Anyone else fainting?

needtogetbetter · Post by **needtogetbetter** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 2:55 pm

Does anyone else have the problem of fainting (or almost fainting) while they're feeling very anxious or worried? I've tried various drugs but none seem to work for very long at stopping this. The second week of the program says to not worry since you won't pass out and embarass yourself but for me that isn't true. It's hard to focus on the program and think positively when you're always scared of fainting in inopportune places (at work, while I'm with my kids, public places etc). I would really appreciate knowing if there's anyone else out there with my weird problem and if they found anything that helped...I'm getting very discouraged....please help.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 3:24 pm

Are you actually fainting? I have felt very close to fainting, usually is sudden, lightheaded and dizzyness that comes out of the nowhere, and then of course the fight or flight kicks in. But if you just stop, hold on to something and breath, the fainting feeling does go away rather quickly. It is the aftermath of the adrenalin rush that messes me up. If you are actually blacking out fainting, I think I would talk w/ someone about that.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:22 am

I have passed out/ fainted from anxiety twice. Both were associated with my fear of hospitals. The first time I was having blood drawn and I told the guy I need to lay down to have blood taken he didn't believe me when I told him I could pass out, I woke up with him holding my head up against the wall. Second time I was at the hospital w/my mom (her sister had a stroke) we were in a waiting room w/the rest of my moms family when the Dr came in to talk to my cousins. I asked my mom to go to the bathroom w/me I wasn't feeling well, I started getting the really nervous stomach etc. As soon as we left the waiting room I fainted right there on the hallway floor. Since I know this about myself now I always take juice w/me when I have blood taken and I lay down while they are taking the blood. I also always carry my anxiety pills with me so if I have to go to the hospital I know I have my pills. However when I was taking care of my mom I had to rush her to the hospital a number of times and I was ok I didn't get anxious or anything, I haven't been back to the hospital since my mom passed away so I'm not sure if I still have a huge fear of it or not. All I can say is ya it was embarrassing to faint but really it wasn't that big of a deal in the end.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 2:30 am

This is going to sound silly but if when you feel like you're going to faint, you tighten up your butt cheeks as if you're going to have diarrhea and can't get to the bathroom quick enough, it will almost always stop you from fainting. Try it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 7:33 pm

Are you serious about the butt cheek thing??? I have NEVER heard of that!
But hey... if it works!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 7:23 am

Yes, the butt check thing does work. I use to squeeze and release my thigh muscles as well. By doing that you are pumping the blood up to your heart and head.

This was one of my worst symptoms!!! Very scary!!

One other thing that helped like a miracle was I would take a pinch of really good mineral salt that I bought at the health food store and a big glass of water. It saved my life and made me feel so much better!! I tend to have low blood pressure and run low on iron. If I take my iron and do the salt I am fine. It also helped to keep a bottle of gatorade with me when I was going to an outing where I was really nervous about my symptoms. Also practicing positive self talk and calmative breathing.

Even though anxiety is the cause of many symptoms there are things in our bodies that need attention, we must be careful not to blame anxiety for everything.

I hope that helps.

Coco : )

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 3:02 pm

Thanks so much to everyone that replied! Coco, I'm relieved to hear that I'm not the only one with this crazy symptom. Like you, I also have low blood pressure so I'm sure that doesn't help my situation. The passing out feelings and the intense nausea that I get are my main symptoms from the anxiety and they are really affecting my daily life and functioning (to the point where I'm scared I won't be able to go to work soon). I will definitely try the butt and thigh clenching next time I'm feeling like I'll have to lay on the floor. As for the salt thing, how much salt did you put in a glass of water? I know that the positive self talk is huge but I find it very hard to do when you're overwhelmed by intense physical feelings. I feel as though I can only be positive and calm when I don't feel like super nauseaous or lightheaded...which kind of defeats the purpose. I just want to get better but it seems very difficult at this point!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 1:12 pm

I soooooooo understand your pain and frustration!!! Those symptoms can be very debilitating!!!

I would do a pinch of salt on my tongue and then drink a big glass of water. Seriously it worked miraculously for me!!! I went to the cardiologist and spent 7,000.00 on diagnostic tests!! Actually I have done a ton of tests over the years!

The thing about the salt is not only does it help bring up your blood pressure but it gives you minerals that will then help you stay hydrated. If you are running low on minerals your body will have a hard time staying hydrated.

When you feel lightheaded, sit down take a deep slow breathe and tell yourself that you will be okay. Relax your whole body, regroup, get grounded, peaceful and when you are ready go about your day again. Take the time to take care of yourself. Try to stay out of the what if's and oh my Gods!!! STOP IT!!!! Just stop it and redirect yourself to a place of calm and healing.

Do you ever take acidophilus? I take one every night. They are soooo good for your stomach, and immune system plus I believe it would help you with the nausea.

How are your iron levels?
Do you eat every few hours to help keep your blood sugar up?

BTW instead of clenching try pulsing/contracting for a second, alternating right and left. That way your muscles act like a pump bringing the blood up to your head.

Coco : )

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 5:10 am

Thanks Coco for your advice! I've been really searching for someone else who really gets all of this.

Yes I do eat every few hours to keep my blood sugars since I noticed that if I don't eat often and don't drink enought water I'll likely feel more lightheaded.

I have tried the acidophillis before (for my irritable bowel) but maybe it's worth another try. My iron is a bit low but I still take prenatal multivitamins so that I get enough iron in my diet.

Do you now consider yourself 'cured' from the passing out thing? I know that my doctor said that it would get better with age but I don't want to wait until I'm 60 to feel better (I'm only in my 30's!). I need some hope out there and would like to know that someone has overcome this. Do you seem to get more episodes when you're thinking about it? This is my main problem...for example if I feel 'stuck' somewhere (like a meeting at work) I'm more likely to worry about passing out and then it's more likely to happen...very much a vicious circle and super frustrating. Another big problem now is that I'm scared it will happen when my kids are around since I don't want to scare them and I definitely don't want them to end up with the same anxiety issues.

Did you try any medications? Did anything help? I've been on Lexapro now for about 3 months but it stopped working on the fainting thing about 1 month ago so now I'm not sure where to go with that. The doctors I've seen are not too familiar with the faiting symptom so they don't really know what to do with me. I feel like I have to do my own research.. I wish there was just a magic pill that would make all of this go away but I'm guessing it doesn't exist!

Thanks again for your support...it means alot.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:34 am

Hi Needtogetbetter,

I am sorry I did not get back to you sooner. I have not been near the computer much the last few days. I am going to private message you later today.

I hope you are feeling better!!!!!!!!!!
Have you tried the salt?

Hugs,

Coco : )