Passing Out

[Crysda]

Dpoes anyone ever fel like they are going to pass out for HOURS ON END,, almost permanently?
I feel like I am actually dying not just scared that I might die which is different?  Anyone understand out there?

[nursegirl6572]

Dizziness/lightheadedness is one of the more common symptoms reported related to anxiety.  It is important to first rule out a medical cause for your symptoms.  You ruled out hypotension as being a culprit, you are on the right track by seeking out an ENT consult next, as inner ear problems are very frequently the cause of feeling dizzy/lightheaded.

If all of that checks out okay, the next logical step is to address this as if it were anxiety.  The good thing about that is, once you get a better handle on the anxiety, any related symptom will start to improve.  Therefore, you have your answer AND a head start on treating the anxiety.

[Nitsuj242]

I know exactly how you feel. I feel weak mentally and physically, extremely jumpy in my head to sounds, I feel as if at any moment i'm going to black out or die. Can any one relate on feeling weak mentally and physically with feeling jumpy to sounds?

[AnxietyGirl2012]

I had that exact problem (feeling dizzy) last night and again when i woke up this morning, i know exactly what you mean. Its aweful, i went into panic mode! Thankfully it has now passed.

[Crysda]

I am so scared of ear problems co's I know there is nothing they can do about them really and it is this dizzy, balance stuff that fuels my anxiety.  
As soon as I feel slightly dizzy I go into major panic.  I get scared that it will never stop.  

[Carey01]

Oh yes, I feel dizzy and off balance constantly.  I have it right now -- liek I could tip over.  It is not blood pressure related for me.  I am considering seeing an ENT Doctor to see if its inner ear related but feel like thats a reach.  I just dont know what it could be.    

[Crysda]

Thanks so much everyone.  I feel like I am just about able to stay conscious as my head sort of closes down.  I feel really weak and woozy and unable to walk although of course I can walk.

I don't think I am frightened of passing out in front of people just frightened of the actual sensation of passing out which feels like dying and leaving the world.  Anyone else feel like that?

I also don't to pass out and injure myself.

[DJ873]

I too have this very very often, it is really the thing that keeps me in the anxiety circle. I have learned to meditate and control my breathing so i can usually stay calm but not too willing to take it out in public.
I usually check my blood pressure when i really feel that way. my blood pressure is usually fine, my heart rate is sometimes a little high, 80s-90s, but sometimes not, it seems to be random but i am tracking it right now for my doc as it does occur often. it makes me avoid things because my mind has made up a story of how horrifying it would be to have people witness this. I have traded freedom for fear of passing out. Just today in the grocery store i made up my mind that if i passed out so be it but i was not running for the door and i was determined to finish.
As grocery stores used to be a big anxiety producing thing i was quite proud of myself, not only for dealing with the panic but also ignoring as best i could the faintness but it does make it extremely difficult to keep my focus. So I do agree that all medical needs to be eliminated, if it is due to panic than at least you will have a launching point toward acceptance and recovery. good luck to you

[Crysda]

Thanks for your replies everyone.  No I haven't actually fainted yet Carey but feel so close to it its terifying.  My blood pressure was a bit low just after my Dad died but then seemed to be ok again.  Nothing seems to help at all.  It can feel like I am having palpitations in my head.
I will ask my Doctor again at my next visit.
Cntbreal any idea why your symptom went away?  I must say I do seem to get a spate when one symptom does seem worse than all the others.  I had horrible head shaking before this fainting stuff took centre stage as it were.  Did you fel dizzy and unbalanced too?

[erijon]

Hellos, I am the CL on the heart disease community and we get this question often. What you describe can be something as innocent as hypo-tension or low blood pressure. It is common to feel disconnected and on the verge of passing out although you don't. Does getting up and moving around help? Have you had your blood pressure checked?

This is a common complaint and is not dangerous, plus it's easy to get checked out.

Hope this helps!

Jon

[Carey01]

I know how you feel -- I could have written your post myself!  I have been dealing with feeling like Im going to faint for weeks now.  No idea what it is.  I try to be aware of my breathing and that doesnt help.  The only think I can say is that NO ONE could feel like they are going to faint all the time and not faint -- but I havent fainted yet.  How about you?

[Cntbreal]

Hi hun..

I did it went away. Well let me explain. First couple of months of my anxiety I felt like I couldn't do anything because I was going to pass out. everyday all day it wouldn't go away. Freaked me out to say the least. But after a couple months it went away. Now I only feel like that if I'm in a panic about something..

So I know how you feel. Are you on meds? Have you spoken to your st about this yet?? Hope you start to feel better soon..