Originally Posted by
Im-Suffering
All readers, take note of what your about to read as it not only applies to this OP, for I cannot respond to every soul that posts here :
To start.....Don't be so 'impressed' by how you feel. The physical symptoms normal under the given circumstances. Under the surface you have felt stress for quite some time, more than likely you have unresolved problems/issues that when lingering for a period, not only build emotionally, but sensitize the body. Creating a high state of alert, so to speak, even during the calm times of television, or relaxing. It is utter importance that you understand the physiological responses are NORMAL given the sensitization and the prolonged "brooding" over life issues that may seem beyond your control. Or sensitization could occur under a trauma such as surgery, sudden death, or a life change.
Becoming afraid of the state you are in is THE tragic pitfall of the onset of anxiety in a person (and the #1 diagnosis in the ER). Bewildered or confused by the state you are in adds a "second" fear upon the already sensitized nervous system, manifesting into what you would call anxiety disorder, a chronic state of bewilderment/sensitization and fear. Much like a circle. Doubt about the state you are in > worry >fear > bewilderment > second fear (fear upon fear) > release of chemicals (adrenals) > stimulation (tremors, stomach, palps, and so forth) -- And back to worry.
It is therfor important at the incipient stages to recognize ie. have understanding of what is happening, (natural response), and thus either work on the cause...(problems/trauma) that one has been avoiding or not fully facing, and at the same time not adding fear upon fear as discussed.
The way towards health, and im not saying you are "unhealthy", but we shall term it back to the you that you knew, is in acceptance. By acceptance you allow what you feel instead of cowering and tensing the body. Fighting against it, will only make it more intense, and that is why anxiety is so insidious. The kneejerk reaction is to fight or resist. It never occurs to the unsuspecting weary soul to allow his body to 'happen'. Whatever he may feel, and to sit and see it through by loosening the vice grip and accepting the physical status until it has run its course. Symbolically the body is releasing energies from an emotional state. Not the other way around.
Acceptance...Loosening of the body when you feel it tensing, not adding fear to fear even if your heart is thumping and you are feeling sick. You sit.... Accept.....loosen....and let it flow through you. Once the chemicals have passed through the body, yes, the effects of the 'attack' could last some days. Because the chemicals act upon the muscles and such one could feel ache, stomachy, and some mental effects (derealization, etc) Derealization is again 'natural' as the individual becomes obsessed with his internal workings and at the same time taking his gaze off of the outside world, thus the hazy, unreal feelings. Understanding in all cases is power as they say, 'knowledge' is power and that I give you here.
Now, in the middle of these so called 'attacks' you have time to understand the issues in your life through self-examination and healing if necessary. Your world view may be colored in such a way where you need a third party to come in and change that viewpoint by showing you a new way, a new outlook that you could agree with. This is belief work, you see.
Now anxiety becomes chronic when fear builds upon fear immobilizing the individual, restricting activity, and thus agoraphobia could set in along with depression which is no more than a healthy reaction to despondency or powerlessness to overcome what is in front of him.
I have given you a good start here. Print it/ reread it several times, until intuitively you know where to go next on your journey.
Best