Anxiety and heart, hand in hand? Update

[gshanereid]

So today in health class I rode a bike for 30 minutes at very low resistance and did some yoga. I was quite proud of myself. But after the workout I immediately became depressed because of how extreme my old work out was and now I can hardly do 30 minutes at moderate speed ( I used to do an hour and a half at max resistance with hard weight lifting) At about 29 minutes into the bike ride I felt a sense of panic and noticed my heart beat became irregular like skipped beats and pounding really hard. So this has almost convinced me that I do not have heart problems, but I got so depressed afterwords it lead to anxiety. Today is my birthday and I was having a good day until I got depressed because my health has gone to **** in such short time. I was having birthday dinner with my mom god bless her, and I started having anxiety attacks, my heart starting racing very fast and I had to leave my birthday dinner and lay in my car. It depressed me even more that I had to deal with this stuff on my birthday when I thought I was finally gonna have a good day. I am going to a therapist on tuesday and hopefully she can be able to tell me if its heart problems or anxiety/depression problems. I just would like to thank all of you guys that have been posting comments to my questions. It means alot to me especially in my state of mind right now. You have all been very helpful and I am very appreciative!

[nursegirl6572]

Well, 1st of all, let me congratulate you for trying to get back on the horse, so to speak.  I know you are disgusted as things did not go as well as you planned, but you have to also recognize that you are trying and this is not easy. (Oh, and happy b-day, btw!)

I'm more convinced than ever that your problems are related to anxiety, and I'm guessing a panic disorder.  Having anxiety issues by no means makes you "weak", or less of a man, etc.  It's all very new to you, which makes it that much scarier.  You are doing the right thing by going to see a therapist.  THAT is where you need to be.  My recommendation is to get a referral to a psychiatrist....b/c the very first and most important thing you need is an official diagnosis, which the p-doc can give you.  He or she can then start working with you to formulate the best approach to your anxiety...including the possibility of meds and therapy.  I am a big proponent of meds, but also feel that "talk" therapy is an absolute MUST in dealing with anxiety, for so many reasons.  One, you can often find out if there is an underlying problem/issue in your life that is triggering the anxiety, and also..you can learn VERY valuable coping techniques so that, on top of any medication you may try.....you can learn HOW to deal with this when panic strikes.  Meds for anxiety without therapy, IMO...is like putting a bandaid on an amputated limb.  Ya know?

As you start going thru this process of accepting that you are healthy and ok physically, and that your problem is anxiety, let me offer a few tips.  ONE, you must go into this with an open mind.  I understand it is all new to you and probably unsettling, not to mention confusing.  Be open to suggestions, don't discount any idea or suggestion.  Two, you HAVE to be patient.  While your anxiety seemingly sort of popped up overnight (which is typical)...it unfortunately doesn't go away that quick...it takes some time and patience, and a lot of work to bring it under control where it is manageable.....where you can get back to being "you" again.

Lastly, of course....stick around here.  You'll gain some awesome knowledge, but most importantly, the moral and emotional support you'll receive here is priceless.  We're a caring but brutally honest bunch (as you already know).  We'll tell you exactly what we think...and try to work thru any problems you are having.

One final word.....and the most important message, IMO...that you must not forget.  YOU ARE FAR FROM ALONE IN THIS BATTLE.  Anxiety issues, specifically anxiety disorders are very common, and all of us who suffer are "normal" people...we have lives, we work, have families...etc.  We're not crazy.  We're just wired a bit differently.  But, there are sooo many treatments available today for anxiety disorders.....so that people dont have to suffer needlessly.  Many times, anxiety sticks around in one form or another for life....with us having completely anxiety free days...days where it doesn't enter our minds....and then days where we may struggle to leave our house.  We will often batlle with a secondary depression, b/c, well, how could we NOT?  The damn situation IS depressing!  Just know that there are sooo many people just like you, who have gone thru the same things you are experiencing.  Anxiety IS treatable..you WILL get better.....again, it just takes time.  You are on the right track, and for that, you need to pat yourself on the back.  It's not easy...but you've already started taking the first step.

We're here for you.  Keep us updated, okay?  We do really care.  :0)