Anxiety, Heart Concerns and My Current Health Scare (PLEASE GIVE FEEDBACK)

[scared_nut]

So I’m a guy, 15 years old. I had my first anxiety attack on Jan 11 so I’ve been dealing with this chronic stress for about a month. When it originally happened I was tested with two EKG tests and a chest x-ray, and blood test which all came out clean. However, since the tests and the doctors visit I have been going through a multitude of physical symptoms that get more and more scary. First the main thing was ibs-type issues. I was focused to make sure there wasn’t any blood in my movements or in phlegm. As of late I’ve become really aware of my heart. I have a large fear of having an attack or cardiac issue. Even though the doctor said i have no issues last month, I feel like every little motion makes my heart beat entirely too fast. Really dull headache with pulsing temples and sometimes in back of head/neck. Also as of the last day or so, I’ll have dull ache/burn sensations in my left shoulder blade and arm that will come and go, which is scaring me out of my wits currently because I know that those are very prominent and specific symptoms of a heart issue. I fear that this stress is gonna cause something to happen but the symptoms seem to be more prominent ever-so-slightly and I’ve been in a loop. I have an appointment with a cardiologist that the doc suggested so “i can see that nothing is wrong” but at this rate idk if I can wait until then. I’ve had attack-related trauma in my life from about 5 months ago and the anxiety was been gradual up until my first attack. I don’t have a previous heart problem but my mom has gad and depression. I’ve also had health anxiety tendencies since at least 2017. So the past really suggests that its health anxiety, but my body has been really concerning me and it has been interrupting my life. Also I’ve only had 2 full blown anxiety attacks and I never had shortness of breath which is a prominent symptom of it so I’m suspicious. Just desperate for input/reassurance from people dealing with it until I can secure a therapist and until the cardiologist says I’m okay. Just want to live...

 

[Ms.Honey]

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. I had my first panic attack when I was 11, I remember it very vividly. I’m 38 now. I’m actually quite surprised your dr is sending you to specialists, I think everything you’ve described is definitely anxiety! I have all of those symptoms and have had them on and off for 20+ years, and I’m ok. You’ll be ok too.

 

[Souris]

All the symptoms definitely sound like anxiety. Heart issues would have shown up before now with all those tests. I’ve had anxiety for many years and shortness of breath has never really been one of my symptoms either. Everyone is a bit different in how anxiety manifests. I would suggest spending your energy in researching and practicing ways to combat anxiety. That will be the biggest benefit to you. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this.

 

[TruthHurts]

I experienced the same thing at the same age I was 15 when I had my first anxiety attack. I thought it was my heart as well, I remember crying and telling my mom that I didn't want to die. I was sent to have test ran they came up normal. It was hard for me to accept it. My mom told me the doctors said your heart is okay stop worrying so much. I guess that and being around friends helped me snap out of it. Sometimes we get scared and become fixated on what scares us. Your heart raced which made you feel uncertainty you were unsure what would happen next which just caused more adrenaline and made the heart race even faster. Just remember anxiety may be scary but it is rarely dangerous. If it happens again take a walk and get some fresh air. Laying down in a dark room helps me a lot. People deal with this type of stuff in different ways. I exercise and try to eat a healthy diet that helps me a lot. Good luck ......

 

[edm]

Panic and anxiety are so crippling. Please take comfort that anxiety is treatable. I have panic attacks and never-ending anxiety. I am now on a low dose beta blocker because the anxiety causes my blood pressure to spike. I have also been prescribed xanax as a last resort. I don't recommend benzos because of their addictiveness. I am now seeing a psychiatrist and we are trying different SSRI to battle my anxiety long term.