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Original poster

is this anxiety?

34 replies

ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 07:48

I have a constant feeling of shakiness in my stomach and a constant lump in my throat. feel like I'm going to vomit a lot of the time but nothing happens. keep crying. ive got no energy to do anything. im fine if I go to work or out but as soon as I come home it starts again. im not sleeping properly but im so tired and im not eating properly due to the constant lump in my throat.

please help me Sad

OP posts:
TheOrchardKeeper · 30/04/2014 07:57

Sounds like anxiety and a bit of depression tbh but no one here is a doctor.

I found that if I leave anxiety too long it morphs into depression because depression slows everything down a bit and shuts you down, which in a strange way seems to be your minds way of protecting itself from the massive daily stress that anxiety can put on it.

Have you been to your GP? If not, do go asap. Make an emergency appnt. There's not need to suffer more than you have to. There are a few things they can try, like medication (beta blockers can be great for calming the immediate physical sensations like the sinking stomach/feeling so on edge) and some ADs can help with sleep (there are some you can take at night that have a sedative effect, which is worth asking about if you're not sleeping) or something that's purely to help with sleep.

It really is one of the most horrible feelings so I hope you can reach out to your GP or at least a loved one in RL so you're not dealing with it alone Thanks Brew

TheOrchardKeeper · 30/04/2014 08:00

Also, try and think about it as if you have any other illness that would make those things difficult and then act accordingly. I.e. don't do more than you really have to or put too much pressure on yourself. Try and get a break if you have DCs. Make sure what you are eating isn't too crap etc. And offload where you can, on here or in RL Brew

Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 08:00

Going to call gp this morn. im so tired Sad

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TheOrchardKeeper · 30/04/2014 08:02

It is exhausting. I remember feeling like I was made of lead-jelly (heavy but shakey, hard to describe!).

Well done for trying to see the GP. Don't downplay it when you see them though. They can't help effectively unless they know how badly it's affecting you Thanks

Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 08:20

thats exactly how I feel like wobbly lead. down in my stomach. I had beta blockers before about ten years ago for anxiety whem I was in an abusive relationship but they lowered my bp too much and I kept passing out. they took me off them and I got better cuz I left my ex.

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Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 08:24

im struggling to control my breathing too. so scared of having a panic attack. I hate this.

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Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 08:27

I have no body in real life so ill just keep posting here if thats ok. dh isnt very supportive emotionally. im not happy in our relationship and I think the mask is slipping.

awaiting a triage call back from dr.

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LineRunner · 30/04/2014 08:30

I was just going to ask you what's at home that could be causing anxiety and you just answered above.

Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 08:32

im learning to drive also and thats making me quite nervous.

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LineRunner · 30/04/2014 08:36

My DD is learning to drive and she's enjoying it. She likes her instructor, and is looking forward to having independence.

How is it feeling for you?

Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 08:45

when I'm on the lesson it feels great but in between I get a bit nervous. but ive put it off for years so its a big thing for me.

the relationship is the biggest problem. I know that. its just getting the balls to sort it

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Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 08:47

im so scared theyre going to give me ADs. ive spent my whole life watching my mum be addicted to them and shes taken three overdoses. I dont want to be like her. im meant to be the strong one. its a running joke that im the unsympathetic cold hearted black and white person. but im not. Sad

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Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 08:48

appt at 9.40

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LineRunner · 30/04/2014 08:50

That sounds like a real bummer about your relationship. Please make sure you mention it to your GP as a source of your anxiety. If counselling is suggested, you would be best to go on your own especially if your partner is emotionally abusive or controlling in any way.

Have you ever posted on the Relationships board for advice? Could help.

LineRunner · 30/04/2014 08:51

Good luck with your appointment.

Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 08:53

yeah ive posted on there but its a bit cut throat at times. I will mention it. he isnt abusive at all. hes lovely. which makes this even harder. I just feel like the spark has gone. theres nothing there any more. hes just not very good with feelings

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TilleeFloss · 30/04/2014 08:58

oh luv, I'm sorry your mum was so ill and had a bad time with ADs.

Remember that the modern ADs are very different from ones your mum might have had. Much less addictive and with less side effects - don't be afraid.

kaizen · 30/04/2014 08:59

Could you ask to see a psychological therapist as well? Cognitive behavioural therapy is really good for panic attacks and general anxiety, and all GP's now have access to a local service. It's not a big thing and lots of people take up some quick sessions.

I hope you get some help - good luck

Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 09:02

im a medical secretary so im aware that there is an 18month wait for cbt in my area so that would be fruitless Sad

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kaizen · 30/04/2014 09:03

oh - that's crap.

Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 09:03

yeah my mum was on the old fashioned prozac for a while and then fluoxetine. id have thought he'd go for citalopram first. seems to be popular.

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Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 09:04

yeah really crap. it helps to be in the know though Grin

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Theyvallgone · 30/04/2014 09:20

Hi Coconuts,

I'm sorry you're feeling really anxious, I know how horrible and scary it is and how alone it makes you feel. Whenever I try to describe it to anyone I get funny looks or vague "I know" ...

You might not necessarily need antidepressants, of course everyone is different and you may well feel that you are depressed and not just anxious, but I think generally depression can come from long bouts of anxiety. If you can tackle it now you might be able to avoid the anti Ds?

Re the fear of panicking ... I try to practice breathing exercises when I feel like this (you could google and find the ones that help you best), where I breathe in for a count of 3 and out of a count of 3 and only focus on the counting, not leaving any brain room for worrying. I also use Bachs flower remedies as a natural way to feel more calm.

Hopefully your doctor can get you a referral for some CBT and some beta blockers at a much lower dose, that should take away the adrenaline rush without affecting your BP too much.

Good luck at your appointment today x

Original poster
ALovelyBunch0fCoconuts · 30/04/2014 10:39

he was really lovely and really listened and I cried as soon as I walked in. blood tests for thyroid just in case. and propanolol mod release so it works a bit better. he doesn't think im depressed because its jusy natural response to fight or flight situation but I need to take time to work out what im going to do re dh. I just need to sleep amd eat.Sad

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LineRunner · 30/04/2014 11:14

I'm glad the appointment went ok. Are you going to tell your DH about it - when you say he's not very good with feelings, do you think he won't know what to say?