Falling deeper into anxiety (dizziness)

[suriael]

Hi all, first time poster here/ anywhere. Title seems a bit weird but its because I couldn't really capture the scope of my experiences in it very well otherwise so yeah..

I guess I'm just seeking more likeminded experiences and story's to make me feel less alone with this, the past 3 or 4 years I have slowly fallen into what started as a reasonable level of anxiety all the way up to what I'm considering almost debilitating. It started with the panic/anxiety of big places and large crowds like the city and over the years has followed me all the way back to my very own bed room, at this moment ive been in my bed for almost a week and experience mini panic attacks every time I force myself to get food or go to the bathroom. Its extremely depressing.

It feels like every year that passes a little bit of my freedom is taken from me by my own mind, just when I thought I was making progress a new symptom arises to ruin things.

To summarise my symptoms id say constant dizziness and a feeling like I'm going to faint or that I'm weaker than I should be, I get the usual pains all over as well as twitches and spasms. I'd say my biggest problem is this dizziness and weakness, I just can't overcome it.. things like chest pains or twitches I can bare with until eventually I overcome them but the feeling of being unbalanced and weak is just so beyond scary that its holding me down from any progress. Is there a way to overcome this, do you experience the same?

Sorry for the long post i hope im doing this right. Thanks

[Agora1]

Hi suriael and yes you did post this completely right. I'd like to Welcome you to a safe

site to come to so as to help you not feel so alone. I too had extreme fear and anxiety which made my world get smaller and smaller until I was even afraid to look out the window or door of my house. I was locked shut in my home for 5 years and told I was suffering from

Agoraphobia. (this is another off shoot of severe anxiety)

Unless we address the reason we are so fearful of life, the cycle of fear will continue getting bigger. Fear comes from a stray thought in our mind which we end up believing. It takes away our rational thinking and puts us in corner cowering with fear.

There is a book written by Dr. Claire Weekes "Hope & Help for Your Nerves" that can be

a start for you in accepting anxiety as a lie. It is not reality but a figment of our imagination gone wild. Her videos are also on YouTube and may be worth watching to help you get started. I'm glad you are here with us. Know that you are not alone. You will hear from many who are going through the same as you.

My anxiety is in the past now. I am here to pass my success forward and to support anyone who is ready to get better. Welcome new friend xx

[suriael in reply to Agora1]

I appreciate the kind welcome and love that your story has ultimately turned successful in battles against anxiety, ill check out the info you provided and hopefully work on turning my own path for the better.

[Agora1 in reply to suriael]

suriael, remember we are only a message away and will be more than ready to support you. We care. xx

[Superzob]

Sounds very much like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which I used to suffer from for months at a time, though not for such an extended period as you have. Mine started from chronic prostate pain after a severe infection, and I suspect it caused me to become depressed and eventually had to retire (slightly) early on medical grounds. That seemed to do the trick (though not for the pain!), so I suspect that there is a strong connection between CFS (previously referred to as ME), depression, stress and anxiety. So the answer seems to be to remove the stress in your life, though I realise that's easier said than done in many cases - and it's not always obvious what the major stressors are! Maybe speak to a mental health professional who understands this sort of thing, and you may find even that discussion will provide you with a bit of hope, as you are not alone and recovery is entirely possible.

[upawall]

Have you seen a doctor or therapist about this? You're obviously suffering terribly and I understand completely. I have had all of those symptoms at one time or another. Likely, you're weak from staying in bed so long. That can also make you feel faint. Do you live with anyone? Maybe get up, get dressed, and gradually walk around outside with someone you trust. Many of your symptoms are related to hyperventilation. You can find slow breathing exercises online. I've just started doing them and hopefully they will help.

[suriael in reply to upawall]

Thanks for the reply, ive since been to the doc and essentially had someone helping me start the day off.. I still feel the dizzy off balance feeling and bad moments but im just doing my best to move along with it, I do feel alot better thanks to some help from a friend. Im begining some CBT type excercises too. I agree with your hyperventilation hypothesis as i often catch myself breathing too fast.

thanks again