Just need some reassurance

[Zach524]

Hello my name is Zach I'm a 21yo male with severe anxiety. This is my first time posting to the group.

A little background about me:
my first time struggling with anxiety I was real young maybe 8 or 9 and it lasted for a few years. I was scared of death and what would happen after you died. I finally got over it but I don't recall how. Maybe just becoming a teenager and making friends distracted me.

Now...for the past 4 months I've been having chest pains which of course caused some anxiety. It's only been getting worse....I would have extreme attacks where I couldn't control my breathing or crying for hours. Thank god for my mom comforting me. I've been to the E.R twice, immediate care once, and my family doctor once (I have another appt with him tomorrow). My most recent trip to the E.R was yesterday I was experiencing really bad chest pains along with body aches all over (shoulder wrists knees thighs) and I was feeling really really weak. Doc gave me my 3rd EKG, blood tests, and everything came back normal. But I don't feel normal. Every single day I fear for my life because I think I have a deadly disease. Irrational I know....but I cannot help it. Lately I think I have ALS my hands feel weak my legs feel heavy. Lately I've been making myself nauseous and puking. I even had to leave work early today because of my physical symptoms (first time I ever left work) and now I'm sitting alone in my room and feeling all these physical symptoms which feel so very real and they are scary. I'm trying not to get myself into a full on panic attack which is where you lovely people come in. Tell me I'm okay...relate to my story...tell me everything is fine. Thanks.....

[Kay1986xx]

Welcome Zach! My first post was only recent too :)

I'm currently struggling with quite bad health anxiety. And yeah, death is one of my biggest fears. Although I am getting a bit better now. And you're right, getting out and doing things does help you forget.

I've had symptoms as long as an envelope! I've literally been to the doctors about ten times between September and now. And constantly seek assurance from friends and relatives...a classic HA sign. Never been to the ER but have had anxiety in the past where I even walked away from my mum in town upon seeing her because I just felt awful! :( For me, I've just had to try and realise that the professionals know what they're doing. I have thought I've had skin cancer, ovarian cancer and recently breast cancer. Yet I've had skin checks, scans, breast checks and now have a smear coming up (routine of course) :) So I know how you feel. Anxiety absolutely *****! I've had it before at work where I've just had to leave the room because I thought I was going to pass out...once I've removed myself from the room of course, I feel a lot better. The guys on here I must say are fantastic, there's always someone to talk to. Have you tried CBT counselling? That's the route I've been sent on now. My poor doctor, I even handed her the referral form back personally with my ten symptoms that were worrying me on it! :P  You need to remember that all your tests are coming back FINE. Get out, live!! The days I sit around the house, I feel worse. Yet the days I go out etc, I don't even remember I have HA. Give it a go :) I even let my work in on it and they were actually very understanding. As I said before, we're always here to help. Health anxiety is worse than some diseases I think sometimes! At least then you have something concrete to worry about!xx

[dcbee]

Hi Zach

I have suffered from anxiety for 13+years now. And had my first anxiety attack when I was in 7th grade. All of your symptoms I have also had at one time or another. I know it's so hard while your having an anxiety attack but try to talk to yourself ... I tell myself I acknowledge you anxiety but I wont let you control me. I also tell myself im ok and I will get through this. Again it's hard when you are in the moment having physical symptoms such as chest pain I know. Maybe your Dr can start you on a medication and also refer you to therapy.

[refills]

Hey Zach, that's right, you're not alone. No doubt you're having bad anxiety symptoms. Are you still seeing a doctor for it? Also very important, are you taking any meds of any kind right now? Some of your symptoms are familiar. Hope you're doing alright and try to keep posting. Take Care....ike

[mynameisNoelle]

Hello Zach, my name is Noelle. I am 14 years old, and I also struggle with severe anxiety. When you feel nervous or jittery try to focus on something you are going to do/ some place safe you are going in the near future. Concentrate on that thing and try to get there as soon as possible. Deep breathes. I know this doesn't always work, but it is worth a shot. I have experienced the feelings of being unable to breathe and I can agree that it is AWFUL! If there are things/ places that you avoid because they trigger your anxiety try to confront them in small doses. the avoidance is, sadly, making it worse. You will experience unpleasant feelings that you do not want, that is just the way it is. Going to my school cafeteria is what triggers my panic attacks and severe anxiety, I am trying to get over it. Going there and feeling the discomfort but making it out alive is one of the best things ever. It makes you feel in control,  eventually you will be able to go anywhere you want; freedom! It will be hard, it will take practice. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

[imokayyourokay]

HI Zach,

I hope you've had some time to catch your breath. I'm going through the same thing. Health anxiety is hard, especially when you can have so many physical symptoms that just start the anxiety cycle over again. One thing that has helped along with medication, is I have recently found this workbook that has begun to help me rationalize my fears, and worries. I have posted about this before, to others but so far, it's helped me more than my therapist (granted I have only seen her about three times), but I get to read this at my leisure, so just pick up where I left off, and it seems like it's helping. I am a long way from being cured, but taking time to reflect on what is really troubling me has at least gotten me out of the depressed state I was in, just a few weeks ago. I hope this helps, and I hope you are feeling better.

http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=53

    Hang in there!