To ask what this overwhelming sense of doom is

[Blueglaze]

For the last few days I’ve had this awful feeling like something terrible is about to happen, but I don’t know why! I’ve got a few worries I guess like everyone but they’re nothing life threatening. So what does this mean? It’s pretty much constant and the only way I can describe it is like deep, paralysing fear as though I’m in terrible danger. Is this how anxiety as a medical condition presents itself? Should I see my GP? I don’t want them to think I’m being ridiculous when I explain I feel like something really bad is about to happen when rationally I know it’s probably not. What’s wrong with me? I’m starting to think stupid things like perhaps I’m having a premonition even though I don’t really believe in things like that. It’s horrible.

Op given that you've recently had tests relating to your heart I think you should ring 111. If they think you need to go in (or, god forbid, they have to take you) there'll be emergency arrangements that can be made for your toddler. They won't leave a child home alone.
It's most likely a panic attack, but your symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack in women. And precursors don't always show up on an ecg. Do you have any back/jaw pain or nausea?

I really don't mean to frighten you, but please ring 111 just in case

This does sound like it could be anxiety. Try to breath in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold it for 7, then breath out for 8. It really does help to calm you down when you're panicking.

Ive been getting this since my 20's and still here . Im smiling at all the possible diagnosis been suggested here after reading these youll be stressed to bits!

Thank you for the kind and helpful replies. I feel calmer now and I will wait to see the gp in the morning, I expect they will let me sit and wait to see one. I’ve asked my boyfriend (long distance) to call me at 7am to check I’m ok as well

Try not to worry Blueglaze, I know that feeling too. It can have many causes, and even be something you get with migraine, and migraines without headache, so not necessarily something scary. I do think you should call 111 if you are still having symptoms, just for the peace of mind. They really wont want to take you into hospital if they don't think it is serious so don't worry.

I had horrendous palpitations and a seriously racing heart once after some new medication, so called 111 and spoke to a fantastic nurse who was so kind and really patient when it came to working out what it meant and whether nor not I needed to go to A&E by ambulance. I was on my own then and it was nice to have someone know I was not well, so I would advise you ring rather than be up worrying.

Hope you have a good night and can see your GP ASAP.

Cross post OP. Glad you are feeling a bit better. Take it easy

Hope you’re ok OP
I get this from time to time and it is anxiety with me. Kind of your brains way of looking out for you - planning for any potential danger if that makes sense. I’m sure there is nothing sinister x

Sorry you’re feeling like this OP. Must be scary and I think you probably should call 111 but that’s your call.

This may be misplaced but I do so love SGB’s comment

TBH I think anyone who is not anxious at the moment is either smugly wealthy or as dumb as a fucking rock.
So very true.

Never used to get anxious but a creeping sense of doom is one of my menopause symptoms.

I'd be interested to know if the feeling of doom symptom of a heart attack can manifest on its own, or would be accompanied by one or more of the other symptoms like nausea, sweating etc which seems more likely

You’re not ‘about to have a heart attack’.
You’ve had an ecg and if it had shown anything concerning your doctor would have been in touch urgently.

Regarding what happens to your child if you’re taken by ambulance and you have no childcare:

They’ll suggest neighbours first if no family or friends available.

Ambulance will call social services. Social services will either arrive at location and take your child into temporary foster care,

or if there’s no time, ambulance staff will take child with you in ambulance and liase with social service at hospital (there will be a dedicated staff member who will take care of child until social services arrive).

Or ambulance staff will call police (probably policewoman if that’s any reassurance) who will arrive with urgency to take supervision of your child until social services liase with them.

I had gastroenteritis as a lone parent with a baby and toddler and ambulance was called. At no point would they leave a child unsupervised at home whilst they take you in by ambulance. The police and social services have staff on emergency call-outs for exactly this sort of thing, don’t worry

Calm yourself with gentle breathing exercises tonight, or call 111 for reassurance, and contact your doctor first thing in the morning.

Take care, I have been there, and I’m sure others on this post have too. Everything will be alright. Ring 111 just hearing a warm, professional and knowledgeable human will help hugely with any anxiety.

I get it from too much coffee or not enough water

OP - Please ignore the posts about Brexit (what the FUCK are you all thinking?!).

Any health issues aside that need to be ruled out, it sounds like an anxiety attack, which is probably linked to a form of depression (whatever the cause).

You are probably not dying.
You are probably dealing with your psyche, a part of which feels under threat and therefore feels like it's dying.
You can deal with this - and it'll probably take your GP, and a therapist - and preferably both

Hugs.

I get this a lot, but then I do have an anxiety disorder and PTSD.

If it helps I also have a fast heartbeat mixed with the feeling of doom and have had ECG’s and lumbar punctures as they thought I might be having mini strokes or a heart attack, I wasn’t it was anxiety!

Anxiety is a tricky bugger and can honestly make even the professionals think something is seriously wrong. Please don’t worry! By all means check with your DR tomorrow but I really do think it’s just anxiety and although anxiety is shit it’s preferable to having a stroke or heart attack.

Hello, just wanted to update and say I saw my gp, she was very kind and said the chances of it being a heart problem are tiny as I have no risk factors and that it’s almost certainly stress and anxiety. She has prescribed me some beta blockers so hopefully they will help. Thanks to everyone who replied, (even the one who diagnosed me with a rare type of adrenal cancer 🤔)

I guess now I can stop worrying about my heart and just worry about Brexit and the climate crisis like everyone else

Good to hear @blueglaze

Good to hear OP! (Well, sorry you have anxiety as it sucks, but glad you aren't having a heart attack as so many bustled on to say 🤔)

afistful- please do not minimise the crushing anxiety the fear of Brexit has brought into many lives.

It stands a good chance of tearing many lives apart, thus, not surprisingly is causing a lot of stress and anxiety, anxiety that has gone through the roof.

If you are lucky enough to be unaffected, bully for you.

But you can chuff off with you thoughtless and insensitive comments.

Glad the OP is feeling better.

I'm so sorry you're feeling this way, this is a form of anxiety.

Ive had anxiety for 12 years now (diagnosed) and contrary to what people believe its not just worrying about work, heart palpitations or feeling nervous, its also unexplained relentless fear.

I feel this way all the time, but it shifts from one thing to another. To the point where my fear hurts in the middle of my chest, and anything can trigger it.

If i'm eating and bite something funny, i can spend the next two weeks brushing my teeth until they bleed because all i can think is that all of my teeth will fall out.

I will see a cancer research advert on TV, and next thing you know all of my aches and pains are cancer, and I cant sleep at night.

Its absolute hell and it has no reason, and no logical thinking can fix it.

I really hope you find something that helps you, I recommend sport/exercise. This helped keep my mind busy

Glad to hear it, OP. Hope the beta blockers help x

Glad it's all been checked out op I hope you didn't have too much of a bad night after the take a break sensationalists went to town on you yesterday. They ought to be ashamed of themselves

I was going to say Brexit too!
Seriously though, sounds weird, I’d see gp if it doesn’t go away.

I take beta blockers as well. 40mg a dose. They're a saviour sometimes.

Glad you've been sorted OP.

Only just read this thread to the end I'm so glad you're OK op, I really wouldn't have worried or thought for a minute it was anything the doom mongers were suggesting!

even the one who diagnosed me with a rare type of adrenal cancer 🤔

This thread was a proper head in hands at times last night. Fuxache man