hello!

[tigerlilyy]

Hello everyone! I'm new here, obviously. This week has been particularly anxiety ridden so I decided to reach out to others who have similar problems hoping to find some comfort.
A little about me: I'm a psychology major (I know right? only the crazy go into the field) and I'm starting my masters in Forensic Mental Health counseling next year. I have generalized anxiety disorder and a lot of uncontrollable compulsions. I've lived with these disorders all my life and was on an SSRI for a year previously. I didn't find it to be very useful to me so I've been medication free for two years now.
I'm just looking for some compassion from people who understand exactly how I feel and don't think I'm just a crazy irrational mess :]

[phoenixup]

Hello everyone! I'm new here, obviously. This week has been particularly anxiety ridden so I decided to reach out to others who have similar problems hoping to find some comfort.
A little about me: I'm a psychology major (I know right? only the crazy go into the field) and I'm starting my masters in Forensic Mental Health counseling next year. I have generalized anxiety disorder and a lot of uncontrollable compulsions. I've lived with these disorders all my life and was on an SSRI for a year previously. I didn't find it to be very useful to me so I've been medication free for two years now.
I'm just looking for some compassion from people who understand exactly how I feel and don't think I'm just a crazy irrational mess :]

I know exactly how you feel. This is my first time posting, and I'm looking for the same thing. I have only been experiencing anxiety for the last four months, but its escalating. I've gone from having no anxiety to having panic attacks and then being constantly anxious with all kinds of physical symptoms. My husband thinks I'm crazy and bipolar now, which isn't true. I'm just dealing with anxiety.

[vicky]

Hi, I am happy to share physical symptoms, I have these. I am actually also sure now that some of them are anxiety related, but it doesn't stop me worrying about 'new' symptoms. I too am new to anxiety....

[phoenixup]

Mine has been escalating. I can feel how tight my shoulders and muscles are. Headaches, stomach ache, no appetite. Jaw tightness

[jessed03]

Hi Phoenix, we just spoke on the Chat feature.

Do some Progressive Muscle Relaxation if you aren't already. Google it, and it will give you a simple script. It involves tightening and releasing muscles, causing relaxation through extra stress. It will also teach you awareness of when you are tensing up without realizing. That's what's causing your problem, too much muscle tension. Try to reduce it as much as you can, and the physical symptoms of pain and the like, will decrease.

[vicky]

I have a stiff left hand and right shoulder, odd?!? Lol. I've had sharp random pains all over my body - these seem to have gone now but they are prob what scared me the most. Pelvic pain when walking. Sore muscles when touched. Upset stomach but that seems to have subsided too. Difficulty taking a deep breath etc etc. also had headaches recently too. Oh and since Zoloft I keep grinding my teeth!

[phoenixup]

Could you arm pain and stif hand be carpel tunnel.

[vicky]

Not sure, think I googled that and it didn't seem to fit, plus it's the opposite arm to shoulder?

[phoenixup]

I'm having a bad day physically. I feel tired & depressed, and jittery all at same time. I just feel bad, which makes my anxiety worse.

[vicky]

Yes I know what you mean. You've said it yourself tho, you're just tired. I have good days and bad. Try and think of something nice that u can look forward to for a few minutes

[dooges]

I will keep this short and sweet.


2 things....

Phoenix, your tired and depressed because your anxiety is sapping your energy,. You body is so tense from worrying about this that you feel run down. Been there done that. Get off your backside and go for a walk..take deep breaths and just tell yourself your ok.. Make this a habit.

Vicky, you will get over your shoulder and stiff arm when something else crops up for you to worry about, then the next and the next one. Only you can stop the viscous cycle. The meds won't.

I'm no doctor nor psych but I have lived through it... So I,m a doctor of a life experience.

Cheers

Dooges.

P.s.

My posts might seem harsh sometimes but they are factual based on my and many others experience with health anxiety..
I might get a warning or banned but my messages are sent with the best intentions...

[vicky]

Hi dooges, I've e-mailed you ...