Severe anxiety.

Mental health
1

Hi all I'm Kayla I've posted on here before. I have been experiencing severe anxiety the last couple of days. I have been under a lot of stress the last couple weeks and I'm sure it's been building up. I had to visit my boyfriends mom at the hospital and I am scared of hospitals. So I'm sure that has added to my anxiety. 

I've been able to keep my anxiety down. Until recently when things got super stressful. I am just having a hard time functioning normally. I haven't been able to eat much because I haven't been hungry. I get full really fast when I do eat. I have been having a lot of adominal discomfort. Which I'm pretty sure is caused by anxiety. I've been super gasey, my stomachs been upset, maybe I've been experiencing a little bit of heart burn. I have been lightheaded a little dizzy (I went through a 2 week phase of being dizzy but it turned out to be anxiety and was fixed once I started eating better and taking supplements). I was also really shakey a couple nights ago. I also am having a hard time relaxing and breathing normally. I have had a difficult time breathing as if I am being smoothered. It just doesn't seem to go away for very long. It goes away for maybe an hour and something will trigger it to come back. Like if I'm thinking about certain things or worrying about certian things. But it's hard to control that stuff. 

Anyways. I just want reassurance so that I can feel like I am not crazy. 

Thanks! 

2

Hello Kayla,

What you are suffering is certainly anxiety linked,but take it from me,you are having similar symptoms to what I was having two years ago with the stomach and heartburn.The bit about your breathing also affected me,I have suffered with anxiety for over 50 yrs and have coped with a little help from my friends along the way,but after I lost my dad and my job due to injury,these problems resurfaced in a very big way.

It probably is anxiety with you,but it might be worth checking to see if you have a stomach problem,I was diagnosed with Barretts esophagus and hiatus hernia two years ago,and the symptoms you mention were prevalent,and even now,although I feel a lot better,any anxiety will cause me those same feelings,i.e distended stomach,loss of appetite and breathing problems,plus being very run down.

Of course,as I say,it could well be anxiety brought on by your hospital visits,quite understandable,who enjoys those?

However just to be on the safe side,get yourself checked out,at least you'll find out what it is,anxiety will always find a weak spot to work on and is renowned for causing dyspepsia,stomach ulcers and the like,and for sure you won't feel like eating until the problem is diagnosed.

I wish you well and hope you start to feel better as soon as possible.

Regards Malc

3

Hi Kayla,

Beautiful name.  Could you please explain to me, in your own words, what anxiety is.  If you do, I will then be able to try to assist you.  And, by the way, I don't think you are going crazy.  You're just like us, having a hard time with life.

Waiting for your response.

4

Hi Kayla,

Take a deep breath! you are not crazy!

Have you taken your pulse at rest and when you are doing regular activities. Maybe you have arrhythmia. That can give you symptoms of not being able to get enough air. You should have around 80 beats per minute. See your doctor to rule out arrhythmia or any other medical issue.  

When you are experiencing this level of anxiety, consider that you are heading for a burnout. Better to take a week's break from work with a doctor's note...and just rest and relax. But if you feel that's not possible at all, keep to a very basic routine ; no partying, no arguments, being in a calm environment as much as possible until your 'head' settles down. 

You can certainly do things, regain control by making some lifestyle changes. Your body is begging you to do this.

Go for relaxing long walks...particularly by running water...which a Russian lady I know recommended for stress and anxiety.

Important also is to avoid stimulants such as coffee, even tea, fizzy drinks with caffeine such as colas or energy drinks etc..Drink water.

If you are on any medications, read up on their side effects.

Eat well; no fried foods. Avoid dairy until your insides are working well. Eat 6 - 10 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, less meat, more fish...but again not fried.

Suggestion: Start your day with a lovely pink smoothie; fresh strawberries (2 servings worth), probiotics preferable in a soy or rice milk base rather than dairy, almond milk (delicious!), vanilla and protein powder in your blender and you start your day off feeling really good. Visit your local health store to buy the ingredients.

Be good to your insides. Be regular. Take magnesium citrate before bed (2 capsules...I take 3 sometimes). It is natural and good for your insides and your brain...and in our regular diets most of us don't get enough of it. 

Another way to keep regular is to drink a full glass of water with Fybogel or psyllium (both natural plantain husks ground up) stirred into it.

I am sure your overstimulated mind and body will do well if you treat it well. Listen to the messages they are trying to send you. Good luck, Kayla! 

5

Just a suggestion to go over these symptoms with UR dr. He can do tests, recommend treatment based on the results of the tests...