Hi, I'm 41 years old. After getting a cold three weeks ago, my anxiety has spiralled out of control. I am consumed with worry about my health. My chest and throat feels tight and sore at random times of the day. I am always trying to clear my throat. I am getting headaches and muscular aches in my shoulders and neck. I have seen more than one doctor, who have told me it is anxiety. I find it difficult to trust though, and I am scared it could be something sinister. My husband finds it difficult to understand why I can't just stop thinking like that. I feel like such a burden on my family and helpless to fix this horrible way of being. I have begun tapering off mirtazapine too, so dreading the withdrawals from this. I really would like to hear from someone who understands please.
Hi , well your not alone i have the same issues you do , im going through it now , i've been to the doctors i dont no how many times , i take ativan occasionally so that helps alot , but all my test have come back negative , best of luck you'll get through it
Thanks. I hope you get through it too. The symptoms feel so real. In the past, I have had blood tests, barium swallows, an endoscopy, a colonoscopy, all returned clear. It has been two to three years since I had a procedure done. I'm not sure if I should get more tests done this time round or just accept that it is anxiety and it will pass. It can become very costly getting tests done and does not provide long term relief.
amanda....your problem is anxiety!! I speak as a retired professional, and current anxiety victim. Yes, I say victim because ours own mind try to convince us of all sorts of horrible possibilities. That is classic anxiety.
First, my doctor put me on a med that eased the worst of it enough that I could think clearer. If I were you, I would seek out an ANXIETY therapist or ANXIETY counselor. You need someone with experience in that field, or someone who has been there themselves. You'll be okay. Also, google for foods that help anxiety, and foods that make it worse. Eating right makes a MAJOR difference. That, you can start right now.
Hi amanda.. perhaps your chest & throat probs could be part of your recovery from the cold you mentioned.. cold/influenza can throw your immunity out of whack & takes a little longer to feel well again.. Agree with cia, counseling would be an important option for your anxiety.. Tapering off mirtazapine would also be throwing in its fair share as well.. Go for counseling hun - get well xx
Thanks for your reply cia42277. I am currently seeing a psychologist, but my next visit isn't until the 14th of July. I live in a rural area, so access to appropriate professionals is tricky. I have heard that my psychologist is good, so I am hopeful. I try to practice mindfulness twice every day. Thanks for the tip on googling for food for anxiety. I will have a look. I have been off food lately, but trying to drink water regularly. I get so caught up in my physical problems that I find it hard to see a light at the end of this. I appreciate your words and hope with time and learning about the experiences of others on this forum, I can accept my anxiety and heal. Thank you 😊
Hi Deb44437. Thank you for your advice. I have been to see the doctor again today with my throat problems and he has discovered a lump near my throat. He is confident it is nothing sinister. I am not coping well with this news however. I am going for an ultrasound next week. The rational part of my brain thinks it has to do with my cold, but until I get results, I will continue to think of the "what ifs". Thank you again. It really does help to have others who care 😊
You are so very welcome, Amanda. Drinking a LOT of water is very wise....it helps flush the raging adrenaline out of your system....and that is what causes anxiety disorder. Do yourself a huge favor, I found that instead of writing what I understand in great detail, one can go to sites that have it all there....the cause of anxiety, what it makes the mind and body do, and even many of the same things to do that I've suggested. Google exactly this..."adrenaline and anxiety" reading just a few will clarify it all for you. When you've done that, come back and we'll go on from there. This is beatable!
Good advise, Deb. Anxiety coupled with a lump near her throat has Amanda pretty tight. Good catch. I am glad you are encouraging her. You do that very well. Best regards,
This is exactly how anxiety manifest. One small thing grow into us kicking the bucket. Please don't taper off your med. Sounds like you need more or another one. Call you family doctor right away and tell him or her that your having bad anxiety and headaches.They will get you squared away.
Hi Kimberley. I am tapering off my mirtazapine under the direction of my new doctor and feeling a little better. I think it just isn't the right medication for me. I will be going back for a review, and agree that I will still need to be on some form of medication, just not that one.
That-a girl !!!!!
Good for you Amanda!!!!
Going to get an ultrasound on my neck tomorrow for the palpable lump the doctor found. Really finding difficult today to keep myself from freaking out over the possibilities. I have been taking valerian to help me sleep,but I might have to go for a benzo to get me through tonight. It's good to hear the encouragement, so thank you for helping me deal with this 🙂