Anxiety making me sick

Hi everyone. I am a 20 year old male. I have had anxiety a good portion of my life, but it has been nothing more than a little worry. Ever since I was 17, I started a job and my anxiety hit me like a ton of bricks. All this crap started within a few days of starting that miserable job. At this point I had panic attacks every day at school and work. I was nauseated from the point I woke up until I went to bed. I didn't sleep much. I hyperventilated all the time. I just felt miserable in general! I felt like I was literally going crazy!

Over the next few years, the panic and nausea did subside. But what didn't go away is the lesser symptoms which include, headaches, low-intensity nausea, jitteryness, sweating, agoraphobia, and a bunch of others that create a sensation of general unwellness. I have developed a somewhat irrational, but intense fear of getting really sick in public (vomiting, collapsing, etc). This is another point of frustration. My doctor does not believe I have any other illness.

This condition has been left untreated, which I believe has led to agoraphobia and depression. I had to simplify my life a bit; now I go to college and I had to quit that job due to anxiety. I won't give my whole story on depression right now to save time, but the symptoms are there. Same thing goes for agoraphobia. My "lesser symptoms" that I mentioned earlier are making me miserable and I don't want to do anything enjoyable because these symptoms will arise and make it a very unenjoyable experience. I have wanted to go on a medication since the beginning of this, but my parents have this attitude toward medicine like it is the worst thing in the world. They spew this nonsense about the anxiety going away when I get a job and make myself so busy that I won't know what I am doing. I feel like I am being denied the treatment I need. This would be like the equivalent of a person with pneumonia being denied a medicine. I am extremely frustrated with them right now.

Any similar experiences? Would medicine help? Preferably a medicine with least side effects and does not cause serious health conditions.

I've had good success with my anxiety by using Lexapro (SSRI), but there are a lot of medicine options out there, so your doctor is the best one to discuss what might be good for you.

My parents were similar when I was a teenager and strongly discouraged my use of any sort of "mind medicine"...never mind they drank and still to drink a lot of coffee which is a major mental stimulant! But I digress...

I've come to realize that I am an anxious person and will likely need some level of medication the rest of my life. Good news is that it has helped tremendously and while not perfect, allows me to function mostly normally.

Hang in there!

Hello Poisonedplanet and welcome.

While I do agree that healthy eating is important, and should be a goal for everyone who wants to enjoy good health in both body and mind...

...it is neither the cause, or an end all be all cure for a mental health issue.

Many people do indeed need medication to correct a chemical imbalance, and to state otherwise could be considered uninformed and irresponsible.

Please review our rules regarding giving medical advice and staying within the parameters of providing peer support here in our forums.

Thank you,

Scaredy Cat.

Hi, As a long time sufferer of anxiety, I just wanted to reinforce what Scaredy Cat said " Therapy and self help ."

I did everything wrong. Years ago I looked for the magic pill to fix things. Went to the famly doctor and he was instantly prescribing pills. I think in my case this was the wrong approach. Perhaps if I had the training and coping skills years ago I would be better off. Who knows? But I think that I had the order wrong. I should have learned the skills and thought processes first, then and only then, the medication if needed. I hope you are getting the help you need. Hopefully your parents are more open and understanding to the thought of a professional therapist.

Hey Blake,

Congrats on taking a step and posting here. You'll find a lot of support and excellent advice. I know I have.

As far as coping goes, breathing techniques and guided meditation have been life savers for me. There's some in the resources section here or you can go on YouTube and find some. Yoga and positive mantras are also big helps.

Therapy has been my biggest help. And Celexa. Sometimes people need both to be effective and that was me. My therapist has also started me on journaling. I just started so I can't say if it's helpful yet or not.

Distractions will help you a lot. It's hard, but getting out of the house helps. Going for a walk or taking the kids to the park. Even just going into my backyard and sitting in the sun. Think of things you enjoy, some hobby or interest. Reading, writing, watching movies, painting...anything to keep your mind occupied.

Be nice to yourself. Seek support from those who understand. If you do chose to go on medication, give it time. It can take up to 8 weeks to take full effect and in the meantime can increase your anxiety, but it is very helpful. Just keep your self help measures in mind during that time.

Best of luck to you. I hope you find peace soon.

Government run website...aren't you clever?

No, nothing like that...but when a new member comes in here hard and fast with their own narrow minded approach/opinions/agenda...

...and starts telling people they don't need medication, without even bothering to get to know, much less support other members...

Yeah, I have a problem with that, and have no issue saying as such.

You are welcome as long as you review the rules and start showing some respect and empathy to every individual's needs.

S.C.

Hi Blake...

...no problem...post/respond when you can.

...and regarding your comment...yeah, lol...I DO advocate for all our memebers according to their individual/personal needs. In other words, anyone who 'triggers the momma bear' is going to get put in their place...so you just do what YOU need to do to feel well again...and ignore any other poor advice, okay?

Sending continued support!

S.C.