My Story

[M.fwhite]

Hi All, I'm new to this so wondered if anyone has had something similar?
Back in August I woke up in the middle of the night feeling really sick, shaky and my chest was tight. I thought I was dying! It took me hours to calm down but eventually I managed to get back to sleep. The next night it happened again but just before I went to bed. I started crying and screamed. Then it seemed to stop and the tight chest, panic and headache just faded away. Since then I have been getting anxiety every day normally in the evenings but sometimes during the day too. I went to the Dr who took bloods and said everything was fine. He suggested beater blockers and anti-depressants. I decided to try a natural approach first and have been taking a variety of B vit complexes, evening primrose oil and woman's specific multi vitamins as well as going to Yoga and drinking herbal teas. I now also drink decaf coffee. I haven't had many episodes since August but I constantly feel tense and have a different headache every day. I cant watch the news as I start to get upset about bad things happening in the world and even the beat of a song can trigger my anxiety. Although it seems to get worse the day after having alcohol so I have limited the amount I drink and mostly drink alcohol free wine etc. This anxiety thing has really thrown me as I am in my late 20s, healthy, I have a great husband and son and my job is going really well so I have no specific stress or problem I can pin it on. I get angry with myself as before this started I was the person that organised things, got things done and I was always the one people came to with a problem. At the moment I feel weak but I'm normally such a strong person and every little pain or headache I get I panic and have to talk to myself to calm down. Ive had IBS and rosacea for a few years and i have no idea whether they are linked? It would be great to hear from anyone who's got a similar story so I know I'm alone.

[LeslieJoy]

Hi there. Your experience sounds so familiar. I have had times where I wake up at night and just feel so overwhelmed with a feeling something bad is happening or going to happen. The feeling is pure panic. I think seeing the news which is usually bad can bring on an episode too.
I was fine until sept of this year. I just found out yesterday that some new medicine I was put on in Sept could cause anxiety and paranoia. I am switching medicines.

[M.fwhite]

Hi thanks for your reply. I'm trying not to have to resort to medication as this so out if character for me. I'm hoping to beat it on my own but even though friends and family can sympathise they don't know how tough it is to battle yourself constantly!

[LeslieJoy]

Unless you deal with the anxiety, panic and depression, it is hard to understand what we go thru. My husband did not understand why it started with me but he was still supportive.

[LeslieJoy]

You said it, we battle with ourselves, why are we like this, we don't understand it ourselves let alone someone who does not deal with these problems.

[M.fwhite]

Absolutely. It great talking to people who understand. It's such shock to the system and like you said unless you have been through it you can't fully understand. Have you come off the medication completely?

[Ritch]

Welcome to the Forum.

I'm sure you will find many people here with similar stories, I hope being here helps you with your recovery

[alankay]

Seems like some Generalized Anxiety and yes, IBS/stomach issues can accompany anxiety. If you prefer to pass on ssri's, try 5-HTP or even St. John's Wort. News does the same to many anxious folk. Anything that stimulates your system. Alankay

[M.fwhite]

Thanks guys this us really useful. Alan what's 5-HTP?

[M.fwhite]

Thanks for the advise guys it's really helpful. Alan ive tried st johns wort every now and then but what's 5-HTP?

[LittleBlondie]

Wat is st johns?x