Help please

[Songbird93]

I am 18yrs old and last year had my first major panic attack. I was fine for a long time. But some recent events have brought make my symptoms. I've seen a therapist and multiple doctors and they all tell me it's anxiety, depression, and i'm a bit of a hypochindriac. But I feel like maybe it's more. I'm dizzy all the time, I feel drunk, I'm paranoid sometimea and freak myself out. My heart is constatly racing and I can't sleep anymore. I don't feel real, everything feel like I'm not awake or something. I don't go out anymore because fear of dying or passing out. I can't even drive my car I'm so terrified of killing other people. I cry constantly and fear I never going to get myself back. Can ANXIETY really cause all my problems? Can it make it seem like I am nothing but a blob and people are living around me? I'm scared, afraid of everything. Just please let me know if my symptoms are normal.
Thank you.

[dolphin8808]

I couldn't agree with Nursegirl more. I have been there and felt the craziness you describe. Like you are in a nightmare state, not even really "there." Yes it is very real and very scary.

Get in to see a psychiatrist ASAP and start getting yourself better. YOU CAN and WILL get better if you seek out help. This is not uncommon and there are those of us out here who have been through the same thing.

Big hugz my friend :)

[nursegirl6572]

Yes, anxiety can cause all of your symptoms, and more.  It's very hard sometimes to accept that anxiety could cause such REAL physical symptoms, but it does.

I encourage you to search this site for the terms, "derealization" and "depersonalization".  They are two very common side effects of severe or chronic anxiety, and you describe very textbook-like characteristics of derealization.  It feels as though you are in a dream state, or like you are watching the world through someone else's eyes, or like you are watching a movie, it doesn't "look" real.  If you click on my username, and browse through my journals, you will find one about DP/DR.  I think you will be amazed at the similarities to what you are going through.

The good news is, you CAN get yourself back, it just may take some time, some patience, and some work on your part.  Your first step would be to ask your doc for a referral to a psychiatrist.  He/she will be able to thoroughly assess you and give you an accurate diagnosis (ie panic disorder, etc).  Then, the doc can discuss treatment options with you that may include medications and therapy.

You are among people who understand.  We know how hard it is, and how scary it feels.  Hang in there and let us know how you're doing.