Hi from Ontario

[tstont]

Hello everyone,
I'm male (mid 40's) and live in Ontario, Canada. I've been dealing with anxiety since I was a teenager. I had a bad bout with benzo's about 10 years ago suffering massive "tolerance" withdrawl. Today I cope without meds however I have had some success with natural remedies. I still fight with a number of anxiety symptoms, both mental and physical. I deal with stomach problems all the time including chronic nausea and pain under my right rib (removing my gall bladder did nothing to alleviate the symptoms). I also suffer from most of the other typical physical symptoms from stress- muscle pains, headaches etc. Mental issues include worrying about pretty much everything (lot's of "what ifs"), obsessive thoughts (I have found Omega's with high EPA do help cut this symptom down greatly), and poor short term memory.
I look forward to contributing to the forum.
TST

[samantha1007]

Hi there. I have much of the same symptoms. It is unbelievable how much physical feelings you can get from a mental issue.

[carl1023]

Hi there. I have much of the same symptoms. It is unbelievable how much physical feelings you can get from a mental issue.

The mind is a very powerful thing!

[AceParadox]

I've had a lot of the same things too. The "What If's" mostly. Thankfully, i've managed to overpower most of these thoughts with confidence and self-reassurance. The mind is indeed powerful, as Carl said. Welcome to the forums though, friend. Hope you can find comfort here as many of us have :]

[tstont]

Thanks for the welcome. It also helps having a supportive spouse. My first marriage failed during the Benzo withdrawal. My wife at the time couldn't/wouldn't understand what I was going through. My current wife has been a lifesaver. I can talk to her about all my concerns (and not get the rolling eyes) no matter how silly they are.
One word of advice I have for those who wake up with headaches. I found mine were caused by clenching my jaw. I now use a mouth guard at night that keeps my back teeth from clenching together. My headaches have improved 98%