Aa
Just started out of no where :/
So about two months back, I was laying on my couch about to go to sleep when all of a sudden I was jolted awake, my heart pounding and I literally thought I was having a heart attack. After it passed, I kind of just brushed it off until it happened to me again that night. And from then on, it's just been non stop, I called 911 on myself one night and went to the ER two times after that. It's just been a living hell. So my first question is, I'm 23 btw, can anxiety just hit you randomly at one point in your life? Given, I am moving and going to a new school, but i didn't feel like I was very anxious about it...I was rather excited. so maybe I could have subconsciously triggered something?
Secondly, now most of my episodes only come at night, right before I'm about to sleep. My left arm starts to feel as if I've just worked out a bunch and just feels weird, it's very hard to explain the feeling. So then recently, my arm has started to go completely numb, I will wake up very quickly, rapid heart rate along with blurry/snowy vision. Is it normal (not that any of it is normal in general) to feel pain or numbness on one side of your body with anxiety? Can someone relate to the jolting awake at night?
It's driving me crazy, and after every time it happens , I just cry and I feel like my whole body is about to explode. I'm physically and mentally exhausted, need someone to talk to who's going through this as well :(
Secondly, now most of my episodes only come at night, right before I'm about to sleep. My left arm starts to feel as if I've just worked out a bunch and just feels weird, it's very hard to explain the feeling. So then recently, my arm has started to go completely numb, I will wake up very quickly, rapid heart rate along with blurry/snowy vision. Is it normal (not that any of it is normal in general) to feel pain or numbness on one side of your body with anxiety? Can someone relate to the jolting awake at night?
It's driving me crazy, and after every time it happens , I just cry and I feel like my whole body is about to explode. I'm physically and mentally exhausted, need someone to talk to who's going through this as well :(
Hi, again, srose! I'm not a medical professional, so it would be wrong of me to speculate. What I can tell you is that yes, there are some illnesses that can present anxiety as a symptom.
Take it from me, a fellow anxiety sufferer - do NOT start googling your symptoms. It's great news that your EKG came back fine - that was to check your heart, so yay for good news! It sounds like the ER covered the basics. For some peace of mind, it wouldn't hurt to go see your regular doctor for a full check up. Explain your symptoms - sometimes it helps to make a check up. Let him/her know what tests the ER ran - they can get those results.
If all tests come out that you're healthy, cling to that as good news! Continue to speak frankly with your doctor - if your anxiety is still troubling you and there is no illness that would be causing it, then I really encourage you to get the help you need.
Speak to your doctor, someone from your church, a referral from your insurance, or someone else you trust about referrals for a psychologist/counselor. Therapy is a HUGE thing to help with anxiety - it helps identify our triggers, and teaches coping mechanisms.
If your doctor does feel it is anxiety and recommends medication, that will be a conversation you two can have on whether that's a tool you need. Many people manage their anxiety with therapy and lifestyle changes. Many others find success adding medication to their toolbox. You will need to find the mix of tools that work best for you.
I know it feels frightening right now, but take it from someone who has been there - better days are coming. Just take things one minute at a time - you'll get there!
Take it from me, a fellow anxiety sufferer - do NOT start googling your symptoms. It's great news that your EKG came back fine - that was to check your heart, so yay for good news! It sounds like the ER covered the basics. For some peace of mind, it wouldn't hurt to go see your regular doctor for a full check up. Explain your symptoms - sometimes it helps to make a check up. Let him/her know what tests the ER ran - they can get those results.
If all tests come out that you're healthy, cling to that as good news! Continue to speak frankly with your doctor - if your anxiety is still troubling you and there is no illness that would be causing it, then I really encourage you to get the help you need.
Speak to your doctor, someone from your church, a referral from your insurance, or someone else you trust about referrals for a psychologist/counselor. Therapy is a HUGE thing to help with anxiety - it helps identify our triggers, and teaches coping mechanisms.
If your doctor does feel it is anxiety and recommends medication, that will be a conversation you two can have on whether that's a tool you need. Many people manage their anxiety with therapy and lifestyle changes. Many others find success adding medication to their toolbox. You will need to find the mix of tools that work best for you.
I know it feels frightening right now, but take it from someone who has been there - better days are coming. Just take things one minute at a time - you'll get there!
I agree with you, and I want to thank you for your approach in the kind suggestions to srose32..
I have the impression you have suffered from anxiety as well...or you know someone close and dear to you that has suffered anxiety. So glad this website exists. :-)
I have the impression you have suffered from anxiety as well...or you know someone close and dear to you that has suffered anxiety. So glad this website exists. :-)
I work night shift primarily..so I'm asleep most of day, but I can sympathise with your anxiety..lack for a better saying...IT *****! Very frustrating. I am RN in Austin TX I am CRITICAL CARE RN. I AM NOT a psych nurse..just fyi. I will do my best to check up on your posts
Don't apologize for getting help to help yourself..another quote from program, ONE NEED NOT FEEL GUILTY, UNLESS ONE INTENTIONALLY DOES WRONG TO ANOTHER. Lesson 9,.GET OFF THE GUILT AND WORRY TREADMILL
Don't apologize for getting help to help yourself..another quote from program, ONE NEED NOT FEEL GUILTY, UNLESS ONE INTENTIONALLY DOES WRONG TO ANOTHER. Lesson 9,.GET OFF THE GUILT AND WORRY TREADMILL
I myself am a health professional RN, I suffered the the same symptoms in 2002, the first one happened in the library..I was studying ahead of time for finals...my heart started racing, pounding...no chest pain..then my right eye WIDENED..no facial droop, no numbness, I looked like my eye was gonna pop out of my head...until I got help for my anxiety via ATTACKING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION PROGRAM... I continued to have these episodes at no specific times, daytime, nighttime, driving, reading. In class, at church..EVERYWHERE..when one experiences a panic attack or aniety episode...Adrenaline courses through your body, hence fast heart beat, tightness of muscles, (related to fight or flight response) unbeknownced to me, I was subconsciously scaring myself, so I would get an adrenaline rush, but did not use the adrenaline appropriately...the analogy I often use...I feel like q vehicle the gas pedal pressed to the maximum, but emergency brake on..so the car engine is going at 5000RPM, but does not move an inch of distance...typically after an adrenaline rush wears off..one feels exhausted, tearful, and of course scared because you don't know what caused it, AND you are scared of when it will happen again...I cannot diagnose either, but I can provide you with information that may be happening to your body. A common statement, for people who go through this..what if I'm losing my mind...then we fixate on "what if" thinking..hence scaring ourselves. What I liked about the program is listening to multiple people from all walks of life discussing their episodes of anxiety, their way of thinking, the amount of caffeine intake, their scary thoughts, their perfectionistic behaviors. I suddenly realized I was not going crazy, AND I was not the only one with the previous behaviors.
By the way I agree with mele
By the way I agree with mele
Thank you so much for your response, i appreciate it.
Well the last time I've had any sort of check up was when I went to the ER, there they did an EKG I believe it's called, and they checked if I was pregnant, checked my blood sugar, and checked my blood pressure and there was absolutely nothing wrong. The only thing I haven't had in a while are blood tests. Do you know of any blood conditions (HPV, HIV etc.) that could trigger these kind of feelings? (god i know I'm so pathetic for thinking about all this :()
Just started yesterday, the right side of my head is just pounding, I've noticed I 've been clenching my teeth a lot which I think might be because of that!
I've tried the breathing exercises and yes they do help a bit, I still need to practice a little more though because it kind of feels like im short of breath or something. Very strange and terrifying.
Also I forgot to mention, I'm on 200mg of wellbutrin (100mg 2x) daily, it has helped but I also find it;s made my body jittery and I have this overwhelming sensation I'm going to get a seizure. It's so frustrating!
Did you also ever feel like your body is just about to give up?
Sorry for so many questions and concerns It's been extremely hard to talk to other people about this without annoying them.
Well the last time I've had any sort of check up was when I went to the ER, there they did an EKG I believe it's called, and they checked if I was pregnant, checked my blood sugar, and checked my blood pressure and there was absolutely nothing wrong. The only thing I haven't had in a while are blood tests. Do you know of any blood conditions (HPV, HIV etc.) that could trigger these kind of feelings? (god i know I'm so pathetic for thinking about all this :()
Just started yesterday, the right side of my head is just pounding, I've noticed I 've been clenching my teeth a lot which I think might be because of that!
I've tried the breathing exercises and yes they do help a bit, I still need to practice a little more though because it kind of feels like im short of breath or something. Very strange and terrifying.
Also I forgot to mention, I'm on 200mg of wellbutrin (100mg 2x) daily, it has helped but I also find it;s made my body jittery and I have this overwhelming sensation I'm going to get a seizure. It's so frustrating!
Did you also ever feel like your body is just about to give up?
Sorry for so many questions and concerns It's been extremely hard to talk to other people about this without annoying them.
I'm so sorry you're going through this.
I'm not a health professional, so I can't diagnose. But the symptoms you've described can be attributed to anxiety.
I've experienced some of the symptoms you've described, and yes - it is scary! When was the last time you had a check up with your doctor? It's never a bad idea to ensure there aren't any issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.
In the meantime, avoid caffeine and lots of sugars. Drink lots of water. Exercise. When your symptoms start to surface, do things that help you. Maybe that's good breathing exercises - in slowly through your nose, out slowly and hold. Maybe it's getting up and jogging in place, doing jumping jacks, or cranking up your favorite music and dancing it out. Call someone you trust and talk it out. Journaling has been a big help for me. And, of course, this forum is awesome!
The anxiety journey is one no one understands unless they've been there. We all have. You're not alone, and things do get better. I'm living proof of it!
Hang in there - sending you good wishes!
I'm not a health professional, so I can't diagnose. But the symptoms you've described can be attributed to anxiety.
I've experienced some of the symptoms you've described, and yes - it is scary! When was the last time you had a check up with your doctor? It's never a bad idea to ensure there aren't any issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.
In the meantime, avoid caffeine and lots of sugars. Drink lots of water. Exercise. When your symptoms start to surface, do things that help you. Maybe that's good breathing exercises - in slowly through your nose, out slowly and hold. Maybe it's getting up and jogging in place, doing jumping jacks, or cranking up your favorite music and dancing it out. Call someone you trust and talk it out. Journaling has been a big help for me. And, of course, this forum is awesome!
The anxiety journey is one no one understands unless they've been there. We all have. You're not alone, and things do get better. I'm living proof of it!
Hang in there - sending you good wishes!
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