I'm new to this page. I have had anxiety and panic disorder for almost 8 years. Initially it was so bad that I could barely function. I spent most of the time looking for answers. Why is this happening? What can I do to stop it? How long will it last? I've sought help from countless doctors and specialists and healers. I've had blood work, saliva testing, MRI of my brain. And I played psych med Russian Roulette. Some mess worked for a bit, most made it worse. In the end, I'm left with klonopin as needed.
After a while I also went the alternative route: Meditation, biofeedback, reiki, essential oils, Bach flower essence, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and on and on. To be honest, a lot of this has probably helped me more than the western medicine but nothing works to completely erase the symptoms. I still have at least one moment everyday where i feel like I could lose my mind. Most days I can take control but sometimes it gets past me.
The thing is, after all of the time I spent looking for answers, I still find myself with horrible health anxiety. I know too much now and every ache or pain or any symptom, no matter how small, triggers my anxiety and I just know that I'm dying. What I really need to know is this: How do I stop it? I just want it to go away.
Have you read a book called Dare by Barry mcdonagh? Also hope and help for your nerves by Clair weekes? They may help you.
What do you do with yourself work wise and in your spare time? Do you have kids and a family? Maybe you need to find a passion to really focus your energy on and in turn hopefully get your mind of the anxiety and health worries?
I think if I didn't have kids I would go travel or invest in a business or something really big to put all my focus in sometimes I think that would help me.
I don't know you've tried so much so I'm just trying to throw out some different ideas.
I hope you feel better soon xx
Thank you. I do have Claire Weekes Pass Through Panic book. I'll try the others. I audit medical records for a living. That certainly does not help but it pays well and I need the benefits. I have 2 grown children and I like to draw and paint but I can't seem to do it when my head is in the wrong place. You are right though, I really do need to find ways to occupy my mind elsewhere. The problem is, just when I am starting to feel like a "normal" person, one small ache or pain stops me in my tracks. I wish I could turn off the response.
I'm exactly the same small aches pains or weird sensations stop me too. But the times when I've been very occupied with a certain goal even when organising my kids Birthday parties I find It gets better. But it's hard to always keep occupied but by occupied I mean so into the task that your mind completely forgets about anything else finding tasks that can do that for you is actually challenging. We'll get there xx
I really like this idea, Aazz, It will be challenging to keep refocusing my mind but also worthwhile. You've reminded me of the teachings of Thich Nhat Hahn. He talks about doing everything mindfully...completely focused on the task at hand, thinking of nothing else. Mindfulness is so important but keeps getting away from me. Thank you for the reminder! It gives me a sense of hope.