Anxiety, help please!

[anxiousmax]

Hi all
Its the 1st time i've posted on the m/health topic. But I desperately need soem words of wisdom & advice please.

I've been suffering from extreme anxiety which is constant & relentless for the last month or so. It is centered around my own health, I am obsessed with having a serious illness.
I am analysing every movement my ams & legs make & am obsessed that I have a degenerative condition.

I've been to the DR's who has put me on Citalopram & has tried to reassure me that the muscle weakness etc is all anxiety related.

Please I'm looking for reassurance from others that have experience muscle problems associated with anxiety.

Any words of encouragement greatfully received. x

[loopylou6]

You need to see a therapist for CBT. I have health anxiety and it really isnt pretty there actually isnt a part of my body i havent convinced myself therew as a problem with. I have never taken AD's for the condition, but CBT did help alot, untill recently coz its all came back in full force, hence why i am on this board.

[Pinkjenny]

I've just finished a 6-week anxiety management course. It was great, I feel much calmer. I don't have the symptoms you describe in relation to muscle problems, my anxiety is centred around worries about other people, and I have never taken ADs.

The course has taught me that anxiety is a physical reaction, due to the release of adrenalin, when the body senses danger. For some reason, having it explained to me like this, clicked. I can control it myself now, and stop the physical reaction, I can talk myself back.

I would definitely recommend it.

[anxiousmax]

Thanks loopylou, I've had 1 counselling session & another booked for next week.
I find i'm needing constant reassurance from Nurses, Dr's etc.
It has come totally out of the blue & shocked me which is why i think i'm struggling to believe my symptoms are anxiety related.

What does the CBT involve?

[anxiousmax]

Cheers Pinkjenny, there is a 3 to 4 month wait for the anxiety management course, I have been refered, but I am so desperate at the moment I need something to help me now.
Thanks Max

[wiggleit]

Hey bb! Just flicking through the threads and spotted you. How are you hun? Come back to our thread perleeeez! Be nice to catch up with you properly and you can fill us all in on your therapy. You were sucha great help. Miss you! x

[poshwellies]

I have suffered with health anxiety (along with a whole bucket of other 'panics') Mine started out as a heart obsession but I would spend hours analysing anything that felt wierd or different.

I'm much better now and can work out the difference between anxiety versus real organic illness-although it rears it's ugly head up occasionally .

Give your meds a chance 6-8weeks to see a marked improvement and I agree with loopy-cbt really helps.

Check out www.nomorepanic.co.uk and maybe have a read of Claire Weekes books on 'nerves'-reading her books also helped a terrific amount.

Good luck and Positive thoughts.

[anxiousmax]

Thanks all for your support, off to pick up the kids & put on a brave face

[fluffyanimal]

Muscle problems associated with anxiety: when I was ill with panic attacks and depression, my arms constantly ached and felt like lead, and my lower back constantly felt like it was on fire, from my adrenal glands (which lie near the kidneys) constantly overworking. Anything you are feeling could well be a physical symptom of anxiety.

[poshwellies]

Anxiety can cause hyperventilation-rapid over breathing,this can make you feel weak and strange too

[anxiousmax]

Thanks to you all, i'm having a constant debate with myself (sounds mad i know).
The rational part of me knows its anxiety, but the anxious panic stricken part of me is analysing every movement, looking for changes in co ordination or strength etc.
I am so layed back normally this really has shocked me.
I'll have a look at that website - thank you again - i think i may become a regular on hear if you can put up with me.

[littlewoman]

Anxiety definitely definitely can cause physical symptoms. when I first split up with xh, I got pins and needles in all of my limbs and couldn't walk properly. Every time I went to sleep, I would wake up with numb feet, for months. Then it went away when I was on prozac. Hope this helps.

[anxiousmax]

Thank you littlewoman.
Just tried a relaxing bath to try & rest the muscles, all going well until I reached for the flannel & my hand shook uncontrollably.. so of course now my mind is racing again.
I'm trying to stay rational but it is a battle.

[anxiousmax]

Thanks belgianbun (your names making me hungry btw)
I'll give it a go, ive actually had a really good day today.
I'll let you know if it works
Thanks again
Max x

[elliethecat]

anxiousmax,

I had always suffered from anxiety since I was a child, but in January, after I had DS in November, it went to a different level. I got to a point where my anxiety was so bad I wanted to die. My friend even took me to A&E because my physical symptoms were scaring her (sweating, severe insomnia, muscle pain etc.) I became very depressed, literally unable to move off my sofa. My husband had to give up his job. I was referred on an emergency basis to a phyciatrist by my GP and I honestly thought they were going to commit me (I secretly hoped they would). However, I was not committed, but put on 20mg Citolapram and referred to counselling and an anxiety CBT course. I was extremely lucky and was able to attend a private CBT course immediately. After finishing that CBT course back in March, I have gone from strength to strength. I no longer feel depressed at all, I am able to ignore my mild anxiety (when it rarely pops up now) my husband is back at work and I feel amazing. My CBT course was run by the Priory hospital, but they have an excellent book which they have published. The content of the book is basically what the priory CBT courses are based on. It is called 'Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for dummies'. I would recommend reading it to see if it helps you, i think you can pick them up off amazon for about £8.

Good luck and all the best
xxx

[anxiousmax]

Eliethecat thankyou! I'll get a copy of that book.
I think the tablets are starting to kick in a bit more & the counsellor does seem very good so I am starting to feel a little better.
I have never felt like this before so its all come as a bit of a shock.
THe counseller thinks its a build up of 5 yrs of tension & worry regarding my youngest son, he was very premature & has a few long term problems as a result so the last 5 yrs has been a constant round of hospital & other medical appnts but he is settled at school now & things are a little easier so she thinks now I am able to slow down & relax a little its all coming out IYKWIM.
Thanks again for sharing your story its good to know i'm not alone.
Max