Anxiety, panic and hypochondria - I desperately need help

[Delsar96]

Hi everyone. I'm a 23 yo girl and for the past 6 months, I've had crushing anxiety.

It all started with a panic attack, right after finishing my master thesis. My mind and body were exhausted, and I felt a "zap" in my brain. My heart started pounding, I was shivering, my legs were heavy and shaking, I thought I was going to die right there and then. I was all over the place, crying and panicking. I almost called the paramedics. What didn't help is that I was recovering from mononucleosis, so my body was already tired before my master thesis.

After that panic attack, I thought something was wrong with my brain and heart. What was that zap in my brain? did I have a brain tumour? Why did my heart beat so fast? Was it a warning sign of a heart attack?

To make matters worse, an acquaintance died of a brain aneurysm a couple of weeks later. This reminded me of my problems and I began to think about my symptoms 24/7. If that girl had died at 21 out of the blue, I could, too. I began being petrified by death. Especially dropping dead with no warning sign, just like her. At least with cancer, you have time to say goodbye, and you can even heal.

since then, my life has been hell. I had to drop out of my final exams, postponing the end of my master. I couldn't concentrate.

Here are my "symptoms" :
- fatigue. Not really physical, more mental. I mean, my body isn't so tired. But I sleep 10 hours a day to avoid having to face my anxiety
- extreme mood swings. Although happiness has become rare.
- zaps / sensations like lightning bolts in my head / chest. these freak me out big time. I always think "this is it, it's an aneurysm / heart attack / heart failure, I'm dying".
- being "jumpy", like you can't calm the **** down no matter what you do. You're just scared for no apparent reason.
- never-ending thoughts about dying
- constant pain in left part of the chest (it's not the heart, I had a ECG done after a panic attack bc I thought I was dying, came back normal), it's either constant like a muscle sprain or sudden like someone pinches you
- feeling like I'm in a dream, I'm not really living
- feeling like my head is full, pressure
- tinnitus some days
- not being able to concentrate.


if anyone has the same symptoms (especially the "zaps"), please give me some advice at how to soothe them. i can't go on like this. I see a therapist now, and I would say that in general, I feel a bit better than 2-3 months ago. But I still have awful days, like today, where I can't think about anything else, i have multiple zaps, and then it's a vicious circle. I tried meditation, breathing techniques, homeopathy... I guess treating my fear of death would help, bc if we have hypochondria, it's because we're scared of dying, otherwise we wouldn't care?

thanks for any help

 

[sonam]

To be honest as far i have experienced anxiety can create havoc. one thing is sure the more you give attention to them more they gonna linger but just remember since we being hypochondriac most of the things happens only in mind ya we tend to get similar symptom but its not gonna be real i have been suffering from years and years dont worry nothing is serious its just elevated anxiety

 

[Souris]

All of your symptoms are absolutely classic anxiety symptoms. Even the zaps. I've had them a time or two, but they aren't something my anxiety has generally manifested as. However, I've seen references to people having them with anxiety a TON in my reading about anxiety over the years. So they are very common with anxiety.

It's no wonder you've had anxiety with all that going on! I know a master's thesis is incredibly stressful to go through. Add in mono and somebody you know dying -- that's a recipe for anxiety right there!

My suggestion would be to try some more meditation or yoga or something else calming that you can get in a routine with. Sticking with it regularly is important. That can help quiet your mind. It's great you're going to therapy, and it sounds like it's helping some. But there's no magic switch to turn off HA, unfortunately. It's a process we have to go through. Some days will be better than others. Has your therapist suggested any medication? That might be something to consider too.

I'm sorry you're going through this! It sucks and it's hard. But know you're not alone in this.

 

[JustMe]

I used to get bad zaps in my brain when i was younger. I almost felt a buzz sensation from them and i would stay to get dizzy and almost pass out and then it would go away. I checked out up to low blood pressure and anxiety eventually. I thought for sure i had epilepsy or something but everything came back normal as anxiety only. I went to many specialists and ther ER for this type of thing. Now I don't get those much anymore but I have a whole new set of symptoms and dr.s still say anxiety. What you're going through is definitely stressful and can cause anxiety and anxiety can cause all kinds of weird symptoms.

 

[HoldingOnHope]

Hi everyone. I'm a 23 yo girl and for the past 6 months, I've had crushing anxiety.

It all started with a panic attack, right after finishing my master thesis. My mind and body were exhausted, and I felt a "zap" in my brain. My heart started pounding, I was shivering, my legs were heavy and shaking, I thought I was going to die right there and then. I was all over the place, crying and panicking. I almost called the paramedics. What didn't help is that I was recovering from mononucleosis, so my body was already tired before my master thesis.

After that panic attack, I thought something was wrong with my brain and heart. What was that zap in my brain? did I have a brain tumour? Why did my heart beat so fast? Was it a warning sign of a heart attack?

To make matters worse, an acquaintance died of a brain aneurysm a couple of weeks later. This reminded me of my problems and I began to think about my symptoms 24/7. If that girl had died at 21 out of the blue, I could, too. I began being petrified by death. Especially dropping dead with no warning sign, just like her. At least with cancer, you have time to say goodbye, and you can even heal.

since then, my life has been hell. I had to drop out of my final exams, postponing the end of my master. I couldn't concentrate.

Here are my "symptoms" :
- fatigue. Not really physical, more mental. I mean, my body isn't so tired. But I sleep 10 hours a day to avoid having to face my anxiety
- extreme mood swings. Although happiness has become rare.
- zaps / sensations like lightning bolts in my head / chest. these freak me out big time. I always think "this is it, it's an aneurysm / heart attack / heart failure, I'm dying".
- being "jumpy", like you can't calm the **** down no matter what you do. You're just scared for no apparent reason.
- never-ending thoughts about dying
- constant pain in left part of the chest (it's not the heart, I had a ECG done after a panic attack bc I thought I was dying, came back normal), it's either constant like a muscle sprain or sudden like someone pinches you
- feeling like I'm in a dream, I'm not really living
- feeling like my head is full, pressure
- tinnitus some days
- not being able to concentrate.


if anyone has the same symptoms (especially the "zaps"), please give me some advice at how to soothe them. i can't go on like this. I see a therapist now, and I would say that in general, I feel a bit better than 2-3 months ago. But I still have awful days, like today, where I can't think about anything else, i have multiple zaps, and then it's a vicious circle. I tried meditation, breathing techniques, homeopathy... I guess treating my fear of death would help, bc if we have hypochondria, it's because we're scared of dying, otherwise we wouldn't care?

thanks for any help

I have the same exact symptoms as you!
Sometimes I feel like a lightening bolt in my head if that makes sense. Not really pain just like a zap like you said. And when I have panic attacks they always come out of the blue. I’m fine and then all of a sudden heart races, shaking, on and on and on. It really is all anxiety triggered.
I’ve had panic attacks since I was about 14.
I’m now 30...so half my life.
They are awful!!
Hugs and prayers for you girlie! If you ever need to talk feel free to message me!

 

[Annaannai]

I had these lightning bolt feelings as well. I went to neurologist and she said that it is quite common for those who have health anxiety (plus other simptoms) and all we can do is drink magnium (not sure I wrote this correct as I am from Europe), B vitamins and wear a hat when it is winter.

 

[spugrock]

The last time I went through something this vicious was when I was going through a breakup. There were a couple of things that helped me through this, mainly :
1. Repeating to myself that everything is going to be ok (may sound silly at first but when your a few seconds in you'll hopefully feel a wave of relief)
2. Deep breathing, and holding my breath in before letting it all out
3. Some form of minor exercising, walking or jogging

 

[Templar]

Everything you listed is classic anxiety. What helps sometimes is to print out a comprehensive list of anxiety symptoms and look it over when something doesn't feel right. You'd be surprised at how comforting it is.

 

[URfine]

Hi everyone. I'm a 23 yo girl and for the past 6 months, I've had crushing anxiety.

It all started with a panic attack, right after finishing my master thesis. My mind and body were exhausted, and I felt a "zap" in my brain. My heart started pounding, I was shivering, my legs were heavy and shaking, I thought I was going to die right there and then. I was all over the place, crying and panicking. I almost called the paramedics. What didn't help is that I was recovering from mononucleosis, so my body was already tired before my master thesis.

After that panic attack, I thought something was wrong with my brain and heart. What was that zap in my brain? did I have a brain tumour? Why did my heart beat so fast? Was it a warning sign of a heart attack?

To make matters worse, an acquaintance died of a brain aneurysm a couple of weeks later. This reminded me of my problems and I began to think about my symptoms 24/7. If that girl had died at 21 out of the blue, I could, too. I began being petrified by death. Especially dropping dead with no warning sign, just like her. At least with cancer, you have time to say goodbye, and you can even heal.

since then, my life has been hell. I had to drop out of my final exams, postponing the end of my master. I couldn't concentrate.

Here are my "symptoms" :
- fatigue. Not really physical, more mental. I mean, my body isn't so tired. But I sleep 10 hours a day to avoid having to face my anxiety
- extreme mood swings. Although happiness has become rare.
- zaps / sensations like lightning bolts in my head / chest. these freak me out big time. I always think "this is it, it's an aneurysm / heart attack / heart failure, I'm dying".
- being "jumpy", like you can't calm the **** down no matter what you do. You're just scared for no apparent reason.
- never-ending thoughts about dying
- constant pain in left part of the chest (it's not the heart, I had a ECG done after a panic attack bc I thought I was dying, came back normal), it's either constant like a muscle sprain or sudden like someone pinches you
- feeling like I'm in a dream, I'm not really living
- feeling like my head is full, pressure
- tinnitus some days
- not being able to concentrate.


if anyone has the same symptoms (especially the "zaps"), please give me some advice at how to soothe them. i can't go on like this. I see a therapist now, and I would say that in general, I feel a bit better than 2-3 months ago. But I still have awful days, like today, where I can't think about anything else, i have multiple zaps, and then it's a vicious circle. I tried meditation, breathing techniques, homeopathy... I guess treating my fear of death would help, bc if we have hypochondria, it's because we're scared of dying, otherwise we wouldn't care?

thanks for any help

The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone . I’ve read so much about anxiety in the last year I feel like I have my masters degree. So many people have the same symptoms.

 

[Kadenongers]

Hi everyone. I'm a 23 yo girl and for the past 6 months, I've had crushing anxiety.

It all started with a panic attack, right after finishing my master thesis. My mind and body were exhausted, and I felt a "zap" in my brain. My heart started pounding, I was shivering, my legs were heavy and shaking, I thought I was going to die right there and then. I was all over the place, crying and panicking. I almost called the paramedics. What didn't help is that I was recovering from mononucleosis, so my body was already tired before my master thesis.

After that panic attack, I thought something was wrong with my brain and heart. What was that zap in my brain? did I have a brain tumour? Why did my heart beat so fast? Was it a warning sign of a heart attack?

To make matters worse, an acquaintance died of a brain aneurysm a couple of weeks later. This reminded me of my problems and I began to think about my symptoms 24/7. If that girl had died at 21 out of the blue, I could, too. I began being petrified by death. Especially dropping dead with no warning sign, just like her. At least with cancer, you have time to say goodbye, and you can even heal.

since then, my life has been hell. I had to drop out of my final exams, postponing the end of my master. I couldn't concentrate.

Here are my "symptoms" :
- fatigue. Not really physical, more mental. I mean, my body isn't so tired. But I sleep 10 hours a day to avoid having to face my anxiety
- extreme mood swings. Although happiness has become rare.
- zaps / sensations like lightning bolts in my head / chest. these freak me out big time. I always think "this is it, it's an aneurysm / heart attack / heart failure, I'm dying".
- being "jumpy", like you can't calm the **** down no matter what you do. You're just scared for no apparent reason.
- never-ending thoughts about dying
- constant pain in left part of the chest (it's not the heart, I had a ECG done after a panic attack bc I thought I was dying, came back normal), it's either constant like a muscle sprain or sudden like someone pinches you
- feeling like I'm in a dream, I'm not really living
- feeling like my head is full, pressure
- tinnitus some days
- not being able to concentrate.


if anyone has the same symptoms (especially the "zaps"), please give me some advice at how to soothe them. i can't go on like this. I see a therapist now, and I would say that in general, I feel a bit better than 2-3 months ago. But I still have awful days, like today, where I can't think about anything else, i have multiple zaps, and then it's a vicious circle. I tried meditation, breathing techniques, homeopathy... I guess treating my fear of death would help, bc if we have hypochondria, it's because we're scared of dying, otherwise we wouldn't care?

thanks for any help
[/QUOTE not sure if this is any help. But ever since my anxiety started I’ve had tinnitus