Anxiety Here then Gone

[kellirene520]

I have had anxiety since I was 6 years old. It all started in elementary school. I used to cry consistently everyday I went. Over time, I grew out of that phase and I was pretty normal from about 4th-8th grade. Freshman year of high school I got sick with a bad virus and was out of school for almost 2 weeks. I missed a lot, I was behind, and there was a possibility I could lose my credits. Then anxiety hit me like a brick wall again. The panic and crying started up again every time I entered the building. I went to a counseling session a few times and just like that I was good as new. I was pretty even keel the rest of my high school career. When it came time to transfer from community college to a 4 year school in 2013 it all started up again. I had just gone through a hard break up and my future was literally hanging in the balance. I went back to counseling, just a few sessions and bam, back to normal; at least until now.

Since December I have been struggling with anxiety off and on. From December to Early April I was struggling. I was in an awkward living situation with a roommate that I didn't get along with all while working my full time job and doing a semi long distance relationship. I figured once I moved in with my significant other in our new home everything would go back to normal, which it did, at least until about 3 weeks ago. I got my monthly visitor 3 weeks ago and ever since I've been a mess. I've had low energy, trouble sleeping, excessive worry (which I can sometimes turn off), and many physical symptoms.

I've been experiencing abdominal pain, change in bowel movements, nausea, chills, lack of appetite, acid re flux. I've lost about 20 pounds since December and I have a hard time putting on weight, which I never had a problem with before. Personally I think I may have an underlying GI issue and I will be seeing a specialist next week for that. But in the back of my mind I'm wondering if these symptoms are all due to my anxiety. The only time I feel okay and normal is when I'm at home with my significant other or out and about with those close to me, but even then I notice the physical symptoms. I'm just at a loss as to what to do. Should I go to counseling again? It always seemed to work... or should I pursue to see if these issues are being caused by something physical?

[pennymama]

There's such a big connection between mind and body. Lots of doctors 'get' that and might be able to help you sort it out. I've found that by taking steps to try to figure out what the heck is going on, it makes my head spin a little bit less. I hope you are feeling okay soon!

[kellirene520 in reply to pennymama]

Thank you! I'm really working on trying to feel better and back to normal soon!