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Anyone else confused if they're actually sick or if it's just anxiety

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Posted 7/17/2017 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Sometimes I get symptoms that feel like I'm sick (nausea, dizziness, diarrhea) but I can't tell if I'm actually sick or if it's just anxiety sad Because I know multiple times before when I thought I was sick it was just anxiety.

Anyone else feel this way?
Posted 7/17/2017 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
I think this is pretty common, unfortunately. Anxiety perpetuates a yucky cycle of..."I'm anxious and it's making me feel sick, and nauseous," and "I'm sick and nauseous and it's making me more anxious."

I get this way a lot, and the most effective way is to distract as much as possible. Go for a walk, read a book, put on a show, use a coloring book, etc.
Posted 7/17/2017 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
This can happen with anxiety. I've experienced all of those symptoms. It is hard to tell sometimes, but yes, all this can be caused by anxiety.
Posted 7/17/2017 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Yep! This can be confusing!

The first p/a I had, I was sure I was coming down with the flu.

This is where coping skills and a rescue med can come in handy...b/c if this shuts down/lessens your symptoms, then you know with certainty how the anxiety is affecting you.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

S.C.
Posted 7/17/2017 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
All the time. I also am afraid I pass everything off as just anxiety and there may actually be something really wrong. Which makes me even more anxious. Ugh it's a horrible cycle
Posted 7/18/2017 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
I was getting nauseous and slight dizziness and unreal anxiety and panic attacks. Turns out I have a vestibular disorder. Meclizine does wonders for me. The anxiety and sick feelings I was having
was slight motion sickness . Try some (Bonine or Dramamine less drowsy) and see if u have improvement. If so , try to see a good ENT or the like.
Posted 7/20/2017 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
Yes ! Most of my worst Panic attacks happen in the middle of the night, waking from a dead sleep into full blown anxiety... Heart pounding, clammy sweat, inability to get out of bed, then the nausea and diarrhea kicks in.. Awful ! What makes it even harder is the fact that I also have an arrhythmia, so in the throws of the panic, I am questioning if it is my heart or my anxiety.. does not help matters...
My panic attacks also get worse when I am ill, I guess because I am in a weakened state... It is a vicious cycle ! Panic feeds on your state of weakness, but the panic itself can cause the exact same symptoms .
I have been diagnosed with Depression and Panic Disorder in my early 30's, dealt with it all my life, still being treated for it to this day.
Posted 7/20/2017 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Rosepony and welcome!

We are glad to see you joining in the conversation here. 😊 This is a great place to both give and receive support! Start a thread of introduction anytime you feel comfortable doing so.

Please also see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material to work with ...

...and post with us anytime for sharing

Scaredy Cat
Posted 7/21/2017 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Random questions Scaredy Cat,
Your signature says "panic syndrome recovery due to CBT" does that mean that you don't take medicine and that you think CBT has really helped you control your anxiety? If you don't mind me asking. I ask because I don't want to take medication but it's hard to believe that only therapy will help me.
Posted 7/21/2017 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the kind intro, Scaredy Cat !
I am so happy to have found this forum! I believe wholeheartedly that talking about, and listening to others truly helps one cope and understand what they are going thru. We are not living alone with anxiety. I will introduce myself within the next few days .
Thank you so much!


Scaredy Cat said...
Hello Rosepony and welcome!

We are glad to see you joining in the conversation here. 😊 This is a great place to both give and receive support! Start a thread of introduction anytime you feel comfortable doing so.

Please also see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material to work with ...

...and post with us anytime for sharing

Scaredy Cat

Posted 7/21/2017 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
M.,

That is correct. Through 2 courses of CBT with a therapist, as well as lots of self help...I have not thus far used medication for my management.

However, everyone is different, both in physical make up, and experiences...

...therefore I am completely in favor of medication as a valuable tool when needed! (and I will not hesitate to use one if the need arises)

So...all that to say...some can manage with therapy/self help alone...and some will be much happier and healthier with all three treatments.

I hope you can determine your perfect regimen, and go on to feel your possible best.smile

S.C.
Posted 7/21/2017 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
R.P.

You are very welcome! We look forward to getting to know you better! 😊

S.C.
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