Can anxiety create real physical symptoms

[Notebook30]

So I’ve had a lot on my plate this past year. My Dad passed away suddenly in January when I was 6 months pregnant with my first baby. He had silent coronary heart disease and it just happened one random day. I still haven’t processed this or been able to grieve for him. I can hardly cry about it 10 months later as I just can’t believe it’s true.

I had my first baby in May during the first lockdown (covid being another trigger) by an emergency cesarean (another trigger!) a few weeks after this whilst exhausted from rubbish sleep I started to get weird physical sensations like numbness, tingling, burning, twitching, pain. I have spoken to the doctor so many times and had blood tests all fine, had a check in person again he said I’m fine. He recommended CBT and said I have anxiety. (I’ve had anxiety in the past)

My assessment on the phone for counselling she said I definitely have health anxiety and the waiting list is long but I will get treatment eventually.

I’m just so worried as the physical symptoms are still there on and off, move around. I find something bothers me every day.

I will say that when something bothers me another thing goes or improves for a bit. Focusing and worrying makes it worse.

I just can’t take my mind off of it when it’s continuous though.

How can my mind make my toes tingle or my legs burn or neck and shoulder pain?

I literally feel worried sick!

I tried sertraline but it made my symptoms much worse so I am awaiting the talking therapy.

The restrictions with covid have made everything so much harder, I’m scared.

Can anyone tell me if you have been through something similar?

I don’t seem to get the usual anxiety symptoms like headaches, diarrhoea etc this is what worries me.

Thank you.

[atlas97]

Sheesh! Sounds like you’ve dealt with and are dealing with a lot!! I can’t imagine what that must be like for you, i hope you find respite soon. I personally have not experienced toe tingling or leg burn but neck and shoulder pain makes sense, all that stress going to one place.

stay strong 🍃

[Notebook30 in reply to atlas97]

Thanks for being so nice, yep had dreadful neck pain for weeks and the doctor could not believe how rock hard my muscles were around there when he examined me. He said it’s all tension and I need to chill it’s not that easy lol x

[ToeTaprr in reply to Notebook30]

I suffer from severe anxiety and what your experiencing sounds like all anxiety related. I have experienced it all. I also can’t stop my thoughts. Music works sometimes also their are many good meditation apps. I follow Elias Goldstein he does many free meditations. I am also in therapy. Hope this helps.

[Notebook30 in reply to ToeTaprr]

Thank you so much for replying and being there!!! It’s nice to know I’m not alone and you are doing the same things, I agree music does help me sometimes too! Xx

[Iammesues]

Definitely can be anxiety. Yes my anxiety comes with moving physical ailments.

[FearIsALiar]

Yes anxiety can create physical symptoms. It is very common.

Sertraline also made my symptoms worse but apparently it takes 6-8 weeks for meds to fully work. Then symptoms subside. SOMETIMES. It depends if the medicine is right for you.

What symptoms do you get?