Stress Center Peer Support

So my wife left town with my kids for vacation. I stayed back to watch my dogs and two oldest daughters. Any ailment I get I think I'm going to die. I got chest pains all day yesterday and last week and I thought was having a heart attack. Now today my stomach muscles are so tight it's tough to take a deep breath. I can't even fall a sleep because of it. It just sucks being scared all the time and not enjoying anything. I basically just try and get through the day with out dying. I know in reality there isn't anything really wrong other then severe anxiety but I am so tired of feeling this way and it's seems beyond my control most of the time...anyone go through this...the breathing thing is really scaring the crap out of me and I cant get sleep..thanks

I remember when I first started having panick attacks I had the same thing. Even a headache worried me. Once I started the program it only happens once in a while and its usually when Im falling back into old habits like negative thinking. Also working through those things and knowing it passed and always passes made me see its just anxiety it always goes away. Maybe getting a physical would help to reassure yourself. Also the relaxation cd helps me a lot with muscle tension. I hope you feel better.

I agree with Nel, I would get a physical examination to rule out any real physical problems.
But I have to tell you that I have suffered all of the symptoms of severe panic attacks and they
are very, very scarey. When I was going through all of the symptoms I had no idea what an anxious
episode or a panic attack was. I just kept getting sicker and sicker with no answers. I had terrible
symptoms and migraines too. I felt terrible all of the time and had to leave work because I was "sick".
I had to visit the Emergency Room at the hospital.

I would recommend working on the program, especially Session Three, which is all about
dealing with negative thoughts. This Chapter is about self-talk being the key to healthy self-esteem.

Here is some information from the carry-along-card

I can choose the thoughts I entertain.
I know positive thoughts produce positive feelings.
I will look for the good.
Negative thinking is a bad habit that I can break.
I am a great problem solver.
I am worthy of inner peace.
I am alive and participating in my day.
I am action oriented.
I am proud of my accomplishments.