Need some moral support for chronic anxiety

[Ajg85]

Hi, I've been reading posts on this forum for quite some time to help me cope with my chronic anxiety that started around 3 years ago. Was a very independent and happy go lucky person until one evening had a panic attack that landed me in the ER. Since them I'm obsessed with physical sensations that terrify me and that have been taking over my life. I try to continue living normally but the simplest of tasks is a torture with all the anticipatory anxiety and physical symptoms preceding it. Like most of you here I had all tests under the sun from multiple blood works, mri and echo. Everything looks good on tests but I just can't stop feeling terrified of these physical symptoms. I know that the trick is accepting the symptoms for what they are but it is so exhausting having to deal with this every day and night. Just wanted to meet people on here who are going through the same feelings as it is hard to explain to others who are free of these haunting thoughts .

[Krn210]

Hello there! You definitely aren’t alone. We’re all here with you. 🙂 All those pesky physical sensations can really drive one nuts! I’ve been there. I hope today finds you well 🙂

[Ajg85 in reply to Krn210]

Thanks for replying yep these physical symptoms are real buggers and they hop from one to the other lol hope you are having a nice weekend.

[Karen321]

You need to get out of the habit of ‘testing’ for physical symptoms because you will always find something to obsess about. Have you tried distraction techniques or mindfulness? I use Headspace app daily which does help a great deal as does listening to relaxing music. I try to delay thinking about doing things that I know cause me anxiety and also try to go with the anxiety and accept it. Remember you have felt like this before and nothing bad has happened. It’s hard work to break the cycle but you can and will get there x

[Ajg85 in reply to Karen321]

Hi.... I agree with you that accepting the symptoms and just keep going with your day is the best way to handle anxiety. Deep down I know that the symptoms are just uncomfortable and not harmful, I have learned through a lot of research what being in constant fight and flight does to your mind and body. However, it is difficult to feel 'normal' especially when I see everyone around me getting on with their lives and I'm stuck in this vicious circle

[R_dR]

Exactly the same with me. Its exhausting, I am really tired of feeling this way, but struggling to stop checking symptoms

[Ajg85 in reply to R_dR]

Yeah checking symptoms is a killer. I have deleted all heart rate apps from my mobile and with not checking, the symptoms actually diminished. I notice that I get one symptom at a time, depending on what my mind decides to obsess on in that particular moment. So if am obsessed about my heart I will feel like my heart rate is up and all sort of weird sensations around my chest however as soon as my focus changes to something else e.g a headache then all symptoms around my heart disappear. That gives me comfort its just my mind focusing too much and scanning all body sensations