Hi everyone. This forum is a big step for me and a loud cry for help. I've been self-diagnosing and trying to figure out what is wrong with me via google for about 2 weeks now. I recently turned 23 and I'm on summer vacation (I start uni again in 2 weeks). I've always been an anxious person, and I have had anxiety/panic attacks in the past before, but with an obvious trigger. Right now, however, I can't seem to find a trigger. I'm not consciously anxious about anything. In fact, this is the most relaxed I've been in a while. But for the past 2 weeks I've had a number of panic attacks. I haven't been sleeping. I've been shaking. And I've started to have chest pains that won't allow me to relax. Of course, I have already seen my general practioner. And my tests (blood work & EKG) came back clear. All they told me was it was most likely anxiety related (duh) and gave me an inhaler for my shortness of breath and some ibuprofen for the pain. Right now, at this moment, I'm dreading sleep (afraid of another panic attack), have left arm pain (that's I'm trying to tell myself it is NOT a heart attack) and minor chest pain (some palpitation = making my heart seem like it's beating a little faster than normal). I want to head back to the docs as soon as I can, but I know they'll tell me the same thing. I kind of want advice that has helped any of you if you've had any of these symptoms. I'm calm, but I can't ignore these physical symptoms my anxiety seems to be giving me. I'm best when I'm distracted, but I can't keep living like this. I'm afraid to sleep, I'm afraid to leave my house, all for fear of another panic attack. It sucks. I know I need a therapist, but until then, can this community help me? Sorry for the long post. This is the most I've talked about my anxiety and kind of let it flow out. Thanks for listening! Looking forward to getting some advice.
I'm glad you are reaching out for help. We are here to support you!
your. Tests are Normal and that's great.
you don't have to be consciously anxious to have the symptoms of anxiety or panic. Anxiety rears its ugly head randomly .
all of your symptoms are very common with underlying anxiety and stress. Just remember that any symptoms related to anxiety cannot hurt you. It can be weird and scary like the chest pain but that's all it can do.
Shaking, chest pains, shortness of breath, I've had them all plus more.
I do hope you visit a counselor because they see this every day and can help you manage your anxiety. It's not good to keep your concerns bottled up.
I really like the meditations on you tube for anxiety. They totally calm down my mind and body and my symptoms diminish greatly.
A great one to start with is called Mindful meditation for relaxation.
Many to choose from. Use earbuds for the best effect.
An important one to hear is called 10 minute breath meditation. Proper breathing during anxiety is key!
If you calm down after meditation, you know your symptoms are anxiety related.
You will be fine once you learn how to manage your anxiety and symptoms.
We are here for you!🌸🌸🌸
Oh, there's also Meditations for panic on you tube. Search for panic attack emergency or just panic attack and they guide you through it. Choose the ones you like best and keep them easily accessible.
Hi. Great you have posted here, shows you want help with this and you will get great reasurance that a lot of people have the same symptoms as you, and there is help and ways of managing them. As Jan said lot of us have had all symptoms and more, and people here going through this at moment you will relate to. Googling isn't great for people with anxiety, will put all sorts in your mind, try Jans advice on relaxation. Cbt may be helpful, and please tell your gp just how anxious you feel, this is very common and they see it a lot. Are your family supportive? I didn't tell mine how bad I felt at first but now they know I feel better I'm not trying to function and hide my worry from them. They are understanding but it is great to talk here as people actually really understand what is going on in our head and how we feel. ❤️
Sorry no one has responded yet. I know waiting for a response can cause me anxiety, I hope you aren't feeling the same way! I just want to say that anxiety is a beast. Sometimes you might be able to determine a definite trigger, but other times you won't. I have learned over decades of dealing with this mess that my hormones will cause anxiety. Right before my period and sometimes when I am ovulating, I will just have a higher feeling of anxiousness and am hypersensitive to everything. One small twinge can lead to a week-long bout of crippling attacks. Since you have been to the doctor and were told your bloodwork and EKG are normal, then you can trust these results.For years I have struggled with insomnia and dreaded the nighttime. My anxieties were always worse at night. Are you currently taking any medication for your anxiety? You might try to create a good bed time routine to help yourself relax and be able to sleep. You can do deep-breathing, yoga, relaxation exercises, write in a journal, read, etc. Find something that makes you feel at ease. There are some great anxiety workbooks available that you can work on. Doing thee activities will make it hard for your anxiety to get too intense.Keep your brain active and do not focus on the fear. You need to find ways to snap yourself out of your panic attacks. I also think you should seek the help of a counselor. The counselor will try different techniques for you to calm yourself. Choose a few and do them religiously around bed time.
Thank you SO much Jan ❤️ I tried a few videos and they did help me in the moment. I'm currently making a video playlist so I have many to go to (more suggestions are greatly appreciated!) I'm glad I found this community. And I am trying not to think about my physical ailments caused by my anxiety not get the best of me.
My family is not as supportive as I'd like them to be. They believe my physical symptoms, that even my doctor has told us are anxiety-related, are more because I'm not healthy enough. I've been underweight most of my life so it's understandable for them to think that, but I do eat the best I can 3x a day and snacks! And I have a clean bill of health despite my weight, but my family does not see that. They don't really "believe" in anxiety if there's such a thing. My brother had a therapist in the 2nd grade due to panic attacks but she was only around exactly the 2-3 times the doctor recommended and that was that. Although I'm 23, they still see me as their child of course and want me to get better but their looking at it through the wrong standpoint as much as I explain. However, I have been eating more to see if maybe that is it and I do want to take up excercise because both could actually help with anxiety
Thank you! My anxiousness is pretty steady. Not panicking, but still there. And yes! My anxiety also spikes during menstration. I have been feeling some pelvic pain and breast pain aside from my palpitations. I should really see a gyno about those symptoms as well. I just feel like a mess 😪 I have taken up journaling, letting off steam on here, deleted my social media, forcing myself to go out and hang out with people, go outside, and I'm thinking of taking yoga. Anything to tame this beast. But I have yet to find solution. I am not currently taking any medications. All they've given me is an inhaler and ibuprofen. Does a GP typically refer me to a counselor? Because last time all they did was refer me to a cardiologist (for my palpitations) and neurologist (because I had fainting spells) but after I came back clear, that was the end of that 😕
Hi Lily,
I am not sure how the process works outside of the US, and even then, some insurances tell you it is ok just to find a counselor who accepts your insurance and you can go for a certain amount of time. I would ask your GP and see what they say.