Anxiety sufferers! scary thoughts...am i alone?
353850
No you're not alone.  I also suffer from anxiety and have the same worries.  I also suffer from depression, and my anxiety can be quite severe.  At one point about 2 years ago, when I was changing medication, as the one I was on wasn't working, this caused my brain to really flip out and I started suffering anxiety in relation to events that happened 10 years or more ago, and worrying that I'd done something bad, sick, perverted or whatever and that it was going to rebound on me (even though there was no proof, and no one else thought that what'd I'd done was anything like what I'd feared).  My thought patterns became so bad that I thought I was really bad and deserved to die and that if everyone else knew what I'd done, they would think I deserved to die too.  I ended up in the psych ward of the local hospital for about 12 days.\n\nMy reaction was probably quite severe though, and at least partly caused by the medication change, and my circumstances at the time.\n\nOne thing that helped me was Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which helps you change the way you think about things, and ask yourself questions when these thoughts occur, like what's the worst that can happen if what I'm thinking is true, and then is that worst thing really actually likely to happen etc.  You should ask your psychiatrist about this if you are not already doing it!\n\nI should also add that at my worst, 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with not just depression and anxiety, but panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and social phobia.  I'm not saying I'm 100% now, but I'm definitely better, and I can live relatively normally!
160650
It sounds like you suffer from anxiety disorder as well as some depression. They usually go hand in hand. I would recommend talking to a doctor, there are some support groups as well as self help books you can get. The self help books may be a good start if you are not keen on socializing with others just yet.
821718
I have an anxiety disorder, but its an everyday occurence rather than on just the monthly gift. Yes that is panic attack sympton, but there are many others as well. Such as heart pounding, dizzyness, cold sweat, the feeling like you going to pass out, buzzing in the head, etc.\n\nSo when you get these feeling an you begin to worry about when it going to happen next and then that can lead to an anxiety disorder. But my question is; where is this anxiety coming from?, is there a specific worry or thought that the attack is centered around. If it becomes to much to handle, or worse go talk to a doctor and see what happening. I wish I can help you more but that odd that it only happens when you get the ole mighty gift. I wish you luck hun.
522887
I get them too, and I seem to notice them at the same time you do -- maybe it's because we are finally resting or whatever, so they seems to stand out compared to when we are rushing about during the day.  I was told they can be from anxiety even if you aren't feeling especially anxious at that particular moment.  I got scared when they kept happening to me, and that's what my doctor said she thought was causing it.  If you have had an EKG, though, I think you are pretty safe.  I'm sort of glad to know I'm not the only one!
337888
I never used to have any fears when i was young.  As im getting older i seem to have loads.  I tend to be too overcautious with life nowadays!  It seems mad but crossing a bridge and looking over the wall to see the ducks in the rivers water is more of now a nail-biting experience.  The only thing i can suggest is a slow step, by step to conquer the fears.  It hasn't yet worked for me, the river that is by that bridge i dread, brings alot of insecurities for me.  A friend died near their from hypertherma and think its a case for me digging up the griefing part of things..  You never know but there could be a reason behind the lift you dread to take to fifth floor.  Theres a lot of emotional tree branches that our brain tend to keep a lock onto...!  Release the locks with the keys you hold in your hand.
1157327
I agree with that whole nasty cylce thing above.  It for sure is.  It is not easy to deal with.  If your PCP(primary doc) knows you better, it is probably better to take the medication they prescribed.  Those anxiety attacks are hard to deal with, they are scary.  The sooner you start taking it the sooner it will start working.  \n\nYour working out and eating healthy should have helped keep you on track, but sometimes extra stresses in life will bring this on.  Stress can do so much to a body physically, even when you are healthy.  \n\nMaybe try to meditate.  Just take a few minutes for yourself each day to clear your head of the stressful things in your life.  try to picture something nice during this time a relaxing beach, or nothing at all.  something right for you.  good luck.
410210
I also suffer with some of the same problems as you.Don't be afraid to go to the specialist. Let him know about your anxiety disorder. If you are still frightened,ask a close friend to go with you to the doctors. It is important to make an appointment as soon as you can, and you will get all the answers from the doctors. Good luck!
273312
I was diagnosed with panic attacks and they are truly horrifying. I really sympathsize with you because most people who haven't had one think "you can talk yourself out of it."  I was prescribed Paxil and valium but the side effects of the Paxil sounded just as bad as the attacks. This sounds kind of silly but it helped me to use products containing Lavender. At bed time I use a lavender room spray for my pillow and lavender bubble bath etc. I thought it was silly when someone told me lavender contained a natural calming effect but it has helped me a lot. Plus, I got rid of the most stressful thing in my life... A creepy ex boyfriend! Good luck to you and remember that us worryworts usually make  mountains out of a molehills!
429965
I have suffered from anxiety for about 13 years now.  It comes and goes in my life for no reason. I have tried drugs but the side effects were bad.  I have found that contrary to popular belief, you can control these attacks.  Just find something that makes you feel safe a friend a child a place that you take comfort in. Just close your eyes and think about that. Take deep slow breaths, and just understand that you are never alone.   I used to like to be close to my babies. Just being close made me feel so calm. If you are in a public place try tapping.  It sounds silly but just tap your fingers on something. It seems like it releases some for the energy from the anxiety.  Good luck and know that there are millions of people that suffer with you.
838951
Hi.  If you are having panic attacks, I know what you are going through ... you are not alone.\n\nIn no particular order, here are a slew of chat & support sites :\n\n\nhttp://panicdisorder.about.com/od/onlinesupport/Online_Support_Groups_for_Anxiety_Disorders.htm\n\nhttp://chat.healthyplace.com/\n\nhttp://www.findthelight.net/anxiety/GAD.htm\n\nhttp://www.findthelight.net/forum/login.asp\n\nhttp://www.algy.com/anxiety/ib/index.php\n\nhttp://www.panicsurvivor.com/\n\nhttp://www.anxietypanic.com/chatinfo.html\n\nhttp://www.healthyplace.com/communities/anxiety/site/support_groups.asp\n\n\nI hope you'll find the help you need in one or more of the above sites.  Hang in there; I know it's probably hard to believe just now, but you WILL get through this ... there ARE brighter days ahead.\n\nBest of Luck to you !
959340
I think you have anxiety attacks.....or maybe if related to social situations it's social phobia. \nSymptoms are:\nRepeated episodes of intense fear that strike often and without warning. \nChest pain \nHeart palpitations \nShortness of breath \nDizziness \nAbdominal distress \nFeelings of unreality, and fear of dying \nFatigue \nTrembling \nMuscle tension \nHeadache \nNausea \n\nAre some social situations bothering you? Do you feel all these symptoms? If so, don't feel scared...you just gave a name for it, but it is curable so you better find some psychologist to talk to, he would find a good way to over come this. My fiancee suffers from social phobia, and it isn't easy but he is battling it and now feels much better :) If you have social phobia, visit this site, i think it could help you a lot:\nwww.socialanxietysupport.com\nAnd if you need someone to talk to, feel free to write me an email:\nlina_girl06@yahoo.com\n\nGood luck! And hang in there!
800771
This is a serious illness in which I also have.  I take medication and go to cognitive behavioral therapy.  This helps you to "train" and "change" your thoughts from bad ones and get rid of the "what ifs."\n\nI usually suffer when driving and it is scary.  Hang in there, I know that it is a long fight, but maybe it is good to know that you are not alone :)
938737
Try meditation before bed. \nI think you have unconfronted issues of anxiety - you say that you don't worry, but you had cancer, so it's pretty unnatural not to worry in such a situation. Sooner or later you'll have to face your fears, even though your attitude is very positive, please allow yourself to admitt this small weakness. You may also want to try counselling.
113871
You are not alone! Try to not let your self esteem be your worst enemy. You remind me of me. I have to force myself to not isolate. Have you considered you may be depressed? I started taking medication in '01 and life has become better. I'm not so "scared" of people. It's hard to change but it can be done. I found a wonderful man who accepts me for who I am and he loves me so much. You are a unique individual and believe it or not, no matter what people say or how they treat you, you have something unique to share with this world. Hope this helps. :-)
859236
I have been that lonely.  I know exactly how you feel.  Don't you wish you were in a tent were nobody could enter.  I have anxiety attacks therefore hated being with people.  Im depressed.  I thought everyone was talking about me or laughing at me.  I still hate big places and stay out of them.  I went to a doctor and am on medication.  Now I even drive.   I still get lonely sometimes but i could get out and can stand being in a party for a while.  you may have anxiety disorder with panic attacks.  good luck
431164
I really want to help you with this question, but I don't think I have quite enough information.  Reoccurring thoughts leads me to believe there is at least a shadow symptom of obsessive compulsive disorder.  If I knew more about the situation I beleive I could help you better, but your problem is most likely from anxiety and you should be careful that you don't associate the feelings you have about the thoughts with something else.  This would cause a phobia.\n\nYou can try using positive or negative reinforcement in this situation.  That is rewarding yourself for not repeating the behavior or, encouraged moreso, punishing yourself when you do.  I don't mean anything harsh, but a simple rubberband snap or something like that can help you to slowly dismantle the habbit.  You can always go see a councelor as well, or even psychiatrist... If I knew more about the situation than my suggestions could be more pinpointed.\n\nDon't give into the people saying "tough it out" or anything like that.  That is tough to do and some problems are difficult for people who have not experienced something similar to comprehend.  Keep a positive attitude about it.\n\nI would like to be able to help more, but I can't... If you want to get in touch with me look me up through my avatar, I opened my email, just make sure to include something  about your message on here.
434277
This is based on personal experience. Last year, I have a lot of thing bugging my mind where I keep worrying on my job, my study, my family etc. I have contacted specialists when I came to the point that my worries affect my health and I was diagnosed to have anxiety disorders. Specialists suggest that I would go on treatment but I have choosen the alternatives. Basically, its not just mind over matter but your attitude over matters. When you choose to worry, the more you became anxious that it would affect your health. The main goal would be how to air out that worries and I have succesfully tried the following to air it out:\n\n1. Grab a pen and paper. Write it down and eventually you'll notice that like the ink, it would stick not in your barin but to the paper.\n\n2. Take out an emo, metal or rock CD of your preference and sing your worries out with it.\n\n3. Get involved in lifting weights or exercise and work your worries out in tiredness that would benefit you.\n\n4. Evolve from a worrier to an optimist and maintain this attitude even for a day and it would eventually stacked up daily. It's your choice to smile or frown and you will no the effects affterwards.\n\n5. Pray and ask for help from other. There are somethings that are heavy that we alone can't carry out.\n\nGood luck pal!