Hello, I’m Kayla! I’m 20 years old and for the last 2 years I’ve been dealing with some sort of anxiety/depression. 2 years ago I got a kidney infection and that was when my anxiety started. I have had a ton of physical symptoms such as lightheadedness, bad nausea, chest pains, fast heart rate, hot & sweaty, shaky, stomach pain, headaches and more. I go to the ER a lot.... I’ve had a ton of tests done and everything comes back fine everytime, but I still can’t get my head to wrap around the fact that I’m fine and it’s just anxiety like all the doctors I’ve seen have told me. I just don’t understand how I could be having all of these symptoms all the time and it just be anxiety causing it. I have panic attacks once or twice a day or more because I panic about how I’m feeling physically bc it’s just not normal. I can’t go anywhere or do much of anything bc this has basically made me bedridden. If anyone else has experienced this and can relate please write to me Id love to hear it!
Health Anxiety & Generalized Anxiety
- Thread starter Trikay723
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Definitely experienced similar issues! I've had situations where I would be relaxing or doing something fun and suddenly start feeling all these random symptoms, (nauseous, dizzy, emotional, short of breath, fast heart rate), sometimes different mixes of a number of things. I've been doctors and always had results of anything I've been tested against come back fine and been told it's all anxiety. I also have panic/anxiety attacks but when symptoms spring up randomly it jus doesn't seem right and I can never wrap my head around it just being anxiety! And of course that just causes more worry and anxiety so your symptoms just escalate! I know how you feel. You're not alone.
Thank you for replying! I’m glad there are other people out there that can relate to one another and maybe let some people have some sort of relief that they aren’t alone or crazy! But Yes, I could just be laying or sitting here and all of a sudden a wave of lightheadedness would come and then I start to panic from there and then a bunch of other things start to happen as well! I feel like all of this has made it hard for me to function and go to social events or even the store because I just insistently feel lightheaded and weird. I do go see a therapist and they recommended deep breathing, but it still doesn’t stop the worry that’s going on in my head, so it doesn’t help much. Feeling physically ill 24/7 is very exhausting.
It does give us a sense of relief when we hear that others have similar situations (especially the ones where you are genuinely relaxing and have no reason for anxiety to spring up). Personally now, what I do is take every minute, hour, day etc as it comes and try my best not to look at what might happen (as some of my worry tends to come from thinking I'm gonna have a random attack, which actually ends up being the cause for it), otherwise it ends up being a never ending cycle.
I don't take anything tablets or have an therapy at all but I've been recommended it a number of times. I don't take tablets because, well I can't even swallow tablets, but for the most I just don't want to become reliant on it. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with therapy, it's always good to be able to speak to someone - I'm always tempted but always end up stepping away from it, but that may be because I find my relief elsewhere (there's two people in my life that I speak to about it because they understand and I can trust them), I'm not sure.
Deep breathing is certainly a good technique, but like you say, it doesn't stop the worry, almost like its just overpowered by anxiety in the end. I know how you feel. I've not had lightheadedness as much as you, but I'm mostly the fast heart rate, short of breath, stomach ache which brings on much more, just feels like you're dying. I've had countless situations so this is all very brief!
I'm 25 by the way and I've had this issue for maybe 3 years. I never really had anything to worry about so not sure where it all started from. Just based on my experience, I'd say if you have a friend too that you trust and who would listen and understand you then talk to them in desperate times, it really could make you feel better talking it out. Don't force it if you don't really feel there's anyone to talk to, there's always these forums too. Find your comfort! I started drinking ginger tea (used to hate it, but now I'm used to it), something warm during these moments and it does soothe me alot of the time (picked ginger because it's known to be good for settle the stomach). These things usually put me on path to feeling better again and getting on with life. It's hard. Also, when you feel an attack coming on, the best thing you can do is remind yourself there's absolutely nothing wrong, easier said than done as we know, but it will only do something positive if anything!
Hope this really helps
I came on this site for the first time today and literally signed up to reply to you because I know how much it means to hear others are going through something very similar and it's not just you going crazy.
MakUSA
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Hi, Trikay723
You are no alone in this, I also experience some of those symptoms, such as lightheadedness, bad nausea, hot & sweaty, shaky... I did several doctor visits and everything came back good. That gave me some comfort, but I still have those symptoms from time to time.
Read through this forum, you will find very good material how to possibly cope with those. I feel you completely and I know its not easy, hopefully you will get better.
You are no alone in this, I also experience some of those symptoms, such as lightheadedness, bad nausea, hot & sweaty, shaky... I did several doctor visits and everything came back good. That gave me some comfort, but I still have those symptoms from time to time.
Read through this forum, you will find very good material how to possibly cope with those. I feel you completely and I know its not easy, hopefully you will get better.
Hurt&Hopeful
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Welcome Kayla! You definitely aren’t alone. I have all of those same body symptoms, but I’ve learned to control it better over the years and live a full life. I’ve had anxiety most of my life, But my really bad attacks probably started at around your age, when all the pressure of school and being an ‘adult’ and not knowing what my future was kicked in. I have done well on an anti-depressant medication and done some different types of therapy. Talk therapy or CBT (cognitive behavioral) helped me learn things like breathing techniques to get through panic attacks, and I’m grateful for it. However, I have done some different body and trauma-focused therapy that I believe helped more with actual healing and reducing symptoms. EMDR and brainspotting are both growing in popularity for anxiety disorders, so you might check those out!
Either way, it’s going to be okay. Welcome again.
Either way, it’s going to be okay. Welcome again.
Trikay12113
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I’m sorry you have to go through this anxiety. It is a very difficult process. I have a couple people in my life that I can talk to but I feel like I can’t truly talk to them about how I feel because I feel like they are just as frustrated with me about my anxiety and me panicking about every physical feeling I get and I just can’t help it so I don’t want to bother anyone but at the same time I feel like I need to tell someone that I’m going through whatever it may be in case something does seriously happen, but nothing probably will and it’s just my anxiety telling me Bs.It does give us a sense of relief when we hear that others have similar situations (especially the ones where you are genuinely relaxing and have no reason for anxiety to spring up). Personally now, what I do is take every minute, hour, day etc as it comes and try my best not to look at what might happen (as some of my worry tends to come from thinking I'm gonna have a random attack, which actually ends up being the cause for it), otherwise it ends up being a never ending cycle.
I don't take anything tablets or have an therapy at all but I've been recommended it a number of times. I don't take tablets because, well I can't even swallow tablets, but for the most I just don't want to become reliant on it. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with therapy, it's always good to be able to speak to someone - I'm always tempted but always end up stepping away from it, but that may be because I find my relief elsewhere (there's two people in my life that I speak to about it because they understand and I can trust them), I'm not sure.
Deep breathing is certainly a good technique, but like you say, it doesn't stop the worry, almost like its just overpowered by anxiety in the end. I know how you feel. I've not had lightheadedness as much as you, but I'm mostly the fast heart rate, short of breath, stomach ache which brings on much more, just feels like you're dying. I've had countless situations so this is all very brief!
I'm 25 by the way and I've had this issue for maybe 3 years. I never really had anything to worry about so not sure where it all started from. Just based on my experience, I'd say if you have a friend too that you trust and who would listen and understand you then talk to them in desperate times, it really could make you feel better talking it out. Don't force it if you don't really feel there's anyone to talk to, there's always these forums too. Find your comfort! I started drinking ginger tea (used to hate it, but now I'm used to it), something warm during these moments and it does soothe me alot of the time (picked ginger because it's known to be good for settle the stomach). These things usually put me on path to feeling better again and getting on with life. It's hard. Also, when you feel an attack coming on, the best thing you can do is remind yourself there's absolutely nothing wrong, easier said than done as we know, but it will only do something positive if anything!
Hope this really helps
I was very scared about going to therapy at first as well, it was something that I always held off on and tried to get better myself, but I finally caved and went and I didn’t like my first therapist but I kept going and she just gave me more anxiety, so I ended up switching to a new one and I absolutely love it even though I have anxiety about going but that’s just bc I have anxiety about going anywhere that’s not home. I know I can cry it out or tell her how I’m feeling and what my worries are and she can validate for me that yes this is anxiety you are going through and that you may be feeling all these symptoms but it’s just your anxiety telling you bullshit and it’s whether you believe it or not. So I would definitely recommend going to a therapist even if you didn’t have anxiety and just felt sad because it’s an awesome feeling when they are talking to you. I also have a hard time with swallowing medications, but I got put on anxiety medication about 30 days ago, but I’ve been having some side effects which makes me anxiety rise because it gets triggered by physical symptoms:/, but I’m trying to push through it in hopes that doing both can help me through this.
I also just joined on here in hopes in connecting with people with similar situations and being able to talk to them and have some sort of relief. I’m glad you joined because you have helped me find some relief that I need! Thank you!
Since I have anxiety about going places because of feeling lightheaded and nauseous and feeling crappy all the time And the holidays are coming up in a few days, my anxiety is at a high right now because I’m nervous about going to all these get together I have to attend to this upcoming week and I’m not sure how to handle it. I’m worried if I don’t go because people got me gifts and I would feel bad.
If anyone wants to they can always message me on here and we can talk about anxiety and what you may be going through and I can’t promise that I’ll help but I can be someone you can talk to because I can definitely understand.
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Likewise, I am happy to chat. I think that's the thing with anxiety, we prefer to talk to others who can relate because we know they understand it the most, whereas with friends you we don't like to keep bothering them with the same thing over and over.
Thanks for sharing your story too! I hope it only gets better too. One day I may try therapy, I will let this journey decide when that needs to happen if it does as I guess I've been a little better recently but thank you for sharing how that went for you, as it really does encourage me to consider making the effort to do it. Again, please do direct message if you feel to (I've got notifications on), I know how much it means to hear that's an option and I'm more than happy to listen and help where i can (especially now as you say over the festive period). Same goes for anyone else reading this.
SandraLee88
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We sound so much a like please if you wanna message me anytime go ahead . It’s don’t feel good to know others endure this but it feels good to not be alone (if that makes any sense)
Fear of fear
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Believe me, you are not alone! everything you mentioned above I have experienced and more and I know exactly how bewildering and frightening it is, Just remember that ALL of those symptoms and feelings you experience CAN NOT harm you in any way, it is just a release of adrenaline caused by a fight or flight response, you are in NO physical danger whatsoever, I know its hard to believe but its absolutely true
Hurt&Hopeful
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So hard to remember in the moment, but absolutely true. As I've gotten older (41 now), though, I've become less scared of the symptoms and they've lost some of their power over me.
Trikay I am the same way, I feel the need to tell someone (usually my husband) because I fear something might actually happen to me. Just last week he had to come home from work to be with me because it was so bad. It all started about 1.5/2 years ago for me. It's really comforting to know there are other people going through the same thing as me, but in the moment you are thinking like that! I always try breathing and splashing cold water on my face but it usually just ends up taking over me
*aren'tTrikay I am the same way, I feel the need to tell someone (usually my husband) because I fear something might actually happen to me. Just last week he had to come home from work to be with me because it was so bad. It all started about 1.5/2 years ago for me. It's really comforting to know there are other people going through the same thing as me, but in the moment you are thinking like that! I always try breathing and splashing cold water on my face but it usually just ends up taking over me
I have been doing the same for years and years. I've gone to doctor after doctor pressing for more and more tests. I went to get a MRI on my brain to see if I had a tumor. I just haven't been able to understand why I was always tired, dizzy, lightheaded, and not 100% myself.
I am now on zoloft 25 mg. I should be on a higher dose, but I really don't like medication. I now realize that many of those symptoms were anxiety, but I still worry about other things. For instance, I got eczema pop up on my chest out of nowhere and i thought i had inflammatory breast cancer. I made myself literally sick over it i couldn't eat and when i did it went right through me. I have 2 young daughters, 6 and 3, so my biggest fear is not being there for them. I cried for a week every time I looked at them because i kept imagining their life without me. I know it sounds crazy because typing it out does to me. I usually don't even come to realization of these thoughts, I just know I'm anxious and stressed a lot.
Every week is a new symptom I have and I obsess and worry about it nonstop until the next one comes. My blood work came back last week and my a/g ratio was 2.5 when the high normal is 2.2 and it's been really bothering me. I looked it up of course and other people asked online doctors with the same numbers and ratio and numerous responses were that it's fine. It makes me feel better, but I worry that the next blood work I do will be "the one" that comes back with devastating news.
I live my life already dooming myself. I'm 36 by the way. I have a healthy lifestyle and eat well, don't smoke, drink rarely, and try to limit toxins, etc.
The funny part is that I know what I'm doing at this point in my life and I still torture myself. It's like my hobby or something. My husband, friends, and family are tired of hearing it. In fact, my husband will say "there's always something wrong with you " and comments like that and he's right. It's got to be annoying for them. I've had anxiety basically since I've been 10 or so. I remember worrying every time my mom would leave the house thinking she'd get in an accident. I then had anxiety about school and social events. I got terrible acne in high school and my anxiety probably spiraled out of control around then. I got better in college, but it really got bad after my first daughter. I could no longer control things and that is how I keep my anxiety in check, through control.
Anyway, sorry I went off on a long tangent. I just wanted to let you all know that you're definitely not alone. Maybe one day we'll get tired of the bs and decide to live in the present and be happy.
I am now on zoloft 25 mg. I should be on a higher dose, but I really don't like medication. I now realize that many of those symptoms were anxiety, but I still worry about other things. For instance, I got eczema pop up on my chest out of nowhere and i thought i had inflammatory breast cancer. I made myself literally sick over it i couldn't eat and when i did it went right through me. I have 2 young daughters, 6 and 3, so my biggest fear is not being there for them. I cried for a week every time I looked at them because i kept imagining their life without me. I know it sounds crazy because typing it out does to me. I usually don't even come to realization of these thoughts, I just know I'm anxious and stressed a lot.
Every week is a new symptom I have and I obsess and worry about it nonstop until the next one comes. My blood work came back last week and my a/g ratio was 2.5 when the high normal is 2.2 and it's been really bothering me. I looked it up of course and other people asked online doctors with the same numbers and ratio and numerous responses were that it's fine. It makes me feel better, but I worry that the next blood work I do will be "the one" that comes back with devastating news.
I live my life already dooming myself. I'm 36 by the way. I have a healthy lifestyle and eat well, don't smoke, drink rarely, and try to limit toxins, etc.
The funny part is that I know what I'm doing at this point in my life and I still torture myself. It's like my hobby or something. My husband, friends, and family are tired of hearing it. In fact, my husband will say "there's always something wrong with you " and comments like that and he's right. It's got to be annoying for them. I've had anxiety basically since I've been 10 or so. I remember worrying every time my mom would leave the house thinking she'd get in an accident. I then had anxiety about school and social events. I got terrible acne in high school and my anxiety probably spiraled out of control around then. I got better in college, but it really got bad after my first daughter. I could no longer control things and that is how I keep my anxiety in check, through control.
Anyway, sorry I went off on a long tangent. I just wanted to let you all know that you're definitely not alone. Maybe one day we'll get tired of the bs and decide to live in the present and be happy.
MakUSA
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I totally feel you, I am on similar boat, I have different stuff going on every day, I went to several doctors and after lots of check ups, they all told me is the anxiety. And I can't talk to people because they get annoyed, they don't have a clue how it is.
This forum is amazing, you will find out a lot of people with same or similar issues, this forum is my to-go person when I am struggling.
I hope you find your peace
Thank you. The hard thing right now is that I cannot go to a doctor to get my "peace of mind" because of this virus going around. I'd rather wait it out. I have ecezma on my chest that just won't subside and I'd like to have the doctor go over my blood work. I have a good friend who I lean on for medical advice, so it's helped to calm me down a bit.
I guess what I am looking for is to know that I am 100% healthy, but in reality things change day by day. Even if I were to get that confirmation, it's not guaranteed that I won't develop something in months from now. I think the lesson learned is to live each day your best while also paying attention to your body and getting things checked out. There is a healthy balance to it, that's what I'm trying to work on.