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Tightness in throat- anxiety symptoms

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Posted 5/31/2014 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
My best friend passed away a few months ago and since then I just haven't felt right. I get really bad anxiety including dizziness, a horrible feeling in my head, panic attacks and a really strong tightness in my throat that makes it very hard to swallow at times. I've felt the back of my throat deep down and it feels really hard, I'm not sure if this is normal. I've been to a few different GP's and they do t really take my concerns seriously. I was given a very low dose of Valium to relax my muscles which helped a bit but last night I woke up with a really strong ache in the back of my throat almost like the pain you feel after a cramp. Anxiety is new to me and is very scary and I am constantly worried about having a serious illness. If it's not one thing it's another. I hate complaining just want to feel normal again.
Posted 6/1/2014 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi FGX and welcome.

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your best friend. This is extremely difficult to go through, and can certainly be a trigger for anxiety.

The symptom that you are most concerned about, the globus sensation, it a pretty common one for anxiety sufferers. In fact is was the first symptom that I experienced.

One of the most effective ways to reduce these symptoms, is to lower your overall anxiety level, using decompression exercises and coping skills.

Here is a list of links with examples to try:


Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

 
One other thing that came to mind while reading your post is this. Since you awoke with the pain in the throat area, you may want to rule out acid reflux which can cause this...and happens frequently at night, while in a lying position. You may want to talk this possibility over with your doctor.

I hope that the exercises bring you some relief. Keep posting with us if you find it helpful. Support is key!

Scaredy Cat

Posted 6/1/2014 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
I experience that too. The good news is, it is just annoying and your throat is not going to close and you don't have a medical issue....I have bouts of it for a week or so and it subsides. Klonopin helps tremendously for the throat and anxiety issues.
Posted 6/1/2014 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your reply! Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy and when the anxiety hits it feels so real and terrifying! And sometimes it can take days for me to relax again. I hope that this also helps anyone reading as it really helps me to know I'm not the only one.
Posted 6/2/2014 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,
It is real, and terrifying. I have suffered for years, and I mostly have the anxiety and panic under control with meds and also you just get used to it. That's not to say it's not horrible but being used to it tends to keep it from kicking into " call the ambulance mode" which I have done. You can feel it coming so you kind of mentally brace for impact. No you are not the only one, and it does get better with time. You can survive them unmedicated but you have to be stout, or at least stouter than me. Sorry I also have adhd so I ramble as you can see. We are here and we do care. I don't know if that helps or is just really confusing.
Take care,
Bill
Posted 6/2/2014 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
H MUTW and welcome!

It is good to see you have joined us, and are reaching out to suport others here...that is what this place is all about!!

I invite you to post with us anytime, and also consider starting your own thread of introduction, so more members can recognize you as a new member and welcome you.:)

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
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