Is this anxiety?

[Sugarplum1811]

I’m not sure if what I’m feeling is anxiety but I feel so scared of almost everything if I think about it too much, I’m scared of death and dying and I keep thinking I might have a serious illness. I have chronic tension headaches and feel dizzy and now days I’ve started this new symptom where I find it difficult to pronounce certain words and my speech isn’t as good as before nor is my short term memory. I think I may have a brain disease now. Has this happened to anyone before? Is it just anxiety or should I go to a doctor about this? I’m not sure what to do.

[jazzpw]

I'm not a doctor so don't take my advice too seriously. I think you should go to the doctor about your symptoms. It may be the anxiety thats causing these headaches but I don't think you should risk the possibility that its something more serious. Being scared of dying is a common anxiety theme, and although I don't personally share that experience, I know many who do. If you get some tests done at the doctors it may put your mind at ease about having an illness, or help you get diagnosed and then you can start treatment. Good luck! xx

[Sugarplum1811 in reply to jazzpw]

Thank you for your advice, I did see a GP who said it was all stress related but me being the health anxious person I am, I’m not too convinced and have made more appointments with the GP as my symptoms have not settled

I hope you are well and thank you again for your kind response

Sim xx

[lorianxiety]

hello Simrran,sorry to hear about your suffering,;it certainly sounds like classic anxiety symptoms.I found myself feeling similar to you last year,.Id never experienced anything like it before-It felt like I was losing control of my faculties,both concentration and memory was failing,it was quite terrifying,feelings of panic everything was seeming unreal-couldn't even express myself to gp or anyone loosing the plot etc Fear,I can tell you is the basic cause of all the symptoms you describe and my recovery was very slow and still not out of the woods,my advice is to get hold of DR Claire Weeks book/tapes she left behind a legacy of how to cure your over sensitised nerves,its fatigue that builds up and renders us helpless and end up fearing every little pain ,as we are suggestible being the victims of our nervous system-I urge you to read her book Essential help for your nerves she is online -ive read her book so many times and I think Amazon stock them or Library.Hoping that helps I cant emphasise enough how much understanding she has for the nervously ill person-----your Gp too can as she says in her book tranquilliser to use only when absolutely necessary!

[Sugarplum1811 in reply to lorianxiety]

Thank you for your response, I really appreciate it as I feel a bit more reassured about my symptoms but I have definitely seen my GP about this and will be seeing them further just to rule out any physiological problems before putting anxiety as the cause. I really appreciate your reply and I hope you are in good health!!

Sim xx

[Cat888]

Hi Simrran,

I'm soon to have a surgery and so I'm feeling you in this area, and I'm leaning on my faith in Christ to not focus too much on the "what if's" (and I also am following my doctors' and others advice on how to prep and be prepared). Information is useful, but sometimes too much information may be confusing and provoke more anxiety.

Both jazzpw and lorianxiety gave some sage, practical advice and I hope you're better since you shared here. Definitely, check for the medical side of it if you haven't already, as some of your symptoms may be anxiety induced, but others could be for physiological reasons, so a doctor can best help you determine what's happening and why.

Regardless of why it's occurring, calmness techniques, like prayer, meditation or refocusing (even talking with a counselor, a trusted friend, or minister who can help you with those techniques) can't hurt as long as you go to credible and wise sources. You may want to check out the American Counseling Associations resources counseling.org/knowledge-ce... or other sources from credible faith-based associations, your local clinic etc. Such resources may help you (while you wait to speak to someone and even in-between) find the source of your anxiety should it not being primarily related to a physiological reason. Again, even if it is based on a health issue, encouraging yourself and being supported may help to ease your anxiety while you wait for a diagnosis.

Lastly, as it comes to mind to share, I often find poetry and music good aides to help me refocus my emotions, as emotions, though very real, are also changing, volatile and can distort reality. So, listening or reading something about what I'm feeling sometimes helps me to really work through the feeling (clear it out of my head so to speak) and other times choosing to listen to or read something totally opposite what I'm feeling helps me to refocus my mind in a new and positive direction.

Will pray for you and please do let us know if you're doing better.

[Sugarplum1811 in reply to Cat888]

Hello,

Thank you for your reply, I really appreciate all the advice you have given me and will try my best to keep them on board. I have tried meditation and relaxation which did help and I’m not sure as to why I stopped but will definitely be starting again. I hope you are doing well and thank you again for your kind response.

Sim xx