I started this program about 4 years ago and I have about 80% of my anxiety under control, but the remaining 20% is probably my hypochondria over how my body is "feeling".
My anxiety has effected me differently over the years. First it was dizziness, derealization, and a fear of passing out. Then my attacks would come every night and I wouldn't be able to sleep. Now I'm getting weird dull headaches that come in the evening and just nag me. I find myself consumed with them that I can't even focus on my surroundings. I think about it all day and then when I think I "feel" one coming on I think "Oh great hear it comes again." It's like I am anticipating them. Has anyone else experienced this?
I am stressing over being stressed. Why am I doing this to myself.
Any advice would be great! I always feel better if I know I'm not alone.
Can headaches be a side-effect of Anxiety?
Hi there Sleeplessinseattle! (how cute!)
I wanted to say that I can relate totally. I think I have responded to several posts because I truly can relate. I find myself focusing on how my body feels also and I think that I have become a hypochondriac! I really want to stop and do not know why I do this to myself. I have had a headache for 3 days (sinus) and that caused me to wonder...why do I feel bad, why does my head hurt, when will I feel better, and what if it's really this or that...the list goes on and on! I was a bit dizzy the past few days and I found myself wondering "does this mean that I am going to pass out?" I thought...well, sinuses can truly cause this feeling so maybe it is all sinus trouble. I also can relate in this way: I wake up in the mornings and think...when will the anxiety come? And then--when it does, I think..."there it is!" I don't want to do this to myself either, but it seems that I am.
I do think that headaches are a side-effect of anxiety though.
Wishing us the best!
~ME~
I wanted to say that I can relate totally. I think I have responded to several posts because I truly can relate. I find myself focusing on how my body feels also and I think that I have become a hypochondriac! I really want to stop and do not know why I do this to myself. I have had a headache for 3 days (sinus) and that caused me to wonder...why do I feel bad, why does my head hurt, when will I feel better, and what if it's really this or that...the list goes on and on! I was a bit dizzy the past few days and I found myself wondering "does this mean that I am going to pass out?" I thought...well, sinuses can truly cause this feeling so maybe it is all sinus trouble. I also can relate in this way: I wake up in the mornings and think...when will the anxiety come? And then--when it does, I think..."there it is!" I don't want to do this to myself either, but it seems that I am.
I do think that headaches are a side-effect of anxiety though.
Wishing us the best!
~ME~
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Guest
I have been getting headches for the last few months. Had an MRI and it was normal. My headaches don't fit the normal type of headches. Doctors said it was anxiety and depression causing it...but I don't feel depressed or anxious about anything but my headches. My A & D are under control and I'm happy. So, I decided to go to see an acupunturist. I went for one appt. and the heachache is gone. I'm going to see him for 4 weeks, once a week. I'm surprised how well it worked. I hope it keeps them away. I was getting very obsessed with anticipating the heachche each morning. The fact that the acupuncture took it away makes me think that it was not anxiety and depression causing it.
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Guest
Anxiety and stress go hand in hand, both causing physical symptoms.
If your headaches get worse, then go to a dr. to check them out. But most likely, it's probably stress which then leads to anxiety if you're constantly thinking/worrying about it.
Anxiety can cause one to become a hypochondriac, that is why people who have anxiety shouldn't browse through medical symptoms on the internet. Otherwise, you diagnose yourself with all sorts of diseases and cancers.
It does sound like your anticipating the attacks, and maybe possibly the headaches. Again, check with a dr. to make sure and in the meantime, occupy your mind in the morning. When you wake up, go do something to prevent your mind from anticipating an attack. I think after a few times, your attacks will stop in the morning. You'll rationalize with yourself after a while and think "what am I worried about?" You may even give anxiety the attitude by thinking "Yea, you're not going to happen this morning cause I'm done with you." lol
I understand how you feel as I'm sure most of the people reading your post can relate, like me. I believe that this is a minor hiccup in your 100% recovery and you will overcome this in no time.
If your headaches get worse, then go to a dr. to check them out. But most likely, it's probably stress which then leads to anxiety if you're constantly thinking/worrying about it.
Anxiety can cause one to become a hypochondriac, that is why people who have anxiety shouldn't browse through medical symptoms on the internet. Otherwise, you diagnose yourself with all sorts of diseases and cancers.
It does sound like your anticipating the attacks, and maybe possibly the headaches. Again, check with a dr. to make sure and in the meantime, occupy your mind in the morning. When you wake up, go do something to prevent your mind from anticipating an attack. I think after a few times, your attacks will stop in the morning. You'll rationalize with yourself after a while and think "what am I worried about?" You may even give anxiety the attitude by thinking "Yea, you're not going to happen this morning cause I'm done with you." lol
I understand how you feel as I'm sure most of the people reading your post can relate, like me. I believe that this is a minor hiccup in your 100% recovery and you will overcome this in no time.
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Guest
You're not alone I use to get them on a regular basis but the Program has helped lessen them significantly. I have become more aware of when
they occur. For me they will occur when I feel 'overloaded' with too many stressful things going
on all at once. I get tight neck, shoulders, and then it escalates to a tight tension like type of headache that feels like my head is in a helmet.
I try not to let my stress get out of hand, but if it does escalate to this level, I start to write down what is bothering me. Then I become
aware that these feelings are just anxiety and I
try to relax myself by doing the deep breathing
exercises and I try not to dwell on these stressful feelings by diverting my attention to other things. Have lunch with a friend(a positive person) take a walk, laugh, make a joke when things get too serious.
Hope these techniques work for you!!
they occur. For me they will occur when I feel 'overloaded' with too many stressful things going
on all at once. I get tight neck, shoulders, and then it escalates to a tight tension like type of headache that feels like my head is in a helmet.
I try not to let my stress get out of hand, but if it does escalate to this level, I start to write down what is bothering me. Then I become
aware that these feelings are just anxiety and I
try to relax myself by doing the deep breathing
exercises and I try not to dwell on these stressful feelings by diverting my attention to other things. Have lunch with a friend(a positive person) take a walk, laugh, make a joke when things get too serious.
Hope these techniques work for you!!