Can we talk?

[Winter]

Today I had a horrible day. I had a fright with an ectopic beat in my heart which started off a panic attack. I have had 'anxiety' before...fear through my whole body that no logic will simmer down...even in the depths of that (and please understand me telling you this is the 1% of me) I always know its panic. What happened to me today was not like that. The ectopic beat went, which if you dont know feels like your heart stopped and began again with a bang...followed by a quicker beat..panic set in and this beat increased...all the way up to 140 a minute, resting. For the 1st time (thats not true...the 2nd time...3rd possibly) I could not get a handle on myself and I could not settle...I could not recognise it was panic. No anxiety attack has ever been as physical. I called an ambulance in the middle of my driveway like a complete nutcase. I then went to my doctor, after being told my heart was fine, ectopic beat...nothing to worry about I agreed (not the 1st time I have been asked) to try some longer term anti anxiety medication but the thing is, I feel like this is not good enough...I have always felt some accomplishment in handling this type of thing without help, if you know its anxiety/panic...then really there is nothing to worry about and I take it...until its gone. I consider myself strong for it. But that wasnt today. I really though, as ashamed as I am to say it...that my heart was stopping and any moment I would go into cardiac arrest. That alone was scary...scarier still knowing all that physical REAL symptoms were in my head. Of course after the doc and the evidence the attack goes away and I am left tired, tearful and feeling stupid. TRICKED! by my own neurotics. This is the only place I knew there were people to talk to who arent in my daily life...so here I am, throwing it up on the message board. I have had a valium and a glass of wine (1 prescribed, the other - deserved) and I am feeling slow but not frightened. The very lack of ME...of my usual understanding of whats going on, even when its unpleasant...that was scary. Side note :Rather panic attack than a heart attack for sure. I'm rambling and maybe I dont know what I am trying to say so that makes it hard to say it...but here I am. Wanna talk?

 

[GNTLGNT]

Today I had a horrible day. I had a fright with an ectopic beat in my heart which started off a panic attack. I have had 'anxiety' before...fear through my whole body that no logic will simmer down...even in the depths of that (and please understand me telling you this is the 1% of me) I always know its panic. What happened to me today was not like that. The ectopic beat went, which if you dont know feels like your heart stopped and began again with a bang...followed by a quicker beat..panic set in and this beat increased...all the way up to 140 a minute, resting. For the 1st time (thats not true...the 2nd time...3rd possibly) I could not get a handle on myself and I could not settle...I could not recognise it was panic. No anxiety attack has ever been as physical. I called an ambulance in the middle of my driveway like a complete nutcase. I then went to my doctor, after being told my heart was fine, ectopic beat...nothing to worry about I agreed (not the 1st time I have been asked) to try some longer term anti anxiety medication but the thing is, I feel like this is not good enough...I have always felt some accomplishment in handling this type of thing without help, if you know its anxiety/panic...then really there is nothing to worry about and I take it...until its gone. I consider myself strong for it. But that wasnt today. I really though, as ashamed as I am to say it...that my heart was stopping and any moment I would go into cardiac arrest. That alone was scary...scarier still knowing all that physical REAL symptoms were in my head. Of course after the doc and the evidence the attack goes away and I am left tired, tearful and feeling stupid. TRICKED! by my own neurotics. This is the only place I knew there were people to talk to who arent in my daily life...so here I am, throwing it up on the message board. I have had a valium and a glass of wine (1 prescribed, the other - deserved) and I am feeling slow but not frightened. The very lack of ME...of my usual understanding of whats going on, even when its unpleasant...that was scary. Side note :Rather panic attack than a heart attack for sure. I'm rambling and maybe I dont know what I am trying to say so that makes it hard to say it...but here I am. Wanna talk?

...would a huge hug help?...

 

[FlakeNoir]

Today I had a horrible day. I had a fright with an ectopic beat in my heart which started off a panic attack. I have had 'anxiety' before...fear through my whole body that no logic will simmer down...even in the depths of that (and please understand me telling you this is the 1% of me) I always know its panic. What happened to me today was not like that. The ectopic beat went, which if you dont know feels like your heart stopped and began again with a bang...followed by a quicker beat..panic set in and this beat increased...all the way up to 140 a minute, resting. For the 1st time (thats not true...the 2nd time...3rd possibly) I could not get a handle on myself and I could not settle...I could not recognise it was panic. No anxiety attack has ever been as physical. I called an ambulance in the middle of my driveway like a complete nutcase. I then went to my doctor, after being told my heart was fine, ectopic beat...nothing to worry about I agreed (not the 1st time I have been asked) to try some longer term anti anxiety medication but the thing is, I feel like this is not good enough...I have always felt some accomplishment in handling this type of thing without help, if you know its anxiety/panic...then really there is nothing to worry about and I take it...until its gone. I consider myself strong for it. But that wasnt today. I really though, as ashamed as I am to say it...that my heart was stopping and any moment I would go into cardiac arrest. That alone was scary...scarier still knowing all that physical REAL symptoms were in my head. Of course after the doc and the evidence the attack goes away and I am left tired, tearful and feeling stupid. TRICKED! by my own neurotics. This is the only place I knew there were people to talk to who arent in my daily life...so here I am, throwing it up on the message board. I have had a valium and a glass of wine (1 prescribed, the other - deserved) and I am feeling slow but not frightened. The very lack of ME...of my usual understanding of whats going on, even when its unpleasant...that was scary. Side note :Rather panic attack than a heart attack for sure. I'm rambling and maybe I dont know what I am trying to say so that makes it hard to say it...but here I am. Wanna talk?

We can talk...

Winter... I have been through a lot of the same and want to tell you that it was much like a tunnel... there was a start, a kind of a scary middle and then I came out the other end. Oh sweet blessed relief.

I've had heart palpitations since childhood, I now have beta blockers that I only take during a tachycardia event. (my heart rate goes up to around 225 bpm for usually around 2-3 hours) I haven't had an event in a long time.
I developed the anxiety sometime after having my third child... maybe, 14-15 years ago. It started out kind of slow, then suddenly I felt like I couldn't even do the grocery shopping without having a panic attack. Mostly the attacks were silent, people around me probably didn't even know it was happening, but I felt dizzy, like I might faint, I sometimes felt like I was having a side-ways vertigo kind of thing and I would be plagued by always feeling like I suddenly needed to pee! (lol) I knew every damned public toilet quite intimately.
It was debilitating... it prevented me from doing so much, I avoided so many situations just so as not to feel that fear and panic and those symptoms.
And then one day... I suddenly realised that I wasn't experiencing symptoms so often... and then, not at all.
I still have the physical heart problem, but the anxiety is gone... I used to mix the two up, but not anymore.

Girl, I am convinced that these symptoms come from hormonal changes in our bodies... I think you're a bit younger than me, but you might find that soon things may alter for you... just keep having faith that you'll be alright and trust your body and mind, while still listening to the signals.

I'm told I may have a change in symptoms (with my heart) when I go through "The Change", I guess time will tell...

Hit me up any-time, I won't be too far away. (Hey, we're on the same(ish) sleep-time schedule)

Edit: I'm a doof and forgot to mention that I get those missed (and extra) beats too... they can be disconcerting, but you just have to try and remember to have an internal dialogue when it happens. (am I getting enough oxygen? If you're asking yourself that question... then yes, you are. Nail beds... are they pink? Am I still standing up? Can I feel my pulse... etc, etc... it helps to have a dialogue to reduce any panic. If in doubt, talk to someone, call for help)

 

[Spideyman]

(((Winter)))- Excellent advice from our Flake.
Panic attacks/ anxiety happens for me during our tropical season.
Sending love and green lights.

 

[Moderator]

(((Winter))) Thank you for trusting us to share your story. Flake has given very good advice and coming from someone who's been through it, too, will hopefully help you.

 

[Neesy]

Today I had a horrible day. I had a fright with an ectopic beat in my heart which started off a panic attack. I have had 'anxiety' before...fear through my whole body that no logic will simmer down...even in the depths of that (and please understand me telling you this is the 1% of me) I always know its panic. What happened to me today was not like that. The ectopic beat went, which if you dont know feels like your heart stopped and began again with a bang...followed by a quicker beat..panic set in and this beat increased...all the way up to 140 a minute, resting. For the 1st time (thats not true...the 2nd time...3rd possibly) I could not get a handle on myself and I could not settle...I could not recognise it was panic. No anxiety attack has ever been as physical. I called an ambulance in the middle of my driveway like a complete nutcase. I then went to my doctor, after being told my heart was fine, ectopic beat...nothing to worry about I agreed (not the 1st time I have been asked) to try some longer term anti anxiety medication but the thing is, I feel like this is not good enough...I have always felt some accomplishment in handling this type of thing without help, if you know its anxiety/panic...then really there is nothing to worry about and I take it...until its gone. I consider myself strong for it. But that wasnt today. I really though, as ashamed as I am to say it...that my heart was stopping and any moment I would go into cardiac arrest. That alone was scary...scarier still knowing all that physical REAL symptoms were in my head. Of course after the doc and the evidence the attack goes away and I am left tired, tearful and feeling stupid. TRICKED! by my own neurotics. This is the only place I knew there were people to talk to who arent in my daily life...so here I am, throwing it up on the message board. I have had a valium and a glass of wine (1 prescribed, the other - deserved) and I am feeling slow but not frightened. The very lack of ME...of my usual understanding of whats going on, even when its unpleasant...that was scary. Side note :Rather panic attack than a heart attack for sure. I'm rambling and maybe I dont know what I am trying to say so that makes it hard to say it...but here I am. Wanna talk?

Saw your post in the wee hours but did not know what to say - I'd like to send you some healing vibes and "love and green lights" too

A few years back my doctor had me on lorazepam (about 1 mg) aka Ativan

The anxiety has dissipated quite a bit since then but I still take half a tablet now and then if I cannot sleep.

The thing with benzodiazepines (like Valium) is that it is not advisable to drink any alcohol at all when taking them.

I don't want to sound like your Mom (sorry) but just keep an eye on that as alcohol and Valium are both brain depressants

Wishing you better days in the future - anything to do with your heart/skipping a beat etc. must be darn scary!

 

[Winter]

Thanks, I am not a natural sharer..last night I was just soo incredulous that my mind could have so much power that it can trick itself. How does that even work? Yep, a little blurry (dont worry Neesy, I do know better and its not a habit, I just needed a dash of oblivion and deep sleep came quick) but today I just feel same old me as any other day. Hopefully I can trust that. Thanks for your likes, and comments, FlakeNoir thank you too. I know its common and 'normal' so to speak, but its nice to hear someone else has a similar story.

 

[Neesy]

Thanks, I am not a natural sharer..last night I was just soo incredulous that my mind could have so much power that it can trick itself. How does that even work? Yep, a little blurry (dont worry Neesy, I do know better and its not a habit, I just needed a dash of oblivion and deep sleep came quick) but today I just feel same old me as any other day. Hopefully I can trust that. Thanks for your likes, and comments, FlakeNoir thank you too. I know its common and 'normal' so to speak, but its nice to hear someone else has a similar story.

Don't feel bad - there was a time I was so stressed out that the doctor gave me 56 days off!

That was from sometime near the beginning of December 2013 until approximately the beginning of February 2014. Then I went back on half days for a week.

Looking back on it now, I really needed that time off.

Three years have passed and I have changed quite a bit. This board was a blessing at that time - people here are compassionate, caring and [well to me this is important] funny too! I need to see humor and happiness.

My health had gone down hill (shingles etc.) but mostly it was just mental stress.

I think FlakeNoir is right about the hormones - they are just an aggravating feature.

So hang in there and don't give up - take care of yourself and be kind to both yourself and others.

There - I'll step off my soapbox.

Just wanted you to know that you are not alone.

 

[morgan]

I have had similar experiences also, Winter . Ended up in the ER a few years ago, convinced that something was going on with my heart. Had a similar experience in the ER several years before that turned out to be anxiety, but this felt so much worse. The last time was anxiety as well. Was grateful it wasn't my heart, but was very frustrated.

Had to follow up with a GP, who started me on meds that just didn't work for me. After experiencing about every side effect mentioned and having the doc quadruple my dosage (then promising me we would try something else if that didn't work), I quit going to that doctor and quit the meds cold turkey (which you're never supposed to do).

Trying different natural remedies, but I'm at the point of needing to see a doctor again. But, going to the doctor gives me panic attacks, so it's a vicious cycle.

Hope you are on the path to much better days! And thanks for your post also, FlakeNoir ! Didn't know hormonal problems were linked to anxiety issues - that explains a lot too and gives me hope. Big hugs to you both!

 

[GNTLGNT]

....I'm just a redneck RN, but I will be glad to help/talk if any of you need it, even do some research if it would be of interest....you are my other family....

 

[HollyGolightly]

Today I had a horrible day. I had a fright with an ectopic beat in my heart which started off a panic attack. I have had 'anxiety' before...fear through my whole body that no logic will simmer down...even in the depths of that (and please understand me telling you this is the 1% of me) I always know its panic. What happened to me today was not like that. The ectopic beat went, which if you dont know feels like your heart stopped and began again with a bang...followed by a quicker beat..panic set in and this beat increased...all the way up to 140 a minute, resting. For the 1st time (thats not true...the 2nd time...3rd possibly) I could not get a handle on myself and I could not settle...I could not recognise it was panic. No anxiety attack has ever been as physical. I called an ambulance in the middle of my driveway like a complete nutcase. I then went to my doctor, after being told my heart was fine, ectopic beat...nothing to worry about I agreed (not the 1st time I have been asked) to try some longer term anti anxiety medication but the thing is, I feel like this is not good enough...I have always felt some accomplishment in handling this type of thing without help, if you know its anxiety/panic...then really there is nothing to worry about and I take it...until its gone. I consider myself strong for it. But that wasnt today. I really though, as ashamed as I am to say it...that my heart was stopping and any moment I would go into cardiac arrest. That alone was scary...scarier still knowing all that physical REAL symptoms were in my head. Of course after the doc and the evidence the attack goes away and I am left tired, tearful and feeling stupid. TRICKED! by my own neurotics. This is the only place I knew there were people to talk to who arent in my daily life...so here I am, throwing it up on the message board. I have had a valium and a glass of wine (1 prescribed, the other - deserved) and I am feeling slow but not frightened. The very lack of ME...of my usual understanding of whats going on, even when its unpleasant...that was scary. Side note :Rather panic attack than a heart attack for sure. I'm rambling and maybe I dont know what I am trying to say so that makes it hard to say it...but here I am. Wanna talk?

Oh girl - I do know. I'm sorry you are going through this, and I agree with Flake - hormones play a big part and stress and anxiety and exhaustion do too. I was pretty candid about my problem on here a while back. I'm so glad you shared. I always felt better sharing with my friends here. I didn't talk much at all about it with the people I had to see in my daily life. Much easier to share here. And so many of us have been through it. It always reassured me to know that others had gone through it and come out just fine. And you will too - hang in there. Benzos help. And I'm off the meds now and doing really well. Joyful and thankful, even. I'm hoping and praying the same for you!

I have had similar experiences also, Winter . Ended up in the ER a few years ago, convinced that something was going on with my heart. Had a similar experience in the ER several years before that turned out to be anxiety, but this felt so much worse. The last time was anxiety as well. Was grateful it wasn't my heart, but was very frustrated.

Had to follow up with a GP, who started me on meds that just didn't work for me. After experiencing about every side effect mentioned and having the doc quadruple my dosage (then promising me we would try something else if that didn't work), I quit going to that doctor and quit the meds cold turkey (which you're never supposed to do).

Trying different natural remedies, but I'm at the point of needing to see a doctor again. But, going to the doctor gives me panic attacks, so it's a vicious cycle.

Hope you are on the path to much better days! And thanks for your post also, FlakeNoir ! Didn't know hormonal problems were linked to anxiety issues - that explains a lot too and gives me hope. Big hugs to you both!

I hate to hear you are struggling with this now! Big hugs to you!

 

[Neesy]

....I'm just a redneck RN, but I will be glad to help/talk if any of you need it, even do some research if it would be of interest....you are my other family....

Thanks for the offer - doing a lot better now!

We can share in some "cookie therapy" at a Maine bakery in 2018!

 

[GNTLGNT]

Thanks for the offer - doing a lot better now!

We can share in some "cookie therapy" at a Maine bakery in 2018!

...sounds like a plan ma'am...

 

[staropeace]

I had pretty bad panic attacks as a child. I would think I was dying. Things around me looked surreal. Sounds were too loud. Faces were frightening. It is horrible and hard to explain to someone who have not had them. I feel for you, my dear.

 

[Tery]

Twenty-six years ago I had some moderate post-partum depression. My doctor prescribed a new anti-depressant called Effexor. I started taking it and it did help some. But it has a side-effect that is more hellish than any depression (IMO). If you should miss a dose your brain seems to come unglued from the inside of your skull. If you turn your head, there is an internal "whoosh" and it sounds like cars are racing past your ears. You are so dizzy you can't stand and so uncomfortable you can't deal with any external stimuli. I weaned myself off it but the effects returned for several months 8 years later. Thankfully, they have not made another appearance.

I mention this because my daughter has anxiety attacks. They seem to have got worse when she reached twenty-one. I took her to a doctor who turned out to be what I call a "searcher": always searching for ways to prescribe the latest pills. She wanted to put Katie on Effexor. Well, she had seen what that poison did to me and refused. The "searcher" found another new pill for her to try, which she did. For 2 days. The side-effects were too much. I found her another doctor and suggested an old medication called Wellbutrin. It worked and without nasty side-effects. Thank goodness!

I hope every one of you who has to deal with this anxiety finds the right way to help you. It's not fun.

 

[FlakeNoir]

I have had similar experiences also, Winter . Ended up in the ER a few years ago, convinced that something was going on with my heart. Had a similar experience in the ER several years before that turned out to be anxiety, but this felt so much worse. The last time was anxiety as well. Was grateful it wasn't my heart, but was very frustrated.

Had to follow up with a GP, who started me on meds that just didn't work for me. After experiencing about every side effect mentioned and having the doc quadruple my dosage (then promising me we would try something else if that didn't work), I quit going to that doctor and quit the meds cold turkey (which you're never supposed to do).

Trying different natural remedies, but I'm at the point of needing to see a doctor again. But, going to the doctor gives me panic attacks, so it's a vicious cycle.

Hope you are on the path to much better days! And thanks for your post also, FlakeNoir ! Didn't know hormonal problems were linked to anxiety issues - that explains a lot too and gives me hope. Big hugs to you both!

My doctors had talked about this after I had started mapping symptoms and the severity etc. I found that during the week leading up to menstruation anxiety was heightened. And now even years after the panic attacks have disappeared, my irregular heart-beats tend to occur during the week leading up to menstruation and if I go into a rapid heart-beat it will generally be in that same time frame.

 

[Neesy]

Today I had a horrible day. I had a fright with an ectopic beat in my heart which started off a panic attack. I have had 'anxiety' before...fear through my whole body that no logic will simmer down...even in the depths of that (and please understand me telling you this is the 1% of me) I always know its panic. What happened to me today was not like that. The ectopic beat went, which if you dont know feels like your heart stopped and began again with a bang...followed by a quicker beat..panic set in and this beat increased...all the way up to 140 a minute, resting. For the 1st time (thats not true...the 2nd time...3rd possibly) I could not get a handle on myself and I could not settle...I could not recognise it was panic. No anxiety attack has ever been as physical. I called an ambulance in the middle of my driveway like a complete nutcase. I then went to my doctor, after being told my heart was fine, ectopic beat...nothing to worry about I agreed (not the 1st time I have been asked) to try some longer term anti anxiety medication but the thing is, I feel like this is not good enough...I have always felt some accomplishment in handling this type of thing without help, if you know its anxiety/panic...then really there is nothing to worry about and I take it...until its gone. I consider myself strong for it. But that wasnt today. I really though, as ashamed as I am to say it...that my heart was stopping and any moment I would go into cardiac arrest. That alone was scary...scarier still knowing all that physical REAL symptoms were in my head. Of course after the doc and the evidence the attack goes away and I am left tired, tearful and feeling stupid. TRICKED! by my own neurotics. This is the only place I knew there were people to talk to who arent in my daily life...so here I am, throwing it up on the message board. I have had a valium and a glass of wine (1 prescribed, the other - deserved) and I am feeling slow but not frightened. The very lack of ME...of my usual understanding of whats going on, even when its unpleasant...that was scary. Side note :Rather panic attack than a heart attack for sure. I'm rambling and maybe I dont know what I am trying to say so that makes it hard to say it...but here I am. Wanna talk?

We can talk...

Winter... I have been through a lot of the same and want to tell you that it was much like a tunnel... there was a start, a kind of a scary middle and then I came out the other end. Oh sweet blessed relief.

I've had heart palpitations since childhood, I now have beta blockers that I only take during a tachycardia event. (my heart rate goes up to around 225 bpm for usually around 2-3 hours) I haven't had an event in a long time.
I developed the anxiety sometime after having my third child... maybe, 14-15 years ago. It started out kind of slow, then suddenly I felt like I couldn't even do the grocery shopping without having a panic attack. Mostly the attacks were silent, people around me probably didn't even know it was happening, but I felt dizzy, like I might faint, I sometimes felt like I was having a side-ways vertigo kind of thing and I would be plagued by always feeling like I suddenly needed to pee! (lol) I knew every damned public toilet quite intimately.
It was debilitating... it prevented me from doing so much, I avoided so many situations just so as not to feel that fear and panic and those symptoms.
And then one day... I suddenly realised that I wasn't experiencing symptoms so often... and then, not at all.
I still have the physical heart problem, but the anxiety is gone... I used to mix the two up, but not anymore.

Girl, I am convinced that these symptoms come from hormonal changes in our bodies... I think you're a bit younger than me, but you might find that soon things may alter for you... just keep having faith that you'll be alright and trust your body and mind, while still listening to the signals.

I'm told I may have a change in symptoms (with my heart) when I go through "The Change", I guess time will tell...

Hit me up any-time, I won't be too far away. (Hey, we're on the same(ish) sleep-time schedule)

Edit: I'm a doof and forgot to mention that I get those missed (and extra) beats too... they can be disconcerting, but you just have to try and remember to have an internal dialogue when it happens. (am I getting enough oxygen? If you're asking yourself that question... then yes, you are. Nail beds... are they pink? Am I still standing up? Can I feel my pulse... etc, etc... it helps to have a dialogue to reduce any panic. If in doubt, talk to someone, call for help)

I have had similar experiences also, Winter . Ended up in the ER a few years ago, convinced that something was going on with my heart. Had a similar experience in the ER several years before that turned out to be anxiety, but this felt so much worse. The last time was anxiety as well. Was grateful it wasn't my heart, but was very frustrated.

Had to follow up with a GP, who started me on meds that just didn't work for me. After experiencing about every side effect mentioned and having the doc quadruple my dosage (then promising me we would try something else if that didn't work), I quit going to that doctor and quit the meds cold turkey (which you're never supposed to do).

Trying different natural remedies, but I'm at the point of needing to see a doctor again. But, going to the doctor gives me panic attacks, so it's a vicious cycle.

Hope you are on the path to much better days! And thanks for your post also, FlakeNoir ! Didn't know hormonal problems were linked to anxiety issues - that explains a lot too and gives me hope. Big hugs to you both!

Oh girl - I do know. I'm sorry you are going through this, and I agree with Flake - hormones play a big part and stress and anxiety and exhaustion do too. I was pretty candid about my problem on here a while back. I'm so glad you shared. I always felt better sharing with my friends here. I didn't talk much at all about it with the people I had to see in my daily life. Much easier to share here. And so many of us have been through it. It always reassured me to know that others had gone through it and come out just fine. And you will too - hang in there. Benzos help. And I'm off the meds now and doing really well. Joyful and thankful, even. I'm hoping and praying the same for you!



I hate to hear you are struggling with this now! Big hugs to you!

I had pretty bad panic attacks as a child. I would think I was dying. Things around me looked surreal. Sounds were too loud. Faces were frightening. It is horrible and hard to explain to someone who have not had them. I feel for you, my dear.

Twenty-six years ago I had some moderate post-partum depression. My doctor prescribed a new anti-depressant called Effexor. I started taking it and it did help some. But it has a side-effect that is more hellish than any depression (IMO). If you should miss a dose your brain seems to come unglued from the inside of your skull. If you turn your head, there is an internal "whoosh" and it sounds like cars are racing past your ears. You are so dizzy you can't stand and so uncomfortable you can't deal with any external stimuli. I weaned myself off it but the effects returned for several months 8 years later. Thankfully, they have not made another appearance.

I mention this because my daughter has anxiety attacks. They seem to have got worse when she reached twenty-one. I took her to a doctor who turned out to be what I call a "searcher": always searching for ways to prescribe the latest pills. She wanted to put Katie on Effexor. Well, she had seen what that poison did to me and refused. The "searcher" found another new pill for her to try, which she did. For 2 days. The side-effects were too much. I found her another doctor and suggested an old medication called Wellbutrin. It worked and without nasty side-effects. Thank goodness!

I hope every one of you who has to deal with this anxiety finds the right way to help you. It's not fun.

Okay - don't laugh please (and I know this sounds like a way too simple solution), however - once I switched to decaf coffee or just regular tea (not too strong) my anxiety went way down.

Not sure if it is just me, but I did notice a big difference!

You've heard of the coffee jitters? I guess I was getting a lot more than that. I had been drinking coffee most of my adult life. We even drank instant coffee while at home growing up (but milk too - it wasn't like they were trying to deprive us or anything).

I feel a lot better since getting off the coffee - the first few days were hell - I went through withdrawal symptoms pretty bad but now I feel 100% better.

Just a thought - it did help me quite a bit.

 

[FlakeNoir]

Okay - don't laugh please (and I know this sounds like a way too simple solution), however - once I switched to decaf coffee or just regular tea (not too strong) my anxiety went way down.

Not sure if it is just me, but I did notice a big difference!

You've heard of the coffee jitters? I guess I was getting a lot more than that. I had been drinking coffee most of my adult life. We even drank instant coffee while at home growing up (but milk too - it wasn't like they were trying to deprive us or anything).

I feel a lot better since getting off the coffee - the first few days were hell - I went through withdrawal symptoms pretty bad but now I feel 100% better.

Just a thought - it did help me quite a bit.

Might make a difference for some people for sure, especially if they're having a lot of caffeine.

I'm not sure it was part of the issue for me, as I have always pretty much just had 2 (not strong) caffeine drinks per day and my symptoms came and disappeared again without changing my intake.

The thing that was quite interesting (and made me think of hormonal changes) was that during my 4th pregnancy the anxiety issues disappeared altogether almost overnight... for the whole pregnancy, and then returned quite promptly once baby was born.
They disappeared for good once he was around 4 years old, he's 9 now and those last 5 years have been such a relief, I honestly thought at times that I was losing my mind during that... what was it? 10 years. (wow... 10 damned years )