Does anyone know if it's likely that one can have anxiety more than they realize? Can someone also confirm that nausea/lightheadedness is part of stress or anxiety and what would cause such symptoms?

Thanks for all who respond!

Hi,

Nausea and lightheadedness are common symptoms of anxiety. However, they are also common symptoms of many other disorders/ailments. You do not give nearly enough information for anyone to really say much. If you think you may be having problems with stress and anxiety...problems that are having a significant impact on your ability to function daily...you should check with your doctor and have him/her help to determine what is going on in your body.

Good luck to you,

sprout

I think by definition, anxiety is something you can really feel. Are you having any particular symptoms?

A little lightheadedness/dizzy feeling at times. Sometime I feel nauseated-not that often though

Lightheadedness and nausea can be caused by any number of things. Have you been diagnosed with an anxiety or stress disorder?

If not, the symptoms you are experiencing could be something as simple as having an unbalanced diet...to something a little more involved and complex.

If you are willing to offer more information...answers might be more forthcoming.

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I have been given meds for anxiety, but, don't really take them. I hate medicine! As far as my diet? I pretty much eat junk with a few good things thrown in there. I eat yogurt every now and then, cereals every now and then etc...I know that I don't drink enough liquids. 16 oz in a day in pretty good for me! I am slowly getting better with my diet. Alot of times I do feel stressed, but, I always thought I had a very high tolorance of it and no matter how mad or stressed out I got, I always thought I could handle it that it really didn't effect my health in a bad way because I would be "venting" when I was stressed. I don't know, maybe I'm just really hoping that's how it works and it really doesn't. There was a time a few years back, that I was in a store, and all of a sudden, I felt dizzy and my heart started to pound. I went home and and laid down until that lightheadedness/dizziness (not sure what the difference is) went away. Ever since then, I get these episodes every now and then and I will feel butterflies in my stomach. The thing is, I don't even know why I get that way or what brings it on. It's so frustrating!

to N2 golf
you seem to be having panic attacks, theres much info about them and panic disorder on the net.

yes. some have suffered anxiety and panic attacks for many years, thinking they are normal and that everybody has them

yes definatly sounds like panick attacks to me... BUt by all means go back to the docs to have your mind put at ease, it could easly be an inner ear infection of some kind that is affecting your balance, (dizzyness) and the heart pounding can be a little anxiety that is accompanied by those symptoms.



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dipps

In addition to the advice offered by others, I would strongly suggest trying to get your diet straightened out. Get some fruits and vegetables worked into your daily intake. Drink some juice. Drink more water as you are saying that you are only getting 16oz. a day...your body needs more than that for everything to function properly. If you aren't willing or able to make major adjustments to your diet...at least start taking a multi-vitamin daily. And, last but not least, try taking the medications your doctor prescribes and find out how you can develop coping skills that may help eliminate the occurance of the lightheadedness.

Good luck and take care of you,

sprout

Thanks Sprout!

I'm trying to do all that you had mentioned...except the meds. I HATE taking meds as I have no trust in any doctors. They seem to quick to put people on meds. Although meds treat the symptoms, I want to treat the problem! Sure wish I knew a Naturopathic Doc.

Originally posted by N2golf:
There was a time a few years back, that I was in a store, and all of a sudden, I felt dizzy and my heart started to pound. I went home and and laid down until that lightheadedness/dizziness (not sure what the difference is) went away. Ever since then, I get these episodes every now and then and I will feel butterflies in my stomach. The thing is, I don't even know why I get that way or what brings it on. It's so frustrating!


Sounds like panic to me too.I know a lot people are reluctant to suggest or use them, but have you tried something like Valium for the panic episodes? To me, that is the absolute least intrusive way possible to defeat panic via medication. It gets in , knocks out the panic, gets out, and you go on with the rest of the day. That is of course if you use it ONLY on an as needed basis. Valium is not a maintenance drug and should not be used as such.

Ever read Claire Weekes "Hope and Help for your Nerves"? If not, give it a shot. IT's great, and could give you some additional ways of coping.

Hi N2,

Try to think of the medications this way. Yes, they do only address the symptoms. However, until you are able to get to the root of the problem and then develop coping skills that will help you overcome those anxious moments...the medications are meant to help you. I think it is great that you do not want to rely on medications. Give them a chance to get you balanced though and then work from there.

Granted, this is your decision to make and I am only offering you another perspective. Either way you intend to go...I wish you all the best and hope you keep us posted.

Take care of you,

sprout http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi N2,

You sound a lot like me. I began having all sorts of scary physical symptoms about 2 years ago, although I don't really feel stressed and, as a matter of fact, I always thought that I handled stress really well. Apparently that's a really bad way to think, since you kind of internalize everything - it has to go somewhere!

Anyway, the getting dizzy/lightheaded in stores and such - I don't think that neccessarily has anything to do with panic...that's happened to me since I was a kid. I've found that I'm really sensitive to temperature like that - do you ever notice that you feel really warm before this happens? Just try to take your jacket off before you go inside. I know it sounds stupidly simple, but really, I always feel better if I'm a little chilly.

And for heaven's sake, drink some water! Last summer I was trying to lose a little weight, so I was really forcing down the water (like 2 liters a day or so)...you'll feel great!

Kristin