Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
When I feel anxiety I feel it in my whole body. My arms, legs, my chest. Does anyone else have this? It's almost like a tingly feeling but not really. I guess its more that my arms, legs, and chest feel really heavy and rigid, like I can't relax. It's so hard to explain but I know its anxiety. Anyone else experience this? I have lorazepam to take as needed, and I take Prozac daily, but neither seems to help. The Prozac helps with my depression but not the anxiety. The lorazepam doesn't seem to do anything. It used to when I first got it but not anymore. And, I haven't developed a tolerance to it because I rarely take it. This is a very uncomfortable feeling and I'm at a loss of what to do. Take deep breathes or taking a walk help temporarily but the anxiety always comes back. It's no way to live.
deleted_user
Anxiety will make you feel everything your feeling and more. You need to talk to your Dr. and see about different medication. The lorazepam should be taken as directed to work effectively. I find that reading helps as it engages my mind and leaves little room to keep thinking or reacting toward my anxiety symptoms. I know its difficult and believe me I've been where you are & you CAN get through this. As cheezy as this sounds you have to keep a positive mind frame that means positive people, positive data you take in (what you watch on tv & listen to) and positive self talk ( talk to yourself as you would comfort a best friend) this all may sound easy but it's very difficult. I also have found that NO caffeine and exercise regularly does wonders ! Keep Positive~
brookalina
Well said, murr316. Distracting your mind w/ reading is good. I also like word puzzles & funny tv shows. Have you tried journaling your anxious thoughts? I write down negative thoughts one 1side of the paper, then write a positve response on the other side. It has helped me.
deleted_user
The Prozac you are taking is obviously not helping you or you wouldn't be feeling this way. Also - Lorazepam doesn't work for me either. The only thing Lorazepam did for me was make me tired yet I still had anxiety. What you should do is see your doctor and explain what has been happening because there are alternatives. Either the Prozac dosage can be adjusted or you can try another antidepressant. Also include the fact that Lorazepam is not working for you. For me, the best benzotropine is Clonazapam because it has a much longer half-life than either Lorazepam/Ativan/Valium. It does not react as quickly - about 1/2 an hour, however; it works longer and I do not feel drunk as I did on the other benzotropines I have been prescribed. I'll be honest when I say when I'm feeling as you are - nothing helps. I cannot read because I cannot concentrate on what I'm reading, I'm too exhausted from the anxiety to exercise, and talking is a temporary distraction. The only thing that helped me was getting as much rest as I could and making an appointment to see my doctor re: my medication. I'm going through what you are going through and for me - I need to switch medication as mine pooped out. I agree with you - this is no way to live and you shouldn't have to live like this when there is medication that can help you. Perhaps switching to another SSRI and benzotropin would benefit you. I hope you feel better soon :)
deleted_user
Ooh and that tingly feeling - that is happening because you are not breathing properly. You may not realize it but I'll bet you are swallow breathing. Due to not breathing properly - your circulation is limited. Your body will then reserve the bloodflow to your vital organs thus giving you that sort of tingling feeling on your outter extremeties. I sometimes even get that tingling feeling in my head.
deleted_user
Yes, constant anxiety and various physical symptoms no matter what medications I'm on or not on.
deleted_user
Yes it is all normal. Your feelings/body sensations are intensified because your brain is pumping out extra hormones in your body to "protect" you. Unfortunately, the brain cannot see that there is no real danger out there. You have to retrain your brain to calm down. Cognitive work is a huge part of healing anxiety. Work on calming down your body and your mind. Do exercise and stretches(yoga) that cross your meridians. It sounds corny but you actually use your brain differently when your meridians are crossed which stops the amygdala from staying on red alert. Breathing exercises also help which is why yoga works well in calming down.
deleted_user
I'm feeling so miserable right now and I can't seem to get this out of my mind even though I've tried to think positive thoughts. It feels good to read the support you are giving each other, so I will keep reading.
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