looking for answers - Anxiety Message Board

new2sad · 01-22-2009, 01:05 PM

For the past 3 years I have been experiencing attacks. I think its anxiety....maybe more. I shake/tremble, get dizzy, feel faint, nausea (to the point of gagging or vomiting), worried, panicked, nervous, sadness, embarrassed, i find myself needing to take slow deep breathes repeatedly, loss of sleep, hot flashes, and avoiding situations. Recently stomach pains and chest pains. I have found some triggers. Going to church, and family get togethers. Sometimes going to places and meeting new people. Theres is a meeting coming up I will be attending and its bringing on fear and dread. Also, get panicked when other people, like family members, make plans for me. You know the....put this date on your calendar. What does all of this mean? I also have Raynauds syndrome. Cold, white hands and feet, numbness, purple finger nails that started around the same time. I have tried to do some research and the symptoms are very similar between anxiety, panic, and bi-polar disorder. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Lourage · 01-22-2009, 01:45 PM

Well, i would just say go your doctor and see about getting on a medication, but if you think you may be bi-polar, you have to make sure you get the right diagnosis before being put on any old SSRI ( anxiety/depression medication)

I know where you are coming from, i get the hot flashes too, all the same symptoms as you. I can't even sit down at the dinner table with family and eat! I have missed weddings, haven't seen relatives in YEARS cause of this. I also HATE having set dates! Like my friend is having superbowl party, and i'm already thinking of excuses to get out of it. Whats stupid is i been to the last 3! and always have so much fun, but i always DREAD the anticipation leading up the event. I do so much better when i get a call out of the blue to go and do something, i think cause it's like i don't have time to think about and be anxious about it. I always notice the planned events are NEVER as bad as i think they are going to be, but i always expect the worse.

new2sad · 01-22-2009, 01:50 PM

I feel the exact same way!!! I do much better with spur of the moment. I am always looking for a excuse to get of things. It's tiring. I usually end up making myself sick so i dont have to go......or i go and i leave early. Thanks for your help. Another thing are the highs and lows. When im up my whole house is clean in one day!!! Then there are days i can barely get out of bed. I am just trying to figure this all out. I finally realize i have a problem....but what? And how do i deal with it. A dr. is always a good place to start. thanks.

violet312s · 01-23-2009, 08:53 PM

I have had absolutely every symptom you describe. All at the same time. Anxiety completely debilitated me. Reached a point where I couldn't even walk outside my house.

A combination of appropriate medication and an awesome therapist have pretty much gotten me to a "i got my life back" stage.

Take back your life. Talk to your doctor. If they don't get it, get another. Then seek out a therapist. There is no "magic pill". For some therapy is about looking at triggers. Not me. Mine started with "I don't care if you stubbed your toe at 2 years old and haven't gotten over it. Let's find the tools to manage your anxiety". I was sold.

I am not anxiety free. Instead I have a toolbox of various ways to manage my anxiety so I can live again.

AnnD · 01-23-2009, 09:01 PM

What has the doctor said when you told him/her of these feelings. You are not bipolar but are you on medication to help you through these events you sure would feel better if you got the help you need. You also might take a look at that calendar you talk about when you are suppose to go to an event. If it is not a work related mandatory event then maybe it's time to stop going...pick only a few that are meaningful for you and skip the rest.