Help for Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

[AllyC2465]

Hi, I've dealt with anxiety and panic attacks for years now but recently I've had the physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing and chest pains even when I wasnt having a panic attack. I dont take any medications because I dont want to be put on anti-depressants or other heavy medications that alter my mood, etc-I'd like to treat this natually if I could. Does anyone suffer the physical symptoms without having a panic attack? And what can I do to make them go away?

[DJ873]

there are alot of books out there that you can work on yourself but its allooottt of work and determination

[AllyC2465]

Thank you guys for your responses...as far as my symptoms go sometimes they happen when I'm resting but most of the times I'm at work or out with friends and I guess that plays a big part of it..many times I think If I didnt worry about it so much, it wouldnt be as big of a deal as it really is. My mind blows things out of proportion and it escalates from there, I'm just really tired of feeling this way and dont know what to do. I have tried different vitamins and herbal blends that claim to relieve anxiety but they didn't really work the way I expected. So maybe a good counselor is the way to go but I wish there was something I could do myself to help.

[BeeFree]

Yes I do, almost weekly. You would think that after several years of experience that we would know how to prevent these symptoms from coming, but I'm beginning to believe that I am just hard-wired to respond to certain situations differently than others. Sure, our minds have every little bit to do with it, but automatic responses are harder to control.
St John's Worst has helped me in the past as well as Kava Kava, but because these take time to make a noticeble difference (about 2 weeks) I also used a blend of herbs called "Mental Calmness" which was designed for immediate relief. Really great for taking the edge off when stress strikes. Doesn't cause drowsiness. And you can find it at most health food stores.
Good for you for not falling into the prescription med trap. Been there as well and it is not worth it!

[Werewolf1974]

Hello, I think it would be a good idea if you could ask your doctor for a physical check-up. Maybe there is an organic (not psychological) reason for your symptoms and from my experience it's usually a wise option to rule out somatic illnesses. Trust me - I've had panic attacks with severe agoraphobia for over 14 years, on top of that I suffer from iron deficiency anaemia, which in my case causes shortness of breath and rapid heatbeat IN ADDITION TO panic attacks...
Maybe you could have an EKG/ heart echo, I don't know - I do suggest talking to your doctor.
And then, when you are sure your heart and lungs etc. are OK, you could seek councelling?
BTW, do you have those symptoms when you're resting as well or when you're exercising or doing something strenuous?
Please, don't be scared to tell your doc about those symptoms. I'm sure she/he won't put you on any medication unless there is absolute medical necessity (like in my case - i had to take 3 series of iron injections...and trust me, I AM a HUGE med phobic!...still 3 more ahead...and vit B12). iwona/werewolf1974