Constant Symptoms

I just devoloped what I believe is anxiety or panic about a month ago. They hit me one day after feeling normal, then I can't seem to forget about them. It's like I think I'm better then it worries me that I'm not! They get worse day by day. I'm just wondering if it's normal to sometimes have a constant feeling of being outside of myself, like i'm gonna snap, like I'm going insane, or i'm not real. This is really effecting my job and I fear it will effect my relationship if it doesn't go away. I feel alone and scared thinking this will be with me forever. I can function fine... but the nervous feelings and the feeling of a "numb brain" in the back of my head always worries me when I feel these symptoms- especially at work. At first, I thought I had heart problems. I had 3 tests done (2 EKG's and 1 Echocardiogram) and they said I was fine, making me worry more. I got prescribed to Trazodone and Klonopin and I was afraid to take them fearing it would make me "even more crazy". What can I do to get rid of these thoughts that my life or even I am doomed?

Also, sometimes I feel sensitive to light, or I will see dots for no apparent reason.. :x

I am not here to sell you my pack but what I have to say to you is that you should try to put aside the sensations (not symptoms), that you are experiencing. Isay sensations because there is a distinct difference between what you are 'feeling' and what is actually real.

A symptom is a physical manifestation of an illness... you are not ill! Your mind and body have come together for whatever reason, to create an anxiety disorder... this has produced sensations which feel horrific, but are, in fact, at the end of the day, just sensations.

You will get through this, eliminate the sensations and be completely 100% functional again.

Charles

I just devoloped what I believe is anxiety or panic about a month ago. They hit me one day after feeling normal, then I can't seem to forget about them. It's like I think I'm better then it worries me that I'm not! They get worse day by day. I'm just wondering if it's normal to sometimes have a constant feeling of being outside of myself, like i'm gonna snap, like I'm going insane, or i'm not real. This is really effecting my job and I fear it will effect my relationship if it doesn't go away. I feel alone and scared thinking this will be with me forever. I can function fine... but the nervous feelings and the feeling of a "numb brain" in the back of my head always worries me when I feel these symptoms- especially at work. At first, I thought I had heart problems. I had 3 tests done (2 EKG's and 1 Echocardiogram) and they said I was fine, making me worry more. I got prescribed to Trazodone and Klonopin and I was afraid to take them fearing it would make me "even more crazy". What can I do to get rid of these thoughts that my life or even I am doomed?

What you are feeling is normal symptoms in panic and anxiety. There are moments when you feel you are disconnected and not in reality, and that is very scary, which triggers yet more anxiety and panic. What is also common is the problem that you are having problems with your heart, but, it is always better to err on the side of checking out any heart-related pains/sensations.

I am currently having a major panic/anxiety episode, and am on the Klonopin for a short while. I hope it will encourage you to let you know that I have suffered from anxiety/panic for almost 10 years, and that most of the time, I can manage it effectively and not rule my life. I know this episode will pass once I have my medications adjusted for my bipolar disorder.

My suggestion to you is to take the Klonopin and Trazodone as prescribed, for a short time, just to alleviate the visious circle of anxiety. Once you feel more in control, you can look into many of the suggestions listed in this forum for help. One of the things that helped me personally throughout the years is first, checking my heart health (#1 scary concern), then learning tips and techniques from various books on the subjects. Deep breathing works well for me, as well as telling myself over and over that this is just a panic attack and will subside in 20 minutes or so.

You are not alone, and you are not doomed (although I certainly know that all of us who suffer from these disorders feel doomed). So far, I've found this forum very helpful, and I hope you will too.

You are NOT doomed!!! I agree with what Charles wrote. I have his program and it WORKS..Spare yourself any more grief.