Normal to feel like this?

[treyjeff]

Hi all,

Just recently got through the worst (I hope) of an anxiety slump and was wondering if it’s normal to feel so bad after feeling no longer anxious? I’ve been extremely tired and nauseous. I’m not sick, but my body feels exhausted.

[shodan95]

Yes, most definitely. Anxiety takes up just as much physical energy as it does mental energy. Google the mind-body connection. Its even common for people who have PTSD and other chronic stress disorders to develop autoimmune diseases because of the impact longterm unresolved stress has on the body. For me, I will tense up my shoulders when I'm anxious. This makes my neck hurt and then I get a crucial headache if I dont stop and take care of myself before it gets too bad. I used to get terrible stomach aches and have even ended up in the ER with an enlarged spleen due to chronic stress and anxiety. Its definitely a real thing and can cause long term health issues. Its really important to learn ways to nip anxiety in the bud as it creeps up throughout your day. You may always deal with anxiety because life is hard and people can suck, but you can definitely find tools to 1.get better at realizing your triggers so you can be aware 2. do something about it before it gets really bad. My trick is walking. If I'm starting to get too anxious, I just get up and walk around to get the physical energy out. People will think I'm weird sometimes, but I don't care - its me, being responsible for myself and taking care of myself.

[Purrsona in reply to shodan95]

Good for you for dealing with your anxiety in the way that works for you without caring if other people judge you!

[Hdrion]

Interesting. I didn’t think of this. Having just come through the worst anxiety episode I’ve experienced, I had no energy for a couple of days after and spent so much time sleeping.

[Purrsona]

I second shodan95, it's not at all surprising you feel like crap because anxiety is exhausting--you're being kept on high alert. I get the nausea during anxiety flares, not after, but I definitely feel completely drained of energy when I start to feel mentally better. Do you have ginger? It's really good for treating nausea.

[DENVAL]

It's truly frustrating...

I had 5 wonderful anxiety free days and figured the Lexapro was finally kicking in, and then on Wed, it all returned with a vengeance. Been jumping out of my skin since then and will most likely have to change meds, maybe Paxil. It's really a crap shoot, but I'm not about to give up, something has to work...

Stay strong and keep fighting...

[Lizziedee]

Definitely!! It’s so draining when you are going through these slumps it takes you time to adjust. Hope you feel better soon.

[Operalady]

Please see your Doctor!