New to these feelings and need support.

[tenorboi25]

Hello all, I have recently discovered that I have anxiety. About a month ago I decided to have an HIV test. I am not a high risk person for HIV but the anxiety took over anyway. I was so worried about the result that I couldn't eat or sleep well and I worried all the time. My stomach was upset and I went through many physical symptoms of anxiety. I got the result of my HIV test and I'm happy to report that I am negative. I thought all the effects of the anxiety would immediately be relieved, nothing could be farther from the truth. I was relieved, but my feelings of anxiety are still with me. I wake up earlier than usual and immediately tell myself that I will not be anxious today...this doesn't seem to work. I am worried about being worried. I feel like I'm losing it. I feel like I should go see a doctor and get him to prescribe something for me to help calm my nerves. I worry about what other medical problems may be in my future, and yes I know that these fears are common and unrealistic. I really just need some help getting back to myself. I am a 39 year old man who has never been gripped by anxiety before. This is all very new and very scary for me. If anyone could give me a bit of advice it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[krayziee]

You will be fine trust me, coming from a 22 what does he know right? :-P

Getting medications or seeing a therapist is perfectly normal.

See the way anxiety works is, you tell yourself i won't be anxious today, anxiety responds oh you will be.

I believe the only way to live with and deal with anxiety is just accept it because fighting it makes it worse , don't be afraid to ask for help, don't be mad and frustrated if you get anxious.

Sounds like mission impossible? I know, but it's necessary. I have been fighting and struggling for 5 years now and it has been hard trust me.. Sometimes i wish i Had A real disease which could be easier treated. But the upside to my anxiety disorder is that I have really got to know the awesome person that is me. It has brought me closer to myself which is worth more in the long run then a fear years of anxiety.

Just ask and talk about it, since it is one of the most common things nowadays in this fast and stressfull world we live.

I hope i helped you some, you are not alone and there are many people that want to help you.

[tenorboi25]

Thanks for the reply krayziee. I am just not sure what to explain to the Doctor. I hope he doesn't give me something that will make me not myself. I know that sounds vague, I just want to have my old self back. It helps to know that I'm not alone. I have just never felt this way before, at least not for so long. I will stop trying to fight it and accept it. Do you have any suggestions for talking to the doctor?

[krayziee]

I dont believe your doctor will right away give you some heavy medications. And i believe without therapy medications are just suppresing the panic emotions.

Ive been there, had medications for a year and thought i can go without! Man was i wrong... It came back full force and been there since now. Im under therapy and medications now.

I know your fear of medications turning you in to a zombie but that's just your fear speaking, you will always stay yourself even with meds. Just be good informed what you are taking and get a good threatment plan.

My suggestion to you is= call the doctor and make an appointment, Just listen what he has to say about it and be very honest with what you feel!

Again i believe meds only will solve the symptoms for the time they are taken but not solve the problem itself. Reach in and find yourself, he is there but he is just being suppressed by these emotions.

[tenorboi25]

Thanks for the advice. It feels better just talking to someone who has been there.

[Lin]

Krayziee is right - you need to talk to your doctor and find out what is wrong with you properly. Once know it is anxiety etc, then your doctor will know what treatment, whether medications or talking, is best for you. Trust in your doctor to find right help for you.
Some people can manage without medication, and lucky them, I only tried first time and it did not work, tablets usually help me. But they do need to find the right one for you, and this takes time, and each tablet takes a time to work, so if do take tablets need to persist with them.
Talking therapies of any kind are good too.
So are alternative treatments such as reflexology, meditation etc.
Worth trying anything which will help you.
Hope this forum helps, so many of us suffering to give you advice and support.