Anxiety help

[Corlen]

Hello, after about a year or so of going through anxiety attacks I've finally took to forums. My problem is most of my attacks occur every time I feel any slight discomfort or even slight feeling in my chest and shortness of breathe. I'm constantly checking my heartbeat to see if its pumping normally but my anxiety just gets worse because I'm keeping my mind on it. Its sad to admit but the slight discomfort is something as simple as itching in the middle of my chest which can easily be some sort if allergy, or I find myself focusing on my breathing too much. I understand this could come off a bit silly but if anyone experiences these annoyances and has found a way to get your mind off of it any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[snowyday479]

I know exactly what you are going through.  I can remember always checking my heartbeat.  Have you had your thryoid checked?  If not do so.  All I can tell you is what helped me.  Your diet is a very important factor.  I did a lot of research and saw a nutrienist who helped me understand that a good part of my problem was my diet.  She tought me to cut down on sugar (check all lables sugar can do a number on your body). Also cut down on carbs since carbs can turn into sugar.  Go on line and research good nutrition habits.  I think this will help you tremendously.  Also as I have stated to others go to a good health food store (not ones in drug stores, supermarkes etc.  Make sure you get whole food supplements not the synthetic kind.  Ask for help at the health food store.  I got a lot of help from them regarding my anxiety and other problems.  They might have some really good ideas on how to help you.  I did take medication and yes it did help but I could not stand the side effects.  I am not telling you to not go on medication, if medication helps than go for it, but it was not for me.  Hope you feel better.

[Ailsatcm888123]

Problem anxiety may be caused by a mental condition, a physical condition, the effects of drugs, or from a combination of these. The doctor's initial task is to see if your anxiety is caused by a medical condition. Conditions as varied as anemia, asthma attack, infection, drug intoxication or withdrawal, or a number of heart conditions are just a few examples of medical problems that can be associated with anxiety.



common symptoms of panic disorders are stomach upset, palpitations (feeling your heart beat), dizziness, and shortness of breath.

[jlroesner]

Hmmm, on an intersting note, my therapist told me to read a book called "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook".  In it, it states that one of the more successful approaches to treatment focuses on making the patient face the uncomfortable symptoms of panic attacks as a type of exposure therapy.  They will make the patients run up and down stairs, etc until their heart is racing and then work with them to help them see it is really nothing to be afraid of.  Sounds like hell if you ask me!  I agree with the others.  Obsessing over health is such a huge part of this condition.  It just goes hand and hand as we are so hyper-vigilant (at least I know I am)...  Get this, for so many years I've been so hypervigilant about my body and health!   I always felt strongly that the more educated I could be on the human body and it's processes, the better I could determine if I was "sick" or not.  It became (and still is) quite the obsession for me.  So, then I decided to go to nursing school and guess what?!  I'm at the top of my class and hardly have to study at all because I've devoted the last 17 years of my panic filled life to learning about what makes me tick.  A silver lining, perhaps?

[Alisonj29]

Everyone above have given you great advice. You will find lots of help, support and advice here so stick around and know that you are not alone.
Hugs

[trdofbeingtrd]

Mammo has given you great advice.

I just wanted you to know, that what you go through, is exactly what I go through. While mammo is right about making sure by a doctor that it is not a physical problem, I do the exact same thing you do.

I usually know my bpm and before I got my anxiety and panic disorder under control I always checked my pulse and concentrated on my breathing. It feels like either you are getting to much air, or not enough.

I have some tips/techniques that might help you out, just message me and let me know if you are interested.

[jul04]

Sorry you are going through such a hard time right now. The first thing I would suggest you do is go to your dr to get checked out to make sure there isn't something medically going on.

If he says that it is anxiety then I would suggest that you go see a psychatrist.  Together you can come up with a treatment plan that works for you and get to the bottom of what is causing your anxiety.

In the meantime try keeping a journal, make sure you are eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise.  Believe it or not exercise is great for dealing with anxiety.  You can also try chakra healing sessions.  You can find them on net.

Good luck I hope you feel better soon....

[mammo]

Hi. What you're experiencing is not at all silly and very common. I've never encountered what you are but I think anxiety is anxiety. If you haven'y sought help with all of this you should, therapy can help a lot, and if need be there is medication for the panic attacks.  Anxiety can make us obcess over our health, and the fear and worry feeds our anxiety creating more symptoms........it's a vicious cycle. Learning how not to worry over your health is key, but easier said than done, and this is where therapy can help. Have you had your symptoms checked out by a doctor to rule out other causes?  You want to do this first, and not assume it's anxiety.  Even if it is an allergy you need to know this and address the allergy.  Take care.