosing about 20 pounds because I didn't feel like eating. My body was basicly in survival mode. During the panic attacks I would worry that I wasn't breathing enough and so I would concentrate on breathing properly. I remember that I wanted to get enough air without hyperventilating. Also after the panic attacks I would be encredibly fatigued. I would suddenly feel as if I hadn't slept in days. These panic attacks lasted for about a month and a half. During the time where I was having these panic attacks there would be times where they would happen when I was driving or at work. This is pretty scary when it happens during these times. When I was driving and this happened I would have to get off the freeway at the next exit and stop at a gas station or something for about 20 minutes. I ended up missing about a week or two worth of work during this time. After the month and half of Panic attacks and around the same time I started to realize what was going on, the Panic attacks pretty much went away. So from this time up until about a couple of months ago It has been mild anxiety compared to what I was going through with the occasional "bad day". When I say mild anxiety what I mean is that only a couple of symptoms of anxiety would be present at a time. Most days I would still have the tunnel vision or pressure in the head feeling however. I would also have heart palpitations every once in a while. At first these kind of freaked me out because I didn't know what was going on. My anxiety had calmed down and it was tolorable at this point in my life and I was no longer having panic attacks. However a couple of months ago (December 2012ish) My anxiety (I think?) is starting to act up again and im starting to rebound back. Also I would like to add that I started seeing a therapist at the beginning of january 2013. Now every morning when I wake up for the past month or so my stomach feels like it is in a knot. Im basicly waking up with anxiety right away and feeling nausous. This is something that is new. Also in addition to this I wake up feeling like I have to use the bathroom (Irratable Bowel Syndrome?). I also feel like the anxiety is comming back but no panic attacks yet. Since I have been seeing the therapist we have been doing basic counceling and I was trying to see if I could fix my issue without medication but I think I might try to get on medication because I am getting sick of feeling like this. Next week I have a doctors appt to get on medication and then also because I think it is a possibility I am having a sleep apnea test done here soon. My dad has sleep apnea and I think it could be possible that that might be what is in part causing these symptoms. Im really hoping it isn't but at the same time I just want to know for sure what it is and have an answer for how to make it go away. The wierdest fact about all of this is that there isn't really any particular stress or any reason for anxiety other than from that event almost a year ago. Has anyone else experienced something like what I have? What is your opinion?

Posted 3/3/2013 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Travis. I too have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, multiple times, by multiple physicians.
My anxiety became debilitating in 2003 and I finally had to see a doctor. I was experiencing such bad heart palpitations that my vision would go black and the chest pains were knee weakening! Not to mention the drastic weight loss, insomnia and tremors (hands shaking uncontrollably)
I was diagnosed with GAD- general anxiety disorder and was given a few days supply of Ativan for fast acting relief and help with sleep, as well as Paxil CR. within 5days I felt WORSE from the PaxilCR then I did before I saw the doctor! I was faint, couldn't sleep one bit( literally stayed awake for 72 hours straight) so I went back to the doctor for a follow up visit. The doc asked me to consider staying on the PaxilCR for at least 4weeks because she really felt it would benefit me in the long run. My pulse was close to dangerously high so I was fitted with a monitor to wear for 3days to track my heart rate and pattern.
Sure enough! Within 12 days my symptoms had subsided drastically and I was sleeping, my racing uncontrollable thoughts had slowed down enough to give my poor brain a break and I could eat and sleep again! I stayed on the PaxilCR for another 3years.
I felt wonderful those years and I decided things were going so well in my life that I'd taper myself off of the PaxilCR (you must slowly taper off of an SSRI. If you aren't familiar with what an SSRI drug is, definitely do some research) after tapering for 60days, I was drug free and felt okay. Just okay... A year went by before I knew it and family and friends and even strangers began asking me more and more often, why my hands were shaking? Why are you shaking, are you upset? And I didn't even notice it. And I wasn't upset or nervous one bit...? It was strange. But I paid attention more and by this time I'd moved to far away to go see the doctor I had seen for a few years, so I made an appointment with a psychiatrist.
Upon my visit with the new doc, I gave him my medical history. Told him I was having that constant " knot in my stomach feeling, even when things were great and happy". I explained how I never felt better in the PaxilCR, so of course he put me back on the medicine that has a history of success for me. He also gave me several pamphlets relating to anxiety and told me to do some online research and Google anxiety disorders, side effects and become more familiar and in touch with what may "trigger" my anxiety. Guess what? I can be on vacation, shopping or doing the things I LOVE the most!!! And my hands will tremor, my pulse will sky rocket. I've since been diagnosed with Severe Anxiety Disorder and a combination of PaxilCR along with a 2mg Ativan (Ativan maybe a half of one every other evening at the most) controls my side effects, controls my moods and allows me to live a life without my stomach in knots, diarrhea ( this happens when you're super nervous/anxious and your stomach is in knots and your body naturally produces and dumps large amounts of bile into your stomach and the bile is what causes the diarrhea- just FYl) and having to worry I'll have a panic attack for no apparent while sitting in a movie theater with friends! I LOVE PaxilCR!!!!
Do know!!! Taking ANY SSRI will cause side effects and sometimes it can take a year to go through and try the many options of the drugs that work best with the least amount of side effects for you. Be patient! You could try the 1st drug your doc recommends and it could be a life saver for you. OR it could take some time. If I can offer any advice you do take; DON'T worry about having to be on medication. DON'T worry about feeling you're stuck taking medicine the rest of your life. Things change and one day you very well COULD be fine with zero anxiety. Keep an open mind. Throughout therapy, I've realized by thinking to my childhood, that ive suffered from some form of anxiety way back to when I was 6-7years old I remembered.... Medicine combined with some therapy, will really really do an anxiety sufferer some good! Do it :) And good luck!!
Gia ;)
Posted 3/3/2013 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome to both of you!

I am glad that you are both pro-actively doing the things that you need to do in order to have a good recovery!

Everyone is different, and therefore it is all about finding what works for you as in idividual.

Travis,

I am sorry to hear of your scary anxiety trigger and the challenges that it has caused for you. Keep working towards your goals however...you will find what you need to manage your anxiety. Therapy and medication, as well as self-help are all effective tools that will all be of benefit for you. Take a look into our Resource Guide here (main page 1st post) and see if anything looks like it could be of help. The breathing and relaxation exercise links are really good!

GiaPia,

I am so glad to hear that you are happy on your Rx and having success over the anxiety and physical symptoms! Keep up the fight, and continue to feel well! Thanks for sharing with us.

Both of you are welcome here, and we hope that you will continue to post with us! Looking forward to getting to know you better.:)

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 3/4/2013 5:43 AM (GMT 0)
If I were going to make a recomendation to you it would be read every post in this forum, you will find out that you have a lot of company, you are not different, there may be some small diferences but over all were in the same boat. Dont let a macho sence of who your are influnce the decision to take meds,
I am a 70 year old X VN vet, taking a med that alows me to function, hold a job, just enjoy life in general is not demeaning in any way, there are several on this post that go without and thats fine also, just give yourself some slack, remember read the other peoples posts.
Larry
Posted 3/5/2013 6:58 AM (GMT 0)
I completely agree with larry. You need to see what is goin on with you and what types of things trigger your anxiety and what can call you down... if anything and how you feel about medicine. Do research on your meds before you take anything so you know what the side effects are and what to expect. I Was diagnosed with anxiety/ depression years ago.. at least 10. I have probably been on just about every antidepressant there is.Its so hard because they taked so long to get the full affect. I am also on kolonopin.... which alot of psychiatrist frown upon now but I Went off the meds more than a few times to learn that I Feel I Need this to get thru my day. I don't always need all of what they prescribe but it keeps me calm. It had gotten so bad that I shake constantly...I still think everything that goes on... something bad is going to happen..I have very bad OCD. I knew I had anxiety but as the years have gone... it just got worse.I have been to ER three times because I thght I was having a heart attack. pain shooting thru my chest and shoulder. of course... it was anxiety and work its impossible.15 years of working and I find myself locked in the bathroom with the sweating, shaking, diarehha, and nausea not to mention the can't catch my breath. I know it's there but the main thing that had helped me is being aware of what triggers it and talking to s therapist helps because they can help you learn to get thru it with out solely depending on meds. That is what I was looking for. so about a week ago I was beginning to panic over something with my bank bein over drawn out something and I went over it in my mind so many times then I starred to breathe just like I did when I had my daughter and I kept tellin myself... it's only money... not the end of the world. IM not gonna lie.. it took a big but the anxiety lowered and it didn't reach panic attack.. within about half hour or so my heart rate slowed down and I was ok...I was in control. See someone saying you have generalized anxiety is a big area... there are so many different types and things that trigger it. One of my personal 2 major ones is OCD and I Have to be in control of my situation at all times.Loss of control makes me feel like crawling in the fetal position. -my mind races as well and I try to stay focused. Its almost like your. body does what it wants and you have to learn to control it the best you can. everyone is different and needs something different in their life but going to therapy had helped alot for me... sometimes if fir nothing else.. someone to listen and not judge. Hang in there you ll. find what your looking for but be patient and very observant of your own body n triggers.Good luck :-)
Posted 3/6/2013 4:58 AM (GMT 0)
DQFDH,
You are one cool lady, the way you can describe the problem is awsome, a lot of people are going to
be able to relate to what you say,

Larry
Posted 3/7/2013 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Larry, that was nice of you to say.I personally have been thru so many medicines and diagnosis that it's not even funny. I just try to sort out what they say and try to see what fits and go with that. I. know stress had made my anxiety worse but I do tons of research. I check symptoms and what can be fine and if I can get thru it without meds I try. But because of my experiences with all these doctors and tons of dollars I've paid.. I'd like to b.a help to someone else if I can. I am not a doctor just an OCD researcher.

Vicky
Posted 3/16/2013 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hello All,

I went to the doctor a couple of days ago and was perscribed 10mg citalopram daily (Generic Celexa). I have not yet taken it because the past couple of days I have felt great. The past couple of days I didn't have to work so I ended up sitting around at home and relaxing. Now my weekend is over and I am back to work. I don't know if it is because I am up and moving again or what but the symptoms are back. So far today i have felt a mild nausea for most of the day and i am exhausted. I don't have anything that is stressing me out or any other possible triggers that I can think of. It all seems to be physical and that is all. In addition to those feelings I also feel like my vision is a little bit wierd almost like a tunnel vision or it being hard to focus on objects. I also have a slight tension headache or pressure feeling in my head. I am thinking it might not be a bad idea to start taking the medication. I know i can't wait for work to be over so that I can go home and relax again. Has anyone else had these issues where it seems to be physical symptoms only? Has anyone else taken celexa that might be able to tell me what i should expect? I was almost thinking of starting out with 5mg daily instead to see if that helps while giving less side effects. Also any opinions on what the best time to take the medication is? I have heard that it makes it hard to fall asleep after taking it which makes me think that taking it in the morning is probably a better option.

Posted 3/17/2013 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,
It's great you are feeling a little bit better and I know exactly where you are coming from whenever you say have mostly/all physical symptoms. I constantly have physical symptoms everyday, for the majority of the day. I am currently undergoing a process I feel anyone should which is to make sure that these physical symptoms are purely from anxiety and not underling symptoms for something major. Too many times have people died or been sick because doctor's dismissed them with the Dx of "anxiety or panic disorder". That will not happen to me. Even if I have to pay out pocket to make sure I will. As far as taking the generic Celexa I can't tell you much about it as I have not taken it. The effects of every drug are different for each individual, as you probably know. It is probably a wise choice to take a smaller amount at first because that's the best way to know if you'll be effected by it. I would however suggest you talk with your doctor or pharmacist about it and also make sure the pill itself can be split in two (Some extended release medications can't be taken in half because it releases too much of the medicine all at once). I wasn't about to take the SSRI I had been prescribed, because it didn't agree with me and, like you, I have mostly physical symptoms with not a whole lot of mental anxiety. See what you can do, with these things it takes time and sometimes many different medications until you find what works.

Hopefully that's helpful!
-Rxclusion
Posted 3/17/2013 7:04 AM (GMT 0)
Travis,

I found relief in reading your post..it sounds just like my symptoms! I have tons of physical symptoms & for the most part I've been checked out and everything has been good/normal. It's crazy how many physical symptoms can arise from anxiety!

Just letting you know your not alone, keep posting ;-)
Posted 3/17/2013 7:56 AM (GMT 0)
You are far from alone, Travis. I have had anxiety/panic ever since I can remember. Also throw in depression and now OCD. Our minds are soooo powerful!!!!! Anxiety can cause a great amount of physical symptoms, that for me, often makes me wonder if something else is seriously wrong with me. I say that if the anxiety has a pretty good hold on you and interrupts your life, definitely look into medication and counseling to work through the situation you had in May. Since I have struggled with this my whole life, it's a constant rollercoaster. I go through spells in my life where I am doing better, coping better and other times I feel like I'm not coping at all. I have been on SO many different meds that I start to wonder if I'm going to run out of possibilities. My anxiety really messes with my stomach and I'm currently going through the same thing. Wake up anxious, knot in my stomach, and often have to use the restroom. I wish I was one of those who could cope without medication but unfortunately, I don't think that will ever be an option for me. It's tough to feel bad as is then have to cope with side effects of whatever medication you get put on. For me, it is HELL to ever have to come off of an antidepressant. Equally difficult to go through the trial and error of medications. SO tough mentally and physically. Keep in touch...we are here for you!!! (hugs)

Posted 3/17/2013 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Travis,

Your experience sounds very familiar to me, especially the driving to work. Dizzy, shaking, heart pounding, feeling like I was about to pass out. It was terrifying when this happens while driving. Many times I had to pull off the highway, sit in a gas station parking lot. It would have been funny to run into someone else at a gas station who was having the same problem! It was awful. Many mornings I have had the urgent stomach/diarrhea too.

I now work at home and am undergoing some medical tests to rule out any other problems. I am going to start with a therapist too.

Just wanted to say you are not alone with this.
Posted 3/17/2013 4:01 PM (GMT 0)

Hello and welcome to HealingWell.  Glad you've found our online community. It’s a great place to connect with others traveling the same road...you'll find much support, encouragement and advice from others who understand.

I've missed welcoming several new members as I've been spending time recieving chemo  for the past 6 months so i thought I would do a big shout out welcome to all new comers. Glad you found us but sorry you are suffering with  anxiety and panic attacks.

It is great to read the exchanges between all of you and that is what makes this forum great - we can reach out for help or we can reach out and help others.

I have  a dx of Anxiety and Depression for 31 years.  In 1990 I picked up a new dx - PTSD.  I am always willing to answer questions about my journey which now includes fighting colon cancer which sent my anxiety off the charts when I was dx last August.

I do take meds and like another person mentioned they had been on more meds than they can remember - I have tried 18 different meds over the years and I had a long, very long spell, when I did excellent on one med but after 10 years or so it pooped out and than it was the trial and error while the side effects that come with getting onto any new antidepressant knocked me up, down and side ways.

My message to all of you is don't give up,  and you are not alone.  We are open 24/7 so if you can't sleep come here and post, vent of just tell us about your day.  You may not get a response until the next morning but you will get a response.

I am posting the link to my Caring Bridge which may help you in some small way. The loving support I receive on this site keeps me going and sharing my CB with you may help you find ways to keep on fighting the anxiety/panic in your life.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/marytobias

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 3/17/2013 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry to hear you are recieving chemo!!! How did you find out you had colon cancer? I hear you about the antidepressants. Not only do most of us have to deal with the withdrawal of coming off one but side effects of moving onto another. It's AWFUL!!! (hugs)

Posted 3/18/2013 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
Kitty, You are a Spiritual Giant,
I feel like I'v known you for always,
Larry ***
Posted 5/18/2013 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone, your comments have more than helped me begin to make it through this. I am sorry to hear about your cancer also kitt. I can't even begin to image how stressful that must be. I have started taking my citalapram (celexa) now and I am on about week 5 or so. I started with 5mg for a couple of weeks and then I bumped it up to about 10mg 2 weeks ago. There are a few symptoms that the medication has helped me with and also a few new things that I have noticed lol. One thing to mention is that I am unable to drink alcohol while on this drug. I tried having 2 beers a couple of nights ago and it gave me really bad diahrea the next morning. My head still feels cloudy almost like I can't think straight and every now and then I see dots in my vision (if that makes any sense). It is the most noticeable when I am outside because there is more light. I haven't felt the knot in my stomach feeling in quite awhile now which is good news however I have noticed that sometimes I feel somewhat careless about stuff. I don't mean careless in a depressing way, i mean careless about little things such as some of the stuff that I used to worry about. In a way it is kind of nice that much of the anxiety has gone away. I just wish these last couple of symptoms would go away. I am hoping that with time they will and I miss being able to have a beer lol. Also a few times I have noticed that I have had horrible balance almost as if I was dizzy from being spun around. I think that might be a side effect of the drug though. I have alot of new things comming my way in life here soon and I am going to try and get through them with the least amount of stress as possible. One of the things is that I will be buying my own house here soon and I will finally have my own place to live. This in its self is a big step for me because of the financial commitment and also because I will no longer be living in my "safe house" with my parents. However it will keep my mind occupied because I will have numerous projects to work on around the house. Just wanted to follow up to let you guys all know how it has been going.
Posted 5/19/2013 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
Travis

Congrats on the house and feeling better!

Joshua
Posted 5/19/2013 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like things are really going well Travis! I very happy for you, and have to say great job on getting the help that you needed.

Yes, your side effects and last symptoms should fade out pretty soon. You are coming up on the window where things usually start to level out, and te benefits are kicking in well.

Best of luck on your house purchase. Take time to do your relaxation exercises and coping skills...since even though it is a happy kind of overwhelming experience, it can still be somewhat stress inducing!

Keep posting!

S.C.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply