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Avatar universal

Anxiety and head/face pressure.

Hi, so i had my first anxiety attack a couple of months ago, and it lasted about a month before i got it under control and was able to go a few weeks without any anxiety at all. (Exercise and relaxation techniques, along with a positive approach to life really helps, btw. Try that before you go for the prescription drugs!) Well, something traumatic happened recently and my anxiety came right back. Along with it came an intense pressure in my head, sinus area (ears, forehead, eyes and sides of nose.) My eyes FEEL, but dont look, bulgy. The symptoms get the worst when i am sitting down or laying back reading for even a few minutes at a time. My head feels foggy, and my vision doesnt seem as focused. I looked into Hyperthyroidism, because i had heard before that anxiety could be caused by a thyroid problem. I'm not exactly sure though and i'd like some opinions please. I cant take this pressure! :(
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Avatar universal
Thats anxiety, I had exactly the same symptoms... You feel like your eyes are bulgy, and your eyes sleepy, pressure on the face and in the front head, ear sounds, you feel foggy or dizzy + Brain Zaps. That is exactly an anxiety. All of these symptoms may happen if your anxiety lasted for weeks, sometimes days.

I went to 5 Ophthalmologists, 3 opticians, etc. and all of them said that I have dry eyes and jelly muscles. The muscles of the eyes cause the problem of focus which lead to the pressure behind and around eyes.
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1 Comments
exactly what ive been experiencing! thank you for commenting as i thought there was something seriously wrong. i am so relieved
1047924 tn?1301882707
thx Nicole & i wish you all the best!
I've stopped drinking coffee & that helped as well, But i still want COFFEE so very badly!
Also, if you have anymore suggestions please keep'em coming.
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Avatar universal
yes anxixty always gets worse near ur menstral cycle mine does i suffer from sever anxiety everyday all day long i have it.. and i know that when it comes close to that time of month its really raelly bad...My dr.. told me to just start taking my birth control for three months straight then get my period them do it for another threes months and its awesome its helped alot
and i have recently looked into home remidies and its amazing
and if u belive in it it wil work definatly anything that relaxes u works.. tea, yoga, hot bath, massage, excersixe,, all of thoughs things work if u let them...
its mind control....i know its hard but it does work if u set ur mind to it...
anxity is not plesent but for some of us its not just going to go away... but it can get alot better than it is.. and if we all just work together and try to concor this and share the ways that work best for one another i am sure will all be just fine
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1047924 tn?1301882707
I seem to think my anxiety maybe be linked to my menstrual cycle?? Because days before it's due, i get all them crazy feelings again..up until 1 week after then I'm fine for 3 weeks...I'm i just making up another excuse or I'm i on to something here? Does anyone have this same feeling?

PLEASE, all comments are appreciated!

thx
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Avatar universal
and as for thyroid...it's fairly common to get that checked out if you're experiencing anxiety just to be sure. you should go ahead and get it checked. there's no reason not to.
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Avatar universal
the physical symptoms you describe are VERY annoying and truly make one question whether or not there is something physically wrong with them. i mean when you think about it, how many diseases out there have a symptom of 'pressure in the head' and tingling sensations all over your head...etc. there's not many and the ones with those syptoms often are very scarey. the good thing (sort of) is that almost everyone with anxiety does experience those things at some point or another, which means for us it's normal. that's good because it means that odds are those symptoms don't mean you're dying. as far as you saying try more natural methods before trying medication...well i agree natural methods should be used as much as possible whether someone uses meds or not, but in addition to that, no medication i've ever taken has helped with the weird physical symptoms nearly as well as massaging certain pressure points and using cold rags on certain nerves...etc. that helped so much in relieving the physical symtpoms. pressure points especially...so if you haven't already tried that route, i'd explore it. i'm sure you can find a website that helps you find pressure points that you can massage to help relieve stress, etc. the ones that i would massage are above my ear, in the middle of my left eye brow...left shoulder...base of skull on left side. obviously mine concertrates on the left side of my head, as do my migraines when i get them. but i did that quite a bit for a couple days and eventually the physical symptoms went away....then i think the zoloft started to work and the physical symptoms haven't returned.
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370181 tn?1595629445
I think it's GREAT that you're able to deal with your anxiety on your own, in your own ways, on your own terms! Having a very supportive partner really helps and it sounds, as nursegirl says, you've got a real "keeper!"
I wish you continued sucess and eventual recovery. Please continue to keep us posted on how you're doing! And keep posting about what works for you............there are so many here who could learn from you! We all need to support each other in our battles, and we ALL need to remember that we ALL fight our battles in our own way. There is no one "right" way for every body.
Thanks for being part of this forum!
Peace
Greenlydia
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Dam* girl...hang on to that man!  He's a keeper!
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1047886 tn?1264675102
hi don't worry.. you didn't offend me in the slightest :)
just wanted to post a note to let you all know im feeling AWESOME!!! still havent seen a dr no reason in particular... just would rather figure this out on my own.
but i looked up on the net complete list of anxiety symptoms and every single symptom that i have had was on that list!!! i cant tell you how releived i felt! and since talking with my hubby he gives me sometimes 3 or 4 massages a day which has also helped releive my symptoms. i feel great... the mind over matter aproach is working well for me. still on my relaxation technique but i tell ya what just cutting out all caffine has worked wonders for me too. thanks every one for all your advice... i'll keep you posted. ps its amazing what a comforting pair of arms can do for you... go hug a friend :)
over and out
youngmumma  
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370181 tn?1595629445
I apologize for getting you confused with "youngmumma." My mistake.

"Simplistic" does NOT mean "simple." It is an adjective meaning "tending to oversimplify; naive."

It was of my opinion that certain suggestions being made WERE simplistic.

You wrote "I think it would help everyone here if we actually read what we said and what others said so that no ones confused."

I couldn't agree with you more!
Greenlydia
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370181 tn?1595629445
I apologize for getting you confused with "youngmumma." My mistake.

"Simplistic" does not mean "simple." It is an adjective meaning "tending to oversimplify; naive."

It was my opinion that you were "oversimplifying" what many of us with anxiety/panic needed. That is ALL I meant.

You wrote, and I quote:
"I think it would help everyone here if we actually read what we said and what others said so that no ones confused."

I couldn't agree with you more.

Greenlydia
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480448 tn?1426948538
Woah.

Wow.

Beauty and Bridges....first of all...I'm glad you've both found your way here.  This IS a place for support and understanding, and education.

I think you are both getting your backs up for no reason.  First, it is VERY hard online to interpret TONE and meaning into the written word...unlike when someone is actually talking to you.  Lydia isa person who dedicates a LOT of her time not only giving people advice in this forum, but also managing the forum as a Community Leader...which is a selfless, sometimes challenging (and need I mention..VOLUNTEER) JOB!  Everyone has a different posting style...a different approach and a different opinion.  We don't all have to agree with each other all the time.

I think you've both misread lydia's words, and her intentions....and quite frankly...you both came at her, all barrels out.  That's not entirely fair.  So, while you may not AGREE with her message....or prefer her posting style....please realize that the bottom line is she was offering support and suggestions, to HELP both of you.  You quoted a few of her comments that you perceieved as negative...I'd like to point out a few that were nothing but supportive, kid, caring and helpful........



"A traumatic event will very often bring on anxiety and I'm sorry that you not only had to experience that but are, once again, suffering with the anxiety. (Are you exercising, using relaxation techniques and looking at life with a positive attitude?) "

"While I applaud your use of "natural" remedies for your anxiety, the massages and relaxation exercises, the self-help books, the breathing techniques..........these are all good things. "

"I can understand if you are opposed to taking medications since you believe they simply mask symptoms and I don't toally disagree with that, which is why I usually suggest therapy. "


Those are just a few examples.  In my opinion, I think you both are overreacting a bit.  Please try not to take things personally....or lose sight of the main message, which is always that of support and advice.
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Avatar universal
I have NOT been dealing with anxiety for 15 years, youre getting me confused with youngmumma. You also did say that her approach was "simplistic" which means simple. I think it would help everyone here if we actually read what we said and what others said so that no ones confused.
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1047924 tn?1301882707
FYI this is what annoys me....

1. You had an anxiety attack that last an entire MONTH? Amazing!

2. Most, if not all of us, also realize it's "just" anxiety, but some of us do need more help than a cup of tea.

3. but I stand by what I said............be it harsh or annoyingly,negative

Oh and....

4. If it wasn't served up as warm and cozy as you'd like, move on.

Exactly, enough said! Trust me you would NEVER win an argument with me so don't waste your time. Maybe it's time that you seek an ANGER MANAGEMENT forum. Oh & BTW sound's like your lonely as well, maybe you need a hug.


Beauty035



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370181 tn?1595629445
I normally do not reply simply because someone disagrees with my opinion or calls my responses "harsh," or says my "negativity was annoying," you are entitled to your opinion. But............
In MY humble opinion, I feel that my posts have been misunderstood. I believe I stated that if a natural approach works for YOU, that's great. I also agreed that taking medications simply mask the problems, which is why I recommend therapy as an adjunct to ANY program, be it "natural," "herbal," "holistic," or pharmaceutical.........." whatever works for you. I also stated there WERE drug free ways to recover. When I said that your approach, FOR MANY OF US, was too simplistic, I was NOT putting your methods down, I was stating what I believe is a fact that drinking tea, riding our bikes or taking some fish oil was, unfortunately, not enough. I did NOT mean, nor did I say, that taking a mind/body approach was wrong, nor do I believe I EVER said that method was "simple." I know it is not and I know that it requires a great deal of commitment and knowledge.
Bridges........you've been dealing with anxiety for 15 YEARS. Beauty, you say you've been suffering with the same symptoms as Bridges, as well as hives in your mouth and throat, for nine LONG months...................
Perhaps you two should PM Paxiled for some excellent advice on which natural remedies you might want to consider, but I stand by what I said............be it harsh or annoyingly negative, you both should consult a doctor, be they GP's or Homeopathic.
You came here for advice and support and you got both. If it wasn't served up as warm and cozy as you'd like, move on.
Greenlydia  

        
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1047924 tn?1301882707
I agree with you =)

I've been trying to do it for some time now without meds..but i just thought that Greenlydia was being a lil' harsh & her negativity was annoying me. I'm trying to find a median....i believe it will take some time.

Good Luck & again i wish you all the best =)
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Avatar universal
I think its important to do what works for you, "simplistic" or not. I personally know that the reason for my anxiety has come from real problems in my life and when i get past them, the anxiety fades away. I never said that you should NEVER take prescription pills for anxiety, btw. I simply said that you should try natural, simple approaches to it first, if anything to alleviate it while your working out the real problem behind it. I know that in America there are so many commercials on tv brainwashing people to think that they need a pill as soon as theyre feeling a little down, or have a little pain, and it would be sad to see people getting sucked into that before they've tried every other approach first. Its best to start simply, and use the pills as a last resort.
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Avatar universal
The natural approach is anything but simple.  The problem is, most people don't do it properly, so it never gets the proper chance.  And greenlydia is absolutely correct, therapy is always a part of natural treatment.  Not sometimes, always.  But natural remedies do in fact attempt to get to the root causes of the problem, unlike medication.  When used properly, they attempt to properly regulate the body's natural balance of nutrients so that it will return to health.  That's why natural remedies are always used in combination, never singly, when used properly; there are many different parts of our physiology involved in proper balance.  Different traditions exist; the Chines believe, for example, that the kidney regulates fear, so they will work on the kidneys if anxiety is a problem with herbs that strengthen that organ, in addition to using relaxants and adaptogens that strengthen the adrenals.  Western herbal traditions will use different herbs and techniques.  Ayurveda from India will first cleanse the body of toxins, then apply a system of energetics and relaxants and adaptogens.  It takes time and discipline, because it involves diet, exercise, supplements, meditation, and, yes, therapy.  In fact, CBT is derived largely from Buddhist and Hindu and Taoist psychology, borrowing their meditation and breathing strategies and visualization and such.  I, unfortunately, wasn't able to use this approach; I intended to when I went off Paxil, because I didn't know enough about it when I first started on medication, but the Paxil withdrawal I suffered has never gone away, and since then nearly everything I try has a paradoxical approach.  But if this approach appeals to someone, it is much more than simple; it is a complicated, whole body and mind approach, and if it doesn't work, medication is still there.  Better luck to everyone than I've had with whatever you try.
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1047924 tn?1301882707
I think your being a little to harsh.. Wouldn't you say? What works for some , doesn't work for all. I'm new to this site, and i thought it was a place for support, but after reading some of your post i must admit I'm quite discouraged! I've been suffering from the same symptom's as Bridges for 9 LONG MONTHS,along with hives in my mouth & throat , i refuse to take meds., because i don't wont to become dependent or addicted to meds.. to make me "normal" again.

I'm not really sure what the future holds for me as i may be denial... but i do know that I'm suffering severely & don't no how much longer i can stand to be here! I have good & bad days. I've lost my job an so on.

I feel better knowing that I'm not alone in all this.
I wish everyone all the best , no matter what approach they decide to use =)
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370181 tn?1595629445
While I applaud your use of "natural" remedies for your anxiety, the massages and relaxation exercises, the self-help books, the breathing techniques..........these are all good things.
But you said yourself that these things will not "eradicate" your anxiety, they just make it bearable. I can understand if you are opposed to taking medications since you believe they simply mask symptoms and I don't toally disagree with that, which is why I usually suggest therapy. No pill or potion is going to get rid of your anxiety, natural or man made. Only confronting the root cause of your anxiety and dealing with that will eradicate your anxiety.
Why have you allowed yourself to suffer with this for 15 years when there are drug free ways to recover? Why do you settle for "bearable" when you could be free?
Please also bear in mind that not all of us are as lucky as you. Most, if not all of us, also realize it's "just" anxiety, but some of us do need more help than a cup of tea to help us while we do our work in therapy.
I don't mean to sound harsh or judgemental, and if your methods work for you, I think thats great, but for many of us, the anxiety/panic is so deeply rooted, your approach is a bit too simplistic.

I wish you continued sucess with your natural approach.
Peace
Greenlydia  
Helpful - 0
1047886 tn?1264675102
i too have huge pressure in my head and suffer bouts of anxiety for weeks at a time. i have never been to a doctor about my anxiety (am 23 and have had it for 15 yrs), and i deal with it naturally, self help books, breathing exercises, herbal teas (cut out caffine all together as that is a huge cause of anxiety), massage, relaxation techniques... vitamins b6 complex, evening primrose and fish oil. it all helps. i know none of this eradicates my anxiety all together but it lessens it.. and makes it bearable,  but none of these pills do either... they just mask the feelings.. stop taking the pills and it comes right back. at least i know how i really feel and that its just anxiety.. i can usually talk my self down.
hope  this helps..
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370181 tn?1595629445
That certainly sounds like anxiety. Did you address this issue with your doctor? You say you got it under control, but were left with all these other problems. You've heard from Paxiled that he had very similar feelings, so that should give you SOME comfort. I still stand by my opinion that you should see your doctor to rule out an organic cause of your symptoms.
Many people report odd sensations in their heads during an attack...........pressure, tingling, a sense of fullness, etc. To all of them I also urge a visit to their doctor.
IF you are dealing with an infection, you do not want to leave it untreated as it could progress into your lungs and then you'd have an even more serious problem on your hands.
You state that you "can't take the pressure." I can understand that, so do something about it. See your doc.
Peace
Greenlydia
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Avatar universal
The ANXIETY lasted a month, not the attack. A constant nervous, slightly nauseous, upset feeling.
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Avatar universal
Don't know what's going on, but I get those kinds of symptoms from my anxiety.  Did even before I started getting anxiety attacks.  Pressure in my head, my eyes.  Annoying.
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