I have a bad case of anxiety which seems to last all day, I can't get a grasp on it and I don't know what to do. I see a Psychiatrist and it seems as if my symptoms are persistent. I have had so many tests done which have come back fine, I just can't seem to feel good and I've felt good maybe 2 weeks out of 4 months. If you could reply and tell me if this is normal. I just got a colonoscopy and an endo and everything turned out great. I get really nausous, constant headaches, a feeling of fogginess constantly as if my vision isn't all right. But i see fine. I just get these persistent tension headaches and I feel tightness in my chest. I constantly feel as if I'm dying and I"m mildly depressed. I'm scared to go to basketball practice for a fear that I might pass out from my syncope and I am also afraid to go to school for a fear that I will die and no one will be able to save me. Sounds immature I know, but it's taking over my life and has for about 5 months and I hardly ever have normal days where I don't feel anxious. I'm a big hypochrondriac and never really was before. I have always been a happy go with the flow type guy and this so called anxiety is ruining my life My emotions are out of wack, it's so indescribable. I take my Xanax everyday and have tried 3 anti-depressants going on a forth, but the side effects make me not want to go to school and make me worse so I can't stay on them long. . Also I think I might have Parkinson's or Multiple Sclerosis, but I've had so many tests. But for those diseases tests don't diagnose it. It's terrifying I'm too young i'm in my teens. Anyone ever feel as if there legs are itching inside and you have to rub your knuckles roughly along your leg to relieve the symptoms, weird huh? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Anders! I just wanted to let you know that I've had times in my life when I've felt the way you're describing as well. It can be extremely difficult to overcome. Have you tried any meditation and breathing exercises? That has been beneficial to me in helping to reduce my level of anxiety.

Well I see a Psychiatrist and a counselor. I stopped the couselor actually because she didn't help to much. Now I'm just in a bad state where I worry constantly, feel as if I had every disease imaginable and just feel hopeless like there's no possible way I have anxiety. I've never been a nervous person, but this is definitely taking over my life, it's been a constant struggle for 4 months now and I'm trying to get a grasp on it. I'm so afraid I'm going to pass out in public it's unreal, because I literally feel that way. It's devastating to see how I used to be so careless and nonchalant and now I worry over every small thing. I think i'm dying, ever felt that way? Anyone? Constantly?

When you were seeing the counselor, what were you working on? Was it talk therapy or was it CBT? If it was just talk therapy, you need to find another counselor who will do CBT with you because that seems to be really helpful with anxiety. I also really encourage you to look into some forms of Buddhist meditation, regardless of your religious affiliation. The Buddhist meditation can just help you calm your mind, which in turn calms your body. Best of luck!

Hey Anders,
Have you told your psychiatrist everything you have told us? Did something traumatic happen 4 months ago? Death of a loved one or cancer diagnosis of someone close. That's what usually sparks my anxiety, but I'm much older than you. Sometimes it takes a few tries with the AD's - to find the right one, the right dosage and then the time it takes for them to kick in. Don't give up. Maybe you would do better with a male counselor. If you don't have an appointment in the very near future with the psychiatrist, call him/her.
Best wishes,
JB

Thanks, well it has been pretty stressful, but I always used to blow it off. I have been to the ER 4 or 5 times because of this and I tell the Drs. "I think I'm dying" and they run all these tests and they just say "everything came back ok, your good to go" when in reality i feel terrible. I've had a close friends father pass last week, and a colonoscopy on monday of this week, also a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs for football. That has been rough but 4 months ago the only thing that got me was the health issues I was feeling. I was so nausous, dizzy, trembling, headaches, etc. Now I am highly depressed and am waiting to start Cymbalta during Thanksgiving break. Any suggestions? Is this anxiety and nerves causing me to feel this way? Does anxiety last for days at a time constantly. I literally feel as if I have the flu basically all the time, and I will take my temp. for the severe headaches and my temp is fine. My bloodwork is fine, CT scan, colonoscopy, EVERYTHING. I just feel so ill sometimes it makes me wonder if this is really anxiety. I'm highly active and participate in ALL sports at my school. But i have a constant negative burden over me as if "my time is coming" and "im dying" and hopeless. Please reply ASAP. This site really helps me connect with people and encourages me to think positive. I can't explain all the symptoms I have because some of them are just odd, and there aren't words to explain them. But my Physc says it's all anxiety. I take Xanax .5 as needed and it seems to help. I just don't feel as if I will ever get better. It's been 4 months. Is all of this normal?

When you were seeing the counselor, what were you working on? Was it talk therapy or was it CBT? If it was just talk therapy, you need to find another counselor who will do CBT with you because that seems to be really helpful with anxiety. I also really encourage you to look into some forms of Buddhist meditation, regardless of your religious affiliation. The Buddhist meditation can just help you calm your mind, which in turn calms your body. Best of luck!

She just talked to me and said I had PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from a partial splenectomy I had 2 years prior to all of this. I've had some what of a "rough life" just with parents sickness, but no abuse or anything me and my family are very close. I just don't know what's causing all this. I knew I hadn't had PTSD due to my full recovery and ability to play football and basketball again. So i stopped seeing her she just didn't have the answers I was looking for, what she was telling me was the opposite of what I was thinking. My psychiatrist is a major help though, and is almost positive it's anxiety, it's just I don't understand why I feel so ill, I literally feel as if I can't do too much or I will end up dying, but I'm very active and just started basketball season, which is a stressful time for me.

Well, just so you know you're not alone in this, I often feel physically ill from anxiety as well. I had the whole battery of tests and was also told I was ok. Since I've found meds & a form of emotional release that works for me, I'm no longer suffering all of the horrible physical side effects anymore. For me it was fainting, dizziness, stomach aches, headaches, blurred vision, etc. Definitely bring all of this up with your pdoc and see if some CBT might help you. I really think it could. It's all about retraining your brain to recognize the anxiety inducing thoughts and then turn them into something more positive. In the meantime, will you do something for me? The next time you start feeling really anxious, I want you to find a quiet place such as a bedroom. I want you to sit down either on a chair or on the floor with your back and neck as straight as you can. Close your eyes and put your hands on your lap. Now just sit there and breathe. As you're breathing, think "in...out...in...out...in...out..." with each breath. If your mind wanders off, don't become upset. Just gently push your mind back to the task at hand--the breathing. In...out...in...out...in...out... Please try it and let me know if it helps you any!

Thanks, I will definitely give it a shot. Did you suffer from depression also? Like you just didn't wanna be here and you didn't really have a reason everything just seemed so dark.

I'm bipolar II so yes, I've had a LOT of depression to deal with in my life. Please believe me that if you find the right doctors, the right medication, and the right therapy, it CAN get better! I wish I could tell you that it's going to be an easy journey, but it isn't. It takes a lot of work, but I know that you can do it!

I have another new symptom haha, this is getting ridiculous. I've woke up the past 2 mornings with was feels like the flu, but I take my medicine and it gradually wears off. The only thing that doesn't wear off is my headache, and what's weird about it is everytime i look up it hurts like hades. And I also feel as if my eyes are quite right, almost like a blurred vision but not really. Is all of this normal?

I just think that you really really need to get in to see your doctor, ok?

Are you currently on any medicine or have been? I have fought with depression on and off the meds since I was 17 and I'm now 27..My new therapist just put me on Cymbalta..I've been on it only for 3 days and feel like my anxiety is getting a little better or maybe it's just the comfort of knowing that maybe just maybe one day soon my mind and I will function in a happy healthy manner and I will be able to succeed with my goals and dreams and maybe I can actually fall asleep before 3 a.m.??
If anyone out there has any interesting information on fighting this sick disease or has experienced Cymbalta, please let me know!!!
Thanks. :angel:

That's weird because my GI doctor just prescribed me with Cymbalta, I am now 17 and it's a constant battle. I seem to improve some, then get worse. It's getting out of hand. But all my symptoms that i have are normal, I just can't convince myself, I also have both, but my anxiety is way out of hand. It's a persistent sickness it seems. I am depressed though too, just not as bad.

Hi. As someone who has suffered similar symptoms on and off for 30 years, I hope I can offer some good news. I suffer from chronic anxiety with a side dose of depression and even phobias. But since proper treatment, have made it to the Canadian ice fields, Europe and Hawaii; learned to regulate my body and meds; gotten married, had a son, and lived a pretty good life -- much of the time symptom free.

First, you have to stop worrying about your health, because worrying is exacerbating the anxiety. You are not ill. You have a condition -- a manageable condition. Every symptom you have (including felings of the flu), I have had. Worrying about the symptoms only makes them worse as you build up more adrenaline (look up: fight-flight fear...we are programmed since prehistoric times to react like this). Side note: It wasn't of use to me, but some people find relief from diets in which you eliminate certain food for a time (i.e. sugars, wheat, dairy).

To help inderstand your symptoms, find a book by Dr. Claire Weeks -- or articles about her on the internet. She explains anxiety and offers a way people can get better on their own by accepting the symptoms until they simply "give up." It 100 percent worked for a friend; not for me, but I gained much insight!

Why do you ofte wake up feeling worse? Your doctor should have told you -- you are having "rebound symptoms -- that is, your body craves the Xanax you took the night before. In the AM, I might feel crummy, but I no longer think about it. I chew my tranquilizer (aster relief) and move on.

You psychiatrist may be great, but get a second opinion, preferably from someone affiliaed with a university teaching hospital. My anti-depressant is rarely used anymore, but is A-1 for depersonlization (not being here), panic, anxiety, social issues. It wasn't until I found an expert psychpharmocologist who is a psychaitrist specializing in medications) that I found my drug (it is an MAOI and most doctors are loathe to use it because they have no experience with it). But there are many anti-depressants out there, and a specialist in mediactions, one wit extensive experience using them, and can refer to colleagues, (not talk therapy) is what you need. Indeed, [erhaps Xanax isn't the tranq for you. Or the dose may be low during this difficult period. Ask your psychiatrist, as an experiment whether you can take 1 mg, say, three time s a day for a few weeks. DO NOT play with dose on your own! Read that 3 times.

If you can affprd it, I would also suggest CBT with someone who works with you, not talks to you. Yoga helps some; beathing exercises; meditation; a healthy diet; good sleep; plenty of water. These are not cures. but a stronger body and mind will give you the energy, health and resolve to fight through this.

Bottom line -- you will find an answer. I promise. You likely have a biochemical condition that causes anxiety and depression, and I'll bet other members along your family tree have had it, as well. Feelings of the flu, dizziness, etc. may not seem like anxiety, but they are by-rpoducts of it. If uoou need medication for a lengthy period, do not depair. So do people with diabetes. Let NO ONE suggest you are weak or to "get on with it." You have a biochemical condition, and can get excellent treatment for it. But you need to find the right psychiatrist, stop worrying about your health, stop checking your body for symptoms. See them as an interesting occurence in your life that are simply visiting you for now.

I will stay in touch as long you'd like. I promise.

Thank you for the reply, I really needed that. Right now I feel like crap. I feel as if I might have over did the xanax yesterday and I took 6 throughout the day. Very stupid mistake As today I feel horrible and feel as if I might have overdosed, but I know I didn't. I'm not addicted I just didn't realize until to day that in 24 hrs yesterday I took 6 .5MG. I feel as if I'm going to die. I thought I was going to pass out because I had a bowel movement from stomach cramps and I felt really weak. I've had this before but I just feel extremely exhausted today. Is it ok to have a beer on top of Cymbalta and xanax?

Anders, I would not recommend the beer while you are still adjusting to the Cymbalta and xanax. I was on Cymbalta a few weeks. During the first week, prior to the increase in my dosage, I was feeling okay. I fixed a drink, drank about half of it and became very nausous. Ended up hang over the toilet for a while throwing up. I had never had anything like that happen before when taking Paxil or since, Lexapro
Best wishes,
JB

Hey!

Sorry you had a bad one. I agree. Stay off the beer. It's not like you can never drink again, although alcohol can exacerbate symptoms for some people. But for now, you don't need a another drug -- and that's what alcohol is. Also eliminate MSG, reduce your salt, and most definitely, stop the caffeine.

Obviously, you need to monitor your Xanax intake better. Like most medications, probably better to take it at specific times rather than "as needed." The less you have to think about taking your medication, the less you'll be thinking about your symptoms.

The usual intake, of course, is morning, afternoon and night. But if your doctor is okay with a 4th dose, go for it. Or as I suggested, ask about a slightly increased dose, such as .75 mg (a little pill breaking is necessary) 3X a day. I knew a thearapist who took something like.25 eight times a day to build a blood level. BUT you should confer with your psychiatrist or internist before embarking on any major departure from standard practice.
Also, you have to accept there will be good days and bad days -- and not freak out over the bad days. You have to let it flow. That's why I'll write this again -- check out Claire Weekes. She will help you understand the condition and, just maybe, her advice wil help make the symptoms just another nuisance until they actually begin to fade.

And, no, you did not overdose at 3 mg. However, your body is not accustomed to it. People take much higher doses for panic disorder but, again, doing so without your doctor's knowlege is foolish (and he/she writes the scripts).

Cymbalta is the "in" drug at the moment. I hope it helps. But remember there is a "breaking in" period when you might feel some nausea or dizziness. Simply observe it...and say, OK, interesting symptom, and let it pass. If this does not help after 4 to 6 weeks, ask a psychopharmacologist in the know about an MAOI Inhibitor. They are coming back into fashion because quite, frankly, aside from some dietary restrictions, they are remarkably effective. DO NOT EVER take one on your own within 3 weeks of another anti-depressant. NEVER -- it could literally be a fatal mix.

I only mention this so you'll understand there is plenty of hope, plenty of time, and plenty of answers still to try. Hopefully, Cymbalta is that answer -- and that a regularly managed dose of Xanax does the trick. It won't be a magical morning you wake up to. Just slightly better ones...a few not so better...then even longer periods of feeling better...until gradually you are in control again.

Hang in there!

OP

Thanks for the reply, I was told to get taken off of the Cymbalta because while at the eye doctor I had a bad seizure. I was admitted to the hospital to stay overnight and they did and EEG and MRI of my brain, and they both turned out good. I just can't drive anymore.

Hello. My symptoms started nine years ago and recently flared up three months ago. Started with heart palpitations, feeling faint, sweating, When hungry want to pass out, heat intolerance, and emotional changes.

All hell broke loose three months back when got into a heated argument with my wife while driving. Thought I was ready to pass out behind the wheel with all the symptoms mentioned above. Couldn't take the lease bit of stress.

During this moment I experienced the worst case of rerealization/ depersonilization that at the time I wasn't familiar with my surroundings.

I literally felt like I lost my mind. My OCD kicked in and told me I was losing my memory, I wasn't really alive, life was all a dream, etc. Than my hypochondria kicked in making me believe I had a brain tumor, degenerative brain disorder, MS, and every illness ever invented.

I couldn't and still can't concentrate on anything, feel like a zombie, afraid to drive for feeling of getting lost and now suffer from severe depression and hallucinations.

I've been having these thoughts 24/7 just like you, and each day for the last three months. I just can't shake the feelings of derealization from that instance in the car and really do feel like I'm not alive and living in a dream world. I constantly question reality.

Since I don't have no insurance the only tests the doctor perfoemed were bloodwork testing for thyroid, glucose, liver functions and basically a general chem screen.

I really feel like someone suffering from PTSD after witnessing his whole family being massacared or someone who served four tours in Iraq.

I mean my brain really feels like it shut down and like I'm a vegetable. My head is numb with tingling sensations and constantly worrying about what I may have that I don't concentrate on anything else.

In my case I really believe it's anxietfrom the symptoms I had before I had that meltdown in the car, which led to derealization which than led to severe depression.

I was only on High Blood pressure meds which also controlled the anxiety but recently stopped taking them because one of the side effects are depression and sleep disturbances.

To this day I will continue to belive I have one or a combination of illnesses until I receive all the tests to tell me otherwise. In the meantime I suffer each day. Read my post: My Life In Hell under the depression board if you want to know more.

Good Luck with your situation and keep the board updated.

Anthony.

I feel as if I'm never going to get back to normal. I get no sleep, I get so sick, and my daily life is all messed up. Every anti depressant I try makes me dizzy. Yesterday I also had a seizure and ended up overnight at the hospital getting various brain tests. Everything came back ok. I just can't drive for 6 months unless I have another seizure then that will extend my loss of driving. I'm VERY VERY young and have had my liscence for 2 years so that definitely sucks. Every time I start to get on the right track there are always setbacks, i'm getting fed up and my depression is killing me. I am constantly sick with various symptoms and everytime I seem to improve somethin seems to happen. Please help by telling me your symptoms and say as if you have ever felt like you are so hopeless and sick you are going to die and also what symptoms you have and if you constantly worry and think it could be something more than anxiety. It's so amazing how bad anxiety really is. It is ruining my life.