Constantly anxious and exhausted

[eternalsunsh1ne]

A week ago I got up too quick and fainted for the first time in my life and since then I've been feeling faint, my legs have been week and I'm so worried about it happening again.

Basically, I've agreed to work in a friend of a friends pub tomorrow because they need extra help and I'm so scared I'm going to pass out. I know that standing for a long time causes me to feel light headed also and I'm going to be on my feet for hours tomorrow. I'm already anxious over things like not knowing table numbers and serving the wrong food, doing stuff wrong and embarrassing myself.

I don't want to give a bad impression by sitting down all the time when I feel it coming on but I don't want to pass out either. It will just send me into a panic attack.

I guess I just need some reassurance but what can I do to deal with being light headed and being on my feet all day?

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello eternalsunshine. There are many reasons why this may be happening to you. Sometimes our blood pressure drops too quickly and natures way of dealing with it is to put us in a position where the blood will continue to circulate to the brain. Hence falling to the ground so that the blood supply reaches the brain as we are then in a prone position. However that may not be the reason, also it is a very basic explanation of one of the reasons why this might occur. Perhaps speaking with your GP and getting your blood pressure checked out by a health professional is a good idea too. Also having anxiety about helping out at the pub maybe another reason why, especially as you don't wish to let them or your friend down.

Can you explain to them that this is happening and see what they say? They may not wish to put you under pressure to work. If you do work please ensure that you drink plenty of water throughout your shift, remember to eat too and rest when you can.

Anyway good luck in whatever you decide to do and let us know how you get on.

I am sure that the members would like to know how you are.

Folks do you have any tips for our member?

Best wishes,

MAS Nurse & Moderator.

[eternalsunsh1ne in reply to MAS_Nurse]

Thank you so much for your reply, I had my blood pressure checked a few months ago and it was completely fine but I guess it's worth going back. I thunk its the fact i have no idea what to expect that's worrying me but I'll try to remember to eat and drink. Thank you again.

[_Angela_]

Hi there I defo agree get your blood pressure checked as my mum was always passing out due to hers being so low. Maybe get a full blood count too for reassurance that you don’t have anything else going on for example a deficiency... as for the panic attacks there is medication that the doc may recommend to help with this just have a little talk about how your feeling and rest assure that if you do need to sit at one point just do it, you are far more important than the job your doing, take care of yourself first and try not to worry x

[eternalsunsh1ne in reply to _Angela_]

I had my blood pressure and full blood count checked not too long ago when I was having chest pains but everything turned out to be fine. They told me it was just anxiety and put me on a medication that I had a reaction to so had to stop taking unfortunately. I guess it's worth going back though, thank you so much.

[_Angela_ in reply to eternalsunsh1ne]

Maybe try an alternative anxiety medication I’m on propranolol and no side effects, hope you get sorted x

[eternalsunsh1ne in reply to _Angela_]

Thank you x

[Zakyukon]

I can faint from different things, too hoy, blood, getting up too fast etc. I was told something that has made a big difference for me. When I am feeling faint I ‘pump’ my calves which is tighten them real hard and let go. Do it a number of times. This has nothing to with cause or treatment. It just helps me not to faint and putting my head low between my legs while sitting. Best of luck.

[eternalsunsh1ne in reply to Zakyukon]

I've never tried that before, thank you so much!