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Struggling with Anxiety Could Use any Tips or Insight

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austinw712
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Joined : Aug 2018
Posts : 13
Posted 8/22/2018 9:16 PM (GMT -7)
Unfortunately the last year of my life has not been too great. The day after my 18th birthday (I am 19 now my birthday is on July 12th) I woke up, went downstairs and had a random vertigo spell. I remember I couldn't see anything and it felt like the world was spinning. After getting some water and a cold towel over my head the extreme spinning had stopped but i was left with an "off" feeling. Since then over the course of a year i have had the vertigo trip without the blacked out vision 2 additional times. Also, since then I have gotten multiple blood tests, an EKG, an MRI of my brain, an X Ray of my neck, and a neurological exam, and an examination by an ENT. All of my results have come back to be normal and I am thankful for that. Every doctor that I have been to believes that the incidence might have been a fluke thing or it may have been caused by my anxiety. I have had anxiety my whole life and have never had that happen before. This has only made me more anxious and depressed and has added some new symptoms i have never felt before along with it. I still think that there is something wrong with me like a neurological problem, although i would dread for there to be because i feel i would not be able to handle the fact if there was and i would do something bad to myself(i'm a perfectionist.) I've never heard of someone with anxiety having the same physical symptoms that I have. I also cannot comprehend how this could be anxiety because even when i feel that i am relaxed I still have the same symptoms. My real question to myself is should i be worried that there is something seriously wrong with me or should i just accept that what im going through is anxiety, and if it is anxiety what can i do about it to maintain it and overcome this dreadful unknown symptoms because when I try to say that it is anxiety in my head I can never get it to stick and it never feels right saying that. (Symptoms that I am having: dizziness, off balanced/unsteadiness, sore/heavy muscles and limbs, brain fog, trouble concentrating, anxiety, fear of impending doom, depression, muscle spasms in mainly my arms, legs, and back, feeling like im going to fall/drop, feeling like a force is pulling me down, feeling like the ground is shaking, difficulty getting to sleep, overall just not feeling right) There's probably more I can come up with but those are the ones that I can think of right now.These symptoms are not 24/7 but they are there for most of the day. If someone thinks that they could possibly help me I would deeply appreciate it. (Side-note: about 2 months ago I stopped meeting with my therapist because we were in this cycle of a cat and mouse game where he would tell me to get a job and that would alleviate the way i feel and i told him i want to feel better before i get a job. I also was taking medicine when this incident occurred and was taking it for years but have stopped taking it about three months ago. The latest medicine I took was 75 mg of venlafaxine also known as Effexor. I have also been told by a new psychiatrist I saw but have also stopped seeing to start taking medicine again but I have a fear of taking medicine for anxiety due to the things I have read on the internet bashing anti anxiety medicine and how it will do all these bad things to you down the road and that there is no evidence that anxiety medicines work by changing levels in your brain )

Post Edited (austinw712) : 8/22/2018 10:26:28 PM (GMT-6)

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Scaredy Cat
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Joined : Sep 2006
Posts : 28868
Posted 8/22/2018 11:26 PM (GMT -7)
Hello Austin and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of the anxiety and symptoms you have been dealing with for so long. I know what a challenge this is.

I have also had vertigo along with the same symptoms that you mention. The physical symptoms of anxiety can be profound...and yes, hard to accept.

I do encourage you to seek another therapist, one that you connect with better, so that you can feel comfortable, share common views on how your management should go, and be able to set short and long terms goals for your treatment.

I understand that medication is a personal choice. I will encourage you to be careful in what you read regarding the ill effects of psychotropics. There are numerous writings, both pro and con...and I would hate to see you eschew a really helpful tool because you were swayed by something you read that may not be accurate. Many, many people have been given their quality of life back due to A/D's...so just remain open minded to what your psych recommends. He/she has your best interest in mind.

I also encourage you to do all that you can as far as self help goes! Please check out our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great material. You may find some new tools to add to your daily practices. smile

Post with us anytime for understanding. We care, and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
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Minnesota
Regular Member
Joined : Jan 2012
Posts : 343
Posted 8/23/2018 5:34 AM (GMT -7)
Have you ever considered vestibular issues or had that come up in conversations with your doctor? I have had 3 concussions in my lifetime and had balance issues at times when I have had inflammation occur, like coming down with a fever. This is years ago, but I went through a balance test and some other exams that can tell you if the eyes, ears, or brain are contributing to your issues. Vertigo is a balance issue, and the brain takes input from the eyes and ears to process how you need to react to what is in front of you. An MRI or EKG won't help in this regard. SSRI's are actually prescribed for these issues as it (in theory) calms down the nerves which can overactivate. Just my 2.5 cents here.
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austinw712
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Joined : Aug 2018
Posts : 13
Posted 8/23/2018 8:46 AM (GMT -7)
Thank you both for the reply. In regards to therapy I have come to terms that that would be best for me as well so I am going to try group therapy actually today and see how that goes. If I do not feel like it will be beneficial to me I will go on the path to find a good therapist. I will also hear out what the people have to say today as far as what they do to control their anxiety and possible symptoms. In regards to vestibular issues I have researched my symptoms and seen that come up but nothing has been said by the doctors I have seen. I forgot to add last night that I have also seen an optometrist for an eye exam and everything was normal as well. What doctor would I see for the balance test you described. Thank you both again it really means a lot.
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Scaredy Cat
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Joined : Sep 2006
Posts : 28868
Posted 8/23/2018 9:49 AM (GMT -7)
A.,

Yay for going to the group today! This is a great idea...as you will gain input not only from the others there, but also be able to tap into resources from the group leader as well, I am sure! Let us know how it goes if you like...we'd love to hear about your progress and keep you in support and encouragement here too! smile

S.C.
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Minnesota
Regular Member
Joined : Jan 2012
Posts : 343
Posted 8/23/2018 11:13 AM (GMT -7)
Is there anything specific that seems to trigger the dizziness? For me, being on a boat in a lot of waves caused mine. I saw both an ENT and a neurologist. I did a number of tests that determined mine was due to concussions given my eyes and ears were alright. I had some exercises to habituate me to this movement, and they did work. So if I get those episodes again, I do the exercises and I then get back to normal. If you have not had a full vestibular exam I would do it.
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Hibee
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Joined : Oct 2008
Posts : 7931
Posted 8/23/2018 11:15 AM (GMT -7)
Hi

Welcome to the forum as you can see you will find good support here.

Well done on going to the group therapy that's a good first step to recovery. I have done group therapy a couple of times and have found it very helpful as you meet others who are in the same situation as you so they can relate to what you are going through.

I have actually been referred back to my phycology department for some therapy and have my initial meeting with a therapist on the 7th Sep to discuss what would be the best option for me.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
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tela44
Regular Member
Joined : Nov 2014
Posts : 257
Posted 8/26/2018 4:24 AM (GMT -7)
Minnesota-thanks for your info....I had never really considered vestibular issues contributing to anxiety. For all the years I've had anxiety I suspect my balance comes into play. I will have to check this out. No doctor has ever brought it up either.
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KM2018
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2018
Posts : 69
Posted 8/26/2018 6:35 AM (GMT -7)
I certainly agree to check out the vestibular issue! If they don’t find anything, though, I have to say I have struggled with anxiety and panic on and off for 20 years, and I often have physical symptoms. I call it symptom du jour. whatever it is, is lasts for a few weeks until I accept that it’s probably anxiety, then it begins to resolve. I have experienced dizziness, chest pains, lump in throat, nausea, weak arms and legs, etc in this way. Anyone else have this type of experience?
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austinw712
New Member
Joined : Aug 2018
Posts : 13
Posted 11/22/2019 10:32 PM (GMT -7)
Hello everyone. Im back one year later. Things aren't any better unfortunately. Since last year ive been going even more crazy with getting tests done to rule out what's been going on with me. All of my tests have came back normal yet again. I am now forced to accept the idea that I am feeling the way I am feeling physically due to my anxiety which is a really hard thing for me to accept. That being said I have been told time and time again by my therapist that I should get on a medicine to help me out and help me feel better. I am still extremely hesitant to take medicine and I have my doubts about it in general. I'm stuck yet again unfortunately. If anyone could give me any advice it would be much appreciated. Thank you and it's good to be back.
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Minnesota
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Joined : Jan 2012
Posts : 343
Posted 11/23/2019 7:11 AM (GMT -7)
I would certainly be open to trying medication if things are affecting your quality of life a lot. I took zoloft at a very small dose which has an off label use for dizziness. I was also instructed to take klonopin BEFORE I get on a boat when there are bigger waves. Living in MN and having a desire to fish a lot, I tend to spend time on the water. This is a preventative step that then allows me to do something I love, which in turn helps mentally. So consider the medication, it can help. Again, I have a pre disposed condition to the vestibular issues from past concussions.
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austinw712
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Joined : Aug 2018
Posts : 13
Posted 11/23/2019 8:36 AM (GMT -7)
Thanks for your response minnesota. I've come to the conclusion that the main reason why I would consider/take medicine is to alleviate my physical symptoms. I think if I were to think like that instead of that I need something to change the way I think or how my mind is maybe I'll be more inclined to go make an appointment with the psych. There's just still a part of me that's scared of course and that's what keeps me from picking up the phone.
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Scaredy Cat
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Joined : Sep 2006
Posts : 28868
Posted 11/23/2019 5:56 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Austin and welcome back...

...although I a sorry to hear that your are having persisting challenges. It is so frustrating when we need relief and want to see progress but it is slow to come!

I am glad that you are willing to consider using the helpful tool that medication is. I think that mental health is so stigmatized in our culture...and I don't understand why!

If one needs insulin, or an SSRI...what is the difference? One makes up for what the pancreas is unable to do, and one...for what is needed for a balanced brain chemistry. If you ask me, there is NO difference between these two needs. They are both physical and can be corrected by medicine.

I do hope that you can at least get a consultation with your doctor in the works, so that you can come up with a plan of action when you are ready.

Keep us posted so that we can keep you in support!

S.C.
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austinw712
New Member
Joined : Aug 2018
Posts : 13
Posted 11/23/2019 6:32 PM (GMT -7)
Thank you for your reply scaredy cat. What my current therapist and I came up with is that I have to make an appointment to see the psych whether or not I'm comfortable with taking the meds that he'll prescribe me. Once I have a script written out the next part will be for me and my therapist to work on actually getting me to take the pills. I also agree with how mental health is so stigmatized. I believe that to be the reason as to why I am having such a hard time taking something. All I hear and see are people saying bad things regarding medication.
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Scaredy Cat
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Joined : Sep 2006
Posts : 28868
Posted 11/23/2019 8:03 PM (GMT -7)
I think your therapist is a keeper. That sounds like a really solid and doable plan...and one that will keep you in your comfort zone throughout the process.

Great job on being open to it...and to continue pro-actively working your recovery plan!

S.C.
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BlackTara
Regular Member
Joined : Nov 2019
Posts : 95
Posted 11/24/2019 9:18 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Austin. Hope & pray you're feeling well, today. I don't know your exact situation but if you have the funds & live near a functional dr- especially an orthomolecular dr, it could be very helpful. Have you read about functional medicine? Are you taking a good, bio-identical/non-synthetic B-complex(Like Jarrow's B-Right) and Omega 3's or unrefined, virgin coconut oil? Have you tried an adaptogenic herb like Ashwaganda? Wishing you the very best in life and praying for your true healing.
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getting by
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Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 45195
Posted 11/24/2019 11:32 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Austin,

I just wanted to say I see your situation more optimistic at this point. You are seeing a therapist who sounds good. You are going to see the pdoc which is awesome and there could be a medication to help you. I hope you decide to give it a try.

I have anxiety too. But mine is like an anticipatory type. When I have to leave the house. I get very anxious before. I do have Xanax which I take when needed. But I do a lot of breathing type exercises and it helps some too. Keep in mind when focusing on your breathing (in through the nose and out through the mouth) that you aren't worrying about anything. So breathe.. It does help me.

Hang in there and let us know how things go.

Hugs, Karen...
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getting by
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Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 45195
Posted 11/24/2019 11:34 AM (GMT -7)
PS, I suffered some vertigo last winter and I think it was from my sinuses. One time I actually started to fall but caught myself. It happened a lot while in bed, the room would spin. I would shut my eyes and eventually it would stop. Was yours like that? I was also getting migraine headaches. Waking up with them.

Hugs, Karen...
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Tim Tam
Veteran Member
Joined : May 2016
Posts : 2148
Posted 11/24/2019 11:47 AM (GMT -7)
I've been in your situation before, in more ways than one.

The first situation was, I was living by myself at about age 27 and lost my job, which had a lot of secondary results. Loss of money, loss of socialization, a rise of my emotional problems, which at about 27 was the appearance of my bi-polar ailment which I had not seen full-blown before.

I was also not use to making my own decisions. I was also negative unconscious when it came to solving problems. So everything is stacked against me, including myself (my negative unconscious, which really didn't want to solve problems, I wanted to be me (incompetent) like I was raised by my negative parents, with my bi-polar also fowling up my thinking.)

So I know I need to see a psychiatrist, but which psychiatrist? So, I can't decide on that, which gives me an excuse to not do anything, but when probably the real reason I'm not doing anything is my negative unconscious which doesn't want me to solve the problem (which my conscious thinking wants to solve the problem.) because that's the way I've been raised: worthless, incompetent, can't make a decision. I'm comfortable with that. That's who I am.

So I had a nervous breakdown.

What I could have done, from what I've read is, believe I can solve the problem before I go into it. To damp out my negative unconscious, which I can't see, I say three times, "Think positive."

Only then do I start to think of the problem. (See a psychiatrist, pick one on the list, if you don't like that one, go to another one, with my unconscious negative not nullifying my conscious positive decision because I've already damped it out: "Think positive."

As for the medicine, I was once in such a dilemma, but read in a book, if you;re concerned about a medicine, take only a portion of the pill, that way, if it has bad side effects, you'll only feel a half or a fourth of them. So you can try taking only a small portion of the pill, and if it has side effects you don't want to deal with, don't take any more.

You're pretty smart to be reaching out for help.
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austinw712
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Joined : Aug 2018
Posts : 13
Posted 11/24/2019 2:47 PM (GMT -7)
Hey guys thank you for your replies. Black Tara, the neurologist I just saw actually recommended that if I were to not go down the psychiatric medicine route I could try to take certain supplements and change my diet around. That is something that I have considered but haven't implemented yet because I have not been back to see him. It's something to keep in mind and possibly do before taking a medicine to see if taking supplements and such would benefit me in any way. Karen my vertigo was like that too. I'd just be sitting down and then the room would start to spin uncontrollably. The way I would stop it is by closing my eyes. Quick tip I just learned recently, whenever you experience a vertigo or dizzy attack it's important to keep your eyes open and focus on one thing in the room or wherever you are. It helps it to go away quicker. Thank you for your praise Tim. I have this battle between my subconscious and my conscious mind all the time as well. My conscious mind wants me to get better while my subconscious is afraid of and thinks negatively of ways of doing so allowing me to stay in the spot where I am which I would assume my body and mind are comfortable with but I am certainly not.
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Tim Tam
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Joined : May 2016
Posts : 2148
Posted 11/24/2019 6:55 PM (GMT -7)
It’s interesting that you can also see your unconscious.

As in, we have met the enemy and it is us.

Were you raised negative? Does anxiety run in your family? Does dizziness run in your family?
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austinw712
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Joined : Aug 2018
Posts : 13
Posted 11/24/2019 7:03 PM (GMT -7)
Anxiety and dizziness do not run in my family. But I have heard from my father's cousin that he and my dad's uncle had mental health issues that were kept hidden from my dad's family.
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Tim Tam
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Posts : 2148
Posted 11/24/2019 9:22 PM (GMT -7)
OK, no history of dizziness.

No history of anxiety, but yet you say you are anxious. Do you think your anxiousness caused your dizzy spell, as in psychosomatic?

What do think your diagnosis is?

Healthline.com says symptoms of anxiety disorder are:

nervousness, restlessness, or being tense; feelings of danger, panic, or dread;
rapid heart rate; rapid breathing, or hyperventilation; increased or heavy sweating
trembling or muscle twitching; weakness and lethargy;

difficulty focusing or thinking clearly about anything other than the thing you’re worried about;
insomnia; digestive or gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, constipation, or diarrhea;

a strong desire to avoid the things that trigger your anxiety; obsessions about certain ideas, a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); performing certain behaviors over and over again; anxiety surrounding a particular life event or experience that has occurred in the past, especially indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Is this what you have?
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austinw712
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Joined : Aug 2018
Posts : 13
Posted 11/24/2019 9:33 PM (GMT -7)
I personally have a history of anxiety. I was officially diagnosed at 13. I am 20 years old now. I am unsure if my anxiety might have triggered my dizzy spells. If I were to take everything into consideration that's what it must be. I've had almost every test done to rule out anything else. For some reason, I have all of the evidence in front of me and I still refuse to believe it's anxiety. Like I mentioned earlier, I had it since I was 13 and not once did I have a dizzy spell especially one that was out of the blue. That's the hardest part about my situation, which is believing that anxiety is what caused my initial vertigo spells and the ones following that as well as the physical symptoms that I feel and go through on a daily basis. I've never had this happen to me before and I still don't feel right even during times when I feel calm. The physical symptoms that I would feel regarding anxiety were sweating, stomach issues, having to pee frequently, and an overall sense of tiredness/fatigue. And those symptoms would occur when I was getting myself ready for school and while I was in it and they would go away once I was home. Now I have my symptoms pretty much 24/7.
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Tim Tam
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Joined : May 2016
Posts : 2148
Posted 11/24/2019 10:12 PM (GMT -7)
You said you have a history of anxiety since you were 13.

You said you took Effexor, which net says is an anti-depressant, but you said you have anxiety. Maybe you need something for anxiety.

Would you be more comfortable with a female psychiatrist?

You also said you were a perfectionist, which will understandably make it more difficult for you to accept either a physical or a mental condition which calls for treatment such as with medicine.

This website offers information and resources that can help with these situations. This data is located above the list of names and problems of this forum if you want to look at that.

Included in that is being positive that you can solve this problem, which opens your mind to possibilities, while negative thinking about the problem closes your mind to possible answers because we aren't looking for one.

I can understand your desire not to take medicine at 20. I did not take Lithium for my bipolar until after 30, one because I was misdiagnosed as only depressed. I had rough times without the medicine, but medicine does have side affects.

We have a choice to live with our mental conditions, tyr out non-medicine procedures or to take medicine. So you aren't completely out of control here. This is your choice. Which is good that you have a choice. You're probably making the best one, I don't think you're making a negative one.

Are you able to function? Can you go to school or work or do volunteer work? Are you satisfied with your life without medicine or non-medicine efforts?

I know it has to be rough, it was rough for me as a bipolar with no medicine at your age and for 10 more years for I didn't know I needed it.

You said, "For some reason, I have all of the evidence in front of me and I still refuse to believe it's anxiety." That's understandable.
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