Stress Center Peer Support

Okay, I have had enough! I am so frustrated with the body symptoms! They come and they go, and they come and they go! I'm starting to think that my meds aren't working for me anymore. However, I have not had a panic attack since March, and haven't had to take any xanax since MArch, so they are working some what right? The body symptoms will not stay away! They really drive me crazy! Although they are not so bad that I stop my life(been there before). I still am able to function, but it is soo hard at times bcuz I feel soo bad! I probably need to go back and start doing talk therapy again, but how can I do that when I am unemployed????? I do get unemployment, but I can't afford to pay a big therapy fee!!! WHY?!!!! My head hurts a little, I have that feel like I might fall feeling again, I worry that I might die at times, not as often as I used to, or that I have a disease!!! I don't know what to do anymore. I'm scared I could have a real mental illness! No doctor has ever told me that, but my mind goes into every nook and cranny!! Need help Lucinda!!!!! Anyone!!!

Stop and breathe for a minute ! Make an appt with your family doctor. Go get blood work done. Once you find there's nothing wrong, you'll know that it's your mind. When I started the program, I felt the same way. I thought I was losing my mind. When I walked in to work (my biggest stressor) I felt like I was walking sideways. You can talk yourself into the worst of places in your mind. You can also talk your way out of those places. It takes practice, but you can do it.

Brandi,

I'm drawing unemployment too. That might be some of the problem, worrying about finding a job. I know that's a lot of my problem right now. I agree with manofmusic, you should go see your doctor and tell him or her about these symptoms. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Dear Brandi,
You do not have a mental illness!!! You are going to a stressful time and you are suffering from anxiety!!!

I know that one does get fed up with the body symptoms, but, the best way to get rid of them is to accept them...I mean really embrace them with all of your being and they will lose their life span!!!

You need to work on getting your anxiety level back down!!! Use your relaxation CD/tape and make sure to do your deep breathing exercises!!!

You are not going crazy, neither are you dying!!! You are suffering from anxiety caused from stress..Nothing more...

I pray this helped you!!! God Bless!!!

BTW: These worries about diseases and other things are cover ups...In other words, these are just the top layers of what is really bothering you!!!

I highly suggest that you get a pen and paper and write the first thing that pops into your mind...Write until your hand hurts, since, writing is very therapeutic!!!

You may even want to write yourself a compassionate love letter...The type that you would write to a dear friend whom you are trying to comfort!!!

Begin the letter with Dear, then, your name...Write...Write...Write...


I did this one many times, while I was suffering from anxiety and depression, since, I felt like I had lost my true identity somewhere along the way!!! It helped me soooo much!!!

Hi Brandi

Lucinda doesn't come on here. I've never seen one post from her on here.

However, many people here can help you as best as they can.

Do you have the program? Can you go through the steps to overcome a panic attack? It seems like you might be having one at the moment.

There are also counselors at StressCenter that can help you for a fee, it is like having a therapist, but they specialize in anxiety and depression and many of them have recovered from it so they are pretty clued in to how you are feeling and what you are going through.

If you can't afford it, try getting into the chat rooms here, or finding a free clinic that might offer therapy. There's always a way to find help.

Try to take some deep breaths, count for 2 in and 4 out. You are just going through some anxiety now and you will be fine in a little while. Everything is going to be okay.

Try to write down everything that is bothering you, and then for everything that is negative, write a positive or a solution. Just one thing at a time. There is always hope on the horizon. Try to remember that, things will always get better!

brani trust me i know what your going through. im soo tired of the body symtoms too. my chest always feels uncomfortable and burns and it really affects my day. im not working either, havent in 18 months and always stuck in the house, and i get unemplyment(which isnt much at all) and i can't afford to see a therapist or smeone to talk too. it really sux

Thx guys, I really appreciate you being so encouraging! I really did need that. I just get frustrated with these symptoms, especially when they disappear for a little while, & you think maybe they won't come back. Then they sneak back up on you!! I reallyy battle with them. I do blame a bit of it on myself, becuz once I started feeling better, I kinda went back to alot of my old ways. Drinking coffee, (once a day), on and off exercising, instead of everyday, started drinking and eating sweets again! I know I just need to get back into the step of things, but I get frustrated with that too. Like I get mad bcuz I sometimes can't enjoy one cup of coffee, bcuz I'll start feeling weird. I get mad bcuz I feel like there are ppl out there who drink 6 cups a day and they feel just fine! Why can't I have just one, I love coffee! I feel like what I do and eat, has to be limited bcuz I have an anxiety disorder, it's just not fair. Then I realize that I just have an anxiety disorder, I am healthy! There are ppl out there who can't do alot of the things that I can, bcuz they have a real disease! I am trying, I am starting to exercise again, and trying to eat right. It is sooo rough being unemployed! I had to quit school, bcuz I couldn't afford my classes this semester! I am so confused on what I am supposed to do with my life. Plus I get so impatient bcuz I am one of those ppl who wants everything right NOW! I need prayer from all! Again thx for the support, & I wish the best for all of you!

Hi Brandi,

You could ask your doctor about a precription of the beta blocker Inderal (Propranolol). It works great alleviating the body symptoms. You could take it as needed to break the viscous cycle of anxiety about body symptoms leading to further body symptoms.

I rarely take it but knowing I have it to eliminate the body symptoms keeps the body symptoms away, if that makes any sense.

Good luck,
Jim