Stress Center Peer Support

I am starting the program one more time...I completed the program about 8 years ago but recently have been having some more anxious symptoms following a bout with influenza that lasted two weeks. I have also been diagnosed with PTSD which was triggered by the death of our 9 month old daughter nearly 13 years ago...anytime I have a long term illness or have to deal with hospitalization the PTSD comes crashing back. I think this time around, I became so exhausted and was so surprised that influenza could knock me off my feet that it caused me to worry that I had another underlying illness. I have been to the doctor about 3 times in the last month and he assures me that my heart is fine, my labs all come back normal other than some suggesting I am still fighting the influenza, I do have some hypertension controlled with a beta blocker, and that I am slipping back into anxiety and depression (he has been treating me for about 9 years...and was the dr. who diagnosed the PTSD). Now it comes down to me changing my self talk and not being so consumed by all my body symptoms. Reviewing lesson 1 has been very helpful in reminding me what anxiety is and that, in truth, it is ONLY anxiety and not some deadly illness. The majority of my symptoms right now are chest pain, fear of not catching my breath when I climb stairs, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth and of course the constant thoughts of something being wrong with me. Some of these may also be side effects to the Pristiq that I took for two days before discontinuing due to side effects...not sure if I want to go back on that or not I am always fearful of new medications and usually psych myself out by reading all the enclosed pamphlets before I even take a dose! Ugh! Anyway, so I am back and glad to see all the changes to the site and all the people who are getting help for their anxiety. I did awesome for a long time and really didn't think I would let this old anxiety issue get to me...but I was slipping into old habits of doing too much, wearing myself out, and not taking time to relax or take care of me. And that good old nasty friend anxiety slipped back in...yuck. But not for long...

Glad you are receiving help for a 2nd time. I am also suffering from this (I think) and am having physichal symptoms that can't be explained through the doctors. I've tried the doctor route, but I saw this one night and it described me awfully closely. I hope we both can overcome this...

Sleepby8,
Sorry to hear your not feeling as good as you have been. You will be back to yourself in time. Its good you are reviewing this coarse again. It will help you. I too have had this flu/ virus for 2 weeks going on 3 and as people with anxiety it wears on ya!
Hang in there, remember its just anxiety! Try to do somethings to take your mind off being sick. I always need to work on reassuring myself too. Hope you feel well soon!

Thanks so much for the replies...I so appreciate the support! That has been my mantra today...its only anxiety...nothing more. I think my biggest worry is how I'm going to make it through work on Monday...but I'm trying to take things one day at a time and not waste the present worrying about what may or may not happen. Brannon I'm glad you found this site..I hope you find it helpful and hopeful. We need to remember it is only anxiety...nothing more than our thoughts affecting our bodies with symptoms