Feeling faint daily

[VoyageInTheDark]

I have had ocd since childhood (which is pretty much under control) and also more recently been diagnosed with anxiety. I've been on antidepressants for about 15 yrs, currently on 20mg fluoxetine. For some time now I've been feeling faint and shaky and light headed on a daily basis, mostly after doing an activity such as housework/walking to the shops but sometimes without doing anything. It means I have to sit or lie down for a while to recover. It's not related to doing something I feel anxious about but drs have done all the tests (inc thyroid, diabetes etc) and they cannot find anything wrong and so put it down to anxiety. I think they put me down as a hypochondriac. They say anxiety can cause these physical symptoms but i haven't come across anyone who has these symptoms so I feel like a fraud when I try and explain why I can't do things.

Is anyone else left physically ill from anxiety like this? It's really limiting especially now I have DD to look after

Yes, anxiety can make you feel physically ill. Go to a health anxiety website on Facebook, you will find lots of people on there with these symptoms.

I have found propranolol to be a lifesaver for anxiety, prescribed by a really understanding GP who said she herself has experienced anxiety attacks so understood the very real, physical effects of them.

I'm not sure if they are right for your issue but wanted to suggest in case worth asking your local surgery (always ask to see a different GP if yours makes you feel unable to pursue an avenue you feel is important to your health) or any mumsnetters with professional medical knowledge.

I get light-headed and dizzy from anxiety and I've fainted twice from it too (in a really anxiety-triggering situation). It could also be a side-effect of medication. It might be worth going to your GP and asking about it and asking about a medication specifically for anxiety to take alongside your anti-depressants (I've used propranolol and currently use buspirone). I hope you feel better.

I live with anxiety and have PTSD. I've had CBT whuch helped greatly and am having more good days than bad however my physical symptoms can come when I'm feeling relatively relaxed and not obviously anxious about anything.
I feel faint, light-headed and generally 'strange', fuzzy and detatched.