Greetings

[jimbroker]

Have stumbled upon this site quite by chance....then again it is said that everything happens for a reason...in either case am truly happy that there is a site such as this that focuses on topics...in this case anxiety, fear, and the resulting muscle tension, headaches, insomnia and the host of other bodily symptoms present when anxiety strikes. For me, when these symptoms strike, they only increase my anxiety even though I know that it was the anxiety that caused them in the first place, there is always that 'what if?' thought.....that something else is wrong....hence a vicious cycle...again, am honored to be here......blessings jim

[Vsbythesea]

Health anxiety is a difficult thing to deal with. That feeling of dread that something "horrible" is wrong with you or someone you cherish might be ill. I've struggled with this my whole life, but Grace has helped me through the tough times and learning to be grateful for the good moments. Hope your New Year is peaceful.

[jimbroker in reply to Vsbythesea]

Amen! Yes, when there is a sense of relief from the constant fears that are being described, no matter how brief there exists a great deal of gratitude indeed! A blessed New Year to you

[Hidden]

Hello

Me to I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason , sometimes we learn what that reason was and sometimes we never do but on this occasion it is really nice to read your post and realize the reason you came upon this Community was because there are so many people just like you and you can talk to them and they know exactly how you are feeling

Nice to have you on here even though I wish we were all here for better reasons than anxiety

Take Care x

[jimbroker in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your kind words and support......

[Hidden in reply to jimbroker]

Its a pleasure and a Happy New Year to you x

[jimbroker in reply to Hidden]

Happy New Year!

[shoppaholicsue Star]

Welcome! There is always someone here who has been through what you are going through. and we all have plenty of advice and suggestions.

Sue

[jimbroker in reply to shoppaholicsue]

Thank you

[Hidden]

You are very welcome here Jim and I hope that you will find the level of understanding and support that I have.

[jimbroker in reply to Hidden]

I seem to have already....and am very new here....thank you Hidden....and Happy New year....

[Agora1]

Hi Jim, welcome to a group of sensitive, supporting people. I too, found this site by chance when my forum had closed. (that alone put me into an anxiety attack).

People here really care about each other because they know what it is like to suffer from anxiety. If you are like most of us, we all want to know where the symptoms are coming from and yet when we do find out it is anxiety, it doesn't close the book.

The "what if" thought lingers on. If I had a dollar for every "what if" I've had over the years, I'd be rich. Blessings to you and a Happy New Year!

[jimbroker in reply to Agora1]

Amen....me too therefore move over Bill Gates! Seems fear is supposed to prompt one to take action, in my case it tends to make me shy away from doctors......seems to backfire......An excellent and groundbreaking book on anxiety called "Paradoxical Relaxation" terms this the 'flight, fight or freeze' response....for me, it would seem to be the latter......Happy New year and thank you for you response

[Agora1 in reply to jimbroker]

It's good to see you haven't lost your sense of humor.

Thanks for the recommendation of the book. I'm always

looking to do research in finding out what makes us tick.

I know what you mean about the "freeze" response, I'm with

you. Take care Jim.

[Agora1 in reply to jimbroker]

Jim, I checked on Amazon for Paradoxical Relaxation and it sells for $179. ($101 for used)

I'm thinking of having our library get it for me and then I can take it out

on loan. I never saw a book cost that much. It does sound great.

[jimbroker in reply to Agora1]

That sounds like a misprint? I ordered it for under $30. Perhaps check Barnes and Noble.com ? All the best to you. 😉

[dizzychar]

I am constantly thinking what ifs. I feel a symptom one day and think the worst, and if I get a different one I think it's something else. I hate it, it's so annoying, worrying, it's hard and upsetting

[jimbroker in reply to dizzychar]

It is unrelenting.....seems one day that which seemed so real.....goes away.....I think I would learn....but each new time there is that voice that not only says 'what if' but.....this time it's different....it is a real concern...and the beat goes on.....

[Agora1]

I agree. If we don't respond to one symptom, you can be sure another one will take it's place and make us worry. It is upsetting.

[dizzychar]

Yes, very hard not to respond, it seems 'normal' for me to think about my body, I do it automatically! Then I start the prodding and poking and thinking about things even more! So hard not to do it

[jimbroker in reply to dizzychar]

Unfortunately....I know exactly what you mean.....there is one unique book by David Wise called "Paradoxical Relaxation" about treating anxiety with his unique brand of relaxation.......maybe not for everyone but I try to mention it every chance I get.....blessings

[jimbroker]

Thank you ALL for your kindness, support and responses. As I think back (only for the purpose of clearly seeing all that I thought was wrong was so unsupported by fact) I see the unbelievable time, energy drain and emotional trauma that these fears have cost this body...lol...All is well now....but, am thinking of actually writing a book on my experiences....not that I claim in anyway to have cornered the market on suffering of this kind, but to attempt to bring about better understanding of certain disorders and thus possibly reduce stigma....which I'm sure we all are painfully aware....( I have one published book on spirituality) and a wonderful editor who supports me.....Happy New year to all......jim