Anxiety - Waterloo,IA

My anxiety got much worse after my last baby. My doctor says it's related to post partum and perimenopause in my case. Here are my experiences: Feeling overwhelmed with daily things, getting irritated easily, heart races, adrenalin rush, OCD symptoms, a constant need to strive for perfection--yet that goal never seems to be fully achieved. Depression is followed by feeling a lack of accomplishment, lack of energy, no desire to do things yet alone enjoy life in general; and overall sense of hopelessness and dispair. I was put on Effexor three weeks ago...and I feel much better. I can cope better and there is a light at the end of the darkness. The key factor in all of this is to is attitude. Try to remain positive and open to medication. As one poster also mentioned, exercise is important...it keeps the good juices flowing in the body:)

Hope this helps,

M.

Markasa gave you an excellent post, so I would recommend reading that a few times!

I wanted to add that the classic hallmark of anxiety is thinking endless "what if" thoughts. If I take my children to the mall, I wonder "what if" someone grabs one of them? What will I do with the other while I run for the first? If I drive on the interstate, "what if" that car over there moves into my lane too fast? What would I do? I worry SO MUCH about the "what if" moments that it becomes easier not to take the kids to the mall or drive on the interstate, etc., because I then I don't have to worry about something possibly happening. Of course, then I worry "what if" I'm affecting my children by keeping them home too much...the list goes on and on!

To me, that is anxiety/OCD in my life. I worry and obsess about the worries, so I've created "compulsions" (the C in OCD) to help get me through them. For example, if I step on the 5th step twice, then I won't fall down the stairs. They don't make sense, but without the therapy I went through and medication, I literally can't walk down stairs (or do hundreds of other tasks) without doing some little routine.

Your symptoms don't seem to match the anxiety that I know about all too well. I have high blood pressure (probably from all the anxiety!) and it sounds like you may be dealing with that or possibly a blood sugar issue or even a pregnancy. At worse, possibly depression more than anxiety.

Best of luck with whatever it turns out to be and I do hope you go see a doctor this week to make a game plan to get rid of these yucky feelings!

3 of your symptoms (dizzy, nausea, and fatigue) are symptoms of pregnancy. Can you be pregnant? If you are anxious or feel depressed, see a psychiatrist and maybe you should take some medication. Otherwise, go do a home pregnancy test!

there are alot of different symptoms. sometimes for me, if things get all crazy my heart starts raceing and i get jittery. i just take really deep breaths thro my nose and try to calm down. just try and do the breathing thing, thats what work for me. let me kno if u want to kno more

Here's one webpage which explains the symptoms of anxiety attacks and anxiety disorder:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anxiety_types_symptoms_tr...

There is, of course, a difference in the occasional anxious moments most of us have, like when we have to speak in front of a group, go in for a review/interview with an employer, or taking a test. Those less-common moments in life--that sort of anxiety is considered pretty typical.

And then, of course, there are those of us who stay awake worrying about things that are unlikely to happen, upset about things we can't change, worried that the sky is going to fall in on our heads. I don't know anyone who hasn't had some of those moments at one time or another.

I have found that having a therapist or counselor to talk to can help. (Sometimes, it really helps to say out loud "I am afraid when the babysitter takes my kid on the train that they're going to get separated." It actually gives our anxiety less power.) If you believe you have some anxiety that could be related to postpartum issues, or if it's causing you trouble in functioning and being present, please see your doctor. They will be able to help refer you to the right person, and talking with that person, you might find out if medication is helpful.

Some prefer to take a more natural approach (I do) and talk to a naturopath. I have had very good results with herbal supplements and tinctures. I can't recommend the supplements to anyone due to body chemistry, however, a tincture of valerian or valerian and hops, taken as directed, can help. If you do try this, start with a lowest dose first. Valerian is the herb that valium is based on; bear in mind, however, that taking too much can have the reverse effect and make a person more wired and anxious, so use thoughtfully. Skullcap can also help with sleep, if this is being affected as well, and again, use strictly according to directions. Herbs are not something to mess with. And like Page suggested, getting out of the house for walks and exercise and a change of scene can help-- avoid the mall, if you can, and try for parks and more serene walking paths.

This can be a trying time of year. Best wishes!

I would go to your General practitioner first and get a referal if you need one. Anxiety it extreem worry about all kinds of things, and most people are going to start a post like this by talking about the thing they are anxious about, not begin with dizzy and nauseated.

Depression and anxiety go hand in hand sometimes, and you can have physical symtoms with depression, but since you have phsical symptoms, start with your doctor, then get a referal to a phsychiatrist if that is what you need.

M.

I suggest you see a doctor for a check up and to discuss how you're feeling. I haven't had dizziness and nausea when anxious, but when i have had those symptoms it's been related to something like a blood sugar imbalance or serious sleep deprivation, for example. Feeling depressed, worried and tired are definitely symptoms of anxiety. Rescue Remedy is a herbal remedy for anxiety. I'm not a medical professional, I'm just sharing my experience, but if it is causing you a great deal of discomfort, please see a doctor, counselor or naturopath. Good luck.

It could be anxiety or stress. Similar but slightly different. Try drinking some chamomile tea and listening to relaxing music. Meditating also helps, clear your mind and relax your body just stay in a deep meditation for about 30 minutes, breath deeply inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth slow steady breathing.
Exercise also helps. When we are feeling stressed we respond in the fight or flight response as in cavemen times. Our bodies build up adrenalin and the over-production makes us tired and we will often experience the same symtoms you have. By doing 30 minutes of cardio at least 3 times a week we burn off the adrenalin and we are able to relax again. The cardio can be in any form, taking a walk or run, dancing , swimming, pounding nails, bike riding or using an exercise video. It doesn't happen over night but we will start to feel better.

I've had it, especially when my kids were little. Exercise was and is my remedy.

Symptoms can range from as little as a general feeling of anxiousness to as much as panic attacks, hypochondria and OCD symptoms. I've had the whole range.