Good for you! I'm happy to hear you're going "therapist" shopping!
Most therapist have what they call a "Meet and Greet" session which is usually free. It's a way to see if the two of you like each other, feel comfortable talking. I know it can be difficult to get to know a person in that short of a time period, but listen to your gut. It will tell you right away if you trust this person. And never feel bad if you start with one therapist and then decide you aren't comfortable with them. These are professional people who understand without that level of comfort, progress will not be made and they also will not take it personally.........they are much tougher than that! So take your time deciding........
Once you have a good therapist on your side, you will never have to carry the heavy load of anxiety/panic alone ever again. And when you leave therapy, you are going to be 10X stronger for what you've been through.
And you're right about something else...........those of us who suffer from anxiety/panic are ALREADY stronger than most folks because they have NO idea how much these disorders weigh.
I am very proud of you and hope you will keep me posted. Any time you need to talk, we are here.
Keep up the exercise and the good diet...........those will help you a lot.
Peace
RubyWitch
You ease my mind a lot! :-) I'm about to look for a therapist. I know this anxiety is a vicious cylce -- anxiety=symptoms=anxiety -- and you're right the root cause, then the others. I felt really bad before because of all the bad people out there, we are the ones who've been attacked by anxiety, but realizing that it's "just" anxiety, I'll do my best to cope this. We anxiety sufferers are so strong to bear this in our lives. Best
I hope I eased your mind even a little. And never, ever feel "silly" about your anxiety. It Is NOT a sign of weakness, it is an illness like any other!
And when our anxiety kicks in, we are literally helpless in it's power over our minds.
The good thing is that you CAN beat it, or at least learn to master it. Therapy really is a must to accomplish this.........finding the root cause is the first major hurdle, but your GOOD therapist will guide you there.
HINT: If you don't like your therapist, leave and find someone you do! They understand that if the "chemistry" isn't there, you will never make progress. You must like and trust and be able to laugh with your therapist.
I am proud you are taking this step to take your life back!
If you ever need to talk, we're here.
I wish you the best
RubyWitch
Thank you very much Ruby! That's what I was waiting. I sometimes feel silly knowing that I'm very young to have heart issues but when the "symptoms" kick in, my mind always think the worst. I'm looking forward to see a therapist and I'll try my best to don't let this rob my life. Also hope you the best
Unless you have a congenital heart defect, it is extremely unlikely that an 18 year old would have a heart attack. You have had some good cardio work done, but since you know you are a hypochondriac, a consult and evaluation by a cardiologist might give you the peace of mind you're seeking.
But once you've been cleared by your doctors physically, I strongly suggest you look into some therapy for your anxiety. You are so young and you do NOT want to spend a lifetime fighting anxiety and hypochondria. They will rob your life of whatever peace and happiness you find.
Therapy will give you your life back and it's SO worth the work.
I wish you the best
RubyWitch
Thanks! I also had weird sens in my throat like a tickle from my heart that almost make me cough. It most happen when I lay down sideward. This anxiety sure know how to scare people
Hi I have same issue my arms ache and wrists and I also get chest pains etc but I have had tests everything fine
My doc says all related to anxiety.
Doesn't help the worrying though I am overcome with anxiety when these symptoms start - I also get a weird adrenaline rush in throat which causes ectopic beats - it's a nightmare
Docs say I am a healthy 29 female and stop worrying but easier said than done!! Oh also my bp is exactly like yours - normal readings nothing to worry about x