Need help and advice

[Mrsamsouth]

Hello I'm 22 and i have been to the doctors 3 times in the last few months who have all said they think i suffer from anxiety, i find it hard to believe that all these physical symptoms that never seem to go away and are there all day and everyday can be from anxiety and the only test i have had done is a blood test and that came back normal. I have constant headaches everyday and feel sick with no appetite and feel tired all day and also a little sweaty. I find it hard to feel positive and enjoy the things i used to do. Will i ever feel happy and normal again? The doctor has given me Amitriptyline 10mg to take before night, i said i have headaches all the time and all day and he give me these tablets, will they help? Any advice will be much appreciated thanks

[Agora1]

Mrsamsouth, Thank you for providing a picture of yourself. All this time I thought I was responding to Mrs Amsouth now I realize it's Mr Sam South. It does take one piece of the puzzle away (monthly hormones)

Mrsamsouth, your daily headaches certainly sound like stress and anxiety contributing to your pain. We have all believed like you in that, how can anxiety cause these physical symptoms? It's got to be something the doctors are missing, something more sinister. Fortunately not...Oh anxiety can bring you down both mentally and physically but it can be overcome in time.

Seeking counseling while taking medication is the start in finding the root of your anxiety and headaches. Everyone gets headaches from time to time for whatever reason however when the headaches take over your life, it's a sign that something is continually bothering you and needs to be addressed.

It sounds like you have not only anxiety but some depression which may be causing your headaches as well. Amitriptyline is a good drug for pain and mood. You may notice a good response in your pain level and frequency. Hope you give it a try.

I wish you well, I've been where you are and nothing is worse then waking up to yet another tension headache day in and day out. Be Strong, we will get you through this.

[Mrsamsouth in reply to Agora1]

Haha so i confused you. Yes i will carry on taking them but i hope they can actually do something as i have heard people say 10mg isn't much and won't do anything but i don't want to take much higher because of the side effects and I'm only young

[Agora1 in reply to Mrsamsouth]

Wise choise. If 10mg is what your doctor ordered than by all means start with that dose. He has taken your age and health history into consideration when prescribing. He can always raise the dose if need be. Wish you well

[Mrsamsouth in reply to Agora1]

Thanks! Yes i will see how it goes as i have only had one pill so far

[philly101]

I too suffer from physical symptoms due to anxiety. Heart palpitations, numbness in face, dizziness, sweating, upset stomach, etc. Try not to think about the symptoms, Ive noticed that the more you think about them, the worse they get. Focus your thoughts on something else, take a deep breath. I've had all tests done because I thought something was physically wrong with me also. Doctors always told me it's anxiety. The mind is a powerful place and we as human beings can actually make ourselves sicks. You will beat anxiety, it's about controlling your thoughts. Keep your head up. Hope this helps.

[Mrsamsouth in reply to philly101]

Thank you, i have had this headache for 9 days now and lasting 24/7 all day and everyday so i just find it hard to believe this is down to anxiety and stress but i will try and keep positive, thank you

[Meeasy]

These are some of the tools I try to use. Some are easier than others but they are worth a try and have zero side effects. These are suggestions that work for me at . Your results may vary. Take what u like and leave the rest.

- excercise releases your brains natural anti anxiety/ depessant chemicals. Rigorous enough to get to heavy breathing and blood flow. It can be as simple as jogging in place or climbing stairs

- diet changes. Caffeine and sugar are fuel for anxiety. Processed foods, greasy foods, fried foods and artificial sweeteners work against you. A clean diet can do wonders .

- avoid alcohol, it's a depressant.

- meditation , I use podcasts and YouTube videos to find guided meditations, self hypnosis and inspirational self affirmation. Use the search bar. Get a podcast app

- stay connected, don't isolate. Find forums like this one, Meetup groups, recovery programs, church, etc to express your feeling and get feedback

-Volunteer or support or encourage others is a good practice. doing things for others gets you out of ruminating about yourself. "Don't think less of yourself, think of yourself less"

- attitude of gratitude. As hard as it is, it could always be worse. I make gratitude list to remind myself of my blessings.

- write it down. Keep a journal, dig deep. Write letters to yourself, to god, your resentments, your fears, your inner child etc. be your own therapist. It's cheap

- professional therapy or counceling. Although it's cost prohibitive, sometimes it takes a professional to dig up the right questions.

-Avoid news, politics, and all forms of advertisements. They all use fear to control your emotions and generate a reaction.

-Avoid social media. Don't fall into the trap of comparing your insides with other people's outsides.

-Try natural supplements like Q96 brain supplements or others. Google it. I have not gotten dramatic results but I know people who have

These tips have no negative side effects. They are worth a try before resorting to drastic measures.

Good luck

[Mrsamsouth in reply to Meeasy]

Thank you that is very helpful i am trying to get rid of this 24/7 9 day headache at the moment

[consciousx]

Hi there!

I just want to let you know that you arent alone.

I have had my wacky headaches for about lets see....3 years now. Almost everyday. Crazy right! It first started the night of a long panic attack and it never left since.

These ongoing headaches would get me so paronoid that they would keep me awake at night and and the more I would think about them, the worse they got. I remember thinking, "oh, its a tumor? nah, maybe its a stroke." and other ridiculous diseases I would see on the net.

My headaches would be pounding or throbbing or aching or burning, etc. and I just couldnt stop thinking about it.

About a year later after the first incident, I kind of stopped thinking about the headaches and my life completly shifted. People on online health forums would tell me, "if you try not to think about the headaches, than it will all go away!" You see, I thought that that was complete bs and that I would never stop thinking about my headaches. When I forced myself to stop thinking about them, they never seemed to go away. It took me about an entire year and a half to release the tension. I finally gave up on my thoughts about brain tumors, strokes, and whatever I was thinking about. I would get chest pains, headaches, muscle spasms, REALLY BAD ANXIETY, and panic attacks. My life was terrible. But the worse thing about it was that my high anxious ongoing never ending mind was what created this.

When I wouldn't think about my headaches (not forcing it this time!) everything seemed to be at ease. Sometimes I wouldnt even feel the headache nor would I realize any pain. It was a life changing moment. For about three months, I completly forgot that my headaches ever existed. But sadly, one day something triggered my anxiety+headaches and everything came back.

Currently, I only get my headaches when I think about them or when im in an uncomfortable postion. I still sometimes get random headaches but since my body has been in fight or flight mode for 3 years, my body is still trying to calm down. Yeah, crazy. I know.

So what's all this rambling bringing me to? Well, sometimes it is our minds that is creating this craziness. I know that your case may be different than mine and that maybe your doctor is being lazy and maybe is just handing out medication just to maybe calm your nerves. Yes, it isnt always the case. Sometimes it is actually our health. You got a blood test, good. If you are able to, get a CT scan/MRI and try heading to the cardiologist. Get everything and everything checked before jumping to any conclusions (not saying you are 😉). And you ask, "Will i ever feel happy and normal again?" Uhhh, yes!!! Yes, you will! I remember crying in my room and thinking to myself, "WHY OH WHY AM I LIKE THIS! EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING I DO, MY BODY JUST WANTS TO FREAKING RUIN IT! I HATE YOU BODY! I CANT DO ANYTHING! I CANT EVEN GO SWIMMING! THIS ISNT NORMAL! WHY CANT THIS ALL BE OVER!"

Haha, yes that was me alright.

No, it wont happen in a day, a week, or a month. But you will soon find joy. It takes time, patience and experience. Overall, you just have to find your mind. Find what YOU really want for YOU. Not what your freaking body wants but what YOU want. You dont have time for those damn headaches! Cause I know I didn't. I was so fed up that I didn't go to school for an entire month. Not pleasant at all.

Yikes, this is way too long. But, please please go to another doctor for a second opinion and a third opinion and a fourth opinion. Until you get the answer that is right. Do whatever you need to do. It maybe a long or a short journey. This is your body, your life, your mind. TAKE IT BACK!😤YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY!

[consciousx in reply to consciousx]

Sorry for any grammar/spelling errors :/

[Mrsamsouth in reply to consciousx]

Thank you this has really helped and sorry about your 3 year headaches, that must suck! I have been to 3 doctors in the last few months and they have all said anxiety, i have had moments where i have felt fine for one week but then i go back to square one. These headaches are the most annoying as it is constantly in your mind and is hard not to think about them but hopefully these pills will stop them, i hope everything is ok with you as well

[northshoregirl]

Hi I took it too . Prescribed by one GP and taken off by another. It cause me really bad headaches and possibly sleep apnea. My neuro psych said......It's a dirty drug and he would never take it!!

[Mrsamsouth in reply to northshoregirl]

I have seen people say it really helped them though, surely the doctor wouldn't have given me them if they're bad? He gave me them for my tension headaches