The Anxiety thread

#76
#76
I'm getting hit bad with it as I type I can barely focus. Idk if it was triggered or what. My hands and legs are shaking and weak and I feel like I can't hold my phone. My head has pressure and I keep feeling faint. I have noticed my pupils slightly dilate when I feel it. And then my breathing gets weird and i have to literally start shaking myself out of it. It sucks.

Edit: just got a phone call and answered it. My voice was noticeably shaky as I talked and I am just sitting in my own house. All happened after a shower this morning. I know I literally sound like some kid complaining but it truly can be debilitating. You're not alone.
 
Last edited:
#78
#78
BruiserVol said:
I'm getting hit bad with it as I type I can barely focus. Idk if it was triggered or what. My hands and legs are shaking and weak and I feel like I can't hold my phone. My head has pressure and I keep feeling faint. I have noticed my pupils slightly dilate when I feel it. And then my breathing gets weird and i have to literally start shaking myself out of it. It sucks.

Edit: just got a phone call and answered it. My voice was noticeably shaky as I talked and I am just sitting in my own house. All happened after a shower this morning. I know I literally sound like some kid complaining but it truly can be debilitating. You're not alone.
Click to expand...
It's crazy how it just happens out of nowhere. I hope this thread can be a place we can all come to to relax and talk about it. It helps talking to people who understand
 
#79
#79
BallinVol said:
I have suffered with PTSD, Panic disorder, and GAD for 4 years now.

My first attack hit me while driving on the interstate. It was triggered due to a very bad relationship, as was my PTSD. My first attack felt much like a stroke would be I imagine, as my left side of my face went numb and I felt like I was about to pass out. I called 911 and an ambulance came and EMT's checked me out. They said my BP was elevated but everything else was good. They told me to get checked out anyways so I did. Went to Parkwest in Knoxville, as it's one of the best cardiovascular facilities around. They said everything was normal, but of course I wasn't convinced. Anxiety does this to you. You still believe in the worst.

The next few years were absolutely debilitating. Random attacks for no apparent reason, mostly in my sleep. I had several ER visits, which did nothing but rack up a bill. I finally accepted I had a mental issue going on, so I started going to therapy. It helped tremendously, but I was still having attacks, just not nearly as often.

Today I'm glad to say much of this is behind me. I still get odd feelings of anxiety at times, but it's been several months since I've had a full blown attack. I recently cleaned up my diet, going to a Ketogenic lifestyle, and believe it or not, low carbing has had a big impact on my mental health. I feel much more clear headed and don't have that constant dizziness that anxiety presented much of the time.

Anxiety is very debilitating and I feel for anyone who goes through it.

I also would like to add that since being back on vitamin d, myood has stabilized too. I do think there is a correlation between vitamin d and anxiety. Same goes with testosterone. My levels tanked again to 245 recently and I started getting the anxiety again. Its amazing what the body does.
Click to expand...
Dang that's deep. So today it's better than it was? Did a doctor tell you to increase your vitamin D?
 
#80
#80
Berry4Heisman14 said:
Dang that's deep. So today it's better than it was? Did a doctor tell you to increase your vitamin D?
Click to expand...

Yes. I see doctor Alex Alexander in Oak Ridge. He used to be a hormone specialist, but has started his own family practice. My vitamin d levels were very low and he recommended vitamin d3 with k2.

I have done much studying over the years on the effects of a vitamin d deficiency. It can cause many debilitating symptoms and can also make you more susceptible to some cancers.

I take my vitamin d in the morning with something fatty (which is easy for me considering I'm on a Keto lifestyle), as vitamin d is fat soluble. In the evening I take a chelated form of magnesium, as high dosages of vitamin d can deplete your magnesium stores. I split them up because the body will choose to absorb a majority of one, so splitting them up ensures I get the maximum effect.

My doctor recommended a level of no lower than 50 ng/ml. My levels at one time was 16 ng/ml.
 
Last edited:
#81
#81
BallinVol said:
Yes. I see doctor Alex Alexander in Oak Ridge. He used to be a hormone specialist, but has started his own family practice. My vitamin d levels were very low and he recommended vitamin d3 with k2.

I have done much studying over the years on the effects of a vitamin d deficiency. It can cause many debilitating symptoms and can also make you more susceptible to some cancers.

I take my vitamin d in the morning with something fatty (which is easy for me considering I'm on a Keto lifestyle), as vitamin d is fat soluble. In the evening I take a chelated form of magnesium, as high dosages of vitamin d can deplete your magnesium stores. I split them up because the body will choose to absorb a majority of one, so splitting them up ensures I get the maximum effect.

My doctor recommended a level of no lower than 50 ng/ml. My levels at one time was 16 ng/ml.
Click to expand...

I take both of those as well. Along with potassium.
B-12 injections and testosterone injections.
 
#82
#82
Obsessed said:
This may just apply to me, but you guys should have your hormone levels checked. My guy hormones were out of whack throwing my body and mind out of normal parameters.

My doctor gave me meds to bring my levels back up and I feel much better. My mind is clear and I have more energy. No napping and it makes me want to do my projects I've put off. Oh, and no anxiety.

I think the levels being where they need to be has me not second guessing myself.

I can't really explain it. I just know it works for me and I don't have to take any other drugs.
Click to expand...

Same here. I had very low testosterone which was not causing the depression and anxiety but it was definitely multiplying it. I was able to find a solution after several doctors that didn't involve testosterone therapy and now my levels are back to normal.

Also I would suggest getting your heart checked out, because part of my panic attacks were because I had mild valve prolapse. It caused heart flutters that varied from barely noticable to it felt like my heart stopped for a second. It's very common for people that have it to suffer from panic attacks and anxiety and a few times I legit thought I was having a heart attack. Once a cardiologist finally caught a flutter on an EKG and did a full echocardiogram and stress test, he discovered the problem and assured me I wasn't dying. I took medication for a while but eventually was able to control on my own. I have flutters a few times a week but I kind of just ignore them now and it's fine.

As far as breathing, for me breathing into a paper bag worked best. I'd do it for about 3-5 minutes when I was at my worst and I'd generally be ok after a bit. I would keep a small paper bag at my desk at work, in my car and in several rooms at home in case I needed one, and for a while I'd even carry one with me.
 
#83
#83
Berry4Heisman14 said:
I'm going to look into this. What's the process of checking this? Just blood work?
Click to expand...

If you want the most thorough check of your horomones, I'd recommend going to an endocrinologist and go first thing in the morning because that will give them your readings at their typical highest.

Also as others said, my vitamin D levels were very low as well when I started out getting all this checked out.
 
#84
#84
VolsSportsFan said:
Same here. I had very low testosterone which was not causing the depression and anxiety but it was definitely multiplying it. I was able to find a solution after several doctors that didn't involve testosterone therapy and now my levels are back to normal.

Also I would suggest getting your heart checked out, because part of my panic attacks were because I had mild valve prolapse. It caused heart flutters that varied from barely noticable to it felt like my heart stopped for a second. It's very common for people that have it to suffer from panic attacks and anxiety and a few times I legit thought I was having a heart attack. Once a cardiologist finally caught a flutter on an EKG and did a full echocardiogram and stress test, he discovered the problem and assured me I wasn't dying. I took medication for a while but eventually was able to control on my own. I have flutters a few times a week but I kind of just ignore them now and it's fine.

As far as breathing, for me breathing into a paper bag worked best. I'd do it for about 3-5 minutes when I was at my worst and I'd generally be ok after a bit. I would keep a small paper bag at my desk at work, in my car and in several rooms at home in case I needed one, and for a while I'd even carry one with me.
Click to expand...

I get them too and I went to a cardiologist. He told me everything seemed good but wanted me to wear a 14 day monitor to be sure I caught what I wanted. I got good results on that too after recording a few they said it was nothing to worry about so I just try to ignore them now.
 
#85
#85
I've been contemplating seeing a neurologist. I had a minor migraine last night wasn't unbearable I've heard migraines can be gut wrenching. Still having these random pains but I'm constantly thinking about it. No vomiting seizures or numbness still however. Seeing a neurologist may not be necessary idk
 
#87
#87
Berry4Heisman14 said:
I've been contemplating seeing a neurologist. I had a minor migraine last night wasn't unbearable I've heard migraines can be gut wrenching. Still having these random pains but I'm constantly thinking about it. No vomiting seizures or numbness still however. Seeing a neurologist may not be necessary idk
Click to expand...

The next time you go see your dr, ask them about trazadone. It worked great for me while my dr got me all leveled out.

I'd take it before bed and sleep really good. It works great for helping with anxiety.
 
#88
#88
Obsessed said:
The next time you go see your dr, ask them about trazadone. It worked great for me while my dr got me all leveled out.

I'd take it before bed and sleep really good. It works great for helping with anxiety.
Click to expand...

I'll definitely look into it appreciate it
 
#89
#89
Berry4Heisman14 said:
The struggle of being a hypochondriac
Click to expand...

If it makes you feel any better you sound like I was about 8-10 years ago. I went about 3 years being like that and got to the point where going to work was a victory for the day. I even had to have my wife drive me a few times.

But it gets better, just keep working to find a solution because it's either physical, mental, or combo of both. And that chances are very good you aren't going to die anytime soon.
 
#90
#90
Obsessed said:
The next time you go see your dr, ask them about trazadone. It worked great for me while my dr got me all leveled out.

I'd take it before bed and sleep really good. It works great for helping with anxiety.
Click to expand...

Yes, I also take trazadone for insomnia. For me, a low dose of 25 mg is effective most of the time. If I go 2 nights with bad sleep, I go to 50 mg. My doc feels that at those doses, it is safer than sleep meds or benzodiazepines. Very cheap too.
 
#91
#91
I forgot to mention I also wear a CPAP at night for my sleep apnea. Mine isn't as severe as most cases, but it isn't mild either. I have a narrow airway, which unfortunately may mean I might have to always wear my mask despite losing weight. I have lost 20 lbs in about a months time during my Ketogenic lifestyle change. It's a real pain at first, dealing with the "Keto flu", but my body transitioned in about 5 days and I feel much better. Now when i eat carb heavy foods, I can tell how bad they were affecting me. I get so bloated I feel like I'll explode.

I do think that diet is a factor in the intensity of anxiety. But like most have said, there are many more determining factors as well. I found a supplement that is a bit pricy, but I'd like to stay natural in my journey to restore my testosterone levels. It is Tongkat Ali and has some amazing reviews online. I started taking it and felt an increase in energy levels for certain. I stopped because I read that people with sleep apnea should avoid it. I'm going to talk with my doctor before continuing. The reviews are pretty solid on the production of free testosterone though.

As for the vitamin d, I take 9000 IU's daily of vitamin d3 with k2. It takes a good while to elevate your vitamin d levels, so it must be taken regularly and for an extended period. Once I get to optimal levels. I'll bump my units down to 6000 more than likely for maintenance.

I encourage you l who do suffer from anxiety to get your testosterone and vitamin d levels checked. Also your thyroid. I believe these issues can greatly contribute to anxiety.
 
#92
#92
I'm going to ask a serious question, but it will come off as sarcastic.

What did people do before therapists, testosterone supplements, thyroid tests, vitamins, etc etc.

Did they not have time for anxiety issues due to being severely busy with the chores that needed taking care of?

Or was it a problem that didn't get discussed ? Did it go un-noticed or was it something that the doctors of the time weren't prepared for ?
 
#93
#93
goldenvol said:
I'm going to ask a serious question, but it will come off as sarcastic.

What did people do before therapists, testosterone supplements, thyroid tests, vitamins, etc etc.

Did they not have time for anxiety issues due to being severely busy with the chores that needed taking care of?

Or was it a problem that didn't get discussed ? Did it go un-noticed or was it something that the doctors of the time weren't prepared for ?
Click to expand...

More than likely they died or committed terrible acts.

While mine is nothing compared to some of these folks, it's very dangerous. After seeing the toll it took on my wife, I began to understand its power over the mind.

My dr contributes most cases, such as mine, to diet. The foods we eat are not the same as they were years ago. Example: a tomato you grow in your garden, is much better than a tomato you buy at Walmart. (It might scare you if you knew how they ripened those Walmart tomatoes)
 
#94
#94
goldenvol said:
I'm going to ask a serious question, but it will come off as sarcastic.

What did people do before therapists, testosterone supplements, thyroid tests, vitamins, etc etc.

Did they not have time for anxiety issues due to being severely busy with the chores that needed taking care of?

Or was it a problem that didn't get discussed ? Did it go un-noticed or was it something that the doctors of the time weren't prepared for ?
Click to expand...

Personally I think it's the last one, I think a lot of people never discussed things and kept it to themselves, and also doctors didn't know how to deal it. Although in some cases working through it by doing other things probably actually did help.

I compare it to how sports, especially football, deals with injuries and such now. In the past it was "shake it off", now we realize that wasn't really the best advice.
 
#95
#95
Obsessed said:
More than likely they died or committed terrible acts.

While mine is nothing compared to some of these folks, it's very dangerous. After seeing the toll it took on my wife, I began to understand its power over the mind.

My dr contributes most cases, such as mine, to diet. The foods we eat are not the same as they were years ago. Example: a tomato you grow in your garden, is much better than a tomato you buy at Walmart. (It might scare you if you knew how they ripened those Walmart tomatoes)
Click to expand...

That's another thing, we're just now starting to understand things we ingest and all and how it affects us. I'm not giving credence to everything as some of the anti-GMO stuff I think is psuedo-science but I'm not going to pretend that I think all the chemicals and preservatives we ingest are always good for us.
 
#96
#96
VolsSportsFan said:
That's another thing, we're just now starting to understand things we ingest and all and how it affects us. I'm not giving credence to everything as some of the anti-GMO stuff I think is psuedo-science but I'm not going to pretend that I think all the chemicals and preservatives we ingest are always good for us.
Click to expand...

That was her point. The additives and the lack of natural vitamins and minerals our bodies need is not getting met.

Another example is D3. Our primary source of this is from the sun. It's absorbed through our skin. The majority of folks work inside. Not like years ago.

The slow changes in our foods and social behaviors contribute to this some.
 
#97
#97
Obsessed said:
That was her point. The additives and the lack of natural vitamins and minerals our bodies need is not getting met.

Another example is D3. Our primary source of this is from the sun. It's absorbed through our skin. The majority of folks work inside. Not like years ago.

The slow changes in our foods and social behaviors contribute to this some.
Click to expand...

I'm almost positive that's why my D3 was low, because I do IT work and when I found out it was low I had been working 70 hour work weeks, so in most cases the sun was barely up when I started working and down by the time I got out, and then on the weekend I didn't feel like doing anything.
 
#98
#98
BallinVol said:
I forgot to mention I also wear a CPAP at night for my sleep apnea. Mine isn't as severe as most cases, but it isn't mild either. I have a narrow airway, which unfortunately may mean I might have to always wear my mask despite losing weight. I have lost 20 lbs in about a months time during my Ketogenic lifestyle change. It's a real pain at first, dealing with the "Keto flu", but my body transitioned in about 5 days and I feel much better. Now when i eat carb heavy foods, I can tell how bad they were affecting me. I get so bloated I feel like I'll explode.

I do think that diet is a factor in the intensity of anxiety. But like most have said, there are many more determining factors as well. I found a supplement that is a bit pricy, but I'd like to stay natural in my journey to restore my testosterone levels. It is Tongkat Ali and has some amazing reviews online. I started taking it and felt an increase in energy levels for certain. I stopped because I read that people with sleep apnea should avoid it. I'm going to talk with my doctor before continuing. The reviews are pretty solid on the production of free testosterone though.

As for the vitamin d, I take 9000 IU's daily of vitamin d3 with k2. It takes a good while to elevate your vitamin d levels, so it must be taken regularly and for an extended period. Once I get to optimal levels. I'll bump my units down to 6000 more than likely for maintenance.

I encourage you l who do suffer from anxiety to get your testosterone and vitamin d levels checked. Also your thyroid. I believe these issues can greatly contribute to anxiety.
Click to expand...

Your sleep apnea sounds like mine. I had to take the test 3 times before I failed, even though I knew I had it because I would never feel like I slept enough and I would wake up several times a week gasping for breath and basically freaking out. Of course those tests are pretty terrible IMHO, even the one I failed I didn't feel like I ever actually fell asleep much, but the last one I failed badly.

At the time my doctor told me to lose about 5-8 lbs. and in a month I dropped it pretty quickly and even got a little underweight to where he told me to stop losing weight, and I was still having it. So he said it structural and really not much I could do about it.

Personally I hate wearing it because I have to have a full mask (the nose only option didn't work because my mouth opens when I sleep no matter what I did), but it does work when I fall asleep. I find it funny that after all these years of advancement, for sleep apnea the only good solutions they still have are A) A machine that pumps air down your throat all night B) a mouthguard that sometimes causes jar issues or C) live with it and probably die early.
 
#99
#99
goldenvol said:
I'm going to ask a serious question, but it will come off as sarcastic.

What did people do before therapists, testosterone supplements, thyroid tests, vitamins, etc etc.

Did they not have time for anxiety issues due to being severely busy with the chores that needed taking care of?

Or was it a problem that didn't get discussed ? Did it go un-noticed or was it something that the doctors of the time weren't prepared for ?
Click to expand...

I think we are starting to understand the role of stress, both traumatic and chronic underlying, in the development of anxiety disorders. Stress management has been important for me: better diet, breathing techniques, regular exercise, sleep.
 
#100
#100
VolsSportsFan said:
Your sleep apnea sounds like mine. I had to take the test 3 times before I failed, even though I knew I had it because I would never feel like I slept enough and I would wake up several times a week gasping for breath and basically freaking out. Of course those tests are pretty terrible IMHO, even the one I failed I didn't feel like I ever actually fell asleep much, but the last one I failed badly.

At the time my doctor told me to lose about 5-8 lbs. and in a month I dropped it pretty quickly and even got a little underweight to where he told me to stop losing weight, and I was still having it. So he said it structural and really not much I could do about it.

Personally I hate wearing it because I have to have a full mask (the nose only option didn't work because my mouth opens when I sleep no matter what I did), but it does work when I fall asleep. I find it funny that after all these years of advancement, for sleep apnea the only good solutions they still have are A) A machine that pumps air down your throat all night B) a mouthguard that sometimes causes jar issues or C) live with it and probably die early.
Click to expand...

Agreed. It's pretty crazy. I do think they can perform a surgery to help, but no thanks. I believe mine is very much structural, because during my surgery on my foot in March, they told me I had a narrow airway, so this added with the relaxation of the throat, etc. during sleep leads to apnea. I use the nose mask. Not the pillows but the mask that goes over the nose. I usually feel great but sometimes I still drag.

Last night I actually slept without it and definitely didn't feel as energized. I'm finding I can sleep without it now without freaking out in the middle of the night though. I'm sure my stress levels aren't as high anymore and I'm sure stress worsens apnea.
 
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

VN Store



Back
Top