is this anxiety?

[momjones]

I have been diagnosed with anxiety,but have a hard time believing it's not more serious then that. I have weird symptoms like waking up shaking numbness feeling spacey headaches weird pains I've had blood tests done and the drs say I'm fine but I am so afraid I am dieing of something. I am on welbutrin xl but it doesn't help to much. It's been almost a yr I can't sleep well either. I just had a baby in July and a lot of people think it's that but it started before that. He was my 4th. And my last two were close together about 15mos. I feel like I've tried everything and nothing helps. I waisted so much time and money I want help. Is this just anxiety or could the drs be missing something? I am so scared. I have been to a shrink but that didn't help much either. Even when I don't feel anxious I still have symptoms. I also feel like I can't breath a lot. If it is anxiety what do I do? Is there a better medication? I am breastfeeding right now so my options are probably limited. I want to feel normal again. Please help me. I just don't feel right.

[jenny317]

Dear Mom Jones,

I am so sorry to hear what you are going through! I am not a professional but I can certainly feel for you. Just a couple of questions - 1. is your husband helping you out with the children. 2. do you think it is b/c you are feeling a little overwhelmed with 4 children? 3. Has a doctor helped you with "baby blues" depression?  It doesn't sound like you have had much of a break between children...

Take care,

Jacqueline

[dana anne]

this could be due to hormones.  Maybe the gyno could help you.  Doesn't the Wellbutrin pass into the breast milk?

[dana anne]

one more thing.  Maybe a vitamin deficientcy?

[greenpixie]

It certainly sounds like you've got a lot on your plate.  I also have bouts of anxiety now and then.  I have a question.  How long were you in therapy?  I'm asking because you said it didn't help.  It may be that you didn't stick with it long enough.  It takes a LONG time to see results from therapy.  Also, maybe your rapport with your therapist wasn't so good.  I 've had to switch therapist because I had one that I just felt like I didn't click with.  It made a big difference.  Also, this may sound weird, but do you drink coffee?  High caffeine intake can sometimes cause some of the symptoms you have.  I was a coffee junkie, but since I gave it up I have noticed an improvement.  I hope you figure out what's going on.  I know it's hard not to worry bu try not to becuase that's bound to make things worse.

[monkeyflower]

Definitely sounds like anxiety to me; you have all the classic symptoms. Why not google anxiety, and read a bit about it?

Wellbutrin may not be the best choice of antidepressant for you, because it can exacerbate anxiety. Are you seeing a psychiatrist? If not, I'd start there. Often those meds need some careful tweaking to get the doses just right, and it's best to go to someone who specializes in just that issue. And I agree with the other poster about therapy. It takes time, and LOTS of work. It's definitely not a quick fix. But among other things, you can learn new ways of thinking about things, and new ways of coping with stress. It can make a world of difference to you and the people around you.

I wish you all the best.