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How do you stop health anxiety?
I have been posting a lot within the past couple months but I cant seem to shake my health anxiety...Ive been to the ER twice had two ekgs, chest xrays, blood tests etc...Im scared of having a heart attack, cancer, lung problems, and colon problems... It doesn't end and its driving me crazy do I have to seek counseling or will it get better with time? As far as I know Im a healthy 21 year old with my whole life ahead of me but I cant help myself when the physical symptoms come on...Its a constant battle for me everyday not to just give up and let my anxiety consume me...I experience derealization along with the physical symptoms and its frustrating because I feel like Im losing control...Does anyone else feel crazy physical symptoms almost all day long?
I have had health anxiety and depression in the past, after facing many problems. I started treatments and counseling, Xanax pills works at my case.
Now I am completely fine. I also suggest daily exercise, it help me a lot.
Now I am completely fine. I also suggest daily exercise, it help me a lot.
I know this post is old, but I was recently diagnosed with anxiety and I wanted to share my story in hopes it may help most of you as I found help.
I am a very stubborn strong-minded and strong-willed individual. I am a 27 year old woman with no health issues. I grew up unlike most children and it was a very difficult childhood. However, I have always believed as an adult, I make my own path and chose not to let the things from my past affect me today. I did this successfully up until a few months ago. I found holding things in and never really dealing with them, but blocking them out instead, was very unhealthy. My psychologist was certain, even though I live a completely normal life today and do not seem affected by my past, that my anxiety was caused from holding everything in all of those years.
Well, I've had no choice but to deal with them now and it has not been easy. By dealing with them now I do not mean talking about it or thinking about it, I simply mean I am dealing with the physical reactions of the past. As most of you can probably relate, I've been to the ER almost weekly since this begun in early June. Sometimes it was more than once a week. I remember once going and still having my bands on from the previous visit. When the attacks happened it was so unfamiliar it freaked me out. I thought I was dying, having a heart-attack, or some other underlying condition that the doctors just haven't found yet. I was one that never took medications and only went to the doctor when I had to for annual check ups. I would get a severe cold and just take NyQuil and go to sleep or take nothing at all and let my body fight it off naturally. Going from that long-lived lifestyle to practically living in the ER made me feel like a hypochondriac.
I have enough sense and control of my mind it is hard to deal with the mental instability that comes along with anxiety. I had every single test you can think of done to rule out any major health problems. All of the tests came back normal. All X-rays came back normal. All EKGs came back normal. All cat scans came back normal. Once lol the test were complete and I was given the results, I told myself, "Nicole, it's anxiety, it's a real disease. Just accept it and figure out how to deal with it best when it happens." This was all fine and dandy until I had a sudden attack after being put on Paxil to help control it. I was on Paxil 10mg for five days when I started going into uncontrollable convulsions, I could not think for myself, all of the symptoms were back but this time it was ten fold of any attack I had experienced prior to the Paxil. My roommate rushed me to the ER, gave them a brief description of what was going on with me. They gave me a shot of Benadryl monitored me for an hour or so, and sent me back home. As you all probably know, I was fine. It was just a really severe panic attack.
The next morning I woke up scared to death. I never wanted to feel that way again, so I did my research. I wanted facts and told myself, "There has to be another way other than anti-depressants. I shouldn't have to alter who I am. I shouldn't have to go through something worse before I get better. I won't." Well, I found a forum from an amazing psychologist(no this is not where I tell you to go buy something, it's part of my story), he too suffered with severe anxiety around my age for what he thought to be no real reason. He was also prescribed an anti-depressant. They worked for him for a long while, then he got off of them and saw things he had been missing. The anxiety came back and he went back on them. When coming off the new brand the withdrawals are terrible. When he tried going back on them another time, he had almost the same experience I did. Now he works out of Austrailia and his primary goal with his patients is to help them over come anxiety without an anti-depressant, with natural healing.
His message opened my eyes drastically. The day after my last attack I stayed doped up on Benadryl until I could get to my doctor two days from then. I completely stopped the Paxil. It was the best choice I've made yet. Although it hasn't been but two weeks since my last attack, mind you I had at least three attacks (severe ones) weekly before this, I haven't felt more of myself since this point. I went to my doctor and asked to be taken off anti-depressants and to be given a sedative. She prescribed me Atavan 25mg. Since my ER visit, I haven't had another attack, when I feel overwhelmed I take one Atavan to calm my nerves. I have only had to take three since I got them two week ago to help induce sleep. I cannot stress to you all how much better I feel. And it is all thanks to a little research and sedatives. My goal is to go off the sedatives completely and overcome this naturally. Already, I have been able to calm myself when my heart begins to race by telling myself, "Nicole, you are not dying, all of your tests came back normal. There is NOTHING wrong with you. Stop freaking out, just breath." I then lay down for a moment or sit and place my fingers on my throat between my collar bones and feel my heart beating and just try to calm it. Within fifteen minutes I am almost back to normal and can continue whatever it is I was doing. The mind is a powerful things, but just as its capable of powering and controlling your body, you are capable of controlling your mind.
If it is a feeling you don't want to live with then don't. Tell yourself NO this is not going to happen, I won't allow it. When your body starts with the symptoms begin counter-acting them. If your legs start to go numb get up and walk. If your skin starts to sweat stand in front of an air conditioner. If your heart starts to race, sit down and force it to calm. If your mind starts to scramble, turn on music that is familiar to you and start listening to it or read a book or start a conversation with someone or write a letter to someone you love and makes you happy. If you feel like you are going to urinaye all over yourself or "poop" then go to the bathroom and make yourself go. If you become afraid and enclosed, start running-that is your fight or flight signals by the way and if you run it will increase your "feel good endorphins" which will put the flight into full effect making your brain think the symptoms are normal and your adrenaline is increasing because of the sudden exercise. If you get a dry mouth or feel like you are going to vomit sip water. If your teeth start clenching or grinding, eat something. If you try everything you can think of and it doesn't work, take a light sedative and sit down or lie down until it passes, and trust me it will pass. If you don't have health care or can't afford Atavan or something similar, take Benadryl. I have found it to be just as effective.
You can overcome anxiety. You are not crazy because you have this disease. No one in your life will think so either. If they do, then you need to give them a lesson on what anxiety really consists of so they understand your symptoms. If there is a will there's a way. Don't let anxiety defeat you. I've only had it a short time and I'm already learning how to successfully overcome it because I refuse to let it control my life and I refuse to live this way longer than I have to. All it takes is will-power.
Good luck to all of you!
I am a very stubborn strong-minded and strong-willed individual. I am a 27 year old woman with no health issues. I grew up unlike most children and it was a very difficult childhood. However, I have always believed as an adult, I make my own path and chose not to let the things from my past affect me today. I did this successfully up until a few months ago. I found holding things in and never really dealing with them, but blocking them out instead, was very unhealthy. My psychologist was certain, even though I live a completely normal life today and do not seem affected by my past, that my anxiety was caused from holding everything in all of those years.
Well, I've had no choice but to deal with them now and it has not been easy. By dealing with them now I do not mean talking about it or thinking about it, I simply mean I am dealing with the physical reactions of the past. As most of you can probably relate, I've been to the ER almost weekly since this begun in early June. Sometimes it was more than once a week. I remember once going and still having my bands on from the previous visit. When the attacks happened it was so unfamiliar it freaked me out. I thought I was dying, having a heart-attack, or some other underlying condition that the doctors just haven't found yet. I was one that never took medications and only went to the doctor when I had to for annual check ups. I would get a severe cold and just take NyQuil and go to sleep or take nothing at all and let my body fight it off naturally. Going from that long-lived lifestyle to practically living in the ER made me feel like a hypochondriac.
I have enough sense and control of my mind it is hard to deal with the mental instability that comes along with anxiety. I had every single test you can think of done to rule out any major health problems. All of the tests came back normal. All X-rays came back normal. All EKGs came back normal. All cat scans came back normal. Once lol the test were complete and I was given the results, I told myself, "Nicole, it's anxiety, it's a real disease. Just accept it and figure out how to deal with it best when it happens." This was all fine and dandy until I had a sudden attack after being put on Paxil to help control it. I was on Paxil 10mg for five days when I started going into uncontrollable convulsions, I could not think for myself, all of the symptoms were back but this time it was ten fold of any attack I had experienced prior to the Paxil. My roommate rushed me to the ER, gave them a brief description of what was going on with me. They gave me a shot of Benadryl monitored me for an hour or so, and sent me back home. As you all probably know, I was fine. It was just a really severe panic attack.
The next morning I woke up scared to death. I never wanted to feel that way again, so I did my research. I wanted facts and told myself, "There has to be another way other than anti-depressants. I shouldn't have to alter who I am. I shouldn't have to go through something worse before I get better. I won't." Well, I found a forum from an amazing psychologist(no this is not where I tell you to go buy something, it's part of my story), he too suffered with severe anxiety around my age for what he thought to be no real reason. He was also prescribed an anti-depressant. They worked for him for a long while, then he got off of them and saw things he had been missing. The anxiety came back and he went back on them. When coming off the new brand the withdrawals are terrible. When he tried going back on them another time, he had almost the same experience I did. Now he works out of Austrailia and his primary goal with his patients is to help them over come anxiety without an anti-depressant, with natural healing.
His message opened my eyes drastically. The day after my last attack I stayed doped up on Benadryl until I could get to my doctor two days from then. I completely stopped the Paxil. It was the best choice I've made yet. Although it hasn't been but two weeks since my last attack, mind you I had at least three attacks (severe ones) weekly before this, I haven't felt more of myself since this point. I went to my doctor and asked to be taken off anti-depressants and to be given a sedative. She prescribed me Atavan 25mg. Since my ER visit, I haven't had another attack, when I feel overwhelmed I take one Atavan to calm my nerves. I have only had to take three since I got them two week ago to help induce sleep. I cannot stress to you all how much better I feel. And it is all thanks to a little research and sedatives. My goal is to go off the sedatives completely and overcome this naturally. Already, I have been able to calm myself when my heart begins to race by telling myself, "Nicole, you are not dying, all of your tests came back normal. There is NOTHING wrong with you. Stop freaking out, just breath." I then lay down for a moment or sit and place my fingers on my throat between my collar bones and feel my heart beating and just try to calm it. Within fifteen minutes I am almost back to normal and can continue whatever it is I was doing. The mind is a powerful things, but just as its capable of powering and controlling your body, you are capable of controlling your mind.
If it is a feeling you don't want to live with then don't. Tell yourself NO this is not going to happen, I won't allow it. When your body starts with the symptoms begin counter-acting them. If your legs start to go numb get up and walk. If your skin starts to sweat stand in front of an air conditioner. If your heart starts to race, sit down and force it to calm. If your mind starts to scramble, turn on music that is familiar to you and start listening to it or read a book or start a conversation with someone or write a letter to someone you love and makes you happy. If you feel like you are going to urinaye all over yourself or "poop" then go to the bathroom and make yourself go. If you become afraid and enclosed, start running-that is your fight or flight signals by the way and if you run it will increase your "feel good endorphins" which will put the flight into full effect making your brain think the symptoms are normal and your adrenaline is increasing because of the sudden exercise. If you get a dry mouth or feel like you are going to vomit sip water. If your teeth start clenching or grinding, eat something. If you try everything you can think of and it doesn't work, take a light sedative and sit down or lie down until it passes, and trust me it will pass. If you don't have health care or can't afford Atavan or something similar, take Benadryl. I have found it to be just as effective.
You can overcome anxiety. You are not crazy because you have this disease. No one in your life will think so either. If they do, then you need to give them a lesson on what anxiety really consists of so they understand your symptoms. If there is a will there's a way. Don't let anxiety defeat you. I've only had it a short time and I'm already learning how to successfully overcome it because I refuse to let it control my life and I refuse to live this way longer than I have to. All it takes is will-power.
Good luck to all of you!
I have had depression in the past, maybe about 2 years ago, brought on by a content fear of death and dying. i went to see a psychologist regularly and had gotten over the issue. However, after moving to university I started becoming constantly sick with infections one after the other which brought on more panic attacks and have increased my previous fears. They started off mildly with just tiredness that lasted all day, and gradually became worse. I feel a constant feeling in my head which is hard to explain but causes my to be distant and out of touch with reality and the things that are going on around me, I've started having shortness of breath, muscle pains, mouth dryness and have had an upset stomach for the past 2 days, and even ended up throwing up twice in the morning, Now i am lying in bed at about 3am feeling with an upset stomach, with the fear that i will be sick again, with a dry mouth, and a hazy feeling in my head and not being able to sleep. It would all be fine, and i would go to the ER, except i'm on vacation with my boyfriend at his house in france in the middle of nowhere with the nearest er being 20 minutes away by car, i do not drive and even if i did i would not feel safe diving because the streets are dark and because of the feeling in my head. Also, everyone is asleep after a night of drinking and i have already disturbed his parents once because of a panic attack and do not wish to do it again. Does anyone know of any calming techniques i could use to ease my problem??
Hi I have had anxiety for many years. I take Paxil and Xanax when needed. Lately I had tooth surgury and have a feeling in my body that I can't explain. I feel jittery and feel like I am losing my mind and extremely anxious I can't even think about anything else. Please let me know if anyone ever experienced this before
this page helped me so much i have the majority of those symptoms everyday.
ive been to countless dr's and the er and they all say anxiety. i had a panic attack a fewmonths back where i was convinced i was having a seizure (ive had two when i was young about 8 years ago hence the fear) te dr assured me nothing happened yet i still wanted to get it check out. i saw a neruologist and got an eeg and everyhting was perfectly fine and they didnt need anything further. i as releived for probably a week and felt okay yet the worrying came back and ever since ive had this debilitating fear of having a seizure.. can anyone offer me any advice to trust in the dr's ive had and to listen because this is terrible and i know its not going to happen but my brain lets me think it anyway. my symptoms are mainly lights in my vision, static in y vision, dizziness, feeling very out of it and like im not real, disoreintated, hot, trembly, sensitivity to light, stomach aches, and the list goes on and on. am i wrong to be so worried about this happening when i havent had one in 8 years the dr's said ve grown out of it and that ive been feeling like this for over 2 years and nothing had happened?
ive been to countless dr's and the er and they all say anxiety. i had a panic attack a fewmonths back where i was convinced i was having a seizure (ive had two when i was young about 8 years ago hence the fear) te dr assured me nothing happened yet i still wanted to get it check out. i saw a neruologist and got an eeg and everyhting was perfectly fine and they didnt need anything further. i as releived for probably a week and felt okay yet the worrying came back and ever since ive had this debilitating fear of having a seizure.. can anyone offer me any advice to trust in the dr's ive had and to listen because this is terrible and i know its not going to happen but my brain lets me think it anyway. my symptoms are mainly lights in my vision, static in y vision, dizziness, feeling very out of it and like im not real, disoreintated, hot, trembly, sensitivity to light, stomach aches, and the list goes on and on. am i wrong to be so worried about this happening when i havent had one in 8 years the dr's said ve grown out of it and that ive been feeling like this for over 2 years and nothing had happened?
I hate reading all of these terrible things that you are all going through. I am also dealing with these symptoms, however I am getting better gradually. I was on an SSRI med and then an SNRI med for 9 years. I have been med free for 3 months. The medication stopped being effective and I realized that it was just masking my anxiety. You have to except this anxiety no matter how terrible it makes you feel. Everything that you are feeling is just that, feelings. These feelings are made worse by your thoughts. Your thoughts are just that, thoughts. ALL of these terrible feelings are caused by adrenaline and sensitized nerves. Let all of these thoughts and feelings come, do not fight them. Accept them as part of your reality at this time. By doing this, your nerves will get a rest, even if you don't feel it at first. I know that its hard with the dizziness, depersonalization, nausea, heart pounding, etc. If you truly accept these things and do your normal living activities no matter how bad you feel, these feelings will start to fade as mine are now. Accept and live with these horrible feelings, and don't ruminate on them. Just live with them while remaining calm. I will recommend three books that are currently changing my life. 1.) Claire Weekes - Hope and Help For Your Nerves 2.) Paul David - At Last A Life 3.) The Bible . If you will truly do what these books say on how to handle anxiety, You will improve. I promise.
Hi I'm wondering what's wrong with me I hhave had itching burning tickling xrawling tingling feeling sick all the titime headaches hot then cold then sweaty then shiver dizzy tired all time even when slept then wake up still tired mody stressy never happy stomach pains my stomach makes loud noises came up with spots and coldsore always have a dry horrible taste in mouth please help my emial is ***@**** as don't know how to get back on here to see messages thanks jade
Hi would I need to see a doctor again the symptons I get:
as I get blurriness, and ringing ears, not just dizzy spells, as I get dizziness but nothing spins around though but keep fainting or pasting out
rest are feel weak and get the runs half of the time and i'm very unsteady on my feet.
as I get blurriness, and ringing ears, not just dizzy spells, as I get dizziness but nothing spins around though but keep fainting or pasting out
rest are feel weak and get the runs half of the time and i'm very unsteady on my feet.
Sassy,
Can anxiety make you feel this way all the time? I feel foggy, fuzzy, vision is off (but is fine according to an eye doctor), sometimes nauseas, lightheaded, but it's all day every day. I'm seeing a neurologist next week but I've had bloodwork and all came back normal.
Can anxiety make you feel this way all the time? I feel foggy, fuzzy, vision is off (but is fine according to an eye doctor), sometimes nauseas, lightheaded, but it's all day every day. I'm seeing a neurologist next week but I've had bloodwork and all came back normal.
Hi my name is Maria I am 33 yrs old I had my first panic attack about 8 years ago. Andmy anxiety problem began when I discovered a small lump in my breast I panic thinking it was a tumor I kept touching and I convinced myself that it was atumor and I was going die since I have family history with cancer I was very scared I went to the doctor he said it was inflamated nerve but even thogugh that was clarified that's when my anxiety began every symtom I experienced I was so convinced it was cancer I would get dizzy, chest pain, nausea stabbing pains in head,shaking sensation, diarrea, stabbing pain anywhertore in the body. I had severeral panic attacks where all of a suddent I felt like I was going to die I went to th doctor several times and they said it was anxiety and stress. I still suff
Er from anxiety I am always scared I get scared of evrything I get irritated so quickly I have a really low self esteem I wish I was haply because I God gave me a wonderful husband and 4 beautiful kids. I'm askng God to heal I can't afford to go
To go to the doctor and I know that God will heal me
Er from anxiety I am always scared I get scared of evrything I get irritated so quickly I have a really low self esteem I wish I was haply because I God gave me a wonderful husband and 4 beautiful kids. I'm askng God to heal I can't afford to go
To go to the doctor and I know that God will heal me
i have the exact same problem, word for word. i'm actually in group therapy for this right now, which may last for one week or two, depending on how much progress i make. the feeling of health anxiety is the scariest thing imaginable. every symptom that we get is caused by anxiety, and yet our minds play against us and tell us that we're sick, which only intensifies the physical symptoms that plague us almost constantly. for me, it's a constant tightness in my throat and chest, as well as dry mouth and panic attacks that come and go throughout the day. i frequently feel dizzy and depersonalized as well, which makes me feel like i'm losing my mind.
i've been to the ER four times in the past month thinking that i was having a heart attack, only to get countless chest x-rays and blood work tests to come back completely clean. i'm 19 years old and don't smoke, and am at no risk of heart disease, yet there is nothing in this world that i fear more than something heart-related killing me. it is a constant battle. i've only been in therapy for two days, so i haven't made too much progress yet, but it does help to remind ourselves that the symptoms we experience are all caused by anxiety. it can be so frustrating to know that our minds are causing us such pain, but there are ways to overcome this, whether it be anti-anxiety medication, group therapy, or a bunch of other things that have proven helpful to people with severe health anxiety. i wish you the best of luck, all of you.
i've been to the ER four times in the past month thinking that i was having a heart attack, only to get countless chest x-rays and blood work tests to come back completely clean. i'm 19 years old and don't smoke, and am at no risk of heart disease, yet there is nothing in this world that i fear more than something heart-related killing me. it is a constant battle. i've only been in therapy for two days, so i haven't made too much progress yet, but it does help to remind ourselves that the symptoms we experience are all caused by anxiety. it can be so frustrating to know that our minds are causing us such pain, but there are ways to overcome this, whether it be anti-anxiety medication, group therapy, or a bunch of other things that have proven helpful to people with severe health anxiety. i wish you the best of luck, all of you.
i cant believe anxiety can cause all of these things.i seriously had about 95% of all those symptoms.it actually made me feel alot better reading this.i have been to two different doctors like 6 times and they both kept telling me i was fine.then i found this list and it made me realize its just my depression/anxiety doing this to me.
i feel just the same, everyday is like **** for me. i have strong feelings of derealisation all day long. i don't know wht's going on. i;ve decided to start rooling out all other posibilities. tomorrow i;m seeing a neurologist, i've had 2 ekg, blood tests. they all turned out fine.
I am 16 and suffering with anxiety. In the past few months I have been to the ER more times then you can imagine and had all kinds of tests. I feel chest pain more often then not. Even with the tests i had(ecg,echo,chest-xray,ct scan of head blood work) i still think i have a life threating illness. Can anxiety really cause chest pain every day?
Although that list was very informing just reading it made me more anxious to realize that I had every single symptom of being an anxious person. (minus the sweating) I went to a therapist before and she did help me a bit but she though I was getting better so she let me go and now I'm on the fast track to crazy town again.
I was diagnosed by the ER doctor when I had my first attack...Im supposed to see a social worker tomorrow (no health insurance) to get financial help so I can be seen by a physciatrist but until I am in therapy I have no other resources except the support of this website...Really appreciate your comments and story happy to hear your anxiety free
I know exactly what you are going through. I am 25 and had my first anxiety attack at 23. I had been sick for a week or so and had no idea why. I was on my way to the doctor when at a red light I started becoming short of breath. All of a sudden my chest felt like it was caving in and I could catch a whole breath no matter how hard I tried. Honestly from stories I'd heard and what I was feeling I thought i was having a heart attack. I pulled over to CVS drug store (the closest thing to me) and by that time I could hardly move my fingers and jaw. I was struggling to get the words "call 911 out" so badly that it took about 8 or 9 times for the clerk to understand me. The ambulance arrived and took my pulse and BP, pulse was 271 BPM and BP was about 200 over 115 so they put a nitro tab under my tongue bc at first they thought it was in fact a heart attack ( in fact I heard one of the paramedics say "do we have the paddles ready".. In the ambulance though when they gave me oxygen I started moving my fingers and I could talk again (coherently) so the lady had my spit out the nitro tab and gave me two aspirin to chew. I got to the hospital with a pulse of 221 and BP somewhere in the 180/90 range but the doctor immediately ordered 5 mg of Ativan and to remove the 02 mask. He replaced it with a mask that had nothing coming through it and I got a bit scared and confused. He said I was having a panic attack. I needed to breath slow and the mask was replacing what would normally be a paper bag (what people use when they hyperventilate). Then he explained to me when I couldn't move my hands and my jaw it was from the accumulation of Carbon Dioxide in my blood stream due to me breathing so fast. My lungs didn't have time to absorb the oxygen. Turns out what honest to God, felt like a full on heart attack (someone standing on my chest, no breath, cramping and tingling, dizziness, confusion, sweating, redness in the face, and extremely fast heart rate and high blood pressure... were nothing more then my bodies reaction to what would shortly after be diagnosed as an acute anxiety disorder. I take medication now, after going to the hospital once again for the same reason (I refused the medication at first until my second ER visit) and I have not had to even come close to calling the ambulance again. All the symptoms I had first attributed to normal stress are now gone. I have no adverse reactions to the medication and I am a happy person. I tell you all of this to let you know anxiety is misunderstood by MANY people. They think it's SO much less invasive than it really is. Anxiety can manifest itself in so many different ways and have so many different sets of symptoms, but most of them will ALL include: sudden onset of worry or panic, racing heart beat, profuse onset of sweating or dry-mouth, heaviness in the chest, hyperventilation (in extreme attacks to the point of muscle cramping and pain), fuzzy vision and dizziness, and nausea. Most times these symptoms will seemingly just show up with no warning what-so ever. If you believe it is anxiety that is causing your problems my suggestion is get to a physician as soon as you can to be checked out. Acute and progressive anxiety though able to be diagnosed by shrinks often is misdiagnosed and can not be treated correctly. My doctor is a savior in that he knew exactly how to handle the situation, and I am perfectly content with my life, as well as (98%) of the time, now anxiety free.
You are very welcome, I wish there was a way to "stick" it to the beginning of this forum, that way, all could always see it, I know when I read the list, it made me feel better. Gosh, it is really unbelievable how many symptoms anxiety can cause.
I think I know what you mean about "Pangs" I think they are actually PVC's or PAC's. I get them, I would sort of describe them as a drop in the tummy, like going down an elevator real fast, or, a catch in the throat and it makes me cough. I also call them "soft flutters" they are not really strong, but, you can feel the hesitation. To answer your question, YES, they are definitely related to anxiety. It is sort of related to adrenalin rushes, but they are not full-blown panic. I do know what you are saying, and as I said, it is just that nasty Panic raising its head again. Darn things.
Well. There's this.
Hypochondriasis
Hypochondriac: A person who has hypochondriasis, a disorder characterized by a preoccupation with body functions and the interpretation of normal body sensations (such as sweating) or minor abnormalities (such as minor aches and pains) as portending problems of major medical moment. Reassurance by physicians and others only serves to increase the hypochondriac's persistent anxiety about their health.
Also, anxiety is normal in some cases, but anxiety itself can be the problem. Although we can get anxiety from our day-to-day lives, having anxiety about our physical health when we are perfectly healthy would probably relate back to something mental. Mention that actual symptom to your doctor. That you constantly feel like your health is in jeopardy, though test results show otherwise. They might tell you that it is the Hypochondriasis condition. And, I suppose, refer you to a therapist, to see if they can lower your unrealistic anxiety. I wouldn't worry about feeling crazy. As humans, we are different, and we still don't understand everything. But your best bet would be to consult with a therapist, to see if they can help you through your irrational anxieties.
Hypochondriasis
Hypochondriac: A person who has hypochondriasis, a disorder characterized by a preoccupation with body functions and the interpretation of normal body sensations (such as sweating) or minor abnormalities (such as minor aches and pains) as portending problems of major medical moment. Reassurance by physicians and others only serves to increase the hypochondriac's persistent anxiety about their health.
Also, anxiety is normal in some cases, but anxiety itself can be the problem. Although we can get anxiety from our day-to-day lives, having anxiety about our physical health when we are perfectly healthy would probably relate back to something mental. Mention that actual symptom to your doctor. That you constantly feel like your health is in jeopardy, though test results show otherwise. They might tell you that it is the Hypochondriasis condition. And, I suppose, refer you to a therapist, to see if they can lower your unrealistic anxiety. I wouldn't worry about feeling crazy. As humans, we are different, and we still don't understand everything. But your best bet would be to consult with a therapist, to see if they can help you through your irrational anxieties.
THANK YOU for your post!! You made me feel normal and hopeful.
Wow was that some list. May I ask about ONE more symptom. (after that list I sorta feel like a fruit case asking about yet ANOTHER symptom that didn't make the list)
I have this intermittant - yet almost constant "heart pang" for lack of a better noun/verb - basically it feels like when a car cuts you off in traffic, that heart stopping "Pang" that you get. Almost like little adrenaline surges (without full blown panic attack) Like someone has just jumped out and scared you , only it happens all day long. Like 4 times since I have typed this.....
Is THAT anxiety too? Has anyone else mentioned that? Have you felt that?
I have been debating whether to see a doc about it, but I have figured it is just anxiety and I am kind of embarressed to go if it is JUST ANXIETY (he kind of looks like me like I am a hysterical women)
Any help, reassurance or guidence is so appreciated.
Thank you Sassy!!!!
Peace Love and Hope
Wow was that some list. May I ask about ONE more symptom. (after that list I sorta feel like a fruit case asking about yet ANOTHER symptom that didn't make the list)
I have this intermittant - yet almost constant "heart pang" for lack of a better noun/verb - basically it feels like when a car cuts you off in traffic, that heart stopping "Pang" that you get. Almost like little adrenaline surges (without full blown panic attack) Like someone has just jumped out and scared you , only it happens all day long. Like 4 times since I have typed this.....
Is THAT anxiety too? Has anyone else mentioned that? Have you felt that?
I have been debating whether to see a doc about it, but I have figured it is just anxiety and I am kind of embarressed to go if it is JUST ANXIETY (he kind of looks like me like I am a hysterical women)
Any help, reassurance or guidence is so appreciated.
Thank you Sassy!!!!
Peace Love and Hope
Hey ! Thank you, so much for posting that list of anxiety symptoms ! Because, I have to tell you, I have had probably 80-90 percent of those symptoms at one point or other !
I have the same problems. I have recently had enough test run to prove to anyone that I am a healthy 33 year old but still I think I have cancer or some other terrible terminal illness. Fortunately, my wife talked some sense into me and tomorrow I have my first appointment with a shrink. I just hope that he can help. He is not the "medicate and see what happens type". He is a psychotherapist so I hope he can actually show me how to beat this or a least live with out the fear consuming my life the way it is now.
Here is the rest of the list:
Fears (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with fear):
A heightened fear of what people think of you
Afraid of being trapped in a place with no exits
Constant feeling of being overwhelmed.
Fear of being in public
Fear of dying
Fear of losing control
Fear of impending doom
Fear of making mistakes or making a fool of yourself to others
Fear of passing out
Fear that you are losing your mind
Fears about irrational things, objects, circumstances, or situations
Fears of going crazy, of dying, of impending doom, of normal things, unusual feelings and emotions, unusually frightening thoughts or feelings
Heightened self awareness, or self-consciousness
Need to find nearest washrooms before you can feel comfortable
Need to seat near exits
Head (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the head):
Burning, itchy, tight scalp
Dizziness
Dizzy
Dizziness or light-headedness
Frequent headaches, migraine headaches
Feeling like there is a tight band around your head, pressure, tightness
Head, neck or shoulder pain, tightness/stiffness
Head zaps, head tremors
Giddiness
Numbness
Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling
Shooting pains, stabbing pains, and odd pressures in the neck, head, or face
Shooting pains in the face
Shooting pains in the scalp or head
When you close your eyes you feel like are beginning to, or will, float upwards
Sore jaw that feels like a tooth ache
TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint) - clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth
Hearing (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with hearing):
Reduced hearing, frequent or intermittent reduced hearing or deafness in one or both ears
Low rumbling sounds
Ringing in the ears, noises in the ears, noises in the head
Pulsing in the ears, throbbing sound in the ear(s)
Mind (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the mind and thinking):
Afraid of everything
Altered state of reality, consciousness, or universe feeling
Deja Vu, a feeling like you've done or experienced something before
Depersonalization
Derealization
Desensitization
Difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss
Difficulty thinking, speaking, forming thoughts, following conversations
Disorientation
Fear of going crazy
Fear of losing control
Fear of impending doom
Feelings of unreality
Frequent feeling of being overwhelmed, or that there is just too much to handle or do
Having difficulty concentrating
Nightmares, bad dreams
Obsession about sensations or getting better
Repetitive thinking or incessant ‘mind chatter’
Short-term learning impairment, have a hard time learning new information
Short-term memory impairment, can't remember what I did a few days, hours, or moments ago
Spaced out feelings, feeling spaced out
"Stuck" thoughts; thoughts, mental images, concepts, songs, or melodies that "stick" in your mind and replay over and over again.
Trapped in your mind feeling
Underlying anxiety, apprehension, or fear
You often feel you are carrying the world on your shoulders
Mood / Emotions (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with mood, emotions, and feelings):
Always feeling angry and lack of patience
Depersonalization
Depression
Dramatic mood swings (emotional flipping)
Emotionally blunted, flat, or numb
Emotional "flipping" (dramatic mood swings)
Emotions feel wrong
Everything is scary, frightening
Feeling down in the dumps
Feeling like things are unreal or dreamlike
Frequently being on edge or 'grouchy'
Frequently feel like crying for no apparent reason
Have no feelings about things you used to
Not feeling like yourself, detached from loved ones, emotionally numb
Underlying anxiety, apprehension, or fear
You feel like you are under pressure all the time
Mouth/Stomach (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the mouth and stomach):
A ‘tinny’, ‘metallic’ or ‘ammonia’, or unusual smell or taste
Aerophagia (swallowing too much air, stomach distention, belching)
Burning mouth, feeling like the inside of your mouth is burning, or tingling, or like pins and needles, or all of these together or at different times
Burning tongue, feeling like your tongue is burning, or tingling, or like pins and needles, or all of these, or all of these together or at different times
Choking
Constant craving for sugar or sweets
Constipation
Diarrhea
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty talking, pronouncing certain letters or sounds, mouth feels like it isn't moving right, slurred speech
Dry mouth
Feeling like you can’t swallow properly or that something will get caught in your throat
Feeling like your tongue is swollen
IBS
Lack of appetite or taste
Lump in the throat, tight throat, something stuck in your throat
Mouth muscles twitching/jumping
Mouth or throat clicking or grating sound/noise when you move your mouth or jaw, such as when talking
Nausea
Nausea vomiting
Nausea or abdominal stress
Numbness
Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling
Stomach upset, gas, belching, bloating
Teeth grinding
The thought of eating makes you nauseous
Tight throat, lump in throat
Throat or mouth clicking or grating sound/noise when you move your mouth or jaw, such as when talking
TMJ
Tongue symptoms - Tingly, “stretched,” numb, frozen, itchy, “crawly,” burning, twitching, “jumpy,” aching, sore, or swollen tongue (when it isn’t).
Urgency to urinate, frequent urination, sudden urge to go to the washroom
Vomiting
Skin (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the skin):
Burning skin sensations, skin sensitivity
Numbness
Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling
Skin problems, infections, rashes
Sleep (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with sleep):
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Frequent bad, bizarre, or crazy dreams
Hearing sounds in your head that jolt you awake
Insomnia, or waking up ill in the middle of the night
Jolting awake
Waking up in a panic attack
You feel worse in the mornings
Sight (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with sight):
Distorted, foggy, or blurred vision
Dry, watery or itchy eyes
Eye tricks, seeing things our of the corner of your eye that isn’t there, stars, flashes
Eyes sensitive to light
Spots in the vision
Flashing lights when eyes are closed
Your depth perception feels wrong
Touch (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with touch):
Burning skin sensations, skin sensitivity
Feeling cold or chilled
Numbness
Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling
Pain
Tingling, pins and needles feelings
Other anxiety symptoms are described as:
Being like a hypochondriac, muscle twinges, worry all the time, tingles, gagging, tightness in the chest, tongue twitches, shaky, breath lump, heart beat problems, head tingles, itchy tingling in arms and legs, and so many more.
In addition to these anxiety symptoms, you may also find yourself worrying compulsively about:
• Having a heart attack
• Having a serious undetected illness
• Dying prematurely
• Going insane or losing your mind
• Suddenly snapping
• Losing it
• Uncontrollably harming yourself or someone you love
• Losing control of your thoughts and actions
• Being embarrassed or making a fool out of yourself
• Losing control
• Fainting in public
• Not breathing properly
• Losing control of reality
• Choking or suffocating
• Being alone
These are some of the more common anxiety symptoms. This list isn't exhaustive.
Fears (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with fear):
A heightened fear of what people think of you
Afraid of being trapped in a place with no exits
Constant feeling of being overwhelmed.
Fear of being in public
Fear of dying
Fear of losing control
Fear of impending doom
Fear of making mistakes or making a fool of yourself to others
Fear of passing out
Fear that you are losing your mind
Fears about irrational things, objects, circumstances, or situations
Fears of going crazy, of dying, of impending doom, of normal things, unusual feelings and emotions, unusually frightening thoughts or feelings
Heightened self awareness, or self-consciousness
Need to find nearest washrooms before you can feel comfortable
Need to seat near exits
Head (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the head):
Burning, itchy, tight scalp
Dizziness
Dizzy
Dizziness or light-headedness
Frequent headaches, migraine headaches
Feeling like there is a tight band around your head, pressure, tightness
Head, neck or shoulder pain, tightness/stiffness
Head zaps, head tremors
Giddiness
Numbness
Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling
Shooting pains, stabbing pains, and odd pressures in the neck, head, or face
Shooting pains in the face
Shooting pains in the scalp or head
When you close your eyes you feel like are beginning to, or will, float upwards
Sore jaw that feels like a tooth ache
TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint) - clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth
Hearing (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with hearing):
Reduced hearing, frequent or intermittent reduced hearing or deafness in one or both ears
Low rumbling sounds
Ringing in the ears, noises in the ears, noises in the head
Pulsing in the ears, throbbing sound in the ear(s)
Mind (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the mind and thinking):
Afraid of everything
Altered state of reality, consciousness, or universe feeling
Deja Vu, a feeling like you've done or experienced something before
Depersonalization
Derealization
Desensitization
Difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss
Difficulty thinking, speaking, forming thoughts, following conversations
Disorientation
Fear of going crazy
Fear of losing control
Fear of impending doom
Feelings of unreality
Frequent feeling of being overwhelmed, or that there is just too much to handle or do
Having difficulty concentrating
Nightmares, bad dreams
Obsession about sensations or getting better
Repetitive thinking or incessant ‘mind chatter’
Short-term learning impairment, have a hard time learning new information
Short-term memory impairment, can't remember what I did a few days, hours, or moments ago
Spaced out feelings, feeling spaced out
"Stuck" thoughts; thoughts, mental images, concepts, songs, or melodies that "stick" in your mind and replay over and over again.
Trapped in your mind feeling
Underlying anxiety, apprehension, or fear
You often feel you are carrying the world on your shoulders
Mood / Emotions (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with mood, emotions, and feelings):
Always feeling angry and lack of patience
Depersonalization
Depression
Dramatic mood swings (emotional flipping)
Emotionally blunted, flat, or numb
Emotional "flipping" (dramatic mood swings)
Emotions feel wrong
Everything is scary, frightening
Feeling down in the dumps
Feeling like things are unreal or dreamlike
Frequently being on edge or 'grouchy'
Frequently feel like crying for no apparent reason
Have no feelings about things you used to
Not feeling like yourself, detached from loved ones, emotionally numb
Underlying anxiety, apprehension, or fear
You feel like you are under pressure all the time
Mouth/Stomach (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the mouth and stomach):
A ‘tinny’, ‘metallic’ or ‘ammonia’, or unusual smell or taste
Aerophagia (swallowing too much air, stomach distention, belching)
Burning mouth, feeling like the inside of your mouth is burning, or tingling, or like pins and needles, or all of these together or at different times
Burning tongue, feeling like your tongue is burning, or tingling, or like pins and needles, or all of these, or all of these together or at different times
Choking
Constant craving for sugar or sweets
Constipation
Diarrhea
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty talking, pronouncing certain letters or sounds, mouth feels like it isn't moving right, slurred speech
Dry mouth
Feeling like you can’t swallow properly or that something will get caught in your throat
Feeling like your tongue is swollen
IBS
Lack of appetite or taste
Lump in the throat, tight throat, something stuck in your throat
Mouth muscles twitching/jumping
Mouth or throat clicking or grating sound/noise when you move your mouth or jaw, such as when talking
Nausea
Nausea vomiting
Nausea or abdominal stress
Numbness
Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling
Stomach upset, gas, belching, bloating
Teeth grinding
The thought of eating makes you nauseous
Tight throat, lump in throat
Throat or mouth clicking or grating sound/noise when you move your mouth or jaw, such as when talking
TMJ
Tongue symptoms - Tingly, “stretched,” numb, frozen, itchy, “crawly,” burning, twitching, “jumpy,” aching, sore, or swollen tongue (when it isn’t).
Urgency to urinate, frequent urination, sudden urge to go to the washroom
Vomiting
Skin (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with the skin):
Burning skin sensations, skin sensitivity
Numbness
Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling
Skin problems, infections, rashes
Sleep (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with sleep):
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Frequent bad, bizarre, or crazy dreams
Hearing sounds in your head that jolt you awake
Insomnia, or waking up ill in the middle of the night
Jolting awake
Waking up in a panic attack
You feel worse in the mornings
Sight (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with sight):
Distorted, foggy, or blurred vision
Dry, watery or itchy eyes
Eye tricks, seeing things our of the corner of your eye that isn’t there, stars, flashes
Eyes sensitive to light
Spots in the vision
Flashing lights when eyes are closed
Your depth perception feels wrong
Touch (anxiety symptoms commonly associated with touch):
Burning skin sensations, skin sensitivity
Feeling cold or chilled
Numbness
Numbness tingling, numbness and tingling
Pain
Tingling, pins and needles feelings
Other anxiety symptoms are described as:
Being like a hypochondriac, muscle twinges, worry all the time, tingles, gagging, tightness in the chest, tongue twitches, shaky, breath lump, heart beat problems, head tingles, itchy tingling in arms and legs, and so many more.
In addition to these anxiety symptoms, you may also find yourself worrying compulsively about:
• Having a heart attack
• Having a serious undetected illness
• Dying prematurely
• Going insane or losing your mind
• Suddenly snapping
• Losing it
• Uncontrollably harming yourself or someone you love
• Losing control of your thoughts and actions
• Being embarrassed or making a fool out of yourself
• Losing control
• Fainting in public
• Not breathing properly
• Losing control of reality
• Choking or suffocating
• Being alone
These are some of the more common anxiety symptoms. This list isn't exhaustive.
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