Hi everyone. My name is steve. Im 25 and from the uk. I have suffered from anxiety since september last year. Heres my story.
All began after a substance abuse fuelled night out. I couldnt sleep or rest. Was awake drinking till around 7am. And still wasnt asleep by 12.30pm. I got a bad shooting pain in my chest. And felt like i was being crushed, cudnt lift my arms my head was burning and i was numb. Paramedics came and took me to hospital and found out i had a substance abuse induced vasospasm.
Ever since then i have had numerous trips to hospital collapsing and being dizzy and generally freightened by my experience. I honestly thought i was dying. After many ecgs and an ecco test. Everything showed up as fine. Mentally i was fine after that, but i continued to get all the physical symptoms without warning at work, at home, with my friends and when i was asleep.
My symptoms were: headache behind eyes/temples, burning face, cold hands, tingling sensation all over my body and down my neck, numb hands and face, shallow breathing, constantly listening to myself breathe, feeling like i was getting no oxygen, weakness, loss of speech, dizzyness, confusion and light headedness.
I also found it very embarrassing and lonely because nobody understood me and thought i was being dramatic.
First drug i tried was setraline. Seemed ok at first but then i began an almost euphoric state like i had taken illegal drug which eventually lead to burning up and me crashing badly. So i stopped taking them within the week.
Now i am trying prozac. Which im finding difficult and itd only my second day. I had a panic attack in my sleep and have been feeling tense and edgey all day. Also very tired. But i am going to battle through the first few weeks.
Im starting to learn some triggers to my anxiety
Eating to much tends to make me feel heavy and it can cause anxiety in my chest and breathing
Alcohol i have learned is a big no. Makes me feel ok sometimes but the next few days after i suffer greatly so i have quit drinking.
Driving. If im alone driving helps me relax. But if i travel with someone physical symptoms start to show.
I believe im the cause of my own anxiety due to stupidity messing with drugs. But i also wont lay down and stop working or let it ruin my life. I will fight this and even tho sometimes i feel isolated and alone i will always tell myself i am in control.
Anyone would like to discuss there experiences or similaritys or would like to share coping mechanisms with me feel free to comment or inbox me
Steve
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Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 2/4/2014 9:32:20 PM (GMT-7)