can anxiety come on for NO reason?

[justlookingforanswers]

About a year ago I had a couple panic attacks one night out of the blue.  Since that time I have been battling anxiety.  After lots of doctors (convinced myself it was a heart issue) and lots money spent on them, I am still trying to find the "root" cause or any triggers but can't.  Being COMPLETELY honest, I can't find not one.  The feelings (I've been told are anxiety) come on for no reason and are getting worse.

I did try Lexapro for about 8-9 nine months but never thought it was helping....at least until I went off of it.  I continued to have chest pain during this time but not the anxiety to the extent it is now.

I guess I am just wondering if anxiety/panic can happen for NO apparent reason and if so, will it ever go away??  I know this forum is a support forum and so most people on here are struggling with anxiety too but is there anyone that knows of anyone that has had anxiety/panic at one time but now is anxiety "free"??

Also, has anyone attended any support groups?  I am wondering if that would be helpful.  From reading the posts I see a lot of similarities in symptoms with other people but I still question it.   I know the symptoms from other websites too but does anxiety feel like a soft motoring running in your chest?  Does anyone ever have horrible burning in the chest (that isn't relieved with tums and is unrelated to food)?        

This just seems crazy to me.  I know my thoughts are irrational but the physical symptoms are so real, the "what if" is driving me insane!  

Thanks for letting me ramble-it's been a rough week.

[suzi-q]

When I first started with anxiety, that motor ran in my chest 24/7 for about 6 months.  Couldn't understand what I was going through.  Like you, I went to many doctors and specialists and physically everything was fine.  I was diagnosed with Anxiety/Depression.  That was when I was 28 and I am 40 now.  Has it gone away for me?  No.  But with my meds it is 90% better than it was (paxil and buspar).  I went to my Psych. yesterday and he said he doesn't want to add any more medications.  He said it is something I will probably continue to have.  It is a condition of the mind, body and soul and cannot be pinpointed.  He said that I can't run away from it and try to become "friends" with it.  (He used other words, but this was the jist of it).  he said that once you learn to accept it and do A LOT of self talk to calm myself the feelings will subside.  He recommended two books which I just ordered today...They are called, DON'T PANIC by Reid Wilson and THE ANXIETY AND PHOBIA WORKBOOK by Edmund J. Bourne.  I will let you know how they are!  Remember, : you have anxiety...anxiety does NOT have you!
God bless.

[karatekid123]

i have the anxiety and phobia workbook and it is excellent. it really explain everything in depth. and as for having anxiety for no reason, i have the same problem. one day, for whatever reason, i had these subtle feelings (like dizziness and trouble concentrating), and they kept getting worse and worse. but remember, things usually have to get worse before they get better. i have no idea why i am anxious but things are slowly getting better. see a therapist..it really helps.
keep us posted!

[Bsmith6883]

Your case is exactly how I felt! I got anxiety totaly out of the blue.. I thought it might have been from everday stresses and work overload .. but I  am 23!? I had a panic attack one night and it sparred out of control from there.. I had constant fear I was going to have another panic episode and then the anxiety came and went came and went and finally cam in full force.My chest ached every day to the point where it would keel over to my back side and restrict my breathing. I felt like I wasnt having a ton of anxiety but the symptoms were a constant reminder that I thought something was seriously wrong with me!! I went to the doctors got on Lexapro.. NOT GOOD... I eventually went to the cardiologist since I was constantly obsessed with my  heart and pulse... EKG..ECHO..CHEST SCANS.. the whole 9yds.. everything came back regular.. That alone was total peace of mind. I suffered from anxiety for about 6 months until
I heard about the linden method and have been practicing it for over 2 motnhs and am totally 99% Anxiety free... leaving 1% for test/and speech anxiety that I have always had! So in answer to your question.. YES there are millions of recovered anxiety sufferers out there. DONT FEEL ALONE.. you can and will overcome this.. by believing in that simple fact and staying off the meds... you can perservere! Try the linden method it could be your first stepping stone to recovery! I also tried congnitive therapy.. ALTHOUGH I didnt visit a therapist.. I did it on my own by visiting the local librariers and keeping my brain occupied with positive thinking & new behaviors..thoughts..activities etc! I hope this is helpful GOOD LUCK MY FRIEND~ PEACE:)

[Mamma1972]

I can completely relate.  I'm back to having anxiety...but almost twenty years ago, I was in the same boat as you.  I was having all the symptoms you describe (I also read another one of your posts & replied there too).

The answer to your question is "yes".  Anxiety can absolutely present itself at a time when you feel there's nothing to be anxious about.  This is known as generalized anxiety disorder, which can also lead to panic attacks & panic disorder.  This was my diagnosis back then.

Xanax is a drug (I think the generic name is alprazopan???) which is used to treat anxiety, but is also very specific to panic disorder.  I was treated over a two-year course by a psychiatrist.  After that, I felt great...back to normal.

At the moment, I'm presenting with odd symptoms following a horribly stressful time (tingling, weakness, etc.).  I'm back on Xanax & it has helped me somewhat.

Like you, I can't convince myself without diagnostic tests that "it's just anxiety".  I guess it's the nature of anxiety-prone individuals.

If you've had a complete workup, the doctors are taking you seriously, you're otherwise healthy... it could very well be anxiety-related.

Be well...good luck.

[justlookingforanswers]

Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond.  It is so hard to believe that anxiety can take a hold of your life like it does.  I thought over time (this past year) that things would get better, especially after medical things were ruled out.  But it hasn't been the case for me.  Last night was really, really bad.  My chest aches this morning and I'm really short of breath.  I am logically trying to believe that I only had mini panic attacks last night and my chest hurts because I was tense--even though I tried so hard not to be.

I will look at the books, hopefully my library will have them-but if not, it's a VERY small price to pay considering all the doctor's I have bought cars for this year (with all my visits)!  (Or sent their kids to college---too much money to even think about!)

Thank you all again, I really appreciate your kind words and encouragement.

[justlookingforanswers]

I didn't want to start a new thread but I was just wondering why this anxiety thing can't be a case of mind over matter?  I seems to be so uncontrollable.  

Also, I have a hard time laying on my left side.  Or on my stomach for that matter.  When I do I get a jittery feeling.  It is really bizarre.  This has been going on since the start of all this a year ago and now I am nitpicking everything just to find something, trying to find a reason.  

I ordered the two books suzi-q suggested.  My library is receiving them from another branch so I should have them by the end of the week.  If I get a hold of the anxiety issue will the PHYSICAL pain go AWAY???

Thanks again.

[suzi-q]

If your physical pain is caused by your anxiety, then yes, your symptoms WILL GO AWAY!  Do lots of self-talk and push yourself a little at a time.  It is a long process, but you can take control back over your mind.  Stop dwelling on all symptoms...they will continue to add up!  Read a book or dance silly around your house to your favorite music....cook a recipe...anything that required brain power to be on something else....YES IT IS HARD...VERY HARD!  But you CAN succeed!  I am still waiting for my books also!  We will discuss them on this post when we read them....HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE ALL GOOD THINGS!  BEST TO YOU!!!

[Bsmith6883]

I SWARE by the Linden Method. It was my crutch through this whole thing. The program I found online here is the address..http://www.panic-anxiety.com/
The program has over 10,000 recovered anxiety sufferers. I tried books too but it wasnt enough. The method is interactive and you can listen to the exercises beofre bed and first thing in the morning it literally changed the patterns of my thought and I didnt even know it. Every morning I listened to the exercises and I felt myself becoming stronger again like my "OLD" self :) which is now my NEW self:) Good luck I just really wanted to share my success because I believe it can work for you too... Believe me I have nothing to gain besides the fact that I have helped some one who is going through a life challenge.

[justlookingforanswers]

Thank you for responding.  I have seen the Linden Method online and often wondered about it's ability to "cure".  I seem to be doing worse and no amount of deep breathing, self talk or distraction is helping.  Last night my chest hurt so bad if I had not of spent the last year in and out of doctor's office and ER with normal results, I would have gone to the ER.  I used to think it was too expensive, now I am starting to wondering if it could have been the cheapest way "out".  Thanks again.

[suzi-q]

I just ordered it on amazon.  it was 138 instead of the normal 177.  Wish me luck!

[meme123]

all i have to say is read this website. IT cured my panic attacks 100%. It  may  not do that same for you but its worth a try. I know what your going through and it sucks!!!!!!anyways keep your head high and please read this website a lady gave it to me when i was having pani attacks www.geocities.com/spiroll2/stoppa.htm if that doesnt work try putting a L at the end i cant remeber if an L is supposed to be there or not. Please let me know if this helpes you or conforts you in any way:)...also STOP taking medication is is soooo horible foryou, the problem is mentaly, and medications is not the answer....if you can afford it do HYPNOTYSING(cant spell haha) heard that 100% effective!!!!

[justlookingforanswers]

YEA!!!  Good for you!!!  I wish you only the best and will be sending you lots of good thoughts.  Let me know how it goes, I'll be praying for you!!

[Helena Wojtczak]

I have been exactly where you guys are. The panic got so bad that I wanted to kill myself to escape the horrible feelings.

I have written a little booklet about what happened and how I cured myself without drugs. I give this away free of charge to anyone who suffers from anxiety. Download it free here:

http://www.hastingspress.co.uk/hypo.pdf


Any comments you can email me via that home page there is an email link.

Helena Wojtczak

[SufferingwithAnxiety]

I suffer everyday with anxiety, and there is no reason for me to have it. When I go to the doctors he kinds of acts like I am there just to get a perscription and not actually to treat what is wrong. I don't feel go any day. Iget headaces, nervouseness, sick to my stomach, my eyes are sensitive to light, I'm tired all the time and I have no energy. Somebody please tell me what to do!