Anxiety and Blood Pressure

[hootielou]

I have panic disorder obvisiously and I am new here. Im 33 years old, a single mother of three and a fulltime student and provider for my kids. Ive noticed recently my blood pressure has been elevated but it fluctuates. It will be normal then for an entire afternoon it will run elevated. During this time Im constantly taking my blood pressure in fear of it getting to high and having a stroke. I believe the worrying is partly running it up. My question is, is it normal to have elevated my blood pressure for awhile if Im constantly afraid and worried of it getting high. Im wondering if this is a normal or possible symptom of anxiety or panic. Im snowed in which creates a tremendous amount of anxiety which does not help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Im starting the program tonight.

[freemind]

Hey, I'm new at this to but, as you get into your program you'll see that YES it is normal to make yourself sick. Have you ever heard the quote "worried sick". I used to laugh at that. I now know it's true. My advice to you is, if you can, get a check up to put your mind at ease. If you have an underlying medical problem that is makeing your blood pressure go up then you can get help. If not it's probubly stress. Take a moment and breath. Start your program. And start feeling better. Good Luck.

[Flyer99]

Hi Hootielou. Welcome to the program and to the website. Yes indeed, anxiousness can raise blood pressure as can stress and worry. I know, for me, in very anxious times, mine would bounce up and down like a yoyo. I used to take my blood pressure many times a day and after exercise, walking, cleaning the house, etc. It's a natural result of our anxiousness, when all the chemicals get going, especially adrenaline. Having a temporary rise in blood pressure, even lasting several hours, won't hurt you. It is only if your blood pressure is elevated constantly over weeks or months that a doctor may prescribe a medication for it. Also, I am like you. I live in a snow zone and snow is one of my worst enemies. I feel so trapped by it all and, of course, that triggers anxiety. You are not alone there. Again, welcome and remember to do the relaxation exercise at least one a day. That will really help with the anxiousness and the blood pressure.

[freemind]

Good Morning,
I have to say I must have been a little tired last night. The "snowed in" comment came to me as a metaphor. Please, please don't let the snow make you feel trapped. I live in WI. but, I am a CA native. I have been in WI for about 18 years. At first the snow scared me. I was mortified that is was only a matter of time that I was going to crash my car or slip and break a limb. So far so good. I have done neither. Now even at my age 47, I see beauty in all of it. Did you ever notice the different types of snow. Yes it's all cold but the BEAUTY! The BEAUTY, THE BEAUTY, THE BEAUTY. I love to breath in the crisp air. Have you ever just stood outside when it was snowing and enveloped the silence of it. At 32 degrees the snow is prime for sculpting. Get out there and make a snowperson or sculpt a bunny. Go outside at night and look at the glimmering beauty in the street lights. It makes you feel like your standin in a snow globe. And no, I do no snow sports at all. I have hust just learned to savor every season. My least favorite element is rain. I just dont like getting sopping wet. Thus my nickname "Kat". Get out there, and feel better.

[darlene57]

I hear you freemind, I appreciate your emphasis on the beauty of snow but I've had enough! I think it's added to my anxiety! I live on the east coast but also have a home in Florida and I can't wait to get there. I've been so busy with work, family, and don't forget finances, that I haven't been able to take my winter vacation. I'm tire of being cold (my furnace went out this week), I'm tired of being all bundled up just to go to the mailbox, and I'm tired of eating comfort food! Okay, I feel better! LOL!

[Paisleegreen]

Unless you are overweight, I wouldn't worry about your blood pressure at 33, but then I don't know everything about BP, except when I was pregnant with my first child and my BP went to 160/100 and a fever of 103* after delivery, the Drs were scared and I was put into ICU and stay on phenobarbitol for a week in a private room until I was settled down. They decided I had Pre eclampsia.

Then as a little girl I had high BP when I had to get a physical for school or something. I was very modest and was scared to see a DR. When my BP was noted as being very high, they were kind to me and told me I would be okay.
And then at my lastes Dr's appt with my GYN/ob my BP was 138 and the nurse was concerned. Now this was after I had experienced my first panic attack and was off of my anti-depressants. So I was a nervous wreck. I wasn't my usual self for this annual exam where I'm pretty much cheerful and chatty, not nervous.

So if you are concerned about having a stroke, be sure to eat healthy, and exercise by taking 10 minute walks 4 x a day or for longer minutes once a day. Check Dr OZ's website, there is a lot of advice on it for being healthy. Paislee

[freemind]

Hey darlen,
Sorry to hear about the furnice. I hope you get to that vacation.

[DJ2661]

I also have had a little problem with high B/P about 135/90 not terrible but high for me. I have found that over the past couple of weeks and doing the relaxation and positive self talk that mine has been running lower. So work on using the relaxation tape and see a doctor to assure yourself that you are healthy if you need to. Take care of yourself you will feel better. I also get very stressed and anxious over being snowed in. I dont mind snow but if i cant get out I can feel trapped. So I am hoping by the next snow storm that i will do better at talking myself through it.

[losness]

I have been acting the exact same way for the past 4 months. My bp in the morning is normal - but then I constantly think about it through the day, and then check it when I get home from work, and it's through the roof. I'll check it, and check it, and check it, until I get the desired number I want.

I have the same fears as you. My thoughts causes my anxiety which causes my blood pressure problems. The key to this program, I am hoping, is to help me control / re-direct my thinking into a rational manner.

I am just starting the program today. Maybe we could go through the program together and share our experiences?

[tt33]

I can totally understand your plight. To my own shame, I have been suffering with the same issue for many years. I have been too terrified to go to a doctor to have them tell me bad news about my health. But now I am fed UP with living like this! Even moreso, now that I have a 3-year old child and wife of 11 years to think about (with ANOTHER child also on the way). I actually purchased this program about 4 years ago and had gotten too "busy" to use it. But I have now returned to it. Two things that are helping me with this problem are (1) setting a goal to normalize my blood pressure and (2) writing a detailed plan as to how I am going to do it. Of course, part of the plan is addressing the problematic (negative, worrisome) thinking. That is why I have returned to using this program. Here are a few more practicals that have been helping me:
1. Keeping a journal specifically for the goal of lowering my blood pressure. This journal includes, victories in my "thought life," practical (physical) solutions and resources, etc. Anything relevant to accomplishing this goal.
2. STOP WATCHING TELEVISION. With the exception of HGTV and occasional sports center, I avoid it. The negativity will destroy your mind. Within a reasonable amount of time (a few hours), you will hear important news that is relevant to you. Other people will tell you. Especially stay away from those CSI shows (fiction and non-fiction)
3. Read "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and "The Magic of Thinking Big." These books will radically change your thinking.