I have ben doing well the past while, with only an occasional panic attack around my monthly time, but seems like it is coming back with a vengence.
I have been under stress worrying about my teenage daughter who, I found out, has been cutting herself. I have been to a Psychologist, who is going to get my daughter some help, and who is counselling me with everything, but I find I am having a lot of bodily symptoms, such as back, neck and shoulder pain, heartburn, muscle cramps, blood pressure spikes, and tonight I went to reach for something with my right hand, and got a sharp (super sharp) pain in my chest, right at the sternum.
I, of course, went immediately into panic mode thinking that a heart attack was ensuing, but luckily it passed or I would not be here typing this post.
Has anyone had a sharp pain in their sternum before? I can't figure out why it happened, other than I have such muscle tension all over with the stress.
Need some reassurance that this too shall pass, feel like I am spiraling down the black hole again, and I sure don't want that.
Thanks all for listening and any replies are appreciated.
Uh Oh anxiety again
Ok, this is the first time I've bothered with the website but I've got 9 years experience with these problems. I used the "program" for a few months explicitly about 2 years ago and then pretty much went it on my own. I haven't been on any medication in about a year now. I have months with virtually no issue whatsoever, but in very high stress times I do still have my moments. I've found that the peak times for me (naturally, being male!) are around meal time. Now, on to your post -Reply
The body symptoms were always the worst for me. Simply put - pure tension. I've had a few instances of the sharp pains that you describe and they turned out to be pinched nerves, muscle twitches, etc. BUT if you haven't had a physical in awhile (I'm betting you're pretty well checked up on, being one of us anxious folks) you might do it just to be safe.
As for reassurance - you said it yourself, "this too shall pass". I don't know how good of advice it is for everyone, but I use the rough times and thrill seeking as part of my self-therapy. The thinking is "I went thru ____ and I was fine, I'm fine now." It works great for me since I went on my first rollercoaster ride (wooden even) during a stint off meds about 5 years into my panic attacks, and my mother just passed away this past year after I got off the meds. Also, this being my first post, some random advice as well: Physical activity was a HUGE help with my problems. I took up bike riding (mountain biking actually - 7 mile trails) when I was stepping down my meds and have continued since. I find that days when I have little to no physical activity are and have always been the toughest. Work it out.
Wyn
Texas