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Alexcambridge
12-27-2007, 08:09 PM
Hi

Well basically I think I have an anxiety disorder. I've never been diagnosed, but maybe I should I don't know. Now that I think about it I've always felt somewhat uncomfortable and anxious, always worried what other people would think of me. But all those symptoms were psychological so to speak, no physical symptoms. That lasted until around 3 years ago, then went away. But recently my symptoms seem to have come back in force.

It started with a strange feeling of confusion which would come and go, which I now understand to be 'feeling detatched from reality'. I never had that before. Over a few months this has sort of evolved into something much bigger. I've also got incredible hypochondria now which I have never had before, it's a new and weird experience and also very scary. I've thought that there's something really serious wrong with my brain - like a brain tumor, encephalitis or meningitis (even though encephalitis or meningitis wouldn't be possible because I haven't died or got better!). I still panic that I have a brain tumor though, because I also get headaches - not really painful ones, just minor aches that seem to shoot through my head sometimes. They seem to be focused behind my eyes anyway. I also have a tense scalp, which is sometimes itchy, and a stiff neck.

Sometimes when I'm in the 'dream world' I suddenly have a moment of realisation like:

"wait a minute...this is actually me here. this is happening to me in real life."

This is incredibly scary and I get a sort of adrenaline rush and i panic. I've managed to bring this under control a bit by realising that it is just detatchment from reality and there is nothing actually to be scared of...it's just me in a room with nothing to distract my anxious mind. I always feel better if I read or watch TV because I get properly distracted.

I also have exams coming up in mid/late January. They are important exams and I really need to knuckle down and revise as I want to go to university next year. But I'm worried that I won't be able to remember anything, my memory seems really leaky at the moment. I'm worried I won't be able to concentrate or think, and it will only get worse when I actually go back to college in January.

And to make matters worse, part of me still thinks that I have a brain tumor. Grrr this is really frustrating.

sanders1502
12-28-2007, 11:42 AM
Hi Alex,

Most hypochondriacs think they've got a brain tumor (along with a myriad of other serious conditions) :) If you really had a bt, you'd know about it seriously.... I'm pretty sure it's a classic case of anxiety due to hypochondria (the two go hand in hand and it's a vicious circle).

Keep calm....

jane99
12-29-2007, 01:31 PM
First of all, if you think you have a brain tumor go to a doctor, rite? If they say no,,, then you can relax a little more. Who says you are detaching from reality? What is reality? If you are having sensations that are a result of stress that does not mean they do not exist. It does not mean they are a figment of your imagination. Give yourself more credit. Our bodies react when there is something going on. Play detective. What are you doing or not doing that you know you should be? Our bodies are not trying to trick us. They are trying to warn us. Listen to them. Learn deep-breathing, meditation, and yoga if you can. These are universal ways of maintaining a healthy body,mind, and soul. Always think about what you are putting inside of your body - nourishing food please......clean water. Walk regularly - feed the birds - watch the sunset go down. Get in touch with what is real inside of you. Nature is real - it does not lie - always truthful. No need for paranoia with nature - she tells it like it is. Walk,,,, keep walking - walk near water - trees - flowers - any beauty you can get to. Sit in water - bath - hot tub - pool. Water is soo important for healing and soothing the soul. Don't make it complicated. Simplify.............. peace & love,,,,,,, jane

Alexcambridge
12-30-2007, 10:11 AM
Well I reckon I don't really need to go to the doctor. Like I said I have random attacks of fear that I have a deadly illness, even when I know it's not possible (like having encephalitis and still being here seemingly normal). I know don't have a brain tumor. Sure I get headaches sometimes, but who doesn't? And I know I have anxiety so that also explains it. It's just good to know that the strange sensations are actually typical of anxiety disorders, it's a big relief and really helps put everything in perspective.