Any anxiety "experts" around?

[BWVDenise]

For the past few weeks, my anxiety has been causing physical pain. I was wondering if anyone is familiar with this and has any solutions that might really help (other than medication).
I do exercise, and I get a few hours a day to myself but it doesn't help.

 

[Christine]

I have been dealing with an anxiety disorder for years (using *barely* any medication). Can you be more specific about your pain and what you are experiencing?

 

[BWVDenise]

The pain is in my throat, chest, and sometimes shoots up to my eye. And when I have it, I feel like I can't breathe (but of course, I can breathe because I don't pass out or anything like that).
I've taken meds for anxiety and other problems in the past and I really don't want to go down that road again.

 

[tlgoblue]

Are you sure the pain isn't bringing on the anxiety? I would see a Dr. about any knid of shortness of breath accompanied by radiating pain. Just because you are still breathing, doesn't mean ther isn't a physical problem. See a Dr. and rule out anything physical.

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[Christine]

Denise,
Does this pain feel "muscular" or more "internal" such as digestive. What you describe if muscular could be due to constricting muscle. However, when you describe the throat, I immediately think of acid reflux disease, which can be caused by anxiety or can actually bring on anxiety attacks. When my reflux disease is acting up I will get shortness of breath, fluttery heart, or racing heart. I've learned now that it is reflux so I no longer panic, but it is definitely uncomfortable. Does any of this sound like it fits your symptoms?

 

[BWVDenise]

Christine,
I guess that is possible. It's just that it gets really bad when the kids get home from school and start the usual bickering, yelling at each other, whining, etc. I'm sure it is no worse than any other house with kids in it, but I can't block it out and it makes me

 

[MidwestPiglet]

I used to get these very symptoms -- they can be so very frustrating!

I've had huge success with a program from the Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety -- www.stresscenter.com. They also have a message board that is very helpful in getting support for anxiety's symptoms.

Good luck to you -- hang in there!!!

 

[Christine]

Well, I know you don't want to use meds, but what I find that works for me is "as needed" Xanax. I cannot use the SSRIs-they heighten my anxiety and give me ALL kind of other symptoms. But there are times that I have to go to a meeting or get in some other situation where I obviously tense up and I will sometimes get a sore jaw and headache. I have tried to go "drug free" but then I find that I get more tense and then the NEXT time I have to go somewhere uncomfortable, my anticipatory anxiety is even worse. I am really ant-medication too because I've had such bad experiences. I really have to force myself to use the Xanax.

Since this is happening at home, do you think some kind of relaxation techniques would work? I don't hold much stock in them for myself as I find that certain things are impossible to do in an office setting, but being at home is different.