Some comfort taken in your misery :(

[theoryofchoice78]

As miserable as some of the people here probably are, and as frustrating as the symptoms and sensations are that we deal with every day, you can take solace in the fact that it's actually serving a greater good.

I'm sitting here, unable to concentrate at work because I feel like I'm in a fog, I feel like I have an enormous amount of pressure in my head, I'm fatigued after sleeping, my chest is tight... and I'm comforted by the fact that people out there in the world are feeling just like I do. I can take comfort in the fact that they don't have Cancer, or heart conditions, they aren't suffering a stroke, or at death's door. Nope. Just anxiety. Not that anxiety is a trivial thing (as we very well know), but it certainly does an excellent job of pretending to be a lot of things that it isn't. It's comforting to know that I'm not the only person to have gone to the ER in a panic, or called an ambulance.

Without your misery, discomfort, symptoms, or willingness to share your stories (even if they're shared in desperation), there would be no comfort. No sense that I'm not alone -- and being alone, thinking I'm the ONLY one to feel these things would be the worst anxiety of all.

[anxietykidd]

How long does the pressure usually last for in your head... Mine has been for 2 months and i also get these sharp pains all around my head not in one particular place

[Meche]

Nicely put! I don't relish in other peoples suffering either but it makes mine more bearable - if that makes sense. Feel less alone.

[anxietykidd]

Meche mri appointment went bad.... Something about authorization ... So now u have to wait even longer.... Uuuugh

[Meche]

My heart sank when I read those 'went bad' words! Sorry you have to wait but maybe while you're waiting the headache will ease off. Have you thought about doing what I'm doing? Go and get a massage to release any tensions. I reckon you've got a pinched nerve that needs manipulating - worth a go. xx

[anxietykidd]

Ohhhh sorry about that... That's why i put appointment first... But yeah hopefully its nothing still... More waiting sucks and i got a mid term today

[Meche]

Just try to forget about it (not easy I know) and get through the day. Sometimes carrying on as normal helps. I take it 'mid term' is some kind of exam. Sorry - I'm in UK and termonology can be different!! xx

[anxietykidd]

Yeah... Halfway through college test

[theoryofchoice78]

How long does the pressure usually last for in your head... Mine has been for 2 months and i also get these sharp pains all around my head not in one particular place

It actually started about 2-3 weeks ago, and it's been intermittent. Some days I feel it more than others. Some days I don't feel it at all. To be honest, it's at it's worst when I'm paying attention to it, and it gets better typically when I'm distracted.

I will also say that I've experienced the problem numerous times since I first started dealing with anxiety (about 14 years ago). It comes and goes.

[anxietykidd]

Mine too.... I got nausea as well glad to hear im not the only 1 with prolonged tension headaches... Fucking sucks.... But just to be sure im still gonna get the Mri done :) be on the safe side

[anxietykidd]

Is that the longest head pressure you've ever had mines has been going on for almost 3 months now... Kinda scared because i haven't seen anyone on this site who has had head pressure for as long as me... Should i be scared...? Is it because of my frequent panic attacks.... How do i know for sure?

[momof31977]

Do you clench your teeth? I do and get head pressure. Try this...clench and become aware of the muscles in your face and head that are flexing. My dentist actually showed me this and it's helped ease my mind a little when I start thinking I have a brain tumor. Lol of course you well know that logic doesn't always win, but it can help in the fight. :)

[anxietykidd]

Is the pressure in the front of your head like the forehead ... I don't think i clench my teeth tho

[momof31977]

Yes for me it's kind of side/front, like around the temple area. I clench my jaw and sort of tighten up the muscles in my face and neck without realizing it. Your pressure could be all tension related without realizing it. Do you have seasonal allergies? Sinusitis inflammation could cause it too. But most likely tension. Isn't it amazing what anxiety does to your body? Before I started experiencing it for myself, I never ever would have thought all these symptoms would be possible.

[anxietykidd]

I didn't know you can have tension for so long

[anxietykidd]

I keep thinking i have a tumor

[momof31977]

Have you had anxiety for that long? I know how you feel...I'm a fellow tumor fearer myself. :) I've had a sinus issue for months now and sometimes I'm in agreement with that, and sometimes it's a tumor. It's horrible to not be able to get rid of the thought. Plus I've got the clenching/tension thing going on. I have 3 small children and often work myself into a frenzy thinking I'm going to leave them without a mom and I won't see them grow due to my "illnesses". Sigh... My dr told me that it's most of the time the most likely and simple issue that's causing a symptom. I try to remember that but then the anxiety takes over. I try not to listen but it can be hard. I try to distract myself with cleaning up or exercise or something.

[anxietykidd]

You think sometimes it a tumor too? Did you have a mri or anything done?

[momof31977]

No I haven't. I have a CT scheduled for April 2nd for potential sinus surgery and I'm petrified! But yes I worry about it all the time.

[theoryofchoice78]

Yes for me it's kind of side/front, like around the temple area. I clench my jaw and sort of tighten up the muscles in my face and neck without realizing it. Your pressure could be all tension related without realizing it. Do you have seasonal allergies? Sinusitis inflammation could cause it too. But most likely tension. Isn't it amazing what anxiety does to your body? Before I started experiencing it for myself, I never ever would have thought all these symptoms would be possible.

Absolutely spot on momof31977! I tend to, when under stress, clench my teeth as well. I also started having most of these symptoms after coming down with a cold a few weeks ago, and I find myself still dealing with a slightly runny nose, so I don't doubt that the ear pressure I'm dealing with, along with my head pressure can all be related to tension + sinus. lol, if I'm being honest -- and can and do doubt this like the rest of you in favor of more scary possibilities -- but you get what I mean.

[momof31977]

Absolutely get it. It stinks lol. If you clench or even think you might, you can look up TMJ and the symptoms for that. I've been diagnosed from my dentist and attribute alot of what I feel to that. So that's a relief sometimes, when my logical side wins. :) I can relate to the ear pressure too-I've had chronic sinusitis since the end of January and it's made me feel miserable. That's when my anxiety started to spike, tho it's been coming on for awhile now. Mine is on my right side for the most part, and I get alot of pressure right at my cheek bone from inflamed sinuses. I feel it when I talk and smile so it's a constant reminder that something isn't right, which is a trigger for my anxiety. I sure wish there was a quick and easy way to overcome this anxiety and these overwhelming thoughts. It helps to know I'm not the only one in the world going thru the same things.