Anxiety - Henrico,VA

Perhaps you should try a daily meditation. The subconsious issues causing your anxiety won't go away immediately, but the meditation will help with the calming of your mind :-) Good luck!

I agree with Ivonne M. in that it is best to rule out a physical cause before you psyche yourself out more. There are a lot of reasons that our body chemistry can go haywire and so it's best to really know what you are dealing with.

The other thing I would recommend (as someone who has fought anxiety my whole life) is that its critical that you 1) identify the exact moment when you noticed it getting worse, and 2) be very forgiving with yourself about what you are going through.

If you can figure out about when it started getting worse, it's easier to connect the anxiety to a specific reason -- for instance, I can see your shopping anxiety being a manifestation of worry about money or security, or perhaps a feeling of being overwhelmed by choices/identity issues. Only you can say for sure, but the closer you can get to the heart of your anxiety, the more you can start to help yourself face your fears.

The reason I say be nice to yourself is that if you start getting anxious (and perhaps angry at yourself) for feeling anxiety, then there is this whole feedback loop thing that is very hard to get out of. The truth is that life is damn hard and we all have different ways of coping with that. It's completely okay to have the feelings you do. Really. I find that the more forgiving I am with myself, the more forgiving I am with others...and the anxiety starts to really lessen.

The best advice I was ever given was this: focus on where you want to go, not on what you are afraid of.

First, this is only my experience, which means that it may not work at all for you, but since what you're experiencing sounds so familiar, I wanted to write about how I improved my situation. I'm 38 and have two small children, so you know where I'm coming from. Like you, I'm basically a happy person with a great husband and nice life.

This started happening to me (I would start panicking and hyperventilating over small things like getting stuck in traffic) about 2 1/2 years ago. It was also making my insomniac habits even worse. I'm sure it was a vicious cycle of anxiety and exhaustion. I was also losing my temper and screaming hysterically nearly every day. Again, the temper was triggered by small things. I noticed the same mild agoraphobia and OCD behaviors, too. About a year ago, feeling desperate, I was on the verge of going to a doctor to ask for some kind of anti-anxiety medicine. I hate meds. I hate how almost all of them make me feel, even mild medications like antihistamines, so you can imagine this was going to be a last resort.

By coincidence, I saw a link on the Internet and followed it. To make a long story short, I really changed my diet. It was pretty healthy already, but I still made radical changes. I was inspired by stories of people who turned their health around by adopting "raw" or "living food" diets. I didn't go totally raw, but I changed the proportions of my diet so that, every day, about 70-90% of what I eat is fresh fruits and vegetables. I also eat whole grains, small amounts of organic dairy and meat, fish, and some dark chocolate. I cut most, but not all, caffeine from my diet. I cut out ALL the fake packaged health foods, convenience foods, chocolate-covered pretzels, etc. It was a little difficult at first, but wow has it been worth it!! Not only have the anxiety attacks gone away, but I haven't have a cold in a year. I almost never lose my temper now, even when the kids are pushing me as hard as they can. I also have more energy than ever before. I know this sounds too good to be true, but it is. (I also lost some weight and my baby gut, although that wasn't my goal)

Anyway, like I said before, diet may have nothing to do with it in your case, but I would suggest to anyone to at least try a super-healthful diet before taking any medications. It could make a difference.

hee, hee. i had to laugh at the volume thing. i do the exact same thing. the first time i had the tunnel vision type attack i was driving in baltimore city. there was no where to stop or pull over. it was very scary. you need to find two doctors pronto. a psychologist and a therapist. don't worry, most places offer sliding scales so if you make less you pay less. you may also want to think which is more important cable (insert luxury of your choice here) or good mental health. be wary of taking herbal stuff without the help of a doctor. people seem to think because there are "natural" they are not drugs. not so, many of these herbs are dangerous when taken without supervision. i'm not anti-alternative medicine. just know that they just like other drugs only without FDA approval so be careful. good luck!

This is from a friend who deals with anxiety. I hope it helps! A.
I understand it completely. Anxiety/panic disorder. The attacks are scary and can often times feel like your dying. I was on meds. for a couple years. At first 5 mg then up to 65 mg plus of paxil on top of zanax and whatever else they thought would help. I was a walking zombie. I weaned myself off those and I found my own way that helps for me, "ride" through the attacks. Praying, Christian music, leaning on my husband...Interestingly enough is I don't have those attacks when I go to church.
I don't go to the doctors. It is too hard to do it. If I make an appointment, I always end up canceling it, because I just can't do it. If I have to go to inside the bank, I usually freak out and have to run to the car a mess. 97% of the time, I don't go anywhere without my husband and son. But I do try very hard to fight the good fight and make myself do something little...like take my son to school and pick him up or when I am feeling good, go to the little thrift store where we live. It takes every bit of courage and strength in me to do that. But I can't let it beat me. A couple of years ago, I was a shut in, in my bedroom for a long time. Never coming out of there except to go to the bathroom and take showers. I am better from that now, but every now and then I will end up in my room for days or weeks. Sadly many outside yourself, don't understand this condition and can not relate. Trying to explain it is very difficult and emotional. Because you just don't want to be this way and want so bad to be "normal" and do "normal" things. Usually it is immediate family who live with you get the clear understanding of how this disorder is and the effects.
There is a web site called medhelp.org. It is a wonderful site for support. I recommend it. I would search Christian sites as well. Kim

R.,
If I was you I would try my best to go see a doctor. You really don't want this to escalate and really get to a point of no return. In the meantime, I would try to see if you can have a friend or husband, relative etc. go with you to the store when you need to go. Maybe having that support there will help you out; in the meanwhile that you find a doctor you can go see. Go to your primary doctor and have him/her refer you to a specialist. Have yourself a cup of tea before you go out, and try to relax as much as possible.
But please, try to get professional help as soon as you can.
Blessings

I have a child whose anxiety comes out in the form of OCD and just want to urge you to seek help from the medical community. It's not a cop-out or the least bit embarrassing to talk to a mental health professional. So, so many people do it. When we take our son to his psychiatrist appts., the waiting room is jam packed with other families. I would guess the adult side is just as busy. Any time I open up about our situation to others, I hear stories of children and adults who've benefiting from medical help for their anxiety issues.

There are ways you can greatly reduce your anxiety that can bring you a more fulfilling and relaxing life. Our son takes a medication that has made a huge difference for him. He's just a happier boy now that he's less anxious.

Good luck!

This sounds like panic attacks; they are awful; I feel your pain! This may sound odd, but singing really helps anxiety. I think it may have something to do with the way you have to breathe when you sing. Now, obviously, I realize you can't sing in the grocery store, but sing happy, upbeat songs on your way there. Keep a smile on your face and repeat to yourself "calm and relaxed", and concentrate on breathing in and out slowly, and count to ten while doing that. You could try some books on self-hynosis and/or meditation and you will also find some helpful info at: www.Relaxed-and-At-Ease.com. Good luck!

Hi R.,

I too get a lot of the symptoms you describe when I'm out and about (like it's me against the world!). It's hard when you don't know what's bringing it on but I think Brenna is on to something, it could be something else entirely that's making you feel that way. Like maybe you're experiencing a little social anxiety or agoraphobia or you don't like being in an uncontrolled environment or a fear of crowds. Just throwing ideas out there. Are you drinking a lot of caffeine? That can really create some anxiety and elevated heart rates in some people. I've also heard being deficient in magnesium and other vitamins/minerals can create anxiety. Working it out with a therapist is best to get to the root cause, but since there is the insurance issue, it's good that you reached out to other moms so at least you know you're not alone and can get a little peace of mind knowing that you're very much NORMAL! Hopefully you find some info here that makes a lightbulb go off for you. I'm sure you'll find lots of info on the web too, just read the positive stuff. Sometimes all that "googling" can backfire and you think you've got every disease in the world! Best of luck to you!

I have these a lot also and now that I'm a stay at home mom and daycare provider it has been weird I don't like going anywhere either. I finally had to be put on amitriptalin (sp) for my anxiety and panic attacks which is what sounds like you are having. Good Luck and god bless

I completely applaud you for posting this situation for the world to see. Congratulations on being so brave.

I, too, have anxiety-related issues that have never really been dealt with or managed by a physician. But, I've never experienced what you explained.

My ability to relate came after I finished chemo and was told I'd responded successfully and was cancer free. No one teaches you how to be a survivor, and because you've been so sick, a simple case of bad gas makes you think you're dying of stomach cancer.

The best way for me to manage that anxiety was to see a counselor who dealt with cancer patients, survivorship, etc. We were very fortunate to have insurance cover the majority of the costs, so I honestly wouldn't know how to advise if that's an issue.

But, I at least want to let you know you're not alone, and there are many, many people who feel the same as you. Anti-anxiety and Depression medications are some of the most prescribed meds in the US - most people simply don't share their experiences.

Good luck!

You need to try to see a doctor about this. Start with a primary care physician to get a prescription for some type of anxiolytic medication. If health insurance is a problem, most counties offer community-based mental health services that might be able to assist you. Your symptoms are definitely treatable and once treated would tremendously improve your quality of life.

First of all, good for you for being so self-aware and brave to state your personal challenge and to seek insight and advice. I too have experienced mild anxiety -- not to the extent you described -- but I can relate to some of its affect.

I would recommend that you try to find someone within your means to talk to. If your anxiety increased following your birth, maybe the insurance will cover it....Can you speak with your primary care physician???

If not, there is a book I was recommended "Without Freud, without Prozac". -- a guide to natural healing etc. I have not read it yet...but I put it out there for you to think about.

take care of you and keep us all posted.

Hi R., I have all the sympathy in the world for you. I have had anxiety attacks before and I have been through depression. No one should be unkind to you. I sincerely, though would urge you to get some professional help for this -- if you look at it as a health problem, you know that sometimes you just need to go to the doctor. Plus, the symptoms you are describing may well end in a car accident. Most communities have some free mental health services -- sometimes religious organizations have trained counselors. You might not need a high-priced psychologist or psychiatrist -- just someone sympathetic and understanding and with the training to both listen in a caring way and help.

R.,

Find a way to go to a psychiatrist. The medications for this medical issue are very effective and you can feel better, even for the "stupid" stuff. Incidentally, that kind of stuff is very debilitating too, you can find releif for all of it, there is no "point of no return" so give yourself permission to get help. You deserve to feel better!

M.

No, I know you are NOT a nut job. I believe many of us can experiences this type of anxiety we just have many different things that trigger it. I am not Doctor so this is just what I do to handle any time I get anxious. It helps if I pray I am very big on that and it calms me down and takes my mind off what is causing my anxiety. I also count to ten and take in slow deep breaths and breath out slowly this also calms my heart rate down and my nerves. May be if you also started with short trips out for a short amount of time and then work your way up to longer trips.
You also my want to consult your physician if it does not get better and seek further professional advice on what is the best course of action. I can imagine how the insurance can play a siginificant role is going to the Doc. I will be praying for you and that is will get better and you can learn how to manage it, I know it is not easy.

Hang in there mama! I can relate a lot to what you posted. I’ve been there. I thought I was the only WOMAN that got anxiety from shopping!!! I know that may sound stereotypical, but I guess I judged myself for it. So thanks for posting this.
I have been trying difference sources to manage both my depression and OCD since college, like chiropractic adjustments, yoga, medications, and vitamins. Recently I started taking an herbal supplement called Luminex to help with my anxiety and it has been so helpful in improving my overall mood. It may be something for you to look into. It contains natural ingredients like St Johns Wart, griffonia seed, folate, and vitamin B12. Its not recommended to be taken with other medications, but it could be something that works for you.