New to this- Not new to anxiety

[anxietyrlysucks]

Hello there. Im a 20 year old relatively healthy female, other than I suffer from massive anxiety. You can call me Beck. As of October 2017, I’ve been suffering from crippling anxiety. It comes and goes, ranging in intensity, but overall it controls my life. Just recently, I’ve been worrying about having a heart attack! Every little twitch or cramp in my chest has me freaking out within seconds. I wish I could just stop this. I wish I could just turn my brain off and function normally. I know I’m not at risk for a heart attack, but still... the unknown haunts me. Of course my chest feels tight I’ve been hyperventilating all day and stressing out. I want to go to a therapist SO bad but i haven’t gotten around to it yet. I just want reassurance and help. Communicating with people that understand where I’m coming from really does help a ton. If anyone could reach out and provide some comfort... I’ll definitely return the favor.

[Hidden]

I'm glad you've found this forum, Beck. So many here have experienced anxiety for years and are ready to help with things that help them. I primarily suffer from depression, so I don't have much experience myself, but I wanted to welcome you and encourage you to stick around a while to learn from those here.

The process of getting a therapist can look so overwhelming to us. Try breaking the whole process into tiny little steps, steps little enough that they feel very do-able. The first step might just be finding out the name of your insurance provider. Make your steps as little as that. When I remember to do this, I am much less likely to be overwhelmed by a task with many steps.

Welcome, welcome, Beck. We are so glad you are here.

[Tbone019]

Hi Beck. I’m in the same boat as you. I know that all at once everything can feel like it’s piling on you and can be even more overwhelming than the constant feeling that follows me through the day. Then there’s those that feel like there’s a ton of bricks on your chest and that make your heart race at a million miles per hour.

On top of all this, seeking help. I don’t know which one is worse for me; whether it’s calling to schedule, sitting in the waiting room, talking to the doctor, or remembering to take my dang meds. I dread every part of seeking help. I don’t know why but it is so difficult for me.

What I can tell you is we should all do it. I recently started a new medication. I admit. I suck! I cannot remember to take the dang things! But besides that, the one thing that has me looking forward to something, is meeting with a new psychologist. Getting re-evaluated, and hopefully the help I need. Bummer is it took 2 months from my appointment!! ): we are now a little more than a month away.. Just hoping this is the start to getting better.

Anyways I hope this could provide you some relieve. I know I do not get the chance to express myself nor hear what others are going through with similar experiences to myself. I appreciate your post and you sharing.

[LadyO4]

I'm glad you felt free to unload your concerns here - this is a place where we can be honest about our feelings and not have to worry what others might think.

Have you ever had a simple saliva test to check your adrenal gland and cortisol output? I started taking things to help regulate my hormones and you would be amazed at how much it helps.

Anxiety can originate from so many things, from the past or in the present, and the brain has a way of triggering the "fight-or-flight" response because of them - even when nothing is threatening us. So tackling the root cause can really be the answer you are looking for when it comes to finding the right kind of treatment to rid your life of fear. Anxiety is a hurricane of fear robbing us of peace - so try your hardest to figure out the source of fear in your life. I'm free to talk more if you'd like.

[foxglove_pnw]

Hi Beck ! Welcome !

I also suffer from crippling anxiety and panic attacks ! I have done every “heart” test possible and I still feel so much panic anytime I have some “weird pain “ . I also suffer from costochondritis on my left side so I have chest pain all the time.

Psychologists can be very helpful ! When I am looking for a new one I like to find a few names , look at their websites , try to get a fell about each one !

NAMI is a great organization with support groups and free courses. You can google them.

Thanks for your vulnerability and sharing your struggles !